An indicator has a compressible chamber to contain a viscous gel and a viewing channel communicating with the chamber outlet to receive a flow of gel corresponding to chamber compression. Channel vol. is pref. at least equal to chamber vol., a vent hole communicates with one channel end and there is a cover (11) over the channel with spaced viewing apertures. The chamber is pref. defined between a polyamide cap (14) having a flexible section and a disc (13) on the cap, with the outlet (13a) centrally of the disc. The channel is pref. formed in a second disc mounted over the first and has a radial first section (12a) and circular second section (12b) with a reservoir at one end. The second disc is pref. transparent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for an alkaline battery, is easy to read, can be installed as a permanent part of the battery and provides continuous monitoring without affecting battery performance.
Protecting sheet for solar cell module is prepd. from (A) 70-95 wt.% of ethylene(E)-vinyl acetate (VAc) copolymer contg. 20-40 wt.% of VAc, and (B) 5-70 wt.% of terpolymer of EVAc and glycidyl(meth)acrylate (GMA) contg. 2-40 wt.% of VAc, 2-20 wt.% of GMA, and (C) 0.1-5 (0.3-4) wt.% of organic peroxide having half life temp. 115-160 deg.C. in 10 hrs. to total 100 wt.% of (A)+(B).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sheet comprises specific copolymer and terpolymer, and further was crosslinked by specific peroxide. The sheet has excellent light transparency, adhesive property, good appearance, and heat- and weathering resistances, so is useful as protecting sheet for solar cell module.
Solid electrolyte comprises block copolymer contg. ionic cpd. contg. one or more of monomer unit of liq. crystal molecular structure.    Pref. block copolymer is of formula A-L-B (I). L = molecular chain of liq. crystal molecule; A = -(-CH2-C(R1)H-O-)n-R2 (a) (R1, R2 = H or 1-more C alkyl; n = 5-1500); B = -(-CH2-C(R3)H-O-)m-R4 (b) (R3, R4 = H, or 1-more C alkyl; m = 0-1500)).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High molecular solid electrolyte. For electrochemical device battery.
(JP4322055-A)      NOVELTY - The cathode (2) is formed of hydrogen content alloy having titanium. The battery has an alkali electrolyte. The hydrogen content alloy is subjected to nitrogen or carbon ion implantation process.    USE -   In nickel hydrogen alkaline battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The oxidation of alloy is suppressed and corrosion resistance of hydrogen content alloy is greatly improved. Reduction of cathode capacity is suppressed and cycle characteristics are improved leading to improved reliability. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional view of air-tight nickel hydrogen alkaline battery. (2) Cathode.
Prepn. comprises combining ion beam polymerisation- and ion beam mixing methods.    Monomer vapour is dissociated and partially ionised using an ion source in a discharge chamber. The ions are accelerated to a substrate using an ion source extn. system with an energy of 10-200 eV and polymerised on the substrate surface. A second ion source is used to target ions into the polymer layer which form gps. responsible for ion conductance, with an energy of 100-10 eV.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in electrolysis of, e.g., aq. solns., or as polymer solar cells, etc.. The films are inexpensive to m
Sec. battery comprises: (i) an anode of Na and other (non-)metallic(s) other than Hg; (ii) an electrolyte of an organic soln. of Na salts; and (iii) a cathode. Na cations from the electrolyte alloy with the other component(s) of the anode alloy during charging and dissolve in the electrolyte during discharging.    Na is alloyed with metal(s), esp. Sb, Bi, Se, Te, Tl, Au, Cd, As, In, Cs, Ga, Sn or Pb; prefd. metals are Sn, Pb, Bi and Sb and esp. prefd. alloys are Na-Pb, na-Sa and Na-Sn-Pb. The alloy pref. contains the max. possible mat. of Na, the mole ratio of Na to the others being 1-5:1.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery is low-cost and stable and avoids dendrite growth.
Photovoltaic concentrator module has at least one solar cell assembly (26). The assembly has a cell with insulated (52) centre (46) and perimeter (48) regions of opposite polarity. An electrically and thermally conductive spacer (32) is bonded to the centre region and an electrically and thermally conductive planar member bonded thereto. A planar conductor (30) is bonded to the cell perimeter. The planar member and conductor have insulation therebetween. The planar member is mounted on an insulated sheet (34) forming a back wall of the assembly. An hollow enclosure is formed by four walls connected to and extending up from the insulated sheet. A refractive optical element (28) is fixed on top of the enclosure by resin filling the enclosure. A lens (15) is positioned over the enclosure. The lens, resin and enclosure have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion. Pref. a number of series connected assemblies are provided. Pref. the insulator is of glass cloth, the conductor members of copper. Pref. the refractive element is of quartz and the lens a Fresnel element. Pref. the resin, lens and enclosure are of plastic. Pref. a transparent silicone adhesive secures the refractive element to the cell. Pref. a back water vapour barrier of sheet aluminium is provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides improved manufacturing and production advantages compared with prior assemblies.
Protective sheets are obtd. by moulding compsns. contg. 100 pts.wt. of (A) copolymers comprising (1) ethylene, 20-40 wt.% of (2) unsatd. carboxylates and 0.1-5 wt.% of (3) glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and 0.1-5 pts.wt. of (B) organic peroxides.    Pref. (2) are acrylates, e.g., methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate (EA). (A) have melt flow rate (MFR) of 0.1-500 (1-100) g/10 mins. (B) are pref. those having a 10 hr. half life temp. of 120-160 deg.C. The compsns. are moulded into 0.1-1.0mm thick sheet at below the decomposition temp. of (B), e.g., 90-120 deg.C by T-die extruders, etc. The sheets are used by laminating the external protective materials for solar battery modulus, e.g., glass, polyvinylidene fluoride with the sheets.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sheets are used for protection of solar battery modules formed from semiconductors, e.g., amorphous Si from impact and permeation of moisture. They have good transparence, adhesive property and external appearance.    In an example, 100 pts.wt. of ethylene/EA/GMA copolymer (content of EA = 28 wt.% , GMA = 1 st.%, MFR 15 g/10 mins.) were mixed with 2 pts.wt. of dicumyl peroxide and sheeted by a T-die extrusion moulding machine at 110 deg.C. The 0.8mm thick sheet and glass as an external protective material were heated by hot plate held at 150 deg.C for 10 mins.
A mixed polymer electrolyte with a compsn. MEEP/PPO-(LiX) is claimed. Where MEEP is poly(bis-methoxyethoxyethoxide) phosphazene, PPO is poly (propylene oxide) and LiX is a lithium salt. Also claimed is a mixed polymer solid electrolyte battery comprising a positive electrode, negative electrode and the above electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A mixed polymer electrolyte used in a battery is provided. The use of PPO provides the advantage of being an amorphous material, and so composites derived from MEEP and PPO are fully amorphous while being dimensionally more stable than individual polymer electroltyes. The battery formed can be recharged, it is leakage free and can be stored for a long time without suffering substantial loss in capacity. The electrolytes allow greater flexibility in the size and shape of the battery. The electrolyte may also be used in other devices such as in sensors and electrochromic devices.
In the prodn. a light-permeable soft sheet is laid on a female die, a flexible sheet-like solar cell is laid on the inner surface of the flexible sheet, a soft sheet is laid on the flexible sheet, including the backside of the solar cell, a pressure is applied to the soft sheet to hold the solar cell between the soft sheet and flexible sheet and marginal parts of both sheets are welded to enclose the solar cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For carry bags of video cameras powered with attached solar cells, without obstructing carrying of the bag.
Compsn. contains at least one tin cpd. of formula (I), at least one vinyl cpd. of formula HO(R1-O)r-C(O)(R4)q-C(R2)=CH(R3) (II), at least one antimony cpd. of formula (R5pSb(OZ03-p (III) and a polymerisation initiator generating by irradiation an active radical species. R = H or a monovalent organic gp., 0-2, Y = a monovalent organic gp., m is 0-4, L = an organic gp. capable of forming 2-8 bonds to the Sn atom, 0-4 and l+m+t = 2-6; R1 = a divalent organic gp., 0-20, R2 = H or Me, R3 = H or aryl, R4 = a divalent organic gp. and q = 0 or 1; R5 = a monovalent organic gp., p = 0-2 and z = a monovalent organic gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The radiation-curable tin oxide precursor compsns. can easily give good electroconductive finely patterned Sb-contg. tin oxide films with transparency and adhesion by irradiation through photomasks and baking. Useful for transparent electrodes for LCD devices and touch panels, IR reflection window materials, solar battery surface coat materials, antistatic coatings, gas sensors, and solid catalysts.
Equipment contains a framework with permanent or demountable couplings and pref. a central T shaped or cross-shaped sectioning unit. On the edges and/or on one or both sides of the framework at least one solar energy collector for heating liquids or gases is mounted. The collectors comprise a system of pref. black polypropylene flexible tubing with one or more points of entry, being interwoven on the supporting framework. The system is protected against thermal damage by tubular and or plane transparent plastic sheathing.
Prodn. of ceramic discs consists of lying a foil (2) on a flat ground ceramic substrate (1) inside a ceramic ring (4) whose height corresponds to the thickness of the foil plus the ceramic powder treated inside the ring. The powder contains organic solvent such as ethylalcohol or isopropanol and building agent such as polyvinylbutyral, polyethylene glycol and octylphthalate. The assembly is completed by a cover (5) and heated in a chamber or tunnel furnace with gas suction or replacement.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Making solid electrolyte for a high temp. fuel cell. The ceramic disc has high strength, good flatness and high dimensional tolerance. Only one temperature cycle is required and the presence of the powder layer enables gases and vapour to escape and cracks and faults to be avoided. The foil can contract uniformly during sintering.    .D
An electroconductive polymer of formula (II) is produced by dissolving a cpd. of formula (I) in a solvent, i.e. chloroform or ortho-dichlorobenzene at the temp. range between room temp. and 160 deg.C, and reacting (I) with a sulphur dichloride in the presence (or absence) of Lewis acid catalyst i.e. AlCl3, TiCl4 or BF4. In the formulas, R is H or CH3; n is 7-15.    USE -   The polymer is used in the mfr. of an optical display, a photocell and a conductive paint.
Electrolyte consists of a complex of the oxidn. prod. of pyrrole polymer having a repeat unit of formula (I) and metal salt, where R1, R2 and R3 are each 1-5C alkyl or alkylene gp.; n = integer up to 25.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is used in all solid type sec. battery. The electrolyte has high electrolytic conductivity and good filming property.    In an example, to 350ml of methanol was added 23g of metallic sodium and then further 630g of pentaethyleneglycol monomethylether. After drying under reduced pressure and removing methanol, small amt. of sodium iodide and then 413g of tetraethyleneglycol dichloride were added to the reaction prod. within 1 min., while keeping reaction temp. at below 100 deg.C and continued to agitate for 8 hrs. while keeping the temp. of reaction system at 100 deg.C. After filtering solid NaCl away, by applying a reduced pressure, 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27- nonaoxanonacodylchloride (oligo-oxyethylene) was obtd. To a soln. of 6.7g of pyrrole was dissolved in benzene was added 4.0g of metallic potassium, so that potassium was added to N-position of pyrrole. By adding 41.4g of the oligo-oxyethylene chloride to the soln., N-coordinated oligo-oxyethylenepyrrole was synthesised. The cpd. thus obtd. 4.5g was adjusted with its pH to 12 by NaOH and with its concn. to 1 mole/l and dissolved in a soln. of LiCF3SO3 in water-propylenecarbonate mixed solvent. The electrolyte was prepd. by electrolytic polymerisation using the prepd. soln. and impressing 268 mAh of total electrolytic electricity under constant current of 0.1 mA/cm2. The prepd. electrolyte had 9.5x10 power(-4) s/cm electrolytic conductivity.
A sec. electrochemical generator is based upon at least one lithium electrode in an organic liq. electrolyte, a polyolefin microporous film and a positive electrode which comprises a supplementary separator situated beside the positive electrode and itself is comprised of ionic conducting crosslinked polymer film. Applicable films are ionic conducting polymers or elastomers. Elastomers are polyisoprene or fluoride materials. The crosslinked polymer is able to expand and exert a pressure on the electrodes. A mineral or organic material, woven or not, may be incorporated in the crosslinked resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved durability and rechargeability of the generators can be achieve
Cell comprises Ni electrode sandwiched between KOH satd. separators; H2 electrodes formed on the outer surface of each separator; and outer gas screens formed on each H2 electrode.    The structure is contd. in a cell vessel which is pressurised with H2 and satd. with KOH electrolyte. The H2 electrodes are connected in parallel.    The separator comprises a layer of Zr02 knit cloth next to the H2 electrode and a layer of radiation-grafted polyethylene film next to the Ni electrode. The cell layers are cut in a pineapple-slice configuration with a centre core. Each H2 elctrode is pref. Ni but Ag can be used. Each H2 electrode is coated with a precious metal such as Pt, Pd or Rh.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell provides improved output voltage over a wide range of discharge currents and also has superior pulse-discharge operation.    .D
Cell has a negative electrode of Li or Li-contg. and dischargable material as activator, a positive electrode of vanadium pentoxide obtd. by thermal decomposition of ammonium metavanadate at 350-550 deg.C in O2, as activator, and a Li ion conductive non-aq. electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has improved charge discharge characteristics and larger capacity.    In an example, non-aq. electrolytic sec. cell (20mm dia., 1.6mm height) was produced using Li-Al alloy negative electrode (1), stainless steel negative electrode collector (2), stainless steel positive electrode (3), polypropylene gasket (4), separator (5), positive electrode material (6), positive electrode collector (7), stainless steel negative electrode can. (6) Was prepd. by decomposing ammonium metavanadate for 5 hrs. at 500 deg.C.    .D
(JP4267074-A)   NOVELTY - Lithium secondary battery has positive electrode active material containing a mixture of lithium containing sulfur compound and ion-electron mixing conductive polymer, as main component. The mixture has sulfur-lithium ionic bond which generates sulfur-sulfur binding according to electrolytic oxidation.    USE - Lithium secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - Lithium secondary battery can be assembled safely, without treating the active lithium or its alloy at the time of battery assembly. The assembled battery is preserved in the discharge state and large current extraction is enabled. Lithium composition in battery, does not ignite when battery is destroyed.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The battery has a solid state or solid lithium ion conductive electrolyte containing lithium ion, and negative electrode composition containing aluminum or its alloy and carbon material, as main component. The positive and/or negative electrode materials are blended with the electrolyte. The electrolyte contains a stratified compound of ion exchange property and polyether compound. The polyether compound is obtained by adding lithium ion containing ethylene oxide or propylene oxide to polyamine compound. The lithium salt exists as LiX in the battery composition (where X is anion of strong acid).
(JP4259762-A)      NOVELTY - The anode includes nickel hydroxide and the cathode includes hydrogen absorbing alloy. The surface of the hydrogen absorbing alloy has polyaniline bonded to it by chemical oxidation-polymerization technique.    USE -   Used for hydride secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces self-discharge due to the usage of hydrogen absorbing alloy.
(JP4259753-A)      NOVELTY - Active material mixture consists of nickel hydroxide and 2-5 wt% of polytetrafluoroethylene is filled in conductive substrate. The porosity is maintained within 15-35%.    USE -   For secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Crack initialization at time of winding is suppressed and prevents internal short circuit.
A structure with improved thermal resistance comprises a convection baffle which transmits light and thermal radiation, and one or more low emissivity layers. One layer may absorb light to convert light to heat, with the structure including a light transmitting layer, or one or more transmitting layers may be integrally formed onto the baffle or one or more covers of the structure.    The baffle may have an antireflection layer which is graded from highly fluorinated polymer on the side facing incident light to slightly fluorinated polymer on the opposite side. The baffle may be more than 80% very low haze polyethylene with very high or very low crystallinity, and incorporating 0.1-0.5% amine stabilizers for improved degradation resistance. The polymer may be crosslinked to increase creep resistance.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a thermochromic, photochromic, thermophotochromic or electrochromic shutter to protect against over-heating, or a thermoptical shutter converting light to heat or electricity, improves light admission while reducing heat loss.
Electrolyte comprises an electrolyte dissolved in a non aq. soln. contg. a sydnone of formula (I) or a sydnone cpd., where R1 is alkyl, aralkyl or aryl; R2 is H, alkyl, alalkyl or aryl; and dotted line shows resonance mixed structure.    Pref. non-aq. electrolytic sec. cell has a negative electrode of a light metal or alloy as activator, positive electrode and the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has improved charge cycle life and lower temp. characteristic.    In an example, a sec. cell was prepd. with a conventional structure. Positive electrode was made of a mixt. of 80 wt.% LiMn2O3, 15 wt.% acetylene black and 5 wt.% polytetrafluoroethylene powder. Electrolyte was prepd. by 1.0 mol. concn. lithium hexafluoride phosphate (LiPF6) dissolved in 3-propyl sydnone. A test of the cell by 100 mA of charge and discharge showed improved life.    .D
Battery package container is mounted between a pair of moulds by injection moulding. Container is moulded about in a plate-like state. Tongue piece is integrally moulded to protrude from the one side of the container. After moulding the moulds are opened and the moulded container is moved by a given pitch in a direction in which the tongue piece is moulded. Subsequent container is moulded between the moulds. One side of the preceding container is integrally joined with the tongue piece of the subsequent container.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Since containers are moulded in succession in a beltlike manner by repsective tongue pieces, insertion, package, and packing of a prod. simultaneously with moulding are easily automated, reducing costs.
Connector La(1-x)CaxCr1-yO3 of component molecule ratio La:Ca:Cr = (1-x):X:(1-y) where x is more than 0 and up to 0.4, y is more than 0 and up to 0.05 and y is up to x. Oxide is pulverised to a slurry, which is coated on an air pole and sintered.    ADVANTAGE -   The connector is produced at lower cost in a short time, since it is sintered at lower temp.    In an example, a mixt. of 401g of lanthanum nitrate, 100 g of calcium nitrate and chromium nitrate was dissolved in 529 g distilled water, dripped in an ethanol soln. contg. excess oxalic acid, dried by cool air, heated to 360 deg.C for 5 hours, ball milled, sintered for 10 hours at 1000 deg.C, mixed with 300-400 l solvents and 48-53 polyvinyl alcohol etc. to form a slurry. A fuel cell was prepd. by an air pole (2) of lanthanum manganite adhered on a porous substrate tube (1), sintered for 5 hours at 1300 deg.C in air. The slurry was coated on it in an axial direction with required width on (2), sintered for 5 hours at 1300 deg.C in air to form inter connector film (4). Lanthanum chromite powder was adhered on it for masking, a zirconia electrolyte film (3) was formed on it by EVD method, a fuel pole (5) of Ni-zirconia thermet was coated on it to form a fuel cell.    .D
The photoelectric sensor, esp. for detecting the passage of an object through its infrared beam, consists of an emitter (2) and a receiver (3), with the latter incorporating elements (5, 7,10) inside a moulded one-piece housing (11). The infrared signals are emitted in pulses, modulated at high frequency, while the receiver incorporates a series of photo-transistors, which are sensitive to infrared light, set in line and connected in series, with one or more elements to process the received signals. The receiver's one-piece housing (11) is of an epoxy resin material and pref. of a dark-coloured polyurethane.    ADVANTAGE -   Design simplicity, compact and stable in use.
(JP4245164-A)   NOVELTY - Polyacrylic acid paste material having a density of two to eight weight percent is applied as coating to liquid hold paper (3) of the alkaline cell to act as isolator of battery.    USE - Button type alkaline cell with leak resistance characteristics.    ADVANTAGE - As paste material is resistant to leakage, workability is improved.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the sectional view of alkaline cell.    Liquid hold paper (3)
The laminate is prepd. by laminating a transparent silicone oxide thin film layer with a thickness of 100-5,000 angstrom and opt. another transparent resin layer between a fluorine type transparent resin layer and a transparent resin layer capable of heat-sealing through a tanssparent adhesive. At least one layer of these layers excluding the Si oxide thin film layer is given a UV ray shielding function.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sealing, protecting films in solar cells, EL devices, etc.. The laminate film has improved weather resistance and moisture-proofing.    In an example, on one side of a 25 micron thick, transparent polyvinylfluoride having UV shielding properties, silicon monoxide is heated and vaporised by electron beam heating method to form a SiO thin film layer with a thickness of 1,000 angstrom. An ethylene ethylacrylate film with a thickness of 50 micron is laminated to the SiO thin film layer.    .D
Electroconductive polymer contains a repeating unit of formula (I). In (I), X1, X1' = divalent binding radical; R1, R1' = alkylene; R2 = cyclic ester deriv., non-cyclic ester deriv., cyclic ether deriv., sulphone deriv.; R3 = H, alkyl, aryl or R2; a, b, c = 0 or 1; Y = NR4, O, S, Te or Se; R4 = H, alkyl or aryl.    Prepn. of polymer comprises copolymerisation of (I) and (II). R6 and R7 = H, aryl, alkyl; Z = heteroatom.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for battery.    In an example, (2-oxo-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl) methylacrylate (40g), and tosyl methyl isocyanide (45) were added to diethyl ether/dimethyl sulphoxide (500ml) and the soln. added dropwise to 60% sodium hydride (12g) in diethyl ether (100ml), to obtain cpd. (A) (17g). Cpd. (A) (6g) and pyrrole (1,8) were added to acetonitrile (500ml) and stirred at 5 deg.C or lower while iron(II) chloride (80g) and acetonitrile (100ml) were added over 4 hrs. to form ppte. of polymer (B) (3.1g) with x = 50%; y = 50%; sigma = 0.21 S/cm.    .D
Macromolecular cpd. with m.wt. of 10000-1000000, has unit of formula (I) (R1-3 = H, halogen, alkyl, aryl or arylcarbamoyl). Amt. of X1-2 = Br atom is 0-90 mol.% and of gp. (IIa) is 10-200 mol.%.    Cpd. is prepd. by reaction of cpd. (II) and macromolecular cpd. (III) with mol. ratio of Y1 and Y2 of 10-200 mol.%. In the formulae, M = metal atom or ammonium salt; and Y1-2 = H or Br.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Macromolecular polymer is useful for photo-energy accumulation.
(JP4229556-A)   NOVELTY - Flocculating fine particles (2) of a lead compound and fine fibers (3) with acid and oxidation resistance are added to an active material. Flocculable particles with large spaces (4) are formed, and a portion of the fibers which protrudes from the flocculable particles are entangled with a paste in the circumference of the plate.    USE - Used for manufacturing porous flocculable particles used for plates of lead acid batteries.    ADVANTAGE - The active material porosity is improved without shortening the plate life and prevents fine particles fission.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a structure of the porous flocculable particles.    fine particles of lead compound (2)    fine fiber (3)    space (4)    active material (5)
Bipolar electrode for a prim. metal-air cell having a metallic slurry anode comprises: a current-collecting electrolyte-impervious metallic structure having a first surface for collecting current from the slurry anode; and a metal air cathode spaced from the structure and having conductive pins protruding from at least the central portion of a first surface, with a second surface having an inner hydrophobic layer which is impermeable to electrolyte but permeable to O2 and is coated with an outer active catalytic layer.    The pin array taps current from the electrode, provides a structural brace to prevent the central sections from bulging under electrolyte slurry pressure and defines a space between the air cathode and the structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Design allows a metallic slurry anode to be used which can be easily rinsed out and replaced with fresh slurry.
(JP2682235-B2)      The enclosed battery has concave or convex resin plate (1) with small port (3) acting as safety valve (7) between the electrode group, covering resin plate, 1st, 2nd and 3rd synthetic resins (2,4,5) and silicone oil (6).    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is safe and reliable.
A semi-dynamic latent heat store consists of a closed container with thermally conducting base and top contg. the heat-storing material and a heat-transporting liq. The latent heat storing material is in the heat store in parts of the container with flexible sides; bores for flow of heat-transfer liq. are between the heat transfer materials on the base and sides. The flexible sides are pref. made of polyetheylene, polypropylene or PVC.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat is transferred by boiling and condensing processes. Any known type of heat storage material can be used in principle. Halogen-hydrocarbons are not used for heat transfer.
A supported photovoltaic array comprises: a support structure; a set of photovoltaic modules mounted on the structure, with each module separated from an adjoining module and clipped at its underside to the structure by at least one attachment clip inwardly displaced from the edges of the module.    Pref. the support structure comprises: a first row of support elements, and a second row of support elements spaced from the first row, both rows being set in the earth; a number of first members, each spanning a number of the support elements; a number of second members spanning the first members; the set of photovoltaic modules each mounted on a pair of the second members. Each attachment is a mounting channel with a flat base and sepd. stems which are proportioned to capture the head of a fastener.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Low cost, mechanically simple construction of support structures for photovoltaic arrays. The arrays can withstand severe stresses and loading without failure.    .D
Solar collector has a collector plate with a planar portion (24) and a rigid, elongate U-shaped channel (26) connected to the plate. The channel has legs which taper inwardly towards each other. A liq. carrying tube (30) is held in the channel. Pref. the liq. is water, the tube of rubber esp. silicone rubber and the plate and channel a single extrusion of metal esp. Al.    ADVANTAGE -   The open top of the channel does not confine the tube allowing expansion or contraction of the liq. in the tube.
Process comprises: subjecting carbonisable organic high polymer fibres to a paper-making process; impregnating the resulting raw sheet with a thermosetting resin; laminating a plurality of the sheets under pressure to adhere them, and carbonising the laminate. A carbonisable film which can render the thermoplastic organic high polymer fibre infusible is incorporated between the layers.    The polymer fibre is pref. cellulose fibre, phenolic fibre, or acrylonitrile fibre. The film to be incorporated between the sheets is pref. poly(vinylidene chloride), PVC, or PTFE film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides porous carbon plates for use as electrodes of fuel cells and the lik
The porous prod. is strengthened having a high porosity of 80% or more. A sheet-like porous body has surface layers at both sides and inner layer. The surface layers and inner layer have small pores, the surface of each pore is covered with a metal plated layer of 1-700 microns. and the porous body is wound continuously round a roll to form a coil. The porous body is made from a 3-dimensional foam net, nonwoven cloth or resin net or metal net.    USE -   For mats of electric cell
Electrolyte contains polyvinyl alcohol and non-metal cationic cpd..    Polyvinyl alcohol can be obtd. by saponification of polyvinylacetate and the saponification deg. is 80% or more. Cationic cpd. is e.g. ammonium cpd.. The ammonium cpd. can be introduced in the polyvinyl alcohol by (1) dissolving polyvinyl alcohol and ammonium cpd. in a solvent, and then removing the solvent to obtain solid material; or (2) dissolving ammonium in a solvent to obtain a soln. and then dipping polyvinyl alcohol in the soln. to dope the ammonium cpd. in the polyvinyl alcohol. The polymer solid electrolyte may contain polar solvent such as dimethyl sulphoxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolyte has excellent heat resistance, mechanical strength and deterioration resistance of colouring pigment. It is suitable for use in electric cell or electrochromic display, etc
Conductive high molecules are produced by chemical-oxidative- polymerising (1) at least one cpd. of formula (I) in the presnece of (2) at least one proton acid selected from HClO4, HBF4, HAsF6, HPF6, HSbF6, H2ZrF6, H2TiF6, H2SiF6, and organic acids and high mol. acids having a pKa below 3. In (I), X - bond gps.; R1 = alkylene gps.; R2 = H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, acyl, carbamoyl or sulphonyl gp.; a = 0 or 1; b = an integer of 1-4;l m = an integer of 1-3; n = an integer of 2-30; R3, R4 = H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl gps.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high molecules are used as antistatic material, battery material, electrolyte material. They have good electroconductivity and, when laminated with solid electrolytes, show small interface resistance. The provide sec. batteries having good repeating property and high vol.    .D
(JP4206354-A)   NOVELTY - The lithium manganese complex oxide consists of acicular particles having short and long axis diameters of 5 mum or less and 10 mum or less and height of 5 mum or less. The complex oxide does not contain beta-manganese oxide and lithium carbonate.    USE - Lithium manganese complex oxide used as positive electrode material in a lithium secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - The lithium secondary battery having high cycle of discharge capacity is realized by suppressing growth of surplus lithium due to presence of lithium carbonate.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) lithium manganese complex oxide manufacturing method; and    (2) non-aqueous lithium secondary battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the lithium secondary battery.    positive electrode lead wire (1)    meshes (2,6)    positive electrode (3)    separator (4)    negative electrode (5)    lead wire for negative electrode (7)
A local solar heating system comprises a combination of an exposed wall (2) having a high thermal capacity and a roller blind (1) which can be lowered under cool or dark conditions to trap a layer of air on the outer face of the wall and to provide thermal insulation. The wall accummulated heat under warm, sunny conditions and dissipates heat preferentially inwards when externally screened by the blind. Opt. an intermediate transparent or translucent rigid panel (10) is mounted 1 cm to 5 cm from the outer surface of the wall, within the area enclosed by the screen, for an enhanced effect.    Pref. the blind (1) is made from plastics components and mounted 10 cm to 20 cm from the wall, or a glass or a plastic such as a methacrylate polymer or a polycarbonate 4 mm to 5mm thick. Pref. the outer surface of the wall is a dark colour, to enhance heat absorption. The blind may be raised and lowered automatically in response to e.g. a timer or sensors for ambient light or temperature. The wall is pref. constructed of hollow block with their cavities mostly filled with a material of high thermal capacity, e.g. sand or a low density mortar.    USE -   Esp. for individual houses.
The distributor for use in a solid electrolyte fuel-cell consists of a porous matrix (20), pref. a soft polyurethane foam without cell-walls, on which a reinforcing layer (22), pref. of Y stabilised ZrO2, is deposited and a conductive layer (24).    The conductive layer (24) pref. has a main constituent of (La,Sr)(Mn,Cr)O3 or (La,Sr)MnO3. The distributor pref. is made in the form of a disk or a rectangle.    Pref. a suspension is formed by mixing the reinforcement material together with a solvent in a mill, to wet-grind the material. At the end a binder is added. A similar technique is used to make a suspension of conductive material, using appropriate materials. The reinforcing suspension is then used to impregnate the matrix, if necessary several times, until the required thickness has been obtd. The excess suspension is then removed. Then the suspension with conductive material is used to impregnate the matrix until the required thickness has been obtained, and the excess suspension removed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The matrix, after firing, has an open structure which offers very little resistance to the gas-flow. The conductivity is very high, as well as the mechanical strength. The material has almost identical coefft. of thermal expansion (CTE) as current material made without the reinforcing material, but a very much higher strength. The porosity is in the order of 90%.
A solar heat collector consists of a number of small units which are disposed to take diffuse bundles of radiation. The product pref. uses foam styrene polymer in its structure.    The prod. is made up of e.g. polyurethane foam, an inner aluminium heat exchanger and a covering window. The shape enables it to absorb max. solar radiation at noon as well as more from the sides during the afternoon. Optimal radiation intensity thus reaches the tubes inside after reflection from the sidewalls. These tubes are the heat exchanger. The design can be made to blend in with e.g. roofs in residential areas.    ADVANTAGE -   The size of prod. allows it to incorporate e.g. foam mouldings. The conventional thickness of internal parts allows them to be set obliquely and catch solar radiation over a wide area. The design allows a large irradiated area to act on a smaller absorbing area. The small size allows e.g. the window to be injection moulded with webs, and the heat exchanger to be cheap thin aluminium sheet (or copper) electrically welded and inflated to form e.g. worm flow ducts or simi
The organic semiconductor layer of the device consists of polysilane having the general formula (I) and having weight average m.wt. of 6000 - 200000. The organic semiconductor layer contains refractive index controlling agent distributed in the direction of thickness of the layer.    R1 is 1-2C alkyl, R2 is 3-8C alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl. R3 is 1-4C alkyl. R4 is 1-4C alkyl. A, A' is 4-12C alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl n + m = 1, n = 0-1, m = 0-1.4 Refractive index controlling agent is eg. oxide of Mg, Si, Al, Ca, Ti, Fe, Ce or W etc., fluoride of Ga, Li or Mg etc., sulphide of Cd or Zn etc., metal such as Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Mn, Ni, Cu, Ag or etc., or synthetic resin such as polyethylene or silicone resin etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectromotive force device having a uniform and high photoelectric conversion efficiency can be produced economically.    .
In the device, the improvement is that the organic semiconductor layer consists of a polysilane of formula (I) and having a wt. average molecular wt. of 6000 - 200000, and that the layer contains refractive index controlling agent distributed in the direction of thickness of the layer.    In (I), R1 is 1-2C alkyl; R2 is 3-8C alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl; R3 is 1-4C alkyl; R4 is 1-4C alkyl A, A' are 4-12C alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl; n + m is 1; n is 0-1; and m = 0-1.    Refractive index controlling agent is e.g. oxide of Mg, Si, Al, Ca, Ti, Fe, Ce or W, etc., fluoride of Ca, Li or Mg etc., sulphide of Cd or Zn, etc., metal such as Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Mn, Ni, Cu, Ag or Au, etc., or synthetic resin such as polyethylene or silicone resin, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Device has a uniform and high photoelectric conversion efficiency and can be produced economically.    .
In the device, the improvement is that the organic semiconductor layer consists of a polysilane of formula (I) having a average molecular wt. of 6000 - 200000, and that the layer contains a refractive index controlling agent distributed in the direction of thickness of the layer. In (I) R1 is 1-2C alkyl; R2 is 3-8C alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl; R3 is 1-4C alkyl; R4 is 1-4C alkyl; A, A' are 4-12C alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl; n + m is 1: n = 0-1; and 0-1.    Refractive index controlling agent is e.g. oxide of Mg, Si, Al, Ca, Ti, Fe, Ce or W, etc., fluoride of Ca, Li or Mg, etc., sulphide of Cd or Zn, etc., metal such as Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Mn, Ni, Cu, Ag or Au etc. or synthetic resin such as polyethylene or silicone resin, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Device has a uniform amd high photoelectric conversion efficiency and can be produced economically.    .D
Flexible connector system for joining panels (18A) via dovetail shaped openings (5a) comprises a curved arcuate connector (33A or 34A) and a clamp (76,82). The connector has end portions (85,86) which fit within the dovetail openings when not clamped and which extend outwardly when clamped to be retained in the openings and hold the panels together.    Pref. the connector comprises two such members. Pref. the flexible members have channels which together with the clamps act as manifolds for directing fluid between the dovetail spaces. Pref. the flexible members together with a cover plate form a conduit for electrical wires. Pref. the connectors join a building panel and an internal frame with an exterior skin and a corrugated polymeric film forming capillaries joining the dovetail shaped spaces. Pref. the external skin is of sheet metal coated with PVDF paint and the corrugated film of PVDF.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Buildings having solar heating panels connected therein. The connectors provide a simple, inexpensive way of assembling or replacing/interchanging prefabricated components. The connectors can form a weatherproof seal and also act as headers for solar panel flows.    .D
Cell has a setting diaphragm (2) made of solid polymer electrolyte in which a narrow path (1) for supplying water to the electrolyte is formed. The path is pref. formed of anticorrosive twisted yarns embedded at uniform intervals.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell performance is enhanced by increasing ionic conductivity and excluding burdensome control of water vapour in a reaction gas.
Photovoltaic device comprises flexible photovoltaic elements (3) connected by electrical connectors (7), and a common protective film (9) to flexibly connect the elements together.    ADVANTAGE -   A large area flexible device is formed which can supply several watts of power, and can be easily attached to a curved surface.
NOVELTY - A heat transport unit is arranged between the storage battery accommodation chambers (4) in a container. The heat transport unit has a heating wire contained in a pipe (3) through which a heat carrier is passed. The heat carrier consists of a polymer containing silicon oil and ethylene glycol or water.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The storage battery is provided with a negative electrode consisting of a metal alloy with high hydrogen affinity.    USE -   For metal hydride storage battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces processing time. Maintains uniform temperature distribution in each battery. Performs occlusion and release of hydrogen smoothly. Activates metal alloy uniformly. Prevents variation in hydrogen discharge characteristics.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure indicates a plan view of activated processor. (3) Pipe; (4) Accommodation unit.
A process for mfg. a Li alloy electrochemical cell comprises; a) casting a slurry of a Li alloy powder in an organic solvent, contg. a dissolved thermoplastic organic binder, onto a casting surface; b) evaporating the organic solvent from the slurry to produce a flexible tape; c) densifying the tape to increase its green strength; d) peeling the densified tape from the casting surface; e) laminating the densified tape with a Li salt electrolyte to form a green cell; and f) evaporating the organic binder from the laminated tape at a temp. lower than the m.pt of the Li salt electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for fabricating Li alloy batteries for advanced electric power applications e.g. Li alloy/metal sulphide batteries with molten salt electrolytes and having high energy densities. the improved process can be used to produce cells with areas of up to 100 cm2 which are tough and flexible and require lower press tonnages than necessary with dry processes. The tapes may be continuously cast
Prod. is prepd. by electrolysing a polymerisable monomer in a non-aq. electrolytic medium and pref. contains the non-aq. electrolytic medium in an amt. of at least 200 wt.% of the viscoelastic prod..    The polymerisable monomer is pref. a monofunctional (meth)acrylate e.g., alkyl (meth)acrylate (e.g., methyl-, butyl- or trifluoroethyl (meth)acrylate), an alicyclic (meth)acrylate (e.g., tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate) or a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate (e.g., hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyalkylene acrylate, etc.. The non-aq. medium is e.g., propylene carbonate, gamma-butyrolactone, ethylene carbonate, sulpholane, dioxolan, THF, DMSO, etc. The solid electrolyte is prepd. by electrolysing a non-aq. soln. contg. the polymerisable monomer at an AC current density of 0.05 - 50 mA/cm2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The product is provided with a solid electrolyte layer without degrading the active material in a closed system so that the solid electrolyte layer is formed after mounting with high workability and has reduced internal resistance. It is used in batterie,
In a solar heater the absorber body is bored for water or other medium carrying heat, the flow bores being produced by shaping plastic material. A film is applied to a sheet which has slots of about the same width as the flow bores. The film is shaped into a channel through the slots to form part of the wall of the bore and is tightly enclosed on the other side. The film is pref. a modified ethylene-tetrafluorethylene copolymer.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. is inexpensive and has a long service life. By using a film of the recommended type with resistance to uv, the prod. can be used in swimming bath heaters and bacteria in the water can be killed by irradiation. The film can be produced by thermoforming and then immediately welded to the adjacent material. The cover sheet in the construction provides mechanical protection.
Battery comprises a Zn alloy and an electrolyte contg. 0.001-0.1 wt.% on alloy of a surfactant of formula (X)-CnH2n-(Y)-(CH2CH2O)m.(Z) (where X = H or F; Y = -C2H4-O-CH2CHOH-CH2O-; Z = CH3, -PO3W2, or -SO3W (where W = alkali metal); n = 4-14; and m = 20-100).    The Zn alloy pref. contains 0.005-1 wt.% In, Pb, Bi, Li, Ca and/or Al, more pref. 0.01-1 wt.% In and 0.005-0.5 wt.% Pb and/or Bi, esp. 0.01-1 wt.% In, 0.005-0.5 wt.% Pb and/or Bi, and 0.005-0.2 wt.% Li, Ca and/or Al.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The batteries avoid the adverse environmental effects of Hg-contg. cells, and have excellent shelf-life and discharge properties, due to the corrosion-resistance of the alloy/surfactant combination.
Photovoltaic array for use as a solar power plant comprises: a unitary structural grid (10) supported on a pedestal (16) and formed of structural members connected at angles and defining spaces in between; lens assemblies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the other sides being closed by plates (22) directly supported by the structural members; and solar cells located within the spaces defined by the plates and lens assemblies.    ADVANTAGE -   Fully integrated structure (claimed) provides highly efficient solar conversion, is low-cost to fabricate and eliminates problems of water leakage and condensation.
In a non-aq. sec. battery having an anode, a cathode and a non-aq. electrolyte, the improvement is that the anode active material is Na-Fe oxide, the cathode active material is Na alloy, each of the anode or cathode consists of compsn. of the anode or cathode active material, electroconductive agent and binder; and the non-aq. electrolyte consists of Na salt and ether cpd.    The Na-Fe oxide can be produced by heating mixt. of ferric oxide and at least one of NaOH, Na2CO3 or Na2O2 at 400-500 deg.C. The ratio of Na to Fe in the Na-Fe oxide is pref. 0.5-1.0. The electroconductive agent is e.g. carbon black, graphite or carbon fibre, etc. The binder is e.g. fluorine resin such as PTFE. The Na salt in the non-aq. electrolyte is e.g. NaPF6, NaBF4, NaAsF6, or NaSiF6, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Shows large electric capcity density and long life cycle
Sintered substrate for an alkali battery is produced by (1) applying a slurry by kneading Ni powder, acid or acidic salt, pore forming agent, sticking agent and water onto surface of a porous metal core; (2) drying; and then (3) sintering in a reducing atmos.    Said acid or acidic salt is e.g. nitric acid, sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, Ni, Co or Cd nitrate, sulphate or carbonate. Said pore forming agent is e.g. micro-capsule or foamed polystyrene. Sticking agent is e.g. methylcellulose. The sintered substrate is e.g. produced by prepg. a slurry contg. Ni nitrate, water, methylcellulose and Ni powder, applying the slurry onto surface of a punching metal, and then sintering at 1000 deg.C after drying.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Highly porous alkali battery electrode having excellent mechanical strength and high capacity density can be obtd
NOVELTY - A polytetrafluoroethylene porous layer projects into both sides of a very high molecular polyethylene porous layer.    USE -   For use in air battery used in telephone.
An electrical energy source comprising (i) a light emitting polymer material emitting light energy in a specified frequency bandwidth and consisting of a mixt. of a polymer labelled with tritium and an organic cpd. (I) which emits the light energy when exposed to the radiation generated by the tritium, whereby (I) is at least partially bonded to the polymer and the mixt. is translucent at the specified frequency bandwidth of the light energy, and (ii) a photovoltaic cell having a light collecting surface in close optical contact with the light emitting surface of the light emitting polymer, and a pair of electrical contacts between which an open circuit voltage is generated when the cell is irradiated with light emitted by the polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The power sources are safe, reliable, and commercially feasible. They generate energy at a constant watt-hour rate to give a consistent power output and have a long useful life (e.g. a source having 100 curies of tritium is capable of providing 1 microwatt of power at 1 volt and 1 microamp for ca. 20 years).
Lithium battery comprises electrolyte of complex material composed of the block-graft copolymer consisting of block chain (A) of at least one polymer consisting of the repeated units of the formula (I), where R1 = H, methyl or ethyl; R2 = H or methyl; R3 = alkyl, aryl, acyl, or silyl, and n = integer of 1-45; number average mol.wt. of the graft chain of formula (II) is at least 45 but less than 2000; and the block chain (B) of at least one polymer consisting of the repeated units of the formula (III); where R4 = H, methyl, or ethyl; M = groups of -CH=CH2, -C(CH3)=CH2, -COOCH3 or -COOC2H5, or phenyl, or substd. phenyl. The complex material also comprises additives of Li ion salt and polyalkylene oxide consisting of the repeating units of formula (IV), where R5 and R6 are the same or different from each other, R5 and R6 = H or 1-3C alkyl. R7 = H or methyl, m = integer of 1-45, number average mol. wt. of the unit is at least 45 but less than 2000.    ADVANTAGE -   Charge-discharge cycle characteristic and life of the lithium battery with the high polymer solid electrolyte are improved.
Polymer comprises copolymer of (A) an ethylenic repeatingunit contg. quinone cpd. on its side chain and (B) an ethylenic repeating unit contg. an electroconductive site of an aniline cpd. or a heterocyclic cpd. on its side chain.    (A) is derived from cpd. of formula (I), where A11-A13 are each H or a substit. on the ethylenic C atoms, L1 is a divalent coupler,G1 and G2 each OH gps. and G3 is sulphonamide or carbonamide gp., R11-R13 are each H atom or a substit. on the ring carbons, m and n are 0 or 1, provided that when m - 1, then n = 0 and when m = 0, then n = 1. L1 is of formula ((X1)m-(J1-X2)p-(J2-X3)q-(J3)t)s where J1-J3 are each -O-, -S-, -CO-, -SO2-, -OCO-, -COO-, -CON(R1)-, -SO2N(R1)CO-, -N(R1)CO-, -N(R1)SO2-, -N(R1)-R2-, -N(R1)-R2-N(R3)-, -N(R1)-CO-N(R3)-, -N(R1)-SO2-N(R3)-, -N(R1)-CO2- or -OCON(R1)- (where R1 is H or opt. substd. phenyl, R2 is a 1-4C alkylene, R3 is a 1-6C alkyl), X1-X3 are each an opt. substd. alkylene, arylene, aralkylene or -(G-O)t-CH2CH2)- (where G is an opt. substd. alkylene and t = 1-30), m, p, q, r and s are each independently 0 or 1. (B) is derived from cpd.of formula (II) or (III), where A21=A33 have the same meaning as A11, L2 and L3 have each the same meaning as L1, D1 is trivalent and D2-D4 are divalent aniline or heterocyclic cpd. (e.g., pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, (iso)oxazole, (iso)thiazole, pyridine, diazine, benzodiazole, benzotriazole, benzooxazole, benzothiazole, purine, (iso)quinoline, benzodiazine, fluoroene; acrydine, phenoxazine, pyrazolotriazole, pyrazololazole or benzopyrazololoazole, etc.) and a is 0 or 1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is used for batteries and functional devices. The polymer has high electronic conduction, high mechanical strength and small interfacial ressitivity of laminated material.
The cell includes at least one electrode contg. polyvinylidene fluoride as binder. The ratio of intensity (l1/l2) of a first peak near a diffraction angle (2 x theta), where (theta) = Bragg angle, of 17.7 deg. to the intensity of a second peak near a diffraction angle of 18.5 deg. in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtd. with Cu(alpha) radiation for the electrodes is 0.3-0.6, pref. 0.3-0.55.    Pref. negative electrode includes C material as active material carrier. Positive electrode includes LimO2 (M = Ni and/or Co) as active material. The electrodes are formed by drying an electrode mix slurry to satisfy the above condition.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has improved capacity retention after charge-discharge cycles.    .D
A electrochemical conversion using a cell with a rechargeable electrode made of consumable powdered solid electroactive material is claimed. The electrode connects to a reservoir (14) feeding a compartment (12) around the electrode and the feed of the electrode material into the compartment varies with the voltage tested locally in the compartment. The voltage is measured between the two probes (26, 27) where the 1st is in the compartment and the 2nd is permanently in contact with the electrolyte (9) around the electrode.    The 2nd probe may also be in the compartment and covered by an insulating sheath with holes, pref. in PVC, or with a microporous cover. The solid particles of consumable material are gravity fed, they may be particles, granules or cylinders.    USE -   The cell may be used to supply energy to transport vehicles or for other industrial applications where intermittent use is required. The automatic re-filling with electroactive material improves the ease of working; it may use metallic powders as the consumable material.
A sealed Pb- acid dipolar storage battery has dipolar electrode(s) of Pb (alloy) foil. The foils have a recticular print for keeping a layer of positive active cpd. on one side and a layer of negative active cpd. on the other.    The electrodes are stacked one on top of the other so as to alternate the different polarities. A series of separators in microfibre glass with a high porosity is interposed between the electrodes in series.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient use of the grid material is made.
Sec. cell uses a ppte. obtd. by dispersing a chemically synthesised electroconductive polymer in a solvent, filtering and drying, as an electrode material.    Pref. the solvent is a cyclic cpd. contg. N comprising pyrrolidone or its derivs., pyrrolidine or its derivs. or pyrroline.    ADVANTAGE -   The sec. cell has a large capacity.    In an example, aniline was dissolved in a borohydrofluoric acid aq. soln. and stirred in a N2 atmos. Cupric borofluoride and acetonitrile soln. were dropped in it to form a black slurry, held for one day, filtered and dried to form aniline powder. The aniline powder was dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solvent, filtered and vacuum dried at 80 deg.C to form a positive electrode. A battery mfd. using the positive electrode, a Li-Al alloy negative electrode, and an electrolyte of Li-borofluoride/propylene- carbonate soln. The battery allowed at least 6 mAh of charge.    .D
(JP4132168-A)   NOVELTY -
Catalyst for recombination of H2 and O2, consists of a mat of hydrophobised support and catalytically active material. The mat is impregnated with silicone.    A carbon mat, also impregnated with silicone, is placed on one or both sides of the mat. The mat is impregnated with 0.5-5, pref. ca. 2 (wt.)% silicone. The mat is immersed in a soln. of a silicon oil (pref. 2-8, esp. 3-5%) in an organic solvent, i.e. an ester or hydrocarbon, pref. petrol, then the solvent is removed by drying, pref. for ca. 1 hr. at 100 deg. C, and the impregnated mat is tempered, pref. for ca. 20 mins. at 250-370 deg. C, esp. under inert gas or in vacuo.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Catalysts of this type are used to prevent the concn. of H2 and O2 in low maintenance and sealed batteries reaching dangerous levels. Impregnation with silicone gives permanent hydrophobic properties, ensuring that the catalytic activity is maintained over long operating perio
An electric storage battery comprising a substantially closed container, electrode elements and an electrolyte disposed within the container, has, into the open space within the container above the elements and electrolyte, a material inserted. This material in the form of closed cell foam particles approximately 1/4 inch in size and density 0.02-0.05 g/cm3 forms a floating layer which reduces evaporative water loss.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The addn. of the covering to a battery cell is useful in reducing water loss partic. in hot arid climates, without enhancing explosions of the combustible gases generated during battery operation, and nor will it act as a missile if an explosion does occur.
An article comprises an acid resistant substrate other than electrically conductive fluoride ion doped tin oxide in the form of fibres or particles coated with electrically conductive, fluoride ion doped tin oxide. Pref. the coated substrate is embedded or partially embedded in a matrix material, which is pref. a polymeric material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The article is useful as a lead-acid battery element. The element has stability in the presence of, and is impervious to, sulphuric acid or a sulphuric acid based electrolyte. The fluorine dopants provide the coatings with good electronic properties, morphology and stability. Uses include electromembrane separations for food processing, bio medical processing and water treatment. The coated substrates may be employed as an active component and/or as supports for active components in gas purification systems, filter medium systems, flocculent systems and in other systems in which the stability and durability of the substrates may be utilised.
(JP2605463-B2)      Battery has resin covering pole plate group, and consists of positive electrode (1), a negative electrode (2) and a separator (3) with the resin composition (4) having specified shape, and a film (5) having a laminate structure. A through-hole (9) electrically connects metal layers for energising.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery is used as a thin battery. The battery has high flexibility and protection to gas.
A flexible belt (1) of PVC or polyurethane foam is partly exposed between the upper and lower plates of a sealed transparent plastic box (2). End rollers (4) accommodate unexposed sections. A motor (5) winds the belt between tensioning guides (6), exposing zones on the upper belt surface (3) which absorb, reflect or transmit solar radiation, as desired.    The under-surface provides decorative or advertising opportunities. Hot air trapped within the end casing (7) yields energy to a heat-recovery system (not shown). Several parallel boxes may be deployed to suit any roof-opening.    ADVANTAGE -   Readily converted from one function to another. (1/2)
A lithium-iodine battery has a metal casing in contact with the cathode which contains iodine and a lithium anode which is insulated from the casing; it has also a metal anode current accumulator in contact with the anode; this has a lead brought out of the casing and sealed off from a space in the casing by insulation. Additional seals insulate the lithium/current accumulator interface from iodine vapour from the cathode. The structure pref. includes a polystyrene bush.    ADVANTAGE -   The design prevents the formation of a lithium iodide film (which arises in existing designs of such batteries and causes them to fail). It is also simple and inexpensive.    As an example a button cell has a stainless steel dish (2) and cover (4) casing. A lithium anode (6) is insulated (8) with polyamide against the casing; the iodine-contg. cathode (10) rests on the anode (6) and is in contact with the casing but has a centre hole (12). The cover (4) has also a centre hole (14) for a lead or contact pin (16) in a glass seal (18). Similarly a polystyrene sealing bush (20) tightly fits the centre pin (16) on to which it is firmly pressed so as to provide a seal. The flat base (26) of the bush (20) takes the current accumulator grid (24) spot-welded to the pin (16). The bush (20) can alternatively be any other stable, inert insulator which does not yield by cold flow e.g. polytrifluorochlorethylene. Polymers susceptible to cold flow must on no account be used. (2/5)
Polymeric sheets (97) are simultaneously laminated stop respective, spaced substrates (10) using appts. (60) including means (62) for supporting the substrates in spaced relationship and diaphragm means (80) adjacent each substrate for uniformly transmitting pressure and forcibly flattening one of the sheets against one of its surfaces.    It also includes means (86) for simultaneously heating the flattened sheet/substrate sandwiches to affix them, a pump for removing air from between the substrates and diaphragms, and means providing an air-tight seal between the periphery of each substrate and diaphragm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For economically laminating a relatively thin film of dielectric polymer onto at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, such as an amorphous silicon solar panel, to encapsulate it and protect it from abient conditions.
Fluid flow field plate (12) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is made of electrically conducting material and has multiple, continuous, open-faced, fluid flow channels (22) in a major surface (15). Each channel has a dedicated fluid inlet (24) and a dedicated fluid outlet (26) directly connected respectively to a fluid supply opening (25) and a fluid exhaust opening (27) defined in the surface and traverses a major central area of the surface in a number of passes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By employing continuous channels traversing the plate and an adjacent electrode surface in alternating long and short closely spaced passes, access of adequate fuel and oxidant gases to the entire anode and cathode surfaces is assured and water is readily removed from the channel as it is formed by the flow of oxidant gas before it can coalesce into large water droplets. (2/4)
(JP4104468-A)   NOVELTY - The solvent of non-aqueous electrolyte-liquid contains asymmetrical non-cyclic carbonate ester.    USE - Non-aqueous electrolyte liquid secondary cell.    ADVANTAGE - The solvent of non-aqueous electrolyte liquid contains asymmetrical non-cyclic carbonate ester for providing a good storage and cyclic characteristics.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a cross-sectional view of a battery.    Negative electrode (1)    Negative electrode collector (3)    Positive electrode (4)    Positive electrode collector (6)    Separator (7)    Insulation packing (8)
A multi-cell structure forms a Zn-based negative electrode for use in a prim. battery in electrolytic co-operation with a positive electrode. Cell structure comprises a three-dimensional lattice network of Zn-based active material contg. many inner voids, interconnected with each other and having substantially continuous, electroconductive paths throughout its vol.    The Zn-based network is pref. coated on a support which is electrically inert and/or electroconductive and which contains many interconnected voids. Pref. a premetallisation layer is sandwiched between support and Zn-based network. Pref. void space of support is at least 80 vol. % with void sizes of 0.05 to 0.5mm. The resultant apparent surface of Zn is 10 to 100 cm2/g at a loading of 0.03 to 0.2 g/cm2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a novel porous metal electrode structure which has a relatively large mass capacity for its wt. and a relatively large negative potential in alkaline media.
A laminate includes a first layer comprising a particulate conductive metal oxide dispersed in a resin binder and a second layer comprising a second particulate conductive material dispersed in a resin binder. The conductive metal oxide is selected from barium metaplumbate and the conductive oxides of titanium, tungsten, vanadium, niobium and molybdenum.    Also claimed is a bipolar electrode for an electrochemical system comprising a sheet substrate having a first positive electrode material applied to one face and a second negative electrode material applied to the second face. The substrate comprises the above described laminate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A composite for use as a substrate for bipolar lead-acid batteries is provided (claimed). The substrates can be mfd. continuously and efficiently by coextrusion. The substrate provides a light weight, thin and stable composite which is impervious to electrolytes. It is strong, tough and easy to process and can be tailored to the specific needs of a battery design. ( 4/4)
Plate is made of carbon fibre and a carbide of a thermosetting resin, where many carbon fibres (which are oriented vertically to the carbon plate) are uniformly distributed.    Prodn. comprises treating fibre such as polyacrylonitrile or rayon which can be made into a C fibre, by needle punch etc., to produce a mat where many fibres are arranged in the thickness direction (vertical to the mat plane), and impregnating in a thermosetting resin and burned.    Pref. more than two mats (after they are impregnated in the resin) are laminated and burned. The porous C plate pref. has porosity of more than 50%, heat conductivity in the thickness direction of more than 5Kcal/mhr deg.C, and compression strength of more than 80 kg/cm2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Plate is useful for a fuel battery. By its good characteristics such as heat conductivity and compression strength. The porous C plate can improve the quality of the phosphoric acid type fuel battery due to its good heat conductivity and compression strength. (0/0)
(JP4095348-A)   NOVELTY - A nickel powder is the main raw material in a sintered-metal layer (4) which is laminated on a perforated panel (1). The nickel powder has bulk density of 1-3 g/ml and 2-8 microns of average particle diameter in a sintered-metal layer (2). The powder comprises bulk density of 0.4-1 g/ml and 2-4 microns of average particle diameter in a sintered-metal layer (3).    USE - For sintered-metal-type alkali storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - The bulk density of the primary layer is higher than bulk density of the secondary layer. Thus, primary layer is not peeled off easily from the panel. Prevents corrosion of the perforated panel, and enhances collector property of the panel. Improves the joint strength of the panel and sintered-metal layer. Achieves high capacity of the battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the electrode pole.    perforated panel (1)    sintered-metal layers (2-4)
Sec. electrochemical cell comprises a first electrode and a counter electrode, each capable of reversibly incorporating an alkali metal, an alkali metal (esp. Li) incorporated in at least one of the electrodes, and an electrolyte comprising an organic solvent, a salt of the alkali metal, and at least one sequestering agent capable of complexing the alkali metal. The first electrode includes a compsn. consisting of C having a degree of graphitisation of greater than 0.40 (pref. greater than 0.80, esp. about 1.00).    Also claimed is a method of intercalating alkali metal ions into a highly graphitic carbonaceous electrode material by application of current in such a cell, where a sequestering agent is used to prevent co-intercalation of electrolyte solvent into the electrode material.    The highly graphitic carbonaceous material is pref. selected from synthetic and natural graphites, petroleum cokes heat-treated at above 2100 deg.C, and carbons prepd. by chemical vapour deposition or pyrolysis of hydrocarbons.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cells provide commercially-feasible re-chargeable batteries which do not suffer from the problems of exfoliation and initial capacity loss previously encountered.
Light-polarising conductive film (32) includes a two-dimensional array of conductors stretch oriented in a polymer film, the orientation producing gaps in the conductors. The film pref. includes molecular diodes, or diodes (24) which bridge a sufficient number of gaps to permit conduction of electricity in the conductors when exposed to light. An interdigitated electrode array (37,38) contacts the film.    Pref. the diodes are polarised by light and rotated by an electrostatic feld (35,36) applied through the electrode array before the polymer film is dried, such that the diodes provide unidirectional current flow. The magnitude of the field is increased without breakdown, by placing the portion of the film, whose diodes are being polarised and rotated, in a high-dielectric gas, pref. SF6, The polymer film is pref. formed from a reaction prod. of polyvinyl alcohol, HI and I2, pref. in a mol. ratio of 1:0.1-0.5:0.1-1.0.    USE -   As e.g. a solar converter.
A pack comprises cells each with a positive and a negative terminal, and placed in a housing which has integral moulded-in surface circuitry for providing interconnection beeween the cells. The cells are pref. retained by an I-beam structure (70) which has moulded-in circuitry (74,90) and integral spring fingers (72) for locating and connecting the cells.    The structure is pref. made of high-temp. thermoplastic polyetherimide, polysulphone, polyethersulphone, polyetheretherketone, polycarbonate, and/or polyimide, or is of thermoset plastic. The circuitry pref. has contacts for providing power to a detachable device or portable electronic device or radio and has charger contacts for recharging the cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides the convenience of consumer loaded battery packs, and allows for greater efficiency and reduced cost in assembly and mfr.
(JP4087269-A)       NOVELTY - Insoluble infusible base containing poly acene group skeletal structure and having a specific surface area of 600 m2/g and hydrogen and carbon atomic ratio of 0.5-0.05 is used as a positive electrode. Cathode contains lithium and electrolyte contains aprotic organic solvent solution of an ion generating compound.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Unit cells having an anode, cathode and an electrolyte and having different charge storage capacities are connected in series.    USE -   For lap-top personal computer, video camera and portable telephone.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves long term operation stability and safety by preventing reduction of charge storage capacity of battery.
A constant current source power supply comprises (A) a solid state battery comprising a solid state electrolyte of poly(ethylene oxide), a metal salt, ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate between an active cathode and an active anode, all secured between two current collector sheets (CC1,CC2) serving as the battery terminals, which are insulated from each other; (B) conductive strips secured to CC2 (pref. positive battery terminal) and extended onto CC1 (pref. negative battery terminal); and (C) a constant current source (pref. a transistor and a variable resistor) connected in series with the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. ensures a constant current suppy for battery operated devices. The battery is flexible and not subject to electrolyte leakage.
A polymeric solid state electrolyte composite comprises an inert electrically insulating net of porous fibre material impregnated with and embedded in an ionically conductive solid state matrix.    Pref. the matrix is formed from an ion conductive liq. which has been complexed and crosslinked with an alkali(ne earth)trifluoromethane sulphonate and polyethylene oxide.    Pref. the net is of plastic, Nomex aramid fibre, aramid fibre, polypropylene fibre, polyethylene fibre, polyester fibre or silk. The alkaline metal triflate is pref. lithium trifluoromethane sulphonate. The matrix pref. also contains a radiation curable polymer. The matrix contains propylene carbonate and 1,2-dimethoxyethane or polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether; or butylene carbonate; or pyrrolidinone.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite is used for batteries (claimed). It is highly ion conductive, shorting-proof, dendrite-proof, flexible, mechanically strong, inert to battery component materials, stable at elevated temps. and rapidly processable, and has excellent adherence and low shrinkage properties.
A fuel cell comprises: a first electrode assembly permeable to a fuel and an oxidiser; a second electrode assemble impermeable to the fuel and the oxidiser, and separated from the first electrode assembly by and in contact with a solid electrolyte body. The solid electrolyte body consists essentially of an electron-insulating material which is also ionically conducting to at least a first ionic species and which material is permeable to the fuel, the oxidiser and products of electrochemical reactions of the fuel and oxidiser. The first electrode assembly comprises spaced-apart portions that expose surface regions of the solid electrolyte body. A coating is disposed on the spaced-apart regions which comprises a material relatively permeable to the fuel but impermeable to the oxidiser.    Pref. the coating comprises a polymer material selected from nylon, polysulphone, polytrifluorochloroethylene and polypropylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency solid electrolyte fuel cell, achieved by patterning a permeable catalytic electrode with a coating that is permeable to the fuel but relatively impermeable to the oxidiser. The oxidiser enters the surface of a solid electrolyte mainly via the spaces between the electrode portions.
A nonwoven mat comprises powder or fibre of ethylene copolymer comprising of 40-90 wt. % of ethylene unit and 60-10 wt. % of comonomer, glass fibre, binder fibre, where content by wt. of ethylene copolymer is 5-90 % of total wt. of the mat, and the binder fibre and the ethylene copolymer are adhered to the glass fibre. The comoner is at least one ethylenic unsatd. comonomer selected from gp. of comonomers having amide bond and amine in a mol. and ester bond and amine in a mol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The nonwoven mat is useful for a liq. holding material such as a retainer of a closed type lead storage battery. The ethylenic unsatd. comonomer is a acryl amide based comonomer such as dimethyl amino propyl (meth) acryl amide, dimethyl amino ethyl (meth) acryl amide, acrylic ester based comonomer such as dimethyl amino ethyl (meth) acrylated. The binder fibre include fibre made of PE, ethylenic copolymer, modified polyester having 70-130 deg. C of softening point on more than 50 % of the surface.
NOVELTY - The method involves mixing a dispersion medium containing hydrogen occlusion alloy powder, 0.1-5 wt% of binder and 0.05-5 wt% of an anti-oxidant, to obtain a slurry. The slurry is applied on a conductive support. The hydrogen occlusion alloy is polyethylene oxide whose oxidation is suppressed by the anti- oxidant.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The anti-oxidant which suppresses oxidation of polyethylene oxide is chosen from alkylated phenol, alkylated ether, alkylated ester, alkylene, alkylidene bisphenol, thio propionic acid ester, thio bis-alkylated phenol and organic phosphite ester.    USE -   For alkaline batteries.    ADVANTAGE -   Decomposition and oxidation of polyethylene oxide and deterioration of battery characteristics are suppressed.
Mfr. of a photovoltaic device having decreased shading of incident illumination from collector gridlines comprises: (a) providing a photovoltaic cell, the cell includes a bottom electrode layer, a photovoltaic body disposed on the electrode layer, a top electrode layer on top of the photovoltaic layer and an electrically-conductive, current collecting gridline in electrical communication with the top electrode layer; (b) disposing a layer of embossable, transparent, organic, polymeric, encapsulating material directly on top of the top electrode; (c) providing an embossing die, which includes at least one groove forming element; (d) aligning the embossing die with the photovoltaic cell so that the groove forming element is in registry with at least a portion of the length of the gridline and in contact with the layer of polymeric encapsulating material; (e) compressing the embossing die and photovoltaic cell so as to emboss a groove into the layer of encapsulating material; (f) removing the embossing die, and so providing a photovoltaic cell having a groove integral with the encapsulant layer and in registry with the portion of the gridline, with the groove operable to direct incident illumination away from the gridline so as to decrease the shading effects.    Also claimed is the mfr. of a large area photovoltaic module.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photovoltaic devices with increased efficiency due to the minimisation of shading effects are provided.
Device comprises a substrate; a light scattering back reflector atop the substrate; and a multilayered body of semiconductor material atop the back reflector. The back reflector comprises a tri-layered body; a hard, textured, non-highly reflective layer formed of a material other than Cu, Al or Ag, disposed directly on the substrate and having substantially micro-sized features; a highly reflective layer conformally disposed atop the textured layer; a transparent oxide layer deposited upon the highly reflective layer, and adapted to enhance light scattering and optical coupling, and pref. being electrically conductive.    Pref. materials of construction are textured layer; one of Al, Al alloys, Cu, Cu alloys and combinations thereof; reflective layer; Ag; transparent oxide layer; one of oxides of Zn, Sn, In, InSn and cadmium stannate; substrate; one of stainless steel, Ni, Al and combinations thereof.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Inexpensive, highly reflective back reflector for use in photoresponsive devices. The problems of inherent softness, interdiffusion and added series resistance are avoided. (2/2)
Microwave space heating system has source (9) and absorber (12) comprising a tortuous passageway with heat transfer fluid circulating therethrough. Pref. the passageway is formed partly by fins extending from a chamber and the fins and/or walls are coated with microwave absorbing cpd. Pref. the chamber has a flat shape at right angles to the source. Pref. the chamber is of plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS or polyester. The fluid can be water or salt soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For small apartments, chalets or mobile homes. Can fit on any wall surface and obviates the burning of fuels.
Mfr. of a solid state alkali metal cell capable of generating a discharge current per unit area greater than or equal to 50 milliamperes per cm2 at room temp., comprises: (a) coating a cathode compsn. layer comprising an active cathode material, an electrically conductive filler material, an alkali metal salt, an inert liquid solvent for the salt and a polymerisable material onto a current collector layer, (b) coating an ionically conductive, polymerisable electrolyte compsn. layer onto the cathode compsn. layer; (c) partially or totally curing the cathode and electrolyte compsns.; and (d) applying an alkali metal anode compsn. layer onto the electrolyte compsn. layer to form a cell assembly.    The process includes the additional steps of: applying pressure to the cell assembley to further adhere the layers; rolling the surface of the cathode compsn. which is not in contact with the current collector layer, with this rolling step occurring just prior to (b); and rolling the surface of the anode compsn. layer which is to contact the electrolyte layer, with this rolling step occurring prior to (d).    The curing step comprises partial irradiation or partial thermally curing of the cathode compsn. layer and the electrolyte composition layer, the cathode and electrolyte compns. may then be totally cured by either of these methods directly after (d). The process is carried out in an atmos. contg. less than 4ppm water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a solid state electrochemical cell, a rechargeable solid state laminar cell which is capable of generating a high current density. The cell discharges current at an unexpectedly high rate per wt. and volume. The cells discharge current at a rate 3-10 times greater than prior art cells, they can maintain this high discharge rate at temps. below room temp.. The cells are operative over a wide temp. range.
Prodn. comprises heating a fibre reinforced thermoplastic resin laminate at a high pressure and cooling to form a fibre reinforced resin board having a resin-rich layer. The layer is pressed to a mirror surface of a die and heat treated at a temp. which does not fluidise but deforms the resin at a high pressure, to form a smooth surface on the board.    USE -   Used to produce optical parts for solar energy collection. The appearance of the resin board without polishing.
Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) has a metallic current transfer plate (6), a cathode (2), a matrix (5) impregnated with Li2CO3 and K2CO3 melt (4), an anode (3) and another metallic current transfer plate (7), laminated in the given sequence. The matrix (5) consists of a mixt of LiAlO2 and Li2ZiO3.    Pref. the molar ratio of LiAlO2:Li2ZrO3 is 90:10 to 50:50.    The matrix is produced by mixing Al2O3 and ZrO2 powders (granulation pref. 0.05-1 micron), with addn. of a binder (i) and an emulsifying liq. (II); making this into a film; forming at 500-800 deg.C; placing in a melt contg. Li2CO3 and K2CO3 and converting it to LiAlO2 and Li2ZiO3 in this, with grain disintegration and increase in vol. (I) is PVA, methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol and/or linseed oil; and (II) liq. water, short-chain alcohols, e.g. MeOH, EtOH or glycol and/or phenol-water mixts. The matrix is formed at 550-700 deg.C and impregnated with the electrolyte by immersion in a melt of Li2CO3 and K2CO3, pref. by sucking the melt into the assembled fuel cell through the matrix and converted under the operating conditions in the melt.    ADVANTAGE -   The inside dia. of the MCFC is stabilised, i.e. recrystallisation is inhibited and the contact between the electrodes and transfer plates is fixed permanently, so that the internal structure of the electrodes is stable.
Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) has a metallic current transfer plate (6), a cathode (2), a matrix (5) impregnated with Li2CO3 and K2CO3 melt (4), an anode (3) and another metallic current transfer plate (7), laminated in the given sequence. The anode (3) is sintered and is based on porous Ni and NiO2, with Li2TiO3 on the outside and inside surfaces.    Pref. the anode contains Cr2O3, Al2O3, LiAlO2 and/or Li2TiO3 as component(s) acting as hardener and wetted by the melt. The amt. of Li2TiO3 on the inside and outside surfaces is 5-50, pref. 15-30 (wt.)%. The anode has a laminated structure a from the transfer plate side to the matrix side and the Li2TiO3 fraction on the side towards the transfer plates (6, 7) pref. is lower than that on the opposite side or is zero, whilst the Ni fraction is 95-50, pref. 85-70%. The transfer plates consist of Ni-plated stainless steel and pref. are bipolar, with ducts (8, 9) for the fuel on one side and the O2 carrier on the other.    ADVANTAGE -   The inside dia. of the MCFC is stabilised, i.e. recrystallisation of the anodes is inhibited and the contact between the anode and transfer plates is fixed permanently, so that the internal structure is stable. Also, the internal resistance is reduced by chemical modification of the electrode materials to improve wetting by the melt and the vol.-specific 3-phase boundary is kept as large as possible, whilst the transfer resistance between the transfer plates and anode is minimised.
Optical amplifier comprises: a fluoro-zirconate optical fibre having its core doped with Tm3+; and a pump to raise the Tm3+ ions directly to the 3F4 level, pref. a diode laser, esp. an AlGaAs laser. The fibre is pref. a ZBLANP compsn. contg. 1000 ppm by wt. of Tm3+.    In an embodiment, laser includes a reflective resonant cavity configured to resonate at the 3F4-3H6 transition wavelength and contg. the above optical amplifier. One or both of the cavity mirrors has reflectivity above 99% for wavelengths above 805nm and a steep transmission edge between 790nm and 800nm. The optical pump wavelength is 777nm.    USE -   An optical communications systems. (claimed).
Cell is mfd. by: assembling a trilayer electrode tape of thin individual tapes of anode, electrolyte and cathode ceramic and binder materials; shaping the tape to form fuel flow pathways along the cathode; cutting to form elements of desired gross net shape; assembling the elements with interconnect tapes; partially sintering to completely remove binders; forming a stacked array; and bonding the contacting surfaces. The partial sintering pref. provides at least 25% of the shrinkage on full sintering.    Stacking step includes wetting the anode and interconnect surfaces with an anode bonding agent, and the cathode and interconnect surfaces with a cathode bonding agent.    ADVANTAGE -   Partial sintering prior to forming a stack and finally processing (including sintering) eliminates problems of microcracks, ceramic migration and slumping during final sintering.
Ductwork comprises junction box(es) (30), a rigid duct (70) and adapter conduits (40). The duct (70) is round and has inner and outer plastic layers and a central expanded foam core. The conduits (40) comprise layer(s) and have connectors at each end. The box has walls and a bottom plate of layer(s). Pref. the foam layer has plastic reinforcement ribs.
The lithium ion conductive polymer electrolyte comprises a composite material of lithium salt and organic polymer. The organic polymer comprises a crosslinked polymer of the graft cpd. of siloxane hydride which is graft-copolymerised with polyetherglycol of at least 1,000 in average molecular wt. and polyetherglycolmonomethylether of up to 1,000 in average molecular wt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The lithium ion conductive polymer electrolyte is used for the lithium battery. Electrolyte having improved ion conductivity which is in solid state at room temp., can be obtd.    In an example 1g of tetramethylcyclo tetrasiloxane, 10g of allylated polyethyleneglycol of 1,000 in average molecular wt., 2g of allylated polyethyleneglycol monomethylether of 200 in average molecular wt., and 2mg of potassium chloroplatinate were mixed and made to react at 100 deg.C for 3 hrs. with stirring to obtain graft cpd.    52g of the graft cpd. were mixed with 0.168g of hexamethylene-diisocyanate and catalyst for making urethane. The mixt. was dropped on an Al plate, then made to react at 100 deg.C for 3 hrs. on the hot-plate in Ar gas to obtain crosslinked polymer. The obtd. polymer was soaked in acetone to remove unreacted matter. Then, the polymer was soaked in acetone soln. of 2 wt.% LiBF4 for 8 hrs. to impregnate the LiBF4 acetone soln. into the polymer. Then, acetone was removed from the polymer to prepare the polymer electrolyte sheet of 0.1 mm in thickness.
(JP2673461-B2)      The thin battery supplies generated gas from the solid polymer electrolyte film to the solid voltaic film. The gas generated is hydrogen.    USE -   The battery is used as an electrolytic fuel generator.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery converts chemical energy to electrical energy with high efficiency and is lightweight.
New cathode member for an electrochemical cell comprises silver vanadium oxide prepd. by a chemical combination or addn. reaction. It further comprises 1) a binder material comprising methyl cellulose, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer EPDM, polyethylene, polypropylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene FEP or Teflon, and 2) a conductive material comprising carbon black or graphite. The use of the cathode material for electrochemical cells is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell maintains a higher pulse voltage than cells using silver vanadium oxide prepd. by decomposition, leading to a decrease of charge time and an increase in cell life. Prepn. is also easier. The cells contg. the cathode material are useful for cardiac defibrillators.
Composite film comprises (A) a layer of polyimide, polyimide copolymer or polyimide blend contg. a repeat unit of formula (I), where R1 is a tetravalent organic gp. and (B) a metal layer.    Specifically, the polymer is prepd. from a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, e.g., pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3,4'4,-benzophenone- or 3,3'-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane dianhydride, etc., and a diamine, e.g., 3,3'-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4'-diamino-biphenyl, 4,4'-diamino-p-terphenyl, etc., in an organic solvent, e.g., N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylacetamide or N,N-dimethylformamide. The composite film is prepd. by coating polyimide or polyamic acid resin varnish and heat treating the coated film. The metal is e.g., Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Ni or its alloy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyimide film has high heat resistance, high transparency and low dielectric constant. It is used as a base board of flexible printed circuit and a heat-controlling material having high reflectivity of solar light.
Structural units, esp. facade elements have an outside pane in which solar cells are arranged between an outer and an inner pane, and they have another inner layer, which by means of an inner-space-defined spacer frame is spaced from the outer pane, where the solar cells are embedded in a cast resin layer and where the inner pane in the region of at least one edge at least partially with regard to the edge of the outer layer recedes, and so forms an overlapping recess on the cast resin layer through which the required electrical conductors pass, where the recess is covered by the spacer frame and the inner space sealing to the centre of the structural element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as structural elements esp. facade elements, with solar cells. The element has enhanced sound and heat insulation.
The solid electrolyte compsn. contains at least a cationic surfactant having an ethylene oxide chain and propylene oxide chain, an ion-exchange lamellar cpd. and an ionic substance expressed by formula MX (where M = metal ion, proton or ammonium ion which moves in solid electrolyte by electrolytic effect, X = anion of strong acid).    Pref. MX is alkali metal salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. is uniform and has good ion conductivity. The compsn. can be used as electrolyte for solid state Li battery having Li metal, alloy or cpd. as the negative pole, and solid state prim. and sec. battery having Zn, Al and hydrogen storage alloy for negative pole.
Compsn. contains polyether cpd. prepd. by adding ethylene oxide and butylene oxide to polyamine, ion-exchange lamellar cpd. and ionic substance expressed by formula MX (M = metal ion, proton or ammonium ion which moves in solid electrolyte by electrolytic effect, X = anion of strong acid).    MX is alkali metal salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. is uniform and has good ion conductivity and moulding property (film forming property). The compsn. can be used as electrolyte for solid state lithium battery having lithium metal, lithium alloy or lithium cpd. for negative pole and solid state prim. and sec. battery having zinc, aluminium and hydrogen storage alloy for negative pole.
Compsn. contains at least cationic surfactant having ethylene oxide chain and butylene oxide chain, ion-exchange lamellar cpd. and ionic substance of formula MX (I). In (I)M = metal ion, proton or ammonium ion which move in solid electrolyte by electrolytic effect and X = anion of strong acid.    MX is pref. alkali metal salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolyte compsn. is uniform and has good ion conductivity and moulding property (film-forming property). Compsn. can be used as electrolyte for solid state Li battery having Li metal, Li alloy or Li cpd. for negative pole and solid state prim. and sec. battery having Zn, Al and H2 storage alloy for negative pole.
Compsn. contains at least polyether cpd. by adding at least ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to polyamine cpd., ion-exchange lamellar cpd. and ionic substance of formula MX (I), M= metal ion, proton or ammonium ion which move in solid electrolyte by electrolytic effect. In (I)= anion of strong acid. MX is pref. alkali metal salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolyte compsn. is uniform and has good ion conductivity. Compsn, can be used as electrolyte for solid state Li battery having Li metal, Li alloy or Li cpd. for negative pole and solid state prim. and sec. battery having Zn, Al and H2 storage alloy for negative pole.
A long term heat storage unit for use with heater is mfd. in PE or a similar polymer and has three flanged openings at the front to connect to a heat exchange unit. On both the long sides, flanged openings are provided to connect with similar storage untis, the connection being achieved with clamping rings. Any number of units can be connected to form a battery.    The storage units can be used to retain heat produced in heating systems based on renewable sources of energy, e.g. solar energy. Units are easily transported, corrosion free and pass easily through standard doorways.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The heat storage units are used to store hot water-produced by heat exchange e.g. from solar energy and can easily be installed and extended to form larger stores.
The method comprises mixing polymeric powder with photoconductor powder and hot pressing of obtd. mixt. at temp. equal to m.pt. of polymer component. Powdered polyolefins are used as polymer component while CdS or CdSe powders are used as photoconductor component, at ratio (vol.%): polyolefin 60 and CdS or CdSe powders 40. Polyolefin powder is initially pretreated in barrier discharge field at atmos. pressure, relative air moisture 57% and field frequency 50-100 Hz. The field potential is equal (1.0-2.5)E, where E is break-down strength of air in the above conditions. The above treatment is conducted for 1.5-2.5 hrs. and then polyolefin component is mixed with the other component.    Tests show that the proposed method increases photosensitivity of produced photoresistors to 9 x 10 power 5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In optoelectronics, as the method of prodn. of photoresistors. Increased photosensitivity of composite photoresistors is obtd. Bul.14/15.4.91
The organic electrolyte cell comprises a cathode of alkaline metal, anode and electrolyte consisting of LiCF3SO3 and (CnH2n+1)4NCF3SO3, where n = at least 1, dissolved in organic solvent contg. at least 55 vol.% of ether.    ADVANTAGE -   Good characteristics at low temp. and lower internal resistance increase on storage.    In an example, a mixed material, consisting of manganese dioxide treated at 450 deg.C., carbon black, and polytetrafluoroethylene, was formed into a sheet using a stainless steel net as core to prepare the anode. The anode was wrapped with finely porous polypropylene film, and an Li belt cathode was placed on it. The laminated material was rolled to prepare a scrolled electrode. The electrode was put in the cell casing. A soln. of 0.3 mol./l LiCF3SO3 and 0.3 mol./l (C2H5)4NCF3SO3 dissolved in mixed solvent of propylene carbonate and 1,2-dimethoxy-ethane was put in the casing as electrolyte. The opening of the casing was sealed, and stabilising treatment was applied to complete the cell.
(JP4028172-A)   NOVELTY - A protective layer comprising two protective films is formed on surface of a cathode (1). One of the protective films contains elastomer and electroconductive polymer, and other one contains ion-conductive polymer. The active material of cathode contains lithium and aluminum, and active material of anode (4) contains manganese dioxide, molybdenum trioxide, vanadium pentoxide and titanium sulfide.    USE - Secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - Improves battery cycle characteristics by suppressing precipitate of activity lithium by charging-and-discharging cycle.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the cross-sectional chart of battery.    Cathode (1)    Anode (4)
(JP4028159-A)   NOVELTY - The cell uses electrode material comprising polyaniline layer formed at surface of electroconductive agent powder e.g. carbon or metal powder, by chemical polymerization of polyaniline on the powder.    USE - For industrial application.    ADVANTAGE - Because of formation of polyaniline layer by chemical polymerization, the contact state between the polyaniline and the powder is good and blending ratio of the powder is uniform in all location of electrode. Hence electrode has improved electroconductivity and excellent charging and discharging characteristics.
The battery has a container (10) within which a gas diffusion electrode (1) containing oxygen as an active material is provided. An air intake hole (3) is provided in the container, which leads to the open air. A cobalt porphyrin complex film (4) is provided between the interior of the container and air intake side of the gas diffusion electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in leak resistance and long term storage property. Operates in wide load range.
Alkaline cell having a Zn anode is free of Hg and produces no pressure build-up in use or storage to cause rupture or leakage. Under conditions of partial discharge and storage, pref. through a resistor to about 1.2V and at 21 deg.C for 90 days respectively, the Zn-contg. anode gel expands less than standard anode Zn, pref. less than 40%, more pref. less than 20% esp. less than 15%, after being discharged for 161 mins. to 15% depth of discharge at 2.88A.    ADVANTAGE -   Under conditions of normal use and storage, there is insufficient internal pressure build-up to cause rupture and/or leakage of cell components, such cells not causing pollution on disposal.
Cell comprises organic photoconductive layer between two electrodes and electrodess has light permeability. Photoconductive layer comprises binder resin contg. organic dyes and organic pigments. Work function of organic pigments is at least 0.3 eV larger than work function of organic dyes and also work functions of respective pigments are mutually apart by at least 0.2 eV. Pref. mixing mol ratio of total amt. of organic dyes to total amt. of organic pigments is of 0.1-50.0.    ADVANTAGE -   Continuous operation of cell in light of high intensity 100 mW/cm2.
Battery comprises a cathode of alkaline metal, a separator of glass fibre, anodic liq. active substance and electrolyte. The anode is a carbonaceous porous material. The anodic liq. active substance contains 0.01-2.0 wt.% polyarylate and 0.01-2.0 wt.% PET.    The separator pref. contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 5-20 g/m2, as binder. The carbonaceous porous anode contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 1-10 wt.%, as binder.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has improved voltage delay phenomena. Prodn. efficiency of the battery may be improved. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/2)@
Prodn. of polyiodides (I) involves reacting quat. monoiodides (II) of aminoethers and I2 in a suitable molar ratio in the absence of solvents.    (II) are pref. of the formula    (R1R2R6N-CH2-(CH2OCH2)n-CH2R3)+I-    where R1-R6 = alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or heteroaryl; R2 may also = -CH2(CH2OCH2)m-CH2R4 with m = 10 or over; R3-4 may also = OH, OR5, Cl or SR5; R1R2 may also = alkylene -(CH2)l- with l = 2-7; and n = 0 or over. A mixt. of the corresp. aminoether and an iodide R6I may be used instead of (II). The ratio of I2 to (II) can be varied between 1 and 50, pref. between 5 and 10. (I) is highly viscous to liq. and has an electrical conductivity of 10 power (-4) to 10 power (-1) S/cm at 0-50 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are useful as active cathode compsn. for electrochemical cell system with high energy density, pref. for low power equipment. (I) have at least 2 available 0 donor functions and hence can form chelate complexes with metal cations formed electrochemically (claimed). They have good conductivity and a high I2 content. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0
Compsn. is obtd. by hardening compsn. composed of (A) polymer having polyalkylene oxide structure, and (B) polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid metal salt of formula MOOCCH2-(O CH2CHR)nOCH2COOM (I). In (I), R = H or lower alkyl; M = L, Na, or Ca; n = 2-30.    Pref. compsn. also contains polyalkylene glycol of formula RO(CH2CHRO)n R (II) or its derivs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is used as solid electrolyte such as a prim battery, a sec. battery, an electrochromic display element. The electrolyte has high ion conductivity and its change with time is low.    In an example, polyethylene oxide of number average mol.wt. 500-000 (1g) and polyalkylene oxide Li carbonate (0.4g) were dissolved in acetonitrile (10cc). From the soln., solid electrolyte film of thickness 0.1mm was obtd. Its ion conductivity (at applied voltage 3 V) was 2.3 x 10 power-6 s/cm and 1.8 x 10 power-6 s/cm after 120 min. @(4pp Dwg.No.0/0
Proton conductors having structures comprising organic polymers are salts of (1) cpds. contg. substits. having H bond-networks in side chains and/or non-conjugated electron pair-contg. substits. and (2) acids.    Alternatively, proton conductors are of formula (-CX2-CX(R)-)n (I) or are crystals of cpds. (I) and at least one acid of H2SO4, H3PO4 and R''COOH (R'' is alkyl) or are of formula (-CX(R)-CX(R)-)n (II) or are crystals of cpds. (II) and at least one acid of H2SO4, H3PO4 and R''COOH (R'' is alkyl). In the formulae, X is F or H; R is COOH, CONH2, SO3H, NH2 or (CH2)m-R'; R' is at least one of COOH, CONH2, SO3H and NH2; n is at least 100 and m is 1-10.    The amt. of H2SO4 and H2PO4 contained in the proton conductors is pref. 1-4 to 1 unit monomer. The proton conductors do not contain water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for electrolytes for prim. and sec. batteries and fuel batteries, and sensors. The proton conductors conduct protons at low temp. and have good flexibility and mouldability. @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0
Applying a dielectric material to a solar array having an edge, a light gathering side and a backside comprises sealing the array in the region of the edge; providing a gas pressure differential between the light gathering side and the backside which is greater on the light gathering side than on the backside; applying the dielectric material to the backside of the array, the gas pressure differential being sufficient to prevent the dielectric material from leaking to the light gathering side. Pref. (i) the gas pressure differential is 1.0-5.0 psi; (ii) the gas is air or N2; (iii) the dielectric material is an organic insulator such as polyimide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An inexpensive process for applying an insulating material to a solar array, in which leakage from the backside to the light gathering side is prevented, i.e. a uniform coating is applied to the backside with no coating on the light gathering side.
The solar collector has heat insulation effect provided by urethane sandwich panel and heat collecting effect provided by transparent plate, which permits the inflow of outside solar energy selectively.    The solar collector includes transparent plate, heat insulation plate, passage-way, heat absorbing plate, and bulged frame having aluminium frame with connecting groove, rubber packing, and T-shaped clamping device.
Electrolyte comprises (1) phosphazene polymer with optional sequence of segment of e.g. formula (1)-(3) or its mixt., and (2) medium contg. polyalkylene oxide-contg. cpd., poly(methacrylic acid oligoalkylene oxide)-contg. cpd., polyester cpd., polyimine cpd., and/or polyacetal cpd., and lithium salt. h = 0-22.5; k = 0-15; l, m, m: 0 or at least 1; l+m+m = 3-20,000.    Polyalkylene oxide-contained cpd. is pref. polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, or their copolymer; poly(methacrylic acid oligoalkylene oxide cpd. is poly(methacrylic methoxy ethoxy ester) or poly(methacrylic methoxy ethoxy ethoxy ester); polyester cpd. is decyclised polymer of beta-propiolactone; polyimine cpd. is polyethylene imine, or poly-N-methyl ethylene imine; and polyacetal cpd. is formalin polymer or acetoaldehyde polymer or formalin-acetoaldehyde copolymer. The lithium salt is pref. LiBF4, LiPF6 or CF3SO3Li.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolytes for capacitor or solid battery.
Battery contains a Ag ion conductive solid electrolyte having a particle size of upto 280 mesh, and electrode contg. electrode active material comprising a complex oxide of Ag and V of formula AgxV2O5-y, where x is 0.6-0.8 and y is the oxygen vacancy.    Specifically, the solid electrolyte is e.g. prepd. by mixing AgI, AG2O and WO3 in a molar ratio of 4:1:1, pressure forming into pellets, heating to 400 deg. C for reaction, and crushing the reaction prod. into powder. The electrode active material is e.g. prepd. by mixing V oxide and metallic Ag in a molar ratio of 1:0.7, pressure forming into pellets, heating to 600 deg. C for reaction, and then crushing the reaction prod. into powder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Battery has high discharge capacity and stable characteristics, and is used in microelectronic devices. @(4pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Polymer membrane is prepd. by electrolytically polymerising an electrolytically polymerisable monomer between a working electrode and a counter electrode having a minimised size w.r.t. the working electrode.    Pref. the monomer is, e.g., pyrrole, thiophene, aniline, pyrene, acetylene, 3-methylthiophene, N-methylaniline, phenol, azulene, thienylene, vinylpyrene, 4-vinylpyridine, etc.. Electrolyte for polymerising the monomer is NaClO4, LiClO4, NH4ClO4, tetraethyl ammonium perchlorate, tetrabutyl ammonium perchlorate, Mg(ClO4)2, KOH, NaOH, LiOH, NaBF4, etc.. Solvent for dissolving the monomer and electrolyte is, e.g., water, acetic anhydride, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, propylene carbonate, nitromethane, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulphoxide, hexamethyl phosphoramide, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process provides electrolytically polymerised polymer membrane having any desired shape. The membrane is used for an electrochromic element, cell or photoelectric element, etc. @(6pp Dwg.No.0/4)
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
A vehicle has a mirror to be directed towards a source of electromagnetic radiation and formed by a parabolic frame supporting individual flat mirror elements. The power collected is for powering the craft, directly by using to energise a propellant or indirectly by converting to electrical power for driving a propeller.    The frame is pref. made from straight rods of carbon fibre/resin linked by connectors, and each mirror element has a trapezoidal frame formed by four carbon fibre/resin rods linked by four plastic connectors, the frame supporting a trapezoidal polyester sheet which is metallised on one side and is secured to the frame by tensioned catgut strands.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides increased possibilities compared with the use of solar cells. @(15pp Dwg.No.6/8)
A sec. cell has a non-aq. electrolyte and positive and negative electrodes with an open grid or skeleton structure allowing take-up and release of electrochemically active cations as host substance during alternate charge and discharge.    The novelty is that the host substance of the positive electrode is a spinel-type oxidic material and the host substance of the negative electrode is a C prod. formed by organic cpd. pyrolysis. the spinel-type oxidic material has formula MxMnyOz (I) and takes up a Gp. Ia guest cation (A) to form a spinel-type electrode of fomrula AqMxMnyOz (II). In the formula M = one or more gp. IIa, IVa, Va, IVb, Vb, VIb, or VIII metal cations x = 0-0.6, y = 1.4-2.0, y:z = 0.3-0.6, q = an operating parameter pref. 0-1.3 when A = Li cation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is esp. a lightweight, high energy density, Li battery cell. During discharge most of the cell capacity is extracted at a cell voltage above 3V. The electrode structures have good chemical resistance w.r.t. the electrolyte and the cell has high cycling stability. @(6pp Dwg.No.0/3
A battery, for powering surgical instruments and having a vent tower, comprises a casing (24) whose walls define at least one cell (26), aq. electrolyte, immersed electrodes (28) and a vent tower (30) extending in from a casing wall and terminating at a free end. The tower has a passageway (36) through the casing for venting gases, a porous hydrophobic filter (38) in the passageway which passes gases only and a pressure relief (40) means. The free end of the vent tower is so spaced from any cell wall that any void defined by the free end of the tower and the casing walls is of larger vol. than the free electrolyte at any orientation.    Also claimed is a battery-powered assembly for driving surgical instruments in various orientations without leakage during operation or sterilisation comprising hand-controlled electric motor, instrument holders and the battery claimed above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A battery capable of operation in various orientations and a surgical instrument drive assembly powered by it (claimed) are provided. The battery is useful for powering various portable devices, esp. orthopaedic surgical instruments and resists high temps. so that it may be sterilised, and may be used in various orientations without leakage of electrolyte while still venting any gases formed. @(9pp Dwg.No.2/3)@
A compsn. comprising a conductive polymer chosen from polypyrrole and/or substd. polypyrrole, a vandium cpd. and an anion.    The V cpd. is pref. the pentoxide. The anion is chloride, octanesulphate, p-toluenesulphonate, butylsulphonate, methylsulphonate, trifluoromethane.    The (substd.) pyrrole is chemically polymerised in an aqs. reaction medium contg. the C vpd. as oxidising agent and an acid and pref. also a salt, the acid providing the anion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in battery foils (claimed). The compsn. has a large specific surface (greater than 5 m2/g) and is suitable for use in high energy density condensers and rechargeable batteries. @(9pp Dwg.No.0/0
Battery comprises radioactive material with an emitting surface; an acoustic wave generator adjacent the surface; and a piezoelectric means which receives the generated acoustic wave and provides an output voltage of predetermined polarity.    The radioactive material is pref (spontaneously) fissionable.    More specifically, the acoustic wave generator is a neutron moderator and the piezoelectric means is a piezoelectric polymer, pref. a vinylidene fluoride/trifluoroethylene copolymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fissionable nuclear waste is used to generate electricity. @(8pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
A solar cell having an optical electromotive force (EMF) layer comprises a binder polymer, a non-metal phthalo-cyanine (H2-Pc) molecule dispersed in the polymer, a x-type non-metal phthalocyanine particle dispersed in the polymer and/or tau type non-metal phthalocyanine.    Pref. intensity of diffraction line on reflection from a crystal surface having 11.8 Angstroms plane distance is 2-100% of that of reflection from a crystal surface having 9.8 Angstroms plane distance, in the x-ray diffraction pattern of a mixt. of the mol. dispersed and the particle dispersed H2-Pc, wt. ratio of the polymer and the phthalocyanine is 2:1 to 1:5.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell has improved functioning and stability. Prodn. is easy. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/1)
Solar cell has an optical electromotive force layer comprising a binder polymer, a non-metal phthalocyanine (H2-Pc) dispersed in the polymer, a x-type H2-Pc particle dispersed in the polymer and/or tau type H2-Pc, and a metal phthalocyanine (M-Pc) dispersed in the polymer.    Pref. the wt. ratio of the polymer and phthalocyanine (Pc) is 2:1-1:5. The M-Pc is Cu-Pc, Pb-Pc, Sn-Pc, Zn-Pc, Mg-Pc, Si-Pc, V-Pc, a chloro-Al-Pc, a chloro-In-Pc or a chloro-Ga-Pc.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell has improved function and stability and is easily produced.    In an example, A x-type H2-Pc, Pb-Pc and a polyvinyl butyral were dissolved in THF and mulled. The soln. was coated on a Nesa electrode and heated for 1 hour at 120 deg.C under vacuum, to form a 1.2 microns thick electromotive force layer. A 800 Angstrom thick semi-transparent (optical transparency = 2%) was formed on it by vapour deposition to form a solar cell. @(7pp Dwg.No.1/1)
A Ni/H storage battery comprises: a Ni cathode having a nickel oxide as a main active material; anode mainly composed of H-absorbing alloy capable of carrying out the electrochemical hydrogen absorbing andm desorbing reaction; an alkaline electrolyte; a separator.    The Ni cathode' and anode and the separator contain a Zn cpd. Pref. the Zn cpd. contained in the Ni positive electrode is present in the state of a solid . soln., an oxide or a hydroxide in Ni hydroxide. The pref. content of the Zn cpd. e.g. zincate ion, in the Ni positive electrode is 30-500 mg/Ah of battery capacity, and the contents of the Zn cpd. in the negative electrode and the separator are 0.3-1.5 mg/Ah of battery capacity, respectively in terms of ZnO.    Also claimed is a method for mfr. of a Ni-H storage battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ni-H storage battery has improved reliability,is of simple construction and has improved cycle life characteristics. @(9pp Dwg.No.1/3)@
Aq. paste (I), contg. lead/lead oxide, is suitable as active material for filling, esp. for vibration filling of a grid-form lead support (II) of a negative electrode for a lead accumulator, esp. for lead batteries. (II) comprises a plastics-fibre skeleton or a plastics-foam skeleton.    The active material contains 86-95 wt.% Pb/PbO, based on the total paste. (I) has a plastic viscosity of 0.05 to 3 Pa.s and has a flow limit between 5 and 150 Pa. (I) contains 0.05 to 2.0 wt.%, based on the Pb-PbO content, of a dispersant selected from water-soluble salts of the di- or polyphosphoric acids, or their derivs. (I) contains 0.1 to 5.0 wt.%, based on the Pb/PbO content, of spreading agent or binder, polyvinylyrrolidone or polyvinylyrrolidone-polymer.    ADVANTAGE -   Possibility of a wrong-dosing, on filling the lead support, is avoided. @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0
Wire material is made by transferring a superconducting transfer material having layer with a superconducting material on one side of matrix around a metal wire of at least 900 deg.C followed by sintering the metal wire.    USE -   For making superconducting wire material with film having thickness that is adjusted freely. @(3pp Dwg.No.1,2/2)@
Sheet comprises a mixt. comprising high polymer elastic body, in which Li ion conductive solid electrolyte powder and/or Ag ion conductive electrolyte powder, and maleimide cpd. except bismaleimide cpd. are uniformly dispersed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid battery. Flexibility, stability at high temp., attachability with electrode active substance and charge-discharge cycle life of the electrolyte are improved.    In an example, 159.8 g of 4 mol/1000 g NaI aq. soln. and 129.4 of 1 mol/1000 g Na2WO4 aq. soln. were mixed. 200 g of 5 mol.1000 g AgNO3 aq. soln. was poured into the mixed soln. to obtain mixed pptes. of AgI and Ag2WO4. The pptes were dried at 70-90 deg.C in vacuum, pelletised with a press, heat-treated at 200-300 deg.C for 2-6 hrs. in inert gas and pulverised to obtain Ag6I4WO4 powder. 10 pts.wt. of SBS (JSR TR-2000 made by JAPS) was dissolved in toluene, then N-(m-methoxyphenyl)-maleimide was added in the soln. in amt. of 5 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of SBS to prepare the high polymer elastic material soln. The Ag6I4WO4 powder was kneaded with the elastic material soln. Polyester cloth was soaked in the prepd. mixt. and dried to make a solid electrolyte sheet. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Sheet comprises a mixt. comprising high polymer elastic body, in which Li ion conductive solid electrolyte powder and/or Ag ion conductive electrolyte powder, and maleimide cpd. except bismaleimide cpd. are uniformly dispersed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid battery. Flexibility, stability at high temp., attachability with electrode active substance and charge-discharge cycle life of the electrolyte are improved.    In an example, 159.8 g of 4 mol/1000 g NaI aq. soln. and 129.4 of 1 mol/1000 g Na2WO4 aq. soln. were mixed. 200 g of 5 mol.1000 g AgNO3 aq. soln. was poured into the mixed soln. to obtain mixed pptes. of AgI and Ag2WO4. The pptes were dried at 70-90 deg.C in vacuum, pelletised with a press, heat-treated at 200-300 deg.C for 2-6 hrs. in inert gas and pulverised to obtain Ag6I4WO4 powder. 10 pts.wt. of SBS (JSR TR-2000 made by JAPS) was dissolved in toluene, then N-(m-methoxyphenyl)-maleimide was added in the soln. in amt. of 5 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of SBS to prepare the high polymer elastic material soln. The Ag6I4WO4 powder was kneaded with the elastic material soln. Polyester cloth was soaked in the prepd. mixt. and dried to make a solid electrolyte sheet. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0
Collector of (hemi)spherical shape includes storage tank enclosed by a transparent cowl clear of it. The tank also acts directly as an absorber. Its wall can be of aluminium or polyester, while the cowl can be a lens plexiglass dome, which can be double-skinned. Where spherical, the bottom part can be mounted in a heat-insulating housing, while the top part is enclosed by the dome.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplicity and improved efficiency. @(9pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
The electrolytes (I) are prepd. by reacting in suitable molar ratio a weakly basic anion exchange resin (II) with iodine in solid phase.    Molar ratio iodine to active gps. of (I) is 1-150, partic. 5-50. (II) is reacted with iodine in closed vessel under autogenous pressure at 0-100 deg. C for 1-8 hours. (II) is macroporous styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (III) with active gps. of formula CH2NR1R2 R1, R2, = alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, or H, with proviso that R1, R2 can also = alkylene of formula -(CH2)m- where m = 4 or 5, or of formula -(CH2)n-C-X-(CH2)2- where n = 1 or 2 and X = S, O, or NR3. (III) has particle size 0.01-3.0, partic. 0.06-0.125, mm. (I) has electrical conductivity 0.1-100 mS/cm at room temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte and/or active cathode material in lower temp. region electrochemical cell systems with light metal anodes, partic. maintenance-free, hermetically sealed, all-solid-state batteries of high energy density with iodine-contg. cathode material, and transparent sheets as cathode materials in electrochromic systems for displays. (I) have good electrical conductivity at room temp. and high iodine content. @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0)@
The electrolytes (I) are prepd. by reacting functional polymer (II) with Br2 in suitable molar ratio. Molar ratio Br to active gps. of (I) is 1-150, partic. 5-50, (II) is partic. reacted with Br2 in closed vessel under autogenous pressure at 0-80 deg. C for 1 hour - 10 days. (II) is macroporous, gel-structured styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (III) with quat. tetra-alkylammonium bromide gp. of formula (A) (where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or H, with proviso that- R1, R2 can also = alkylene of formula -(CH2)m- where m = 3, 4, or 5, or -(CH2)n-X-(CH2)2- where n = 1 or 2 and X = S, O, or NR4, or pyrollium; and R1, R2, R3 can also = pyridinium). (III) has particle size 0.01-3.0, partic. 0.06-0.125, mm. (I) has electrical conductivity 0.1-100 mS/cm at room temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cathode materials in high energy density batteries, hermetically sealed sources of electrical current, attery cells (for watches, etc.). (I) have high electrical conductivity at high temp., high Br content, and are readily handled (readily flowing particles). @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0)@
Flame resistant electric wire produced by (1) applying an insulation layer and an intermediate layer successively onto outside surface of an electric conductor, (2) winding a tape prepd. by applying flame resistant paint layer having a thickness of 1-200 microns and contg. 10-25 wt.% of aq. emulsion resin solid component, 30-50 wt.% of inorganic powder, 0.2-5 wt.% of red phosphorus, 1-10 wt.% of phosphoric acid ester, and 0.2-5 wt.% of inorganic fibre, around the electric conductor, and then (3) applying a flame resistant coating layer contg. 100 pts. wt. of polyolefin, 50-250 wt. parts of metal hydroxide and no halogen thereon.    The emulsion resin in the flame resistant paint is e.g. polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate-vinyl propionate copolymer, or vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer etc. The inorganic powder is e.g. Ca carbonate, Al oxide, Mg silicate, silica, Zn borate or clay.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric wire shows good flame resistant property, mechanical property, and formability, and generates no toxic halogen gas while burning. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
A solid state battery has one or more electrochemical cells each in the form of a folded laminate of a positive electrode (2) a negative electrode (4) and a solid electrolyte material (3), an electrically non-conductive foraminous material layer being incorporated within the solid electrolyte in the fold region(s).    The negative electrode may be of Li (alloy) and the foraminous material may be polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The foraminous material prevents electrical contacting of the positive and negative electrodes but holds electrolyte material in its perforations to maintain ionic conductivity in the fold region(s). @(15pp Dwg.No.1/3)@
Assembly comprises an anode (18); a cathode (20); an intervening ion exchange membrane (16); a first gasket layer (12) between anode and membrane extending from the edge of the membrane (16b) in a direction away from the active portion of the anode; and a second gasket layer (14) between cathode and membrane extending from the edge of the membrane (16b) in a direction away from the active portion of the cathode. The gasket material is pref. a non-hydrophilic thermoplastic elastomer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In fuel cells (claimed), esp. solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Design employs a low-cost, effective gasketing at the edge of the membrane rather than using the membrane itself as a gasket; as a result the membrane is protected from the atmos. and from contact with separator plates and can be provided thinner with better electrochemical efficiency.
Protecting sheet for solar cell module is prepd. from (A) 70-95 wt.% of ethylene(E)-vinyl acetate (VAc) copolymer contg. 20-40 wt.% of VAc, and (B) 5-70 wt.% of terpolymer of EVAc and glycidyl(meth)acrylate (GMA) contg. 2-40 wt.% of VAc, 2-20 wt.% of GMA, and (C) 0.1-5 (0.3-4) wt.% of organic peroxide having half life temp. 115-160 deg.C. in 10 hrs. to total 100 wt.% of (A)+(B).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sheet comprises specific copolymer and terpolymer, and further was crosslinked by specific peroxide. The sheet has excellent light transparency, adhesive property, good appearance, and heat- and weathering resistances, so is useful as protecting sheet for solar cell module.
(JP4324255-A)      NOVELTY - Emergency use bypass valves (41a,41b) which bypass the water vapor control valve in ordinary use to steam line for supplying water vapor to improver, are provided parallelly as the running component switching unit (38). The running component switching unit switches the running component automatically, corresponding to switching of fuel supply system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A switching unit, which on detecting failure generation of main fuel supply group that supplies fuel during ordinary use, switches to reserve fuel supply group which supplies fuel during emergency.    USE -   For switching fuel supply from main to reserve system, during failure caused due to disasters e.g. earthquake.    ADVANTAGE -   Even when failure is generated in a fuel supply system according to disaster, stoppage of generator ability does not need to be performed. Modification running is performed conveniently. Switching running to a heterogeneous fuel can be performed smoothly and reliably, with identical service condition being maintained. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows schematic view of fuel supply switching system. (38) Switching unit; (41a,41b) Bypass valves.
Process includes (i) coating of an oxide, which contains rare earth element oxides, and is of formula (La(1-x)-Mx)Co03 (I) where x = 0-1; and M is a bivalent element; (ii) blending with glycerine; and (iii) spraying onto a metal surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For making a partition plate for a solid electrolysis type fuel cell, having heat resistance, acid resistance and good conductivity.
Reformer includes annular reactor tube with reforming catalyst, burner, annular exhaust gas flow path surrounding reactor tube and adapted for flowing comubstion exhaust gas having heated reactor tube, annular off gas flow path for flowing off gas to be fed to burner after heat exchange with combustion exhaust gas flowing exhaust gas flow path and annular combustion air flow path for flowing combustion air.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat of combustion exhaust gas can be recovered as much as possible.
Fuel cell power plant comprises a gas modifier to modify preheated mixed gas contg. methane or methanol into hydrogen rich gas, a modifier burner to supply required heat for the modifying reaction to the modifier, and a cell proper to generate electric current receiving the hydrogen rich gas from the modifier.    The plant also comprises catalyst layer, in which catalyst to suppress methanation reaction is filled, in the vicinity of the mixed gas inlet of the modifier.    Pref. the catalyst to suppress methanation reaction comprises Cu-Ni gp. catalyst. In the plant, waste fuel exhausted from the cell proper is pref. supplied, controllably depending upon the designated temp. of the modifier, to the auxiliary burner for turbo-compressor operation to supply oxygen or air to the cell proper.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the plant for which methane and methanol can be utilised as its fuel. Methanol can be directly modified into hydrogen rich gas, and mixed gas contg. methane can be modified into hydrogen rich gas at the methane modifying catalyst on the methanation suppressing catalyst.
Prepn. allows the H2 formed by steam reforming to permeate through H2 sepn, membrane. The H2 is taken out of the system by an inert gas or an inert gas and steam.    Also claimed is an appts. for the prodn, of H2 for fuel cells, in which a H2 sepn. membrane is attached on one side of a cylinder filled with a reforming catalyst and equipped with a device for supplying raw materials consisting of a hydrocarbon or methanol and steam, in which a heater is attached to the other side of the cylinder, and in which a device for supplying an inert gas or an inert gas and steam is provided to take the H2 permeated through the membrane out of the system. A method for supplying H2 to fuel cells is also claimed, in which the H2 permeated through the membrane and carried by an inert gas or an inert gas and steam is supplied to the H2 electrode of a fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electric power can be generated efficiently by supplying the H2 contg. gases obtd. to fuel cells. Methane can be converted at a higher rate than the equilibrium conversion and high purity H2 can be produce
An electrode or current distributor, for gas evolving or consuming electrolytic processes, consists of thin foil elements with intermediate capillary gaps, the novelty being that one or more deformation regions are provided between the element edges so that, when a force acts transversely to the electrode or current distributor plane, the elements can contact in the direction of the force.    ADVANTAGE -   The design ensures low loss electrical energy supply to the cell esp. by bipolar electrodes and avoids mechanical or electrical overloading and damage to the separator system (membranes or diaphragms).
An electrolysis cell, for gas evolving or consuming electrolytic processes, has one or more electrodes with a quasi one-dimensional or two-dimensional capillary structure at the reaction-side edge region such that gas and electrolyte transport proceeds transversely to the electrode plane.    The novelty is that one or more capillary gaps are connected to the edge region (51,52) and oppose gas and electrolyte transport (L,G) along the electrode plane, esp. in the vertical direction, with less resistance than the edge region.    In the operation of the cell, the novelty is that (a) during the cell start-up phase, the electrolyte level is sufficiently high that gas bubble evolution causes electrolyte transport to the upper electrode edge so that the electrode is fully supplied with electrolyte, this being dependent on cell geometry, material properties, pressure, temp., voltage and current; and (b) on transition to the operative state, the electrolyte level is opt. lowered at most by an amount still ensuring uninterrupted supply of the entire electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is used, e.g., for water electrolysis. It has improved electrolyte and gas transport properties, increased efficiency and, because of its compactness, a good space-yield ratio. The cell operation is reliable and efficient and avoids aerosol formation so that a dry gas prod. is obtd..
A fuel cell air electrode consists of a ceramic electrolyte. The mfg. process is as follows: a paste is formed by making a screen printing paste using a perowskite material of the compsn. La1-xM1xM2O3 in which M1 is Ca and/or Sr; M2 is Mn, Ni, Cr and/or Co which has been made by a wet chemical or a spray pyrolysis process. This is mixed with terpineol, a binder, a plasticiser and a dispersing agent. A thin layer, e.g., 30 microns thick, is deposited on the unsintered, not sandblasted ceramic electrolyte part and the electrode fired at 1400 deg.C.    Esp. claimed is the use of La0.84Sr0.16MnO3. The solvent mixt. pref. contains terpineol, ethocel 10, triolein and dibutylphthalate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode layer is thin, about 10 microns after firing, avoiding the pore blockage. There are extensive 3-phase boundaries present which allow for efficient electrochemical reaction. The conductivity of the layer is very good, i.e., about 225 Scm(-1) at 1000 deg.C., resulting in good current carrying capability. The material sinters very well, giving a strongly adhering layer.
Photovoltaic concentrator module has at least one solar cell assembly (26). The assembly has a cell with insulated (52) centre (46) and perimeter (48) regions of opposite polarity. An electrically and thermally conductive spacer (32) is bonded to the centre region and an electrically and thermally conductive planar member bonded thereto. A planar conductor (30) is bonded to the cell perimeter. The planar member and conductor have insulation therebetween. The planar member is mounted on an insulated sheet (34) forming a back wall of the assembly. An hollow enclosure is formed by four walls connected to and extending up from the insulated sheet. A refractive optical element (28) is fixed on top of the enclosure by resin filling the enclosure. A lens (15) is positioned over the enclosure. The lens, resin and enclosure have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion. Pref. a number of series connected assemblies are provided. Pref. the insulator is of glass cloth, the conductor members of copper. Pref. the refractive element is of quartz and the lens a Fresnel element. Pref. the resin, lens and enclosure are of plastic. Pref. a transparent silicone adhesive secures the refractive element to the cell. Pref. a back water vapour barrier of sheet aluminium is provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides improved manufacturing and production advantages compared with prior assemblies.
Both reforming catalyst and combustion catalyst are put together in a reactor in which raw fuel gas is reformed by partial oxidn. Pref. the reforming catalyst and combustion catalyst are mixed or form layers in the reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reform hydrocarbon or alcohol into hydrogen (contg.) gas in fuel cells, semiconductor prodn. processes, etc. Fuel gas can be reformed stably at lower temp. No heating means is required.    In an example, a mixt. of 2.5 litres of a combustion catalyst of Pt-loaded alumina pellets 5 mm long, 3 mm dia. and 70 litres of a reforming catalyst of Cr203-contg. balls 5 mm dia. was loaded in a reactor 1.0 m long, 0.38 m inside dia. The air contg. 2.7% EtOH was passed through the reactor, so that EtOH was combusted and the reactor was pre-heated at 450 deg.C; MeOH, steam, and air were passed through it to obtain a reforming gas contg. 60.8% H2, 21.9% CO2, 2.6% CO, 15.3% N2, and 0.5% MeOH.
Protective sheets are obtd. by moulding compsns. contg. 100 pts.wt. of (A) copolymers comprising (1) ethylene, 20-40 wt.% of (2) unsatd. carboxylates and 0.1-5 wt.% of (3) glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and 0.1-5 pts.wt. of (B) organic peroxides.    Pref. (2) are acrylates, e.g., methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate (EA). (A) have melt flow rate (MFR) of 0.1-500 (1-100) g/10 mins. (B) are pref. those having a 10 hr. half life temp. of 120-160 deg.C. The compsns. are moulded into 0.1-1.0mm thick sheet at below the decomposition temp. of (B), e.g., 90-120 deg.C by T-die extruders, etc. The sheets are used by laminating the external protective materials for solar battery modulus, e.g., glass, polyvinylidene fluoride with the sheets.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sheets are used for protection of solar battery modules formed from semiconductors, e.g., amorphous Si from impact and permeation of moisture. They have good transparence, adhesive property and external appearance.    In an example, 100 pts.wt. of ethylene/EA/GMA copolymer (content of EA = 28 wt.% , GMA = 1 st.%, MFR 15 g/10 mins.) were mixed with 2 pts.wt. of dicumyl peroxide and sheeted by a T-die extrusion moulding machine at 110 deg.C. The 0.8mm thick sheet and glass as an external protective material were heated by hot plate held at 150 deg.C for 10 mins.
Half-cell comprises a housing enclosing an electrolyte-contg. suspension, an electrode in contact with the suspension and a membrane which can form a partition with a second half-cell allowing the construction of an accumulator.    The suspension comprises metal particles of a selected metal, an electrolyte and ceramic additive particles which promote chain formation in the suspension. The suspension is essentially stationary during charge and discharge.    This half-cell is charged by supplying current to it, forming metal from reaction prods. which formed during discharge. Following current withdrawal during discharge, at least part of the suspension is replaced by the same amt. of a previously charged suspension.    A metal suspension accumulator comprising one or more assemblies of half-cells of the type described, separated by a membrane, is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This invention has a good suspension stability with a larger amt. of electrolyte available to dissolve material formed during discharge compared with prior art. Mechanical circulation of the suspension used in prior art is no longer required. Lower metal suspension resistance and a higher energy density is achieved. Self-discharge of metal particles in the electrolyte can be inhibited. Particle size is less critical than in prior art.
In the mfr. or treatment of material layers of a high temp. fuel cell arrangement by drying, sintering, or melting at least part of a layer, an energy input is made briefly and to a restricted depth by radiation from a laser beam, infrared beam, electron beam, or microwaves. Radiation is focussed to treat selected areas.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not affect other layers.
(JP4308664-A)      NOVELTY - A porous air pole is dipped in a slurry, which contains ethanol and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder. Calcination is performed to the pole beforehand. After the pole is dried and dipping is carried out several time for obtaining uniform film thickness. Co-sintering of the pole is carried out to dry water contents of YSZ.    USE -   For forming film on air pole of solid battery.
System comprises (a) a fermentation bath to generate methane gas by heating acid contg. C, (b) high temp. bath to produce H2 and CO by heat treatment of the methane gas obtd. in the fermentation bath with solar heat, and (c) a fuel cell for which H2 formed in the high temp. bath is used as fuel.    The system pref. also comprises a solar cell which is connected in parallel with the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   H2 produced by decomposition of CH4 may be used for power supply at night. No CO2 is generated, and leakage of CH4 into the air is prevented.
A solid high molecular electrolyte is added to lower saturated univalent alcohol aq. soln. to form suspension of solid high molecular electrolyte. Carbon fine powder carrying noble metal catalyst is added to the suspension and suspension of the electrolyte and carbon fine catalyst is formed. The suspension is filtered, dried, and ground to produce a catalyst for liq. fuel cell. The catalyst is mixed with carbon fine powder which is subjected to water repellent treatment with a fluoro resin. It is pressed and moulded on the conductive electrode substrate.    The solid high molecular electrolyte pref. consists of copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorovinylether. The lower saturated univalent alcohol is pref. at least one of propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, or tert-butyl alcohol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used for methanol fuel cell. The surface of the catalyst is covered equally with solid high molecular electrolyte. By that, air pole deterioration caused by methanol transported from fuel pole is inhibited.
The system comprises: (a) a cell composed of carbonate ion-conductive electrolyte between the anode and cathode, and a separator to supply reactive gases to the anode and the cathode, and (b) supplying an exhaust contg. NO2 and CO2 to the cathode, (c) supplying a reducing gas to the anode, whereby an electrochemical reaction between both electrodes is caused to reduce NO2 to N2, simultaneously, and (d) driving electrons generated by the oxidn.-redn. reaction to an external circuit to convert the electrons to electrical energy.    Pref. the carbonate ion-conductive electrolyte is a melted carbonate electrolyte composed of one or more carbonates selected from Li2CO3, K2CO3, Na2CO3, BaCO3, SrCO3 and CaCO3. Pref. the cathode is an electrode of porous oxide with electrical conductivity and the anode is a porous metal or porous composite electrode. The cathode electrode is composed of a 1st component including nickel oxide and a 2nd component including one or more metals selected from Al, Li, Cr, Cu, Fe, Al and Co, or their oxides. The anode electrode is composed of a 1st component including Ni or Cu and a 2nd component including one or more metals which metals are selected from the group consisting of Al, Zr, Mg and Y, or their oxides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system provides a conversion of NO2 to harmless gas by an electrochemical reaction, a conversion of electrons generated by the oxidn.-redn. reaction to an electrical energy, and an efficient concn./removal of CO2 contained in the exhaust gas.
Redox battery (1) comprises an electrolytic cell of an electrolytic soln. circulating type and an electrolytic soln. intermittent circulating type which has a membrane (4) and an electrolyte-permeable porous electrode. A soln. of reducing Vanadium dissolved in a polar solvent is used as an active material on a negative electrode (3B) of a redox couple and an oxidising material in a gaseous or electrolytic soln. state is used as an active material on the positive electrode (3A).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g. an electric vehicle or as a portable battery. Battery has smaller size than a conventional vanadium battery and has high energy density, high output, high charge/discharge efficiency and low H2 generation.
Making an ion exchange membrane having enhanced performance characteristics upon utilisation in a proton exchange electrochemical cell comprises (a) exposing to water the ion exchange membrane in the proton form; (b) heating the membrane at a temp. above the glass transition temp. of the polymer forming the ion exchange membrane; and (c) exposing the membrane to water. An ion exchange membrane/electrode assembly contains the membrane as above.    ADVANTAGE -   This ion exchange membrane is useful in a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode assembly. Higher water of hydration, and lower ionic resistance is obtd. in this membrane. The electrochemical cells, such as fuel cells and water electrolysis cells, using such assemblies can be operated at higher cell efficiency at a given current. This results from the direct correlation between the ionic resistance of the membrane and the degree of hydration thereof.
A polycrystalline Si solar cell utilises single crystals grown by selective crystal growth from small nucleation surfaces provided on non-nucleation surfaces, wherein dangling bonds in the areas of crystal grain boundaries formed by mutual contact of the single crystals are terminated by H atoms, and a semiconductor providing a photoelectric force is formed so as to exclude the areas of the crystal grain boundaries. A method for producing the solar cell is disclosed.    Producing a polycrystalline solar cell comprises forming a non-nucleation surface and a plurality of spaced apart nucleation surfaces on a substrate; selectively growing single crystals on the nucleation surfaces to form a continuous polycrystalline film of one conductivity type; forming a masking material with apertures so as to exclude areas of crystal grain boundaries formed by mutual contact of the single crystals; forming a semiconductor junction in the portions of the single crystals exposed through the apertures; removing the masking material; forming a transparent conductive layer on the polycrystalline film, and a current collecting electrode on the conductive material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High quality solar cell adaptable for use as a power source for various electronic equipment or as a power source for power generation. Mass producible, inexpensive, high quality, large-grain polycrystalline solar cell with a high energy conversion efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J04302480-A, J04266018-A)
In the prodn. a light-permeable soft sheet is laid on a female die, a flexible sheet-like solar cell is laid on the inner surface of the flexible sheet, a soft sheet is laid on the flexible sheet, including the backside of the solar cell, a pressure is applied to the soft sheet to hold the solar cell between the soft sheet and flexible sheet and marginal parts of both sheets are welded to enclose the solar cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For carry bags of video cameras powered with attached solar cells, without obstructing carrying of the bag.
Compsn. contains at least one tin cpd. of formula (I), at least one vinyl cpd. of formula HO(R1-O)r-C(O)(R4)q-C(R2)=CH(R3) (II), at least one antimony cpd. of formula (R5pSb(OZ03-p (III) and a polymerisation initiator generating by irradiation an active radical species. R = H or a monovalent organic gp., 0-2, Y = a monovalent organic gp., m is 0-4, L = an organic gp. capable of forming 2-8 bonds to the Sn atom, 0-4 and l+m+t = 2-6; R1 = a divalent organic gp., 0-20, R2 = H or Me, R3 = H or aryl, R4 = a divalent organic gp. and q = 0 or 1; R5 = a monovalent organic gp., p = 0-2 and z = a monovalent organic gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The radiation-curable tin oxide precursor compsns. can easily give good electroconductive finely patterned Sb-contg. tin oxide films with transparency and adhesion by irradiation through photomasks and baking. Useful for transparent electrodes for LCD devices and touch panels, IR reflection window materials, solar battery surface coat materials, antistatic coatings, gas sensors, and solid catalysts.
Jig comprises upper and lower jig members, one having a recess and the other having a part fitted into the recess. The surface of the recess and/or the surface of the fitted part are made of ceramics.    USE -   Used for making electrodes of Na-S cells.
(JP96021426-B2)       A beta-alumina solid state electrolyte is dosed with less than 200 ppm. SiO2 , less than 1000 ppm. Fe2 O3 , less than 100 ppm. CaO and less than 200 ppm. K2O. The total amt. of impurities contained in the electrolyte is more than 40 ppm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a solid state electrolyte in a Na-S battery. Requires lower purity than conventional solid electrolytes, and therefore has reduced mfg. costs, and has improved sintering characteristics.
Prepn. comprises adding carbon powder as a support to a soln. obtd. by dissolving dinitrodiammine platinum in nitric acid, mixing, adding as a reducing agent an aq. soln. of L-ascorbic acid or a soln. of alcohol and water, mixing and heating the soln. to 50-70 deg.C, allowing the soln. to stand for a period sufficient to reduce the platinum, filtering, washing, and drying in a nitrogen atmos. at below 120 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Chlorine ions and sulphur compounds do not remain in the catalyst. Subsequently, when the catalyst is used as an electrode for fuel cells, it does not leak easily
Reformer includes inner and outer cylinder beween which is arranged a reforming pipe filled with reforming catalyst, burner, and fixing pieces inside the reforming pipe locations.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the relative displacement between inner and outer cylinders can be reduced, fracture and pulverisation of catalyst grains can be prevented.
Desulphurising reactor includes a fuel reformer for reforming hydrocarbon fuel with steam and feeding reformed gas to a fuel cell, and reactor vessel upstream reformer and filled with a catalyst layer to remove the sulphur component in the raw fuel. The reactor also includes a cooling pipe, heater and heat-conductive nets in the catalyst layer. Nets are orthogonal to the flowing direction. A cooling pipe flows cooling water of the fuel cell, and cooling water is heated by the heater to heat the catalyst layer on starting.    ADVANTAGE -   Difference in temp. variation of catalyst layer may be reduced.
The solar cell consists of a very thin active layer deposited on a graphite substrate which consists of water-like layers. The graphite material has different properties in the surface direction and in the thickness direction. The substrates are heated directly by high frequency energy while the active layer is being formed.    The graphite tape is pref. made by rolling graphite into a flat tape at a temp. a few hundred degrees above 1000 deg.C. The tape is then pref. annealed in an ambient contg. HCl at a temp. of at least 3000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mfg. process is continuous and shows a higher yield than currently used processes. This is caused by optimisation of heating, through the use of HF, use of a higher proportion of the reactant gases by optimisation of reaction chamber layout and gas flow conditions and improved substrate strength due to the use of anisotropic graphite, possibly strengthened with other materials. As a result the cells produced are less expensive and have a higher reliability. The improved reflection causes a higher cell efficiency. Metal connection wire, e.g. solder coated Cu-wire, is connected to the upper electrode layer for easy interconnection of cells, e.g. by pressing it through the conductive substrate of the adjacent cell.
Prodn. of ceramic discs consists of lying a foil (2) on a flat ground ceramic substrate (1) inside a ceramic ring (4) whose height corresponds to the thickness of the foil plus the ceramic powder treated inside the ring. The powder contains organic solvent such as ethylalcohol or isopropanol and building agent such as polyvinylbutyral, polyethylene glycol and octylphthalate. The assembly is completed by a cover (5) and heated in a chamber or tunnel furnace with gas suction or replacement.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Making solid electrolyte for a high temp. fuel cell. The ceramic disc has high strength, good flatness and high dimensional tolerance. Only one temperature cycle is required and the presence of the powder layer enables gases and vapour to escape and cracks and faults to be avoided. The foil can contract uniformly during sintering.    .D
Photovoltaic cell comprises: a p-neutral-n semiconductor layer; and an external field source applied to the layer to enhance a depletion region formed around the pn junction to extend into the neutral-layer when photon radiation impinges on the semiconductor.    A pref. structure comprises a lightly doped layer of first type sandwiched betwen a heavily doped layer of first type forming a collection surface and a heavily doped layer of second type forming an incident surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a solar cell. (claimed). Cell has improved efficiency, stability, reliability and lifetime; it suffers min. recombination-induced degradation and can be mfd. economically.
Formation of thin-film solar cells comprising a substrate on which a multi-layer of e.g. CuInSe2 is deposited and where Cu and In concns. vary in the layer, comprises the following. A substrate (1) is placed on the inside wall (11) of a rotatable, cylindrical carrier device (10). Sources of Se, Cu and In (13,14,15) for depositing the multi-layer are provided and the substrate is heated. The Cu and/or In is deposited by passing the source axially through the carrier device; by moving the carrier device (10) and/or sources (14,15) while rotating the carrier (10).    The multilayer is pref. CuInSe2 or a closely related cpd. where Cu and In can be totally or partially replaced with Ag and Ga respectively; and where Se can be replaced with S and Te.    ADVANTAGE -   The method involves one in situ process stage and is therefore quick and inexpensive. It provides a more uniform layer on large surfaces and more controlled layer compsn. than in prior art. The formation of Cu nodules, as known in prior art, is suppressed without the need for two process stages. The inner surface of the carrier device is effectively covered by pref. planar substrates and so the yield is greatly increased compared with conventional method.
A buried pn junction photodiode comprises a doped semiconductor region (21,22) over part of which is an oppositely doped region (23), with a third, light-receiving region (28) extending over and contacting the first two regions, and a fourth region (24) extending from the second through the third region. Electrical contacts are made to the third and fourth regions.    Also claimed is a diode exactly as above, specifying that part of the surface of the third, light-receiving, region has a conductivity greater than the remainder.    Pref.the first-to-third regions are photoconductive and of Si, Ge, ZnS, CdS or CdSe, GaAs, PbS, PbTe, InSb, InP, GaAlAs etc. Pref. the second region is of interconnected multiple stripes. Pref. doped means p-doped and opposite n. Pref. the solar cell has a contact to the back.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photodiodes, tri-photodiodes, and solar cells (claimed) are provided which are useful as photodetectors and power devices such as solar cells. The devices are compatible with bipolar, MOS and BiCMOS fabrication, have reduced leakage currents and increased efficiency, esp. in visible and u.v. applications. On-chip integration of the photodetectors with linear ASIC cells and use in cameras is provided.
Device for producing current from a mixt. of 02 and an H2 (-yielding) fuel comprises: an electron-receiving electrode (I) having high catalytic activity for formation of H2O2 from H2 and O2; an electron-supplying electrode (II) of lesser catalytic activity for H2O2 formation; and an electrolyte for conducting ions and gases between the electrodes. One or both electrodes is permeable. Pref. (I) comprises Pt/Pd as catalyst, pref. 0.5-6.0 wt.% more pref. 1-50 wt.% and esp. 2-20 wt.% Pt, balance Pd; and (II) pref. Comprises Pt or Pd.    ADVANTAGE -   Device provides increased electrical energy output from an unsegregated 02/ fuel mixt.
Power plant comprises a fuel cell mainframe, a steam reformer, a gas separator, a hydrogen refiner and a crossover exchanger, to guide heat generated in a graphite-moderated helium cooled type hot gas reactor to the steam reformer, via a helium-to-helium intermediate heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective use of manufactured hydrogen gas is allowed by using hot helium gas.
The device comprises (a) vacuum vessel (b) gas feeder (c) electrodes (d) arc power source (e) evaporating substances (f) base plate. Process includes vaporising Al metal and feeding an inert gas. Then irradiating Al ion and inert gas ion to the base plate together to make up a mixed laminate layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for making fused carbonate fuel cell, and having corrosion current resistant ability and also peel off resistance ability of the laminated layer.
Prodn. of porous ceramic parts in which a mixt. (I) is produced contg. ceramic powder and binders moulding and sintering comprises (a) forming (I) using an unstable ZrO2 or Zr(CO3)2 and a non-oxidic cpd., which can decompose to form a gas and is stable to ZrO2, e.g. CaCO3; (b) moulding to give ceramic parts; and (c) heating the parts to sintering temp., in which during heating, calcination to produce pores occurs, and then sintering.    Extruded ceramic mouldings can be produced by (a) producing a powder mixt. contg. ZrO2 and CaCO3; (b) adding organic extrudant, e.g ethylene glycol and methyl cellulose and water, to the mixt. and processing to a plastic extrudable mass; (c) forming a moulding; (d) pre-drying the moulding in hot air; (e) heating the moulding to approx. 1550 deg.C by 1-2 deg./min. and keeping at the temp. for 3-10 secs.; (f) cooling the moulding to room temp. by 3-5 deg.C/min.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic parts produced can be used for fuel cells. They have improved porosity and mechanical strength
Semiconductor device contains a metal electrode finger pattern formed on the crystal surface. The electrode consists of parts which contact the crystal alternating with parts, pref. 70% of the total length of the fingers, which do not contact the crystal surface and which can be easily deformed.    The semiconductor device pref. consists of a substrate (4), pref. n-Si8, on which 2 semiconductor layers (3,2), pref. respectively n-GaAs and P-GaAs, are grown and on top of which a metallisation pattern has been formed, pref. consisting of Cu. The metal pattern pref. is comb-shaped with a bus (7) and fingers (6). On the backside of the substrate a second electrode (5) is formed. The device pref. uses incident light to generate charge carriers which are conducted away by the electrodes.    Also claimed is a metal pattern consisting of a thin film (15) and a thick film (13) which are connected by a narrower strip (14).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The metallisation pattern passes a much smaller fraction of the stress caused by differential expansion to the crystal surface by absorbing it in the metal pattern itself. This reduces the degradation of the crystal properties adjacent to the electrode edges which occurs in currently available devices, and gives an absence of cracks in the crystal after temp. excursions. The construction is used in the mfr. of solar cells for space-flight applications, with a temp. range of -150 to +60 deg.C.    .D
The coating comprises chromium and a dielectric of titanium oxide in the ratio 20-33.33:66.67-80.0(%). The mixed powdered solids are heated in vacuum to the sputtering temp., when they are deposited in a layer of thickness 200 angstrom on a substrate of aluminium, copper or metallised polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a light absorbing coating for solar collectors. The prepn. is simple and gives a coating with reproducible properties, having good adhesion to the substrate. The coefft. of absorption is high. Bul.46/15.12.91
The solar cell comprises a glass substrate, a transparent electrode, a pin layer, a metal electrode, an insulating layer and a protruded electrode of the transparent electrode in order. The pin layer is formed by depositing a fixed negative mask on the middle of the transparent electrode in order to form a protruding electrode part. The insulatiing layer contg. SiO2 or SiN can prevent a short circuit fault between the metal electrode and the protruded electrode.
An amorphous silicon solar cell includes a glass substrate, a transparent electroconductive film, a pin layer and an aluminium electrode in order. The pattern-forming process of the Al electrode comprises (a) coating and soft-drying a negative photosensitive film at 90 deg.C for 20 min.; (b) developing the film using an optical mask; (c) depositing Al on the sample obtd. in (b), and (d) reverse-etching the film with an organic solvent. Inter-corrosion of the Al pattern and the transparent electroconductive film are prevented.
Film-forming source gas is introduced into each film-forming chamber having plasma state, and trays each mounted with the substrate are transferred in turn, and thin film is formed on each substrate. A flexible substrate is mounted on the tray and tensioning means is disposed at the edge side the substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell having large surface area is produced efficiently.
Beta-alumina tube is made by degreasing a given shape beta-alumina green compact under conditions of at least 18% O2 concn. at temps. ranging from ambient to 300 deg.C, and at least 60 min required time for heating it from ambient to 300 deg.C, to prevent insufficient degreasing resulted from incomplete combustion.    USE -   Used for making beta-alumina tubes for use as a solid electrolyte tube for Na-S cells, in good precision, and good yield.
(JP2520986-B2)      Anode chamber for Na-S batteries, comprises an Al alloy cylinder with a bottom for containment of the anode active material. The cylinder is coated on the inside with a corrosion-resistant coating formed by plasma thermal spraying to a film thickness of 100-200 microns, a porosity of at most 5% and degree of surface roughness of 5-15 microns. The inside of the Al alloy cylinder has a degree of surface roughness of 2-15 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   Corrosion resistance is improved. Mass prodn. with a simple device is possible.
Carbon board is produced by (1) impregnating carbon fibrilisable fibre with binder which can be carburised or graphitised to obtain milled fibre prepreg, (2) shaping the prepreg into shape of board, and then (3) subjecting to carburising or graphitising.    The binder is e.g. thermosetting resin such as phenol resin, furan resin, melamine resin, unsatd. polyester, vinylester resin, diallylphthalate resin, epoxy resin or polyimide, thermoplastic resin such as polyacrylonitrile, or coal or petroleum pitch etc. The carbon fibrilisable fibre has property to become carbon fibre, and the examples are polyacrylonitrile fibre, phenol resin fibre, cellulose fibre and pitch series fibre etc., and the fibre pref. has length of 10 micron m-5 mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Carbon board having excellent gas permeability, electronconductivity in direction of thickness, mechanical strength and cracking resistance can be obtd., and it is suitable for carbon separator of phosphate type fuel cell etc.
Silicon cpd. (I) comprises carbon, silicon, and hydrogen having molecular formula C32H72Si8 and structure of formula (II) where R- tert.-butyl) is new.    (I) is prpd. by reaction of (III) with alkali metal(s) (IV) in an inert solvent (pref. hydrocarbons THF etc) under inert gas atmos. in presence of crown ether and other ether(s) (e.g. ethylene glycol dimethyl ether). Reaction is carried out at a temp. form room temp. to boiling point of solvent used. The most pref. condition is heating (III) and (IV) in toluene under reflux under inert gas atmos. in presence of crown ether and other ether(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is stable, has photochromic property, and sublimes under reduced pressure. It is useful as material for prepn. of thin-film of amorphous silicon for solar cell, electrophotographic sensitiser, etc. or thermometer material etc. (I) can be prepd. from available tert-C4H9SiX3 (X = halogen) (III) readily.    .D
A stainless steel base having provided thereon a metal thin film thicker than the max. surface roughness Rmax of the stainless steel base, and a further ceramic thin film provided by dry coating process.    USE -   As IC substrates, solar cell substrates, etc..
Process comprises chromating steel material, and heat treating the surface in vacuum or in an inert gas atmos. to obtain a dense surface layer.    USE -   For anode casings etc. for Na-S cells.
Hydrocarbon raw material for fuel cell generator system is desulphurised by hydrogenation and treated in a lower temp. steam reforming reactor.    Pref., a gas treated at reactor is used as the desulphurisation gas. When the fuel cell is an inner high temp. reforming type fuel cell then part of fuel cell output gas is reformed to reducing content of CO used as the desulphurisation gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The method allows long life operation
Purificn. of organometallic complex(es) (I) having 1,3-diketone(s) of formula R1COCH2COR2 (II) as ligand comprises: (1) extn. of (I) from crude prod. (III) with aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon(s) (IV); (2) concn. of extract; and (3) recrystallisation of the residue. In (II), R1 and R2 are methyl, isopropyl or tert-butyl.    Crude (I) is prepd. by reaction of sodium or potassium salt(s) of (III) with metal salt(s) in aq. alcohol and extracted with (V) (e.g. toluene, xylene, hexane, octane, etc.). The extract is conc. and the residue is recrystallised from alcohol(s) or N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful as material for prepn. of thin films, superconductive materials, transparent ceramics, fuel cell material, etc. High purity (I) can be used in CVD process. (I), esp. composed of gp. IIIA and IVa metal(s), acetylacetone, diisopropylmethane and diisobutyrylmethane, is purified readily to obtain (I) with an impurity content below 1 ppm.    In an example of the prepn. of Y(DPM)3 (Ia) (where DPM is dipivaloylmethane), crude (Ia) (50g) and a mixt. of Y(DPM)3 and sodium nitrate was extracted with n-hexane (500 ml) at room temp. The extract was conc., was recrystallised from DMF twice and dryed under reduced pressure to obtain purified (Ia) (28 g). Content of impurities of Fe, Ni, Co, Na and K were below 1 ppm.
A cpd. selected from aluminate, aluminium oxide, aluinium hydroxide or its hydrate and organic aluminium basic cpd. i.e. lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate; and solvent in which the basic cpd. can be dissolved, are mixed at between 25 deg.C and b.pt. of the solvent to prepare a slurry. The slurry is gradually dried at between 50 deg.C and b.pt. of the solvent to prepare beta-lithium-aluminate fibre. Then the beta-lithium-aluminate fibre is sintered to convert it into gamma-lithium aluminate fibre.    Pref. the gamma-lithium-aluminate is sintered at 800-1300 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the reinforcement of the electrolyte plate of molten carbonate type fuel cell. High purity and an almost single crystal fibre can be obtd..    .D
Catalyst material derived from precious metal contg. macrocyclic compound precursors and supported on high surface area carbon contains precious metal in zero oxidn. state.    Also claimed are a fuel cell having at least one electrode coated with the catalyst material; a method for preparing the catalyst by dissolving the precious metal macrocyclic cpd. in aq. or organic solvent adding conductive C to the solution, absorbing the macrocyclic material onto the C and sepg. the C supported macrocyclic material; and a method for activating the catalyst material to effect a change in the oxidn. state of the meal by repeatedly sweeping an applied potential to an electrode C supported macrocyclic cpd. precursor immersed in an acid electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The material offers improved activity and resistance to de-activate when used as a fuel cell catalyst.
A process is disclosed for mfg. a gas-tight mechanical joint between at least one prefabricated fuel cell, which has a solid electrolyte plate and an anode and a cathode applied to opposing major surfaces, and a ceramic fuel cell support on which at least one fuel cell is disposed. The process comprises (1) applying a frame-like Ni layer (91) to the fuel cell support (2) by silk screen printing, the Ni layer (91) being provided as a means of mechanically joining the fuel cell (4) to the support (2), as the current lead to the cathode (6) and as the current connector for the electrical connection of further fuel cells; (2) placing the fuel cell on the freshly printed Ni layer (91); and (3) sintering this arrangement with the application of mechanical pressure to the fuel cell (4), firstly for 1 hour in air at 400 deg. C and then in N2 at 1150 deg. C.    Pref. the cathode of the fuel cell has a perovskite amplification layer of the LaMO3 type, where M = Mn or Cr to improve the conductivity. A layer such as this may also be screen-printed on the support in addition to the Ni layer. A sealing layer of Ni is applied to the electrolyte plate and the cathode in a further process step.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mfg. high-temp. fuel cell batteries. The Ni binder does not form a molten phase at the operating temp. and thus cannot migrate into the support. The Ni is ductile and can absorb mechanical stress. A good electrical contact is achieved with the cathode, and only one screen printing operation is required.
System comprises a solid polyelectrolytic film for producing gas, a fuel cell comprising a solid electromotive film, and means for supplying gas produced from solid polyelectrolytic film to the fuel cell.    Also claimed is a fuel cell system comprising a combined fuel cell and a fuel gas generation apparatus the fuel cell having a solid electromotive film and the gas generation apparatus having a solid polyelectrolytic film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for running an automobile. The system is safe and easy to handle; small, light, high in efficiency and low in cost; by-produced oxygen improves the environment within a car, and prevents sleepiness of the driver; and the system is applicable to a methanol car and a LPG car.
A process for a non-monocrystalline SiC semiconductor having microvoids of average radius not more than 3.5 A at q density of not above 1 x 1019 cm-3 comprises adding D2 to a starting gas of silane and hydrocarbon and effecting microwave glow discharge decomposition (513, 504).    USE -   SiC for solar cell windows, photosensors, and thin film transistors.    ADVANTAGE -   Both the density and radius of microvoids in the SiC are reduced so that the efficiency of impurity doping is enhanced and charge mobility increased.
Mixed compsn. film comprising more than one component is made by plasma spraying, in which mean particle size ratio of the starting powder is changed for every component, and the molten state is regulated for controlling the density of the sprayed coatings.    USE -   Used for preparing coatings having region comprising more than one component, such as alloy, cerment, and slant functional material for heat resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, further solid electrolyte fuel cells.
Solar cell comprises (1) GaAs layer of first type and GaAs layer of second type formed on an Si substrate of first type; (2) first electrode formed on the opposite substrate; and (3) a second electrode formed on the GaAs layer of second type. At least one electrode is formed of a metal which is likely to be plastically deformed as the base material; a pref. metal is Au.    Pref. solar cell is mfd. by (1) forming a high concn. GaAs buffer layer of first type on a Si substrate of first type; (2) forming a layer of material of thermal expansion lower than Si on the opposite substrate surface at a temp. close to room temp.; and (3) depositing GaAs layers of first and second type sequentially on the buffer layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is resistant to crack generation or reduces the effects if a crack in generated.    l
Solar module consists of an outer disc (10) of silicate glass, bonded by a plastic film (12) to a toughened safety glass disc (14). A solar cell array (20) is embedded in cast resin layer (18) and a decorative safety glass disc (16) is positioned below this layer, bonded to a backing plate (24) e.g. of silicate glass. The safety glass discs contain internal fracture faces (28), perpendicular to the module plane.    ADVANTAGE -   Aesthetic impression is improved without affecting efficiency.
(JP4267065-A)   NOVELTY - A solid electrolyte has a fuel electrode (2) and an air pole (3), to its front and back sides respectively. Electroconductive distributors (5,8) are arranged on one side of fuel electrode and air pole, respectively via an interconnector. The distributors have distributing sections (6,9) and spacers (7,10) which are extended and joined into single unit by molding.    USE - Solid electrolyte type fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - As the distributing sections and spacers are joined into single unit by molding, the assembly of solid electrolyte fuel battery is simplified and productivity is improved.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows perspective diagram of solid electrolyte type fuel battery.    Fuel electrode (2)    Air pole (3)    Electroconductive distributors (5,8)    Distributing sections (6,9)    Spacers (7,10)
A fuel cell comprises a pair of porous electrodes with a gas channel on the outside and a collector plate to supply the gas. The gas channel is made of a composite comprising a matrix of Ni, Co and/or Cu contg. uniformly dispersed fine grains of an oxide.    USE -   For fuel cells using an electrolyte such as fused carbonate.
(JP4262370-A)   NOVELTY - An electricity generation section (1) is divided into electricity generation portions (1-1,1-2). The fuel supply line (22) is divided into sections (22-1-22-3) corresponding to electricity generation portions and a valve is provided to each divided section. A controller controls the supply of fuel gas, oxidizing agent and number of electricity generation portions for generating electricity based on power demanded by load.    USE - Fuel battery in co-generation system.    ADVANTAGE - Electricity generation efficiency is increased and quantity of used fuel is reduced.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the systematic diagram of fuel battery. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Electricity generation section (1)    Electricity generation portions (1-1,1-2)    Fuel supply line (22)    Fuel supply sections (22-1-22-3)
Cell comprises: (i) a InP substrate having upper and lower surfaces; (ii) a first photoactive subcell on the upper surface of the substrate, comprising GaInAs and including a homojunction; (iii) a second photoactive subcell on the first subcell, comprising InP and including a homojunction; and (iv) an optically transparent prismatic cover layer over the second subcell. The GaInAs is lattice matched with InP; and the second subcell has a larger energy bandgap than the first subcell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The monolithic tandem photovoltaic solar cells are efficient, radiation resistant and are useful in space applications as well as terrestial applications. The cell has an improved power-to-mass ratio and includes a unique middle contact region between the two subcells.
Sepn. uses an isotope exchange reaction between water and hydrogen which incorporates the electrochemical transfer of oxygen from the water which is to be enriched with a heavy isotope to hydrogen which is to be enriched with a light isotope.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method may be used for the sepn., enrichment or removal of tritium in a nuclear fusion reactor, for the upgrading of heavy water, for the enrichment and removal of tritium in heavy water reactors and for the separation and removal of tritium during nuclear fuel reprocessing. Sepn. is achieved either with greatly reduced electrical power consumption or even with a gain of electrical power.
(JP2501666-B2)      Fuel cell anode exhaust gas incinerator has an oxygen contg. gas inlet and anode gas inlets, and incinerated gas outlet. In the main part of the incinerator, there are at least two contact stages comprising: (a) reserve mixt. and combustion chamber; and (b) mixt. layer in the form of a honeycomb or plate-like catalyst layer. The oxygen gas inlet leads to the reserve mixt. and combustion chambers, and the anode gas inlets. The reserve mixt. and combustion chamber reach the contact floor, with the catalyst layers upstream. The catalyst downstream have progressively higher active temps., and heat and oxidn. resistance.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for incinerating anode gas from a fused carbonate type fuel cell. Allows safe operation, low Nox prodn., requires little maintenance and is highly efficient.
Solar cell comprises a GaAs layer of first type and a GaAs layer of second type formed on an Si substrate of first type; first electrode formed on the opposite substrate surface; and a second electrode (6a) formed on the second GaAs layer and patterned into a configuration such that it continues to connect to a region divided by another active region when a crack (7) is generated in the active layer.    Pref. the second electrode forms a closed loop configuration, pref. in a grid shape.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode pattern optimises electrode continuity despite the presence of cracks.
Solar cell comprises: first type Si substrate; island shaped buffer layers (12) of highly doped first type GaAs defined by checkered mesa grooves (13); active layers comprising a first type GaAs layer (2) and a second type GaAs layer (3) formed sequentially on each buffer layer; and a second type collection electrode (6a) connected to a common electrode (6b) connected to each second type GaAs layer (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Mechanical stresses on the GaAs are small because the island shaped active layer is small so that cracking is prevented.
Tape comprises 45-85 vol.% active electrolyte distributed among 15-55 vol.% matrix particles. The tape comprises 30-70 vol.% active electrolyte and matrix and 30-70 vol.% voids and in its dry form is a flexible sheet 15-50 pref. 15-35 mils thick.    The active electrolyte is pref. a mixt. of Li carbonate plus K and/or Na carbonate; and the matrix is pref. Li aluminate.    ADVANTAGE -   Tape facilitates easy assembly of the cell without need for further loading of active electrolyte
Cpds. bis-di-2,2'-pyridylamine cobalt (II) chloride and acetate are new.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The complexes are useful as oxygen redn. catalysts and in the prodn. of an electrode for an electrochemical cell, pref. a fuel cell for converting H2 and O2 to energy. The complexes can also be coated onto a nonporous substrate and the coating transferred to a conductive material as a current collector or transferred to a solid polymer electrolyte ion exchange membrane. Ion exchange membranes on an equiv. wt. basis, hydrate less when immersed in H2O at the boil than commercial sulphonated perfluorocarbon membranes. The supported catalyst provides results which are superior when used in an electrochemical cell in comparison with known cobalt phthalocyanine catalysts.
Connector La(1-x)CaxCr1-yO3 of component molecule ratio La:Ca:Cr = (1-x):X:(1-y) where x is more than 0 and up to 0.4, y is more than 0 and up to 0.05 and y is up to x. Oxide is pulverised to a slurry, which is coated on an air pole and sintered.    ADVANTAGE -   The connector is produced at lower cost in a short time, since it is sintered at lower temp.    In an example, a mixt. of 401g of lanthanum nitrate, 100 g of calcium nitrate and chromium nitrate was dissolved in 529 g distilled water, dripped in an ethanol soln. contg. excess oxalic acid, dried by cool air, heated to 360 deg.C for 5 hours, ball milled, sintered for 10 hours at 1000 deg.C, mixed with 300-400 l solvents and 48-53 polyvinyl alcohol etc. to form a slurry. A fuel cell was prepd. by an air pole (2) of lanthanum manganite adhered on a porous substrate tube (1), sintered for 5 hours at 1300 deg.C in air. The slurry was coated on it in an axial direction with required width on (2), sintered for 5 hours at 1300 deg.C in air to form inter connector film (4). Lanthanum chromite powder was adhered on it for masking, a zirconia electrolyte film (3) was formed on it by EVD method, a fuel pole (5) of Ni-zirconia thermet was coated on it to form a fuel cell.    .D
The interconnector is prepd. by making La-chromite powder having a given mixed ratio into a slurry, applying the slurry on the fuel electrodes of the cell and firing it.    USE -   Used for making the interconnectors at low cost and in short time.
The steel comprises (by wt.) up to 0.1% C, up to 1% Si, 0.2-35% Mn, 5-26.5% Cr, 0.5-19% Ni, up to 0.5% Mo, up to 1% Cu, and balance Fe and impurities.    USE -   Used for separators and collector plates of molten carbonate type fuel cells, used in cathode side environment.
Molten carbonate fuel cell comprises: a fuel gas electrode and an oxidant gas electrode; an electrolyte body formed of a porous body filled with at least two particles selected from: LiAlxOy (x = 4.5-5.5 and y = 7.25-8.75), LiAlaOb (a = 0.89-1.11 and b = 1.80-2.20), Li zirconate, and stabilised ZrO2; and an electrolyte of an alkali carbonate mixt. impregnated into the body.    The filler pref. comprises: particles of size not above 1 micron, pref. 0.05-0.5 micron which retain the electrolyte; and different particles of size 5-100 pref. 10-60 micron which reinforce the body.    Particles for retaining the electrolyte are: a mixt. of LiAlxOy and LiAlaOb; or Li zirconate; or a mixt. of Li zirconate, pref. in an amt. 30-70wt.%, and LiAlaOb; or a mixt. of LiAlxOy, LiAlaOb and Li zirconate; or a mixt. of LiAlxOy, LiAlaOb and stabilised ZrO2. Particles for reinforcing the porous body are LiAlaOb. The filler comprises 50-90wt.% electrolyte-retaining particles and 10-50wt.% reinforcing particles. The porous body has a porosity of 40-65% and is impregnated with molten electrolyte at not above 700 deg.C for 10,000 hrs., the pores having a dia. of not below 2.0 micron and a vol. ratio not more than 20%.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has little or no electrolyte outflow resulting in long cell life with low internal resistance and no gas crossover.
Arrangement consists of an electrically insulating, porous, ceramic support (2) having internal gas channels (3), e.g., vertical air channels, and electrically interconnected fuel cells (4) on its external main faces. The cells have individual areas of 1-16 sq.cm. and are arranged as series-connected rows (5) of series-connected or parallel-connected cells (4).    The fuel cell arrangement pref. has (i) a ZrO2/CaO or MgAl2O3 support (2) of 1-2mm wall thickness; (ii) 0.05-0.5mm thick current terminals (6,7) of Ni or Ni/ZrO2; (iii) 0.05-0.5mm thick fuel electrodes of Ni/ZrO2; (iv) 0.1-0.5mm thick air electrodes of La(Sr)MnO3; (v) 0.2-0.5mm thick insulator layers of MgAl2O4 or sintered glass-ceramic; (vi) 0.05-0.3mm thick solid electrolytes of ZrO2/Y2O3; (vii) 0.05-0.3mm thick interconnectors (12) of La(Mg,Ca,Sr)CrO3; and (viii) additional conductor layers of Ni or Ni/ZrO2.    ADVANTAGE -   The design avoids large voltage differences within the cells and provides reduced power losses.
Fuel reformer includes reactor composed of upright inner tube, outer tube around inner tube, catalyst layer in annular space between inner and outer tubes, and burner at upper inner end portion of inner tube. Catalyst layer is divided into two layers. Upper catalyst layer on side of burner is composed of reforming catalyst having low catalytic activity but high catalyst strength, and lower catalyst layer on side opposite to burner side is composed of reforming catalyst having high catalytic activity but low catalyst strength.    ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst is not pulverised
Temp. of catalyst layer in reaction tube is detected by thermometer, and flow rate of off-gas flowing through off-gas feed line is controlled by controlling flow rate control valve in off-gas discharge line branched from off-gas feed line so that detected temp. may be preset value. Amt. of combustion air fed by blower is controlled such that air-fuel ratio between amt. of off-gas detected by off-gas flow meter in off-gas feed line and amt. of combustion air detected by air flow meter in combustion air feed line may be given value.    ADVANTAGE -   No excess amt. of air is fed into burner.
Reforming reactor is used to convert reactive gas contg. hydrocarbon or alcohol into mixed gas contg. hydrogen by action of reforming catalyst. Reforming catalyst is held at inlet for reactive gas, and made to contact only part of reactive gas fed.    ADVANTAGE -   Oxidn. of reforming catalyst will not occur without incorporating hydrogen into fed reactive gas.    .D
The laminate is prepd. by laminating a transparent silicone oxide thin film layer with a thickness of 100-5,000 angstrom and opt. another transparent resin layer between a fluorine type transparent resin layer and a transparent resin layer capable of heat-sealing through a tanssparent adhesive. At least one layer of these layers excluding the Si oxide thin film layer is given a UV ray shielding function.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sealing, protecting films in solar cells, EL devices, etc.. The laminate film has improved weather resistance and moisture-proofing.    In an example, on one side of a 25 micron thick, transparent polyvinylfluoride having UV shielding properties, silicon monoxide is heated and vaporised by electron beam heating method to form a SiO thin film layer with a thickness of 1,000 angstrom. An ethylene ethylacrylate film with a thickness of 50 micron is laminated to the SiO thin film layer.    .D
Mol. ratio of principal elements of mixt. before synthesising the source powder is as follows; La:Ca:Cr=(1-x):x:(1-y). Values of x and y satisfy: x is 0-0.4; y is 0-0.05; y is less than or equal to x. The powder is baked within the hot press forming appts. to obtain sintered member.    ADVANTAGE -   Residual porosity is almost eliminated.
(JP4237965-A)   NOVELTY - The periphery of a fuel cell is surrounded by the current collecting plates (12,13) which are connected to the respective primary and secondary electrode layers through a conductive connecting material . The side ends of the plates are exposed to outside through the notches formed on the side plates of a housing.    USE - Power generating device using fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Prevents damage of the cell when the cell is taken in or out of the housing, and facilitates power feed to external load by current collecting plates. The inside of the power generation chamber is kept at high temperature.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of the power generating device.    current collecting plates (12,13)
(JP4237963-A)   NOVELTY - A housing (3) accommodates a power generation chamber (S3) having multiple fuel cell elements (50), that communicates with a preheating chamber (S2) and a combustion chamber (S4) through bulkheads (4). The preheating chamber fed with hydrogen gas communicates with an oxygen gas feed chamber (S1) that supplies oxygen gas to the fuel cell elements.    USE - Used as a power generation device with a built-in fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - The device enables the generation of power efficiently, by feeding oxygen gas to the fuel cell elements.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the structure of the power generation device.    housing (3)    bulkheads (4)    fuel cell (5)    fuel cell elements (50)    oxygen gas feed chamber (S1)    preheating chamber (S2)    power generation chamber (S3)    combustion chamber (S4)
A fuel cell generator comprises a reformer to reform gas mainly contg. hydrogen form material has through reforming reaction and a fuel cell mainframe to create electric energy by reacting hydrogen gas in the reformed gas with reactive gas supplied from the outside, for heating the material gas in the reformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Even has leakage so small that there is no change in gas flow or system pressure, can be detected.
Producing an electrically conductive ceramic film, comprises melt spraying a raw material of the ceramic on a substrate to form a melt spray film, and heat treating the film to produce the electrically conductive ceramic film. Pref., the heat treating is effected at more than 1200 deg.C in a furnace, to provide a uniform heating of the whole substrate, and to obtain a shrinkage of the size of the melt spray film. The film is pref. an undoped or doped electrically conductive perovskite type oxide, e.g., LaMnO3, LaCrO3, for an air electrode of a solid oxide fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrically conductive ceramic films, produced by a melt spraying process and heat treatment, to have high electrical conductivity at high temp., and decreased activation energy. Useful for large surface area films for high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell applications.
Solar cell is mfd. by forming a high impurity GaAs buffer layer of first type on an Si substrate; forming a wedge-shaped notch (15) on the side of the buffer layer or a pinhole in the buffer layer; and forming an active layer comprising a first type GaAs layer and a second type GaAs layer on the buffer layer and having a crack (16) generated from the end of the notch or the pinhole.    Pref., the notch is formed at the centre of later formed collection electrodes, the crack being neither parallel nor perpendicular with the electrodes. A pin junction exposed when the crack is generated is covered with an insulating film before the collection electrode is added. Where the pinhole is used it is a rhombus or two circular arcs formed on a rhombus; a diagonal between the two acute angles of the rhombus is in parallel with the direction of cleavage of the GaAs crystal. The pinhole is formed at the centre of later formed collection electrodes, the diagonal line being neither in parallel nor perpendicular to the electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows the active GaAs layer to be formed on a clean Si substrate and the intentional crack relieves thermal stress and avoids later accidental cracking
The device has a solid electrolyte (1), an oxygen electrode (2), a fuel electrode (3), a separator plate (6) between adjacent fuel cells, with current collectors (12, 13) between a separator plate (6) and the opposite adjacent electrode to form an electrically conducting connection between adjacent fuel cells, and with elements for feeding and discharging gaseous media. The oxygen electrode (2) consists of SrO-doped Mn oxides with a Cr surface layer (4). The fuel electrode (3) consists of Ni/ZrO2 cermet with a Ni surface layer (5). The separator plate (6) is formed as a hollow body to feed, distribute and collect gaseous media. A constructional element of high resilience, which acts as a high-temp. spring, is provided between the separator plate (6) and the current collectors (12, 13) in the form of an intermediate layer (11) permeable to gas.    Pref. an Fe alloy coated with a protective alumina surface layer is used as the solid electrolyte (1) with yttria-doped bismuth oxide and/or as the separator plate (6). A catalyst (18), which accelerates the endothermic conversion reaction and the water-gas equilibrium, is used in the hollow space of the separator plate (6) on the fuel side. The fuel is methane, a hydrocarbon, H2 or CO.    ADVANTAGE -   The device provides a uniform distribution of the air and fuel gas to the electrochemically active surfaces, and prevents spurious currents in the electrodes. An electrode operating temp. which is as uniform as possible is also claimed, as are inexpensive mfr. and maintenance, and the rapid replacement of individual component parts.
An electrochemical or co-deposition process comprises forming a soln. of ions comprising at least one metal (A) capable of forming a H bronze (pref. from W, Mo and V, pref. in the highest oxidn. state) and ions comprising at least one Gp. VIII metal (B) (pref. from Ni, Co, Pd, and Pt), and causing electrodeposition onto a cathodic substrate or co-precipication by incorporating a chemical reducing agent. The deposition soln. pref. comprises one or more (up to 7C) alcohols, and the deposition potential of the substrate is pref. -0.2 to -0.6V vs. SCE. Pref. substrates are Au foil, ITO or C.    The use of the co-deposited materials in the electrochemical oxidn. of organic cpds., esp. (up to 7C) aliphatic alcohols, and gaseous mixts., esp. contg. CO, is also claimed, as are the co-deposited material obtd. and an alcohol fuel cell including it.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process may be used to provide enhanced electrocatalysts, esp. for use in alcohol fuel cells in which reduced acid conc. and increased alcohol concn. may be used, in the determn. of the alcohol content of a soln., and in the oxidn. of e.g., reformed gases contg. H, CO2 and CO; and in the formation of deposits for electrochromic application
Plasma CVD appts. comprises discharge electrodes composed of ladder-like flat coils disposed in a reaction vessel, a substrate disposed in the vessel and supported parallel to the discharge electrodes and a power source to feed glow discharging power to the electrodes.    USE -   For making amorphous Si films of solar cells.
Solar cell comprises a cell body, and a glass plate for protecting the light receiving plane, of which at least one side is implanted with ions such as Ar, He, (O), and N with the amt. of 1x10 power 17-5x10 power 17 ions/cm2.    USE -   Used for increasing light transmittance of solar cells.
A photovoltaic device comprises a doped single crystal semiconductor substrate on which is a polycrystalline semiconductor of opposite dopant type, obtd. by annealing non-crystalline material, and a junction plane between the two formed by the annealing which is at a depth of 500 A or less below the surface of the polycrystalline material. The polycrystalline layer pref. has an uneven upper light-incident surface, and the substrate is pref. polycrystalline.    Mfg. a device as above comprises growing the non-crystalline material on the substrate and annealing to polycrystallise and make an uneven surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A photovoltaic device and methods of mfr. are provided which are useful for solar batteries and photo-sensor devices. Photosensitivity and open-circuit voltage are increased and the method controls grain size and the unevenness of the light-incident plane. (First major country equivalent to JP04229664)
Excess calcium doped A site lanthanum chromate is burned at 1,100 - 1,500 deg.C. The temp. is lowered temp. and the prod. is ground in a nonoxidising atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides excess calcium doped A site lanthanum chromate (La(Ca)CrOx) powder contg. no Cr6+. It is used for producing interconnector for solid electrolyte fuel battery. Since Cr6+ is not produced, the prodn. process is free of pollution regulations, and the industrial handling costs are lower.    In an example, La2O3, CaO, and Cr2O3 (mole ratio 0.70 : 0.35 : 1.00) were mixed. It was burned in air at 1,200 deg.C for 24 hours. La0.70Ca0.35CrOx was obtd. Then, the inside of the furnace was substd. with Ar and O2 pressure was lowered to 10 power (-7) atmos. It was cooled to room temp. and ground. Excess calcium doped A site lanthanum chromate powder was obtd. When the powder was put into water, there was no elution of Cr6+.
The method comprises applying a voltage between the photoelectric conversion device and a counter electrode across an electrolytic solution containing hydrogen ions and/or hydronium ions.    The electrolytic solution is an aqueous solution of an electrolyte or electrolytes selected from a group consisting of inorganic acids, organic acids, inorganic bases, organic bases and salts of metals having standard electrode potential levels which are minus relative to the standard hydrogen electrode potential and which have absolute values greater than hydrogen super voltage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For semiconductor solar batteries eliminates short circuits quickly even where device has large area.
The process comprises: forming a mixed layer of Li and Al on the surface of a substrate by vacuum depositing Li and Al while irradiating an ion of an inert gas either simultaneously or alternately with the vacuum deposition of Li and Al; and further depositing a thin film of LiAl alloy by vacuum deposition.    USE -   For liq. carbonate fuel cells.
Solid electrolyte fuel cell includes two plate-shaped cell elements (1) formed with recesses (5) and a gas supply pipe (8) which has openings for the gas. The pipe is arranged between the plates so that the openings open into the recesses. When the gas is supplied into the recesses, the gas streams (A) impinge against the electrodes (2) exposed in the recesses and are deflected (B) along the surfaces of the electrodes.    Specifically, the recesses (5) formed in the element plates may be (similar to) semicircular, trapezoidal or triangular. The recesses are formed by corresponding protrusions on the element plates which are extended in the form of parallel rows. Each element plate comprises a laminate of fuel electrode film, solid electrolyte film and air electrode film, with appropriate interconnections between adjacent laminates at their edges.    ADVANTAGE -   Arrangement avoids formation of gas concn. gradients and resulting temp. differentials across the cell.
Borosilicate glass comprises (in mol.%): 57-77% SiO2, 0-8.5% Al2O3, 4.6-23.0% B2O3, 81-91% SiO2 + Al2O3 + B2O3; 0-1.5% Li2O, 2-7.5% Na2O, 2-7.5% K2O, 7.6-10.6% Li2O + Na2O + K2O, 0.7-2.0% CeO2, 0-0.3% Sb2O3, 0-0.3% As2O3, 0-2.0% TiO2, 0-2.0% F2 and 0-7% one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO and PbO.    The glass has a coefft. of expansion of 64.0-70.0 x 10 power(-7) per deg.C.    Pref. compsn. comprises (in mol.%): 65-70% SiO2, 0-2% Al2O3 and 8-22% B2O3. Glass also comprises 0-5% MgO, 0-3.5% CaO, 0-2% SrO, 0-2% BaO, 0-2.5% ZnO and 0-7% PbO, where MgO + CaO + SrO + BaO + ZnO + PbO is 0-3.5%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of protective covers for GaAs solar cells. (claimed). Glass has desired radiation stability and light transmission, desired coefft. of expansion and a low liquidus for mfr. of protective thin sheets
Fuel cell stack fuel cells (11) each including a porous plate anode (13) and cathode (14), interposed liq. electrolyte (15) and separator plate (1) between electrodes of adjacent cells. The separator plates are unified with the electrodes by forcing most of an electrolyte non-wettable material (I) (18,19), which is originally introduced into the interface as a sheet, into the pores of the respective electrodes.    A circumferentially complete barrier (23) that prevents flow of shunt currents onto and on an outer peripheral surface of the separator plate is formed by extruding the remainder of (I) out of the interface.    The separator plate and/or the electrode plate defining the interface has a bevelled edge at a region facing the interface and to define a recess which (partially) accommodates the barrier. The integral separator plate is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Undesirable shunt currents are avoided in a simple, low cost manner. Barrier (23) also prevents cell-to-cell migration of electrolyte at the edges of the integral separator.    .D
Mfg. a transparent conductive ZnO thin film on a substrate by means of chemical vaporisation comprises: (1) feeding pure water and an organometallic Zn-contg. material, separately and entrained by a carrier gas, into a vacuum chamber (1) with a reduced internal pressure; (2) adjusting the gas pressure in the chamber to 1-30 torr; and (3) feeding gaseous diborane or a cpd. contg. B or Al into the vacuum chamber and heating a substrate (2) disposed in the chamber to a predetermined temp., resulting in the formation of the thin film on the substrate under the cited gas pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ZnO film is used as a transparent electrode and as a non-reflecting layer for solar cells made of amorphous Si or CuInSe2. The film can be formed at a low. temp., and its surface structure can be altered by changing the film-forming conditions. The latter is partic. important if light-scattering is to be prevented in a solar cell.    .D
Process comprises: subjecting carbonisable organic high polymer fibres to a paper-making process; impregnating the resulting raw sheet with a thermosetting resin; laminating a plurality of the sheets under pressure to adhere them, and carbonising the laminate. A carbonisable film which can render the thermoplastic organic high polymer fibre infusible is incorporated between the layers.    The polymer fibre is pref. cellulose fibre, phenolic fibre, or acrylonitrile fibre. The film to be incorporated between the sheets is pref. poly(vinylidene chloride), PVC, or PTFE film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides porous carbon plates for use as electrodes of fuel cells and the lik
(JP4214681-A)      A solar cell comprises a conductive substrate (AUK) and a semiconductor laminate thereon, consisting of a n-type layer (109) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material, an i-type layer (104) of Si-Ge contg. non-monocrystalline material, a p-type layer (105) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material. A diamond layer (102) with an uneven surface and contg. a valence-electron-controlling agent is interposed between the substrate and the semiconductor laminate. The diamond layer has polycrystallinity with a smooth polyhedral surface, having an average radius of 0.1-5 mm, surface unevenness of 0.05 to 1.5, 1-5 at.% hydrogen content and a dark conductivity of 0.1 S/cm.    Also claimed is a solar cell as above where the n-type and/or the p-type layer contains C atoms.. Further claimed is a solar cell as above where the Ge concn. of the intrinsic (active) layer varies across its thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a solar cell having a roughened, light-reflecting surface to increase the optical path length of weakly absorbed wavelengths. The solar cell has high conversion efficiency and does not deteriorate with time due to distortion of the substrate. There is deterioration of the characteristics due to etching residues or fine particles remaining from sandblasting. (First major country equivalent to basic JP4214681-A).    .d21
A solar cell comprises a conductive substrate (AUK) and a semiconductor laminate thereon, consisting of a n-type layer (109) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material, an i-type layer (104) of Si-Ge contg. non-monocrystalline material, a p-type layer (105) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material. A diamond layer (102) with an uneven surface and contg. a valence-electron-controlling agent is interposed between the substrate and the semiconductor laminate. The diamond layer has polycrystallinity with a smooth polyhedral surface, having an average radius of 0.1-5 mm, surface unevenness of 0.05 to 1.5, 1-5 at.% hydrogen content and a dark conductivity of 0.1 S/cm.    Also claimed is a solar cell as above where the n-type and/or the p-type layer contains C atoms.. Further claimed is a solar cell as above where the Ge concn. of the intrinsic (active) layer varies across its thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a solar cell having a roughened, light-reflecting surface to increase the optical path length of weakly absorbed wavelengths. The solar cell has high conversion efficiency and does not deteriorate with time due to distortion of the substrate. There is deterioration of the characteristics due to etching residues or fine particles remaining from sandblasting. (First major country equivalent to basic JP4214681-A).    .d21
A solar cell comprises a conductive substrate (AUK) and a semiconductor laminate thereon, consisting of a n-type layer (109) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material, an i-type layer (104) of Si-Ge contg. non-monocrystalline material, a p-type layer (105) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material. A diamond layer (102) with an uneven surface and contg. a valence-electron-controlling agent is interposed between the substrate and the semiconductor laminate. The diamond layer has polycrystallinity with a smooth polyhedral surface, having an average radius of 0.1-5 mm, surface unevenness of 0.05 to 1.5, 1-5 at.% hydrogen content and a dark conductivity of 0.1 S/cm.    Also claimed is a solar cell as above where the n-type and/or the p-type layer contains C atoms.. Further claimed is a solar cell as above where the Ge concn. of the intrinsic (active) layer varies across its thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a solar cell having a roughened, light-reflecting surface to increase the optical path length of weakly absorbed wavelengths. The solar cell has high conversion efficiency and does not deteriorate with time due to distortion of the substrate. There is deterioration of the characteristics due to etching residues or fine particles remaining from sandblasting. (First major country equivalent to basic JP4214681-A).    .d21
A solar cell comprises a conductive substrate (AUK) and a semiconductor laminate thereon, consisting of a n-type layer (109) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material, an i-type layer (104) of Si-Ge contg. non-monocrystalline material, a p-type layer (105) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material. A diamond layer (102) with an uneven surface and contg. a valence-electron-controlling agent is interposed between the substrate and the semiconductor laminate. The diamond layer has polycrystallinity with a smooth polyhedral surface, having an average radius of 0.1-5 mm, surface unevenness of 0.05 to 1.5, 1-5 at.% hydrogen content and a dark conductivity of 0.1 S/cm.    Also claimed is a solar cell as above where the n-type and/or the p-type layer contains C atoms.. Further claimed is a solar cell as above where the Ge concn. of the intrinsic (active) layer varies across its thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a solar cell having a roughened, light-reflecting surface to increase the optical path length of weakly absorbed wavelengths. The solar cell has high conversion efficiency and does not deteriorate with time due to distortion of the substrate. There is deterioration of the characteristics due to etching residues or fine particles remaining from sandblasting. (First major country equivalent to basic JP4214681-A).    .d21
A solar cell comprises a conductive substrate (AUK) and a semiconductor laminate thereon, consisting of a n-type layer (109) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material, an i-type layer (104) of Si-Ge contg. non-monocrystalline material, a p-type layer (105) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material. A diamond layer (102) with an uneven surface and contg. a valence-electron-controlling agent is interposed between the substrate and the semiconductor laminate. The diamond layer has polycrystallinity with a smooth polyhedral surface, having an average radius of 0.1-5 mm, surface unevenness of 0.05 to 1.5, 1-5 at.% hydrogen content and a dark conductivity of 0.1 S/cm.    Also claimed is a solar cell as above where the n-type and/or the p-type layer contains C atoms.. Further claimed is a solar cell as above where the Ge concn. of the intrinsic (active) layer varies across its thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a solar cell having a roughened, light-reflecting surface to increase the optical path length of weakly absorbed wavelengths. The solar cell has high conversion efficiency and does not deteriorate with time due to distortion of the substrate. There is deterioration of the characteristics due to etching residues or fine particles remaining from sandblasting. (First major country equivalent to basic JP4214681-A).    .d21
A solar cell comprises a conductive substrate (AUK) and a semiconductor laminate thereon, consisting of a n-type layer (109) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material, an i-type layer (104) of Si-Ge contg. non-monocrystalline material, a p-type layer (105) of Si-contg. non-monocrystalline material. A diamond layer (102) with an uneven surface and contg. a valence-electron-controlling agent is interposed between the substrate and the semiconductor laminate. The diamond layer has polycrystallinity with a smooth polyhedral surface, having an average radius of 0.1-5 mm, surface unevenness of 0.05 to 1.5, 1-5 at.% hydrogen content and a dark conductivity of 0.1 S/cm.    Also claimed is a solar cell as above where the n-type and/or the p-type layer contains C atoms.. Further claimed is a solar cell as above where the Ge concn. of the intrinsic (active) layer varies across its thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a solar cell having a roughened, light-reflecting surface to increase the optical path length of weakly absorbed wavelengths. The solar cell has high conversion efficiency and does not deteriorate with time due to distortion of the substrate. There is deterioration of the characteristics due to etching residues or fine particles remaining from sandblasting. (First major country equivalent to basic JP4214681-A).    .d21
A C-based compsn. contains a carbonisable or graphitisable binder, fibres which can be converted into C fibres, or C fibres; and C-based granules selected from carbonisable or graphitisable granules and carbonised or graphitised granules. Granules comprise 100 pts. wt. of grains 25-75 micron in average dia., 10-50 pts. wt. of grains 75-125 microns, and 100-150 pts. wt. of grains 125-175 microns in average dia..    A sheet C material comprises a carbonised or graphitised binder, C fibres, and carbonised or graphitised granules, said C-based granules composed of grains as above. The compsn. pref. contains 100 pts. wt. of the binder, 10-75 pts. of the (pre-)C-fibres, and 50-150 pts. wt. of C-based granules. The binder more pref. is phenolic resin, the (pre-)C-fibres are milled C-fibres, and C-based granules is graphite powder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For mfg. separators of fuel cells, which are dense and have high mechanical strength and electric conductivit
Glass for bonding and sealing a solid electrolyte to a porous separator in an Na-S battery comprises (in mole%): 18-23% pref. 19-21% Na2O, 3-7% pref. 4-6% CsO and the balance pref. about 75% B2O3.    ADVANTAGE -   The glass can be very closely expansion matched to the thin beta''-Al2O3 electrolyte and has low viscosity for fusing to the support at low processing temps. and high enough m.pt. to provide good deformation resistance over the cell lifetime at high temps.
A mobile atom (I) is chemically removed from a mobile atom contg. reactant molecule (II) using an atom pump membrane permeable to (I) but impermeable to (II) and having a removal reaction side (III) and receiving side (IV) for (I), an electricoconductive atom permeable first biasing means on the side (III) to control surface potential, (a) a similar second biasing means on receiving side (IV) and first and second power sources connected to the biasing.    Reactant molecules (II) are adsorbed on reaction side (III) followed by chemically reacting the adsorbed molecules to remove mobile atoms from the reactant and passing removed mobile atoms through the membrane to side (IV) where they are oxidised. A method of chemically removing H2 from a reactant to yield a dehydrogenation prod. is further claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrocarbons, NH3, H2O2 or hydrazine can be obtd. by process. Use of high temps. and pressures is avoided. Other organic cpds., e.g. alcohols, ketones, organo lithium cpds. etc., can also be obtd. Organic cpds. may also be dehydrogenated as a source of H2 for fuel cells, e.g. HCHO, COOH or MeOH can be dehydrogenated to CO2 and H2 which diffuses to the opposite side of a metal hydride membrane for oxidn. as part of H2/O2 fuel cell.    .
Solar cell comprises back metal contact; p-type I-III-VI polycrystal layer (I) of graded compsn. forming a minority carrier mirror within the layer and having a low resistivity region adjacent the back metal contact; an n-layer (II) forming a photoactive heterojunction; and a conductive layer. (I) is pref. CuInGaSe2 or CuIn(SSe)2.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has excellent conversion efficiency.    .D
Combustion device includes combustion portion for heating catalyst layer and temperature detector whose electric resistance is varied depending upon temperature of combustion portion. Reformed gas produced in catalyst layer is fed to fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Combustion device is free from noise.
Solar cover consists of a crystalline solar cell layer (14) located between an inner metallic support layer and an outer curved glass layer (15) of less than 3 mm thickness. The glass is thermally curved but not prestressed and has a ceramic screen printed pattern (22) on its side facing the solar cell layer (19) and is adhered to the adhesion layer (17) of one of the solar composites (25).    ADVANTAGE -   Is low in cost to produce and does not allow the construction parts to be seen through the glass.
A molten carbonate fuel cell comprises a sequential arrangement of: (a) an anode layer (12); (b) an interconnect layer (16); (c) a cathode layer (14); and (d) an electrolyte (18) in a repeating pattern, where the anode, cathode and interconnect layer are composed of ceramics.    In partic. the ceramic compsns. have the formula: AxTyOz, where A is alkali metal, T is transition metal and O is oxygen and where x, y and z are in non-stoichiometric relation, and where the compsns. show substantially greater electrical conductivity due to the non-stoichiometry and the presence of a dopant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell has enhanced stability under fuel gas and oxidising environments, presents reduced sealing and expansion problems in fabrication, and has improved long term corrosion resistance. It has a high power density in a nearly optimum temp. range.
A hydrogen thermal electrochemical conversion cell comprises two spaced-apart solid electrodes (14,16) sandwiching an electrolyte (18) selectively porous to (H(-)), a H supply (34) to one electrode and means for supplying a Li-Na mixt. (42) to the other electrode which reacts with the H2 to create a chemical potential across the electrodes. The flow of H across the electrodes induces a current flow between them. Also claimed is an electrochemical conversion system comprising a cell as above with external circuit, means for thermally decomposing and sepg. a metal hydride into H2 and molten Li-Na, for directing the H2 to one electrode and for cooling and directing the molten metal to the other to give the reaction and current as above. Further claimed is a means of producing electricity comprising flowing H2 through a conversion cell as above so that H is reduced to H(-) at one electrode and reoxidised at the second with reaction with the liq. metal and with current appearing in the external circuit. Also claimed is a method of producing electricity as above with the hydride being thermally decomposed and sepd. at one temp. and the molten metal being cooled and re-reacted with the H which has passed through the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A hydrogen thermal electrochemical converter (claimed) is provided which is useful for converting heat into electrical energy in terrestrial, space or martian environments. The converter operates over a wider temp. range than previously and problems of pptn. of pure Li do not occur.
(JP2549202-B2)      The mfr. of a sulphur battery comprises arranging sodium on one side of a solid electrolyte barrier plate. A nozzle is provided at the copper part of the battery receptacle and a capsule contg. sodium is inserted from the nozzle into the solid electrolyte. A collar is assembled above the capsule.    ADVANTAGE -   Heating and coding of the battery are not necessary, allowing mfr. time to be shortened.
A fuel cell has a number of first and second plate members (9,10) laid one on another with a predetermined phase relationship between. Each first plate member (9), which houses a cell (6), includes a cell-housing portion (11a), a cell-insertion opening (11) having two spaces (11b,11c) communicating with opposed openings of an inner-cell flow passage (F1) of the housed cell and a series of communication openings (12,13).    The second plate member (10) includes an inter-cell flow passage forming portion (14a) facing cell (6), an inter-cell flow passage forming opening (14) having two spacers (14b,14c) and a series of communication openings (15,16). The inter-cell flow passage forming portion forms an inter-cell flow passage (F2) between adjacently disposed cells as first and second plate members (9,10) are laid one on the other. The communication openings and the spaces of the plate members provide reactant fuel passages and reactant exhaust passages for the inter-cell flow passage and the inner-cell flow passage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Easy and inexpensive assembly is provided while protecting the cell against damage due to thermal distortion.
The distributor for use in a solid electrolyte fuel-cell consists of a porous matrix (20), pref. a soft polyurethane foam without cell-walls, on which a reinforcing layer (22), pref. of Y stabilised ZrO2, is deposited and a conductive layer (24).    The conductive layer (24) pref. has a main constituent of (La,Sr)(Mn,Cr)O3 or (La,Sr)MnO3. The distributor pref. is made in the form of a disk or a rectangle.    Pref. a suspension is formed by mixing the reinforcement material together with a solvent in a mill, to wet-grind the material. At the end a binder is added. A similar technique is used to make a suspension of conductive material, using appropriate materials. The reinforcing suspension is then used to impregnate the matrix, if necessary several times, until the required thickness has been obtd. The excess suspension is then removed. Then the suspension with conductive material is used to impregnate the matrix until the required thickness has been obtained, and the excess suspension removed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The matrix, after firing, has an open structure which offers very little resistance to the gas-flow. The conductivity is very high, as well as the mechanical strength. The material has almost identical coefft. of thermal expansion (CTE) as current material made without the reinforcing material, but a very much higher strength. The porosity is in the order of 90%.
High purity metal foils, pref. Si, are made by treating the foils while crystallising with reactive gases, pref. in the area where the liquid and solid phase coexist. Reactive gases are pref. O2, water-vapour, H2 or mixts. of water-vapour with O2 or H2 and/or gaseous halogen contg. gases.    Also claimed is the inclusion of inert gases, pref. He and/or Ar. Pref. mixts. consist for up to 70% of O2, water vapour and at least 30% Ar and/or He, or of up to 30% H2, water vapour and at least 70% Ar and/or He. After the crystallisation the foils are pref. treated in inorganic acids, e.g. HF, HCl, H2SO4 or mixts. of these or with bases, e.g. NaOH or KOH. Also claimed is the removal by mechanical processes of 5-60 microns, esp. 20 micron, from the top surface of the foils.    For the mfr. of solar cells. The gas treatment reduces the dissolved impurity content compared with treatment in an inert gas significantly. The surface treatment afterwards removes a layer enriched with impurities. The process allows solar cell material to be mfd. with higher quality resulting in improved performance of the cells, without requiring elaborate processes.    .D
Combustion appts. comprises a looped combustion space to heat a catalyst bed, and gasifier to gasify a fuel to be fed to this space along the circumference of the looped space.    USE -   For feeding a reformed gas to a fuel cell
Combustion appts. comprises a looped combustion space to heat a catalyst bed, and gasifier having a heat receiving part disposed above the combustion space and discharge part disposed at the same level as this space.    USE -   For feeding a reformed gas to a fuel cell
Appts. comprises looped combustion space to heat catalyst bed, combustion airflow passage communicating with inside and outside of looped space and air feeder connected to space.    USE -   Feeding reformed gas to fuel cell
In the CO modifier, modified gas with high content of CO, obtd. by steam modifying of hydrocarbon raw fuel, is made to pass through a reactor having a catalyst layer to modify the gas into gas with low CO content, and to supply the gas to a fuel cell. A cooling pipe to pass cooling water of the fuel cell, electric heater, and a number of heat transmitting nets, which cross the flow direction of the modified gas, are installed in the catalyst layer for elevating the temp. of the layer at start-up of the modifier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The CO modifier is used for a fuel cell. Temp. distribution in the catalyst layer can be made more even. Initiating time of the modifier can be shortened.    In an example, the cooling pipe (11) was installed in the catalyst layer (8). Electric heaters (14) were installed the flow direction of the modified gas. Heat transmitting nets (16) were installed at right angles to the direction of the heater (14). At start-up of the modifier, temp. of the catalyst layer (8) was elevated with the cooling water through the cooling pipe. At the same time, the layer was heated with the heater. Temp. of the layer was elevated at reduced temp. difference in temp. distribution.    .D
LCD changes the orientation of liquid crystal molecules between a pair of transparent electrodes to control the transmittance of the light obtd. by the application of the voltage, displaying the information. Solar cell photoelectrically provided converts a physical quantity of the light applied into an electric quantity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Power source device can be simplified. Display can be small-sized and the electric power reduced.
(A) In the prodn. of a photoelectric conversion device by (a) forming a semiconductor layer on a conductive surface of a substrate, (b) forming a transparent conductive layer on the semiconductor layer and (c) forming a collecting electrode on the transparent layer, the novelty is that defective semiconductor layer portions are repaired between steps (a) and (b) by electrodeposition of insulating material selectively at the defective portions using the conductive surface of the substrate as an electrode.    The electrodeposition operation may comprise electrodeposition from an aq. soln. of a paint or a dispersion of a resin; electrolytic polymerisation using a soln. or dispersion of a monomer to deposit a polymer film; or electrodeposition of an oxide film from a soln. contg. an inorganic cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The processes are useful in the mfr. of solar cells, photosensors, electrophotographic photosensitive devices, flat panel displays, etc. Defective semiconductor layer portions (e.g. pinholes and hillocks causing short circuits) can be efficiently and rapidly repaired without the need for prior art defect detection processes.
The fuel-cell construction combines several cells on a single ceramic support, which consists of anode, solid electrolyte and cathode with electrical serial or parallel connections between cells.    The construction comprises a support material (2) impermeable to gas except for certain parts of the walls (12) which are covered by fuel cells (4). The fuel cells are pre-assembled units which are attached to the support by a layer of an adhesive (5), pref. of constant thickness and a sinter process. The adhesive also acts as an electrical interconnection material (9) and consists pref. of the same material as the cathodes of the cells, i.e. LaZA(1-X)B03 in which A = Ca, Sr and B is a transition metal, or a mixed Ni0/Zr02 oxide or Ni/Zr02 mixt. In the interconnection region (9) the adhesive may be reinforced by an additional layer (13) of a metallic conductor e.g. Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The structure avoids degradation due to an adhesive layer with differential shrinkage from the other materials, e.g. interconnection material. An improved mechanical connection is the result as well as better hermeticity by being able to use impermeable material as support (2). The techniques needed to build the cells are less complicated.
(A) in a fuel cell having an anode, a solid electrolyte and a cathode-side air electrode, the novelty is that the air electrode (6) consists of at least two superposed layers comprising (i) a first max. 70 microns thick layer (16) of a porous cathode material, and (ii) a second at least 250 microns thick layer (17) of extremely dense and electrically conductive perovskite, this layer being structured to provide gaps (19) for gas passage.    (B) prodn. of an arrangement of fuel cells on a support involves (a) prefabricating fuel cells in which the first air electrode layer is screen printed and fired on the solid electrolyte; (b) preparing the ceramic support by applying a second air electrode layer, to be structured to form conductor lines, and opt. additional layers of insulating or interconnection material; and (c) co-sintering the fuel cels and the support so the first and second air electrode layers are contacted.    ADVANTAGE -   The air electrode has good catalytic and electrical properties.
Solar cell module comprises: a housing with an aperture (15) and light concentrator (12) for a primary active area (20); and a sec. active area (30) for receiving light propagated in a different direction from the optical principal axis (45) of the concentration. The concentrator is pref. a Fresnel lens.    The primary active area is located on the rear wall of the housing on the concentrator principle axis and sec. active areas are provided on part of the other inner walls. The primary active area is a solar cell of mono-Si or GaAs, which may be mounted on a Peltier element. The housing may have a truncated cone or pyramid shape with the primary active area at the apex.    ADVANTAGE -   Good output is achieved even if the module is not directly irradiated by the sun.
(JP2647551-B2)      In the operation of a phosphoric acid type fuel cell, an interface layer holds phosphoric acid and a separator isolates and separates gas of the fuel and air electrodes. Fuel gas and air flow to the respective electrodes under low loading condition. The fuel electrode is refilled with phosphoric acid.    ADVANTAGE -   Low levels of phosphoric acid in the cell can be detected and the cell can be replenished with the acid., The cell has a long operating life.
Cell has a setting diaphragm (2) made of solid polymer electrolyte in which a narrow path (1) for supplying water to the electrolyte is formed. The path is pref. formed of anticorrosive twisted yarns embedded at uniform intervals.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell performance is enhanced by increasing ionic conductivity and excluding burdensome control of water vapour in a reaction gas.
Method for operating a low temp. fuel cell, comprising solid polymer electrolyte, noble metal anode, CO contg. fuel gas, comprises (a) reacting the CO with a suitable O2-contg. gas in the ratio O2 to CO 0.5-3:1; (b) contacting the mixt. with a catalyst at 10-16 deg.C and a pressure of 500 psig to convert CO to CO2 and reduces the CO level in the fuel gas to 2-10 ppm; (c) feeding the substantially CO free fuel gas to the fuel cell.    Pref. O2-contg. gas is air or O2 used in the ratio 1-2:1 O2:CO. Pref. catalyst is selected from Pt, Rh and Ru supported on one from the group alumina, silica, silica gel, diatomaceous earth and clay. The metal is 0.01-5% by wt. of the support. Pref. catalyst is in a column with space velocity 1000-50000 ft.3 gas/hr./ft.3 catalyst. Pref. fuel cell is an acid fuel cell with a fluorinated cationic exchange membrane. Pref. fuel gas comprises H2, CO2 and CO and is a prod. of steam reformation of methanol or natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Method reduces the level of CO in the fuel gas reducing the poisoning of the catalyst.    .D
Process comprises providing a porous graphite structure for the battery; depositing an interlayer of a 2 element compound onto an upper surface of the substrate, the compound being formed by the combination of an anionic metallic element selected from groups IVa and Va, and a cationic non-metallic element selected from gps. Vb and VIb; depositing a layer of sealing glass paste onto the interlayer; placing a sheet of a separator material onto the sealing glass layer; heating the assembly so as to fuse the glass paste to both the deposited interlayer and the sheet of separator material.    Pref. the interlayer cpd. is TiN deposited by MOCVD, 1-50 micro m thick. The glass paste is formed from a ground glass frit having a bimodal size distribution of about 1 micro m and 20-40 micro m. The separator is selected from sintered Al2O3 fibres, Al2O3 felt and ZrO2 felt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mechanically strong, leak-tight bonded layer of a sealing glass for use in Na-S battery support structures. The seal formed between the solid ion-conducting electrolyte/anode-cathode separator has a low electrical resistance.
Method for rejuvenating a membrane or diaphragm having a metallic coating from a Pt-gp. metal, metal oxide, metal alloy and mixts. thereof from an electrochemcial cell comprises: (a) treating the membrane or diaphragm with an inorganic acid soln. of aqua regia at 35-70 deg.C so as to dissolve metallic particles; and (b) treating the membrane or diaphragm with a basic soln.    Pref. the base is NaOH pref. the membrane or diaphragm from (b) is also treated with an inorganic acid. Pref. after being treated with an inorganic acid the membrane or diaphragm from (b) has an electrode assembly applied thereto esp. a cathode. Pref. the cell is a chloroalkali cell. Pref. the coating is Pt and platinum oxide.    A method for rejuvenating a membrane or diaphragm having a metallic coating as specified above from an electrochemical cell and recovering metallic particles therefrom comprises: (i) treating the membrane or diaphragm as in (a) above, (ii) sepg. the acid soln. with dissolved particles from the diaphragm or membrane; (iii) filtering the acid soln; and (iv) recovering the metallic particles from the acid soln. is independently claimed, where pref. (iv) is by electrochemcial sepn. pref. the cell is a chloroalkali cell. Pref. the cell is a fuel cell pref. the cell is a water electrolyser. Pref. the particles recovered are Pt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used e.g. to improve the performance of a chloroalkali cell after a shutdown period by rejuvenating its membrane separator. It can treat e.g. membranes made of e.g. 'NAFION' (RTM) from cells having anodes of e.g. graphite coated with Pt-gp. metal, metal oxide, metal alloy and mixts. thereof and cathodes of e.g. C-paper, and having a catalytically active surface of e.g. Raney nickel e.g. for fuel cell
Prodn. of methane from a subterranean coal seam is increased by: producing fluids comprising methane from the coal seam through at least one prodn. well; inputting air (as a source of oxygen) and a portion of the fluids compising methane (as a source of hydrogen), into a fuel cell power system so as to generate an exhaust containing oxygen-depleted air; and injecting the exhaust into the seam through at least one injection well.    Pref. oxygen and CO2 are sepd. from the oxygen-depleted air before it is injected into the coal seam. N2 is pref. sepd. from the coal seam fluids comprising methane before they are input to the fuel cell power system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methane prodn. in subterranean coal seams is enhanced by generating oxygen-depleted air and injecting it into the seams. Sepn. of subterranean gas and oil may also be prevented. Methane prodn. may be increased economically. Potential for rust formation and corrosion in piping and wellbore castings is reduced, as is potential for prodn. of flammable or explosive fluids. The prior-art necessity of transporting nitrogen to the prodn. site or providing a plant for sepg. nitrogen from air is avoided. Use of a fuel cell power system to generate the depleted air supplies energy for on-site needs.
Plate includes frusto-conical diffusing plate having smaller dia. open end and larger dia. open end, and fins spirally extending between small and larger dia. open ends at outer periphery of diffusing plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel gas can be mixed while being swirled, so that evaporator and overheater can be uniformly heated
NOVELTY - The hydrogen pole (2) contains materials having hydrogen ion conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity.    USE -   For solid electrolyte fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Concentration polarization in boundary surface is reduced due to the removal of water generated and raises industrial value.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows model diagram of boundary surface of hydrogen pole. (2) Hydrogen pole.
The partially transparent thick film solar cell has a photosensitive layer (23), a transparent front electrode layer (22), a back, highly conductive layer (26) and an insulating layer (25) and contains holes which pass through the substrate material. The feature is that the contact between the electrode (22) and back layer (26) is made inside the holes (27). This is achieved by the photosensitive layer (23) and an insulating layer (25) being continued inside the holes to provide an insulation from the back electrode (24). The back layer (26) and front electrode (22) are also continued inside the holes and contact each other to provide electrical continuity. The substrate material used is pref. a metal foil or an insulating foil on which a back electrode layer has been deposited.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction provides transparency of the cells without the light passing through any material and being filtered. The holes are used to provide easy connection of the resistive front electrode to a shunting highly conductive backside layer. The process is uncomplicated and allows the cells to be made at lower cost, using less costly materials than conventional cells. The construction allows cells to be connected in series.
Fluoropolymer partic. suitable as membrane in proton exchange membrane fuel cell has an equivalent wt. of 700-1000 and a water absorption as high as 100%.    Pref. the fluoropolymer is in the form of a film which separates an anode from a cathode, fluid reactants being fed into compartments contg. the anode and cathode respectively. The fluoropolymer is a blend of at least two fluoropolymers having a melt viscosity of 6000-80,000 poise at 250 deg.C (ASTM test method D-3835), more pref. 18,000-80,000 poise, and most pref. 30,000-80,000 poise, and a water absorption of 35-100wt.%, most pref. 50-70wt.%. At least one of the fluoropolymers does not have a melt viscosity of 6000-80,000 poise and/or an equivalent wt. of 700-1000 and/or a water absorption as high as 100wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fluoropolymer membrane performs exceptionally well in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells of the proton exchange member type, being capable of transferring large numbers of protons yet remaining physically and chemically stable during operation. It gives a more efficient conversion of fuel to electricity from a smaller sized power generating unit.
Fuel cell system for direct electrochemical conversion of chemical fuel energy into electric energy comprises (a) a hydrogen absorbing alloy supplying a hydrogen gas to the anode during steady-state operation of the system; and (b) an auxiliary alloy as above having a higher H2 absorbing/desorbing equilibrium pressure at an equal pressure. The auxiliary alloy receives H2 from the main alloy during steady-state operation when the equilibrium pressure of the main alloy becomes equal to the absorbing/desorbing equilibrium pressure of the auxiliary alloy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To supply a smooth flow of the H2 to a fuel cell. Ensures a smooth H2 supply from the start of operation to when an exhaust heat has a low temp.. The system is mfd. at low cost and avoids use of an external gas source, so improving safety. The pressure container of the main alloy is compact. Power is generated smoothly during replacement of the hydrogen absorbing alloys. (First major country equivalent to J05047400-A)
(JP2760147-B2)      The exhaust gas purification method involves dissolving phosphoric acid mist by injecting steam into the exhaust gas system. The exhaust gas is ejected from exit manifold connected to a multilayer cell using an insulated coupling whose electrical resistance is to be monitored. The cell consists of a fuel electrode, an oxidising agent, electrode and phosphoric acid. Reaction gas is supplied to each single battery by inlet-port manifold. The phosphoric acid adhering to the inner surface of the exhaust gas system is removed by the steam. The condensed water due to the application of the steam is ejected out periodically.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces nitrogen gas usage for drying. Reduces repair cost. Enables automation of process. Gives long life to battery.
The device comprises a modifying pipe to convert hydrocarbon in hydrocarbon-contg. gas generated from treatment of anaerobic waste water into hydrogen; a fuel battery in which hydrogen delivered through the modifying pipe is introduced; and a fluidised bed combustion device to incinerate sludge generated resultant from treatment of anaerobic waste water. The modifying pipe is installed to the fluidised bed combustion device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sludge generated from treatment of anaerobic waste water is efficiently incinerated for disposal.    .D
Lanthanum chromite film prodn. comprises; 1) thermally spraying a raw material on a substrate forming a thermally sprayed film and; 2) heat treating the film to form the lanthanum chromite film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In prodn. of an interconnector for a solid electrolyte fuel cell formed on the surface of the fuel electrode or air electrode. An airtight, thin La chromite film is formed having good conductivity.    In an example, 120.0g La2O3 and 56.3g Cr2O3 were ball milled, slurried, dried and calcined at 1200 deg.C for 10 hrs. to form LaCrO3. The powder prod. was milled, slurried, spray-dried and granulated before thermally spraying onto an Al2O3 substrate to a thickness of 500 micron. The layer was then heat-treated at 1500 deg.C for 5 hrs to form an La chromite film of very low N2 permeation and a conductivity of 8.2 S/cm.    .D
PVD process comprises: simultaneously depositing and oxidising at least two materials on a substrate, one imparting compressive force characteristics and the other imparting tensile force characteristics; monitoring the stress in the coating during formation; and adjusting the relative deposited amts. of the two materials to control the stress in the coating. Materials are pref. Si and Al.    Substrates are pref. mounted on a drum which is rotated past circumferential work stations. Stress in the deposited coatings is measured using a cantilever beam stressometer which includes a cantilever reflector mounted on the drum. Two materials (Si and Al) may be deposited by Ar sputtering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mfr. of an optical detector or solar cell. Optical grade (protective) coatings are formed with min. stress, warpage and breakage.    In an example, relatively thick films of AlxSiyO2 are deposited on Si solar cell substrates by linear magnetron cathode sputtering. Cantilever beam stressometer system is operated throughout the deposition/oxidn. to maintain coating stress at zero.
The detector monitors the reaction gas supplied to a fuel battery (1) and the pressure difference of gas at reaction gas inlet port and exit to fuel battery during running state. When the pressure difference is judged to be less than the set value compared to load of battery, then the battery is judged to be in abnormal condition.    ADVANTAGE -   Protects fuel battery from fuel gas insufficiency. Prevents damage to electrode. Enables fuel battery to be operated safely.
(JP2575529-B2)      The fuel battery has means to adjust the entrance pressure of the reaction gas (fuel gas and oxidising agent) depending on the battery running mode.    ADVANTAGE -   The volume of the inlet part manifold is increased, allowing life redn. to be prevented.
Demonstrator to display the action of a fuel cell has a pair of transparent electroltic cell tanks (1,2) a connecting tube (4) with an ion-permeable filter (3) between the cell tanks (1,2) an electrolyte liq. (4) in the tanks (1,2) and power supply (7) to apply voltage to an anode (5) and a cathode (6), and a demonstrating actuator moved by electricity generated in the fuel cell.    Electric power is supplied from the supply (7) to the electrodes (5,6) to generate hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water, then a demonstrating actuator is connected between the electrodes (5,6) to move the actuator for demonstration using the generated hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. Ion-permeable filter e.g. consists of glass, and the anode (5) e.g. consists of Pt. The electrolyte liq. in the anode side tank (1) is e.g. Na hydroxide aq. soln. and the electrolyte liq. in the cathode side tank (2) is e.g. sulphuric acid aq. soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Action of fuel cell is demonstrated to easily understand the function of the cell.
Fuel reformer comprises a double-pipe reaction tube comprising an inner tube and an outer tube accommodating reforming catalyst layers. The inside of the inner tube is divided into 2 sections. The upper section or the regeneration section has a plug tube and comprises a regeneration path and the lower section or the modification section comprises modifying catalyst layers filled with CO modifying the catalyst.    A regulating tube is pref. positioned in the centre of the modifying catalyst layers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in a fuel cell power generation system. The reformer has no CO modifying function, so that a CO modifier is eliminated or may be made smaller, and the fuel cell power generation system may be made simple and efficient.
In the protection system, an ejector (7) is disposed at tip of the quality improving steam feed pipe (11), quality improving steam is passed through the ejector, and fed into the quality improving vessel (2), and an O2 detector (23) is provided. Plant safety maintenance is executed based upon O2 detection value.    ADVANTAGE -   Safe and reliable protection system is provided.
Process comprises (a) coating the surface of a steel material with Ni as a base layer; (b) further coating the Ni-coated surface with an Al coating layer to obtain a double-layered coating on the steel material; and (c) heat diffusion treating the resulting coated steel material to obtain an alloy layer comprising Al, Ni, and components from the steel as the lower layer, and an Al-Ni based alloy surface layer, provided that the surface layer has higher Ni content than the lower layer. Pref. the surface layer contains 37-65 atom % Al and 25-63 atom % Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides steel material resistant to high temp. corrosive substances such as fused salt, and is suitable for use in fuel cells, and electroplating baths.
Fuel cell generation system with a fuel treatment device includes a reformer to reform original fuel for creating hydrogen fuel gas and a fuel cell for which hydrogen fuel gas obtd. by the treatment device is used as fuel. The device comprises a fuel flow meter, an air flow meter, a temp. gauge and a controller to drive an airflow adjustment valve.    ADVANTAGE -   The control method is simple and reliable.
Catalyst comprises partially stabilised zirconia carrier supporting at least one element selected from Rh and Ru. The partially stabilised zirconia carrier pref. contains a zirconia component and a yttrium oxide component, a MgO2 component or a cerium oxide component as a stabiliser for the zirconia component. The amt. of Rh and/or Ru is pref. 0.1-5% by wt., more pref. 0.3-3 wt.%, of the partially stabilised zirconia carrier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a catalyst for steam reforming of hydrocarbons. The catalyst has high catalyst activity, high heat resistance, high mechanical strength and long life. It has high catalytic activity even at temps. below 500 deg.C and can perform steam reforming with low steam:carbon ratio. It can be suitably utilised, for example, in a H2 prodn. plant for fuel cells and small sized H2 prodn. plant
Ceramic powder used in mfr, of sintered parts for fuel cells is web-chemically manufactured from an aqueous citrate soln., which is prepared by dissolution and intensive mixing of starting cpds., partic. nitrates in water and citric acid. The soln. is concentrated until it becomes unstirrable and is then subjected to azeotropic distillation by repeated mixing the soln. at boiling heat with toluol, so that it foams up. The foamed material is calcined below 500 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Homogeneous, high sintering activity.
A pn junction is formed in a beta-doped p-type Si substrate by: ion-implanting a shallow surface layer wth As ions; irradiating the resulting low-reflectivity surface with a pulsed CO2 laser to cause melting of the shallow As-doped layer, producing a reflective surface which prevents any further melting thus automatically controlling the melting depth; and allowing the surface to cool and solidify to form a pn junction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of e.g. semiconductor solar cells. The junction is formed at a thin (below 200 Angstrom) junction depth with simple, automatic depth control.
An electrocatalyst, having high activity for the redn. of O2, comprises a ternary alloy of Cr, Cu and a noble metal, supported on an electrically conductive substrate. Also claimed is an O2-redn. cathode comprising the supported catalyst above and PTFE. Further claimed is an electrochemical comprising the cathode above. Additionally claimed is an acid fuel cell comprising a sulphuric or phosphoric acid electrolyte and the cathode above, with the conductive substrate comprising carbon black. Also claimed is a fuel cell as above comprising anode, cathode as above including the supported electrocatalyst above, and the electrolyte above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An electrocatalyst, cathode contg. it, and fuel cell contg. it (claimed) are provided. The catalyst is useful in fuel cells and in other chemical, pharmaceutical, automotive and anti-pollution fields and has high mass activity, corrosion-resistance, and relatively low cost, the activity for O2 redn. being at least four times that of unalloyed noble metal
Photovoltaic array for use as a solar power plant comprises: a unitary structural grid (10) supported on a pedestal (16) and formed of structural members connected at angles and defining spaces in between; lens assemblies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the other sides being closed by plates (22) directly supported by the structural members; and solar cells located within the spaces defined by the plates and lens assemblies.    ADVANTAGE -   Fully integrated structure (claimed) provides highly efficient solar conversion, is low-cost to fabricate and eliminates problems of water leakage and condensation.
Device comprises a H2 storage alloy, a first control valve to reform material gas and supply generated H2 to a fuel cell, a second control valve to compress and supply part of generated H2 to the H2 storage alloy, a pressure redn. valve, a control means, and a heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliability can be improved. Both the fuel supply function for emergency and cooling facility backup function can be obtd.
The single cell comprises a porous metallic substrate, oxygen electrode formed by laminating perovskite on the substrate, solid electrolyte comprising a laminated LaF3 crystal structure fired bodies obtd. by mixing LaF3 and SrF2 or BaF2 powder, followed by firing the mixed powder in inert gas or vacuum at 100-1200 deg. C and oxygen electrode formed by laminating metals on the solid electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved electrical conductivity.
A power supply comprises: an alkaline fuel cell; a H2-storage system; means for pumping released H2 from an outlet of the storage system to a H2 inlet for the fuel cell; a source of O2; means for pumping O2 from the O2 source to an O2 inlet for the fuel cell. The H2 storage system includes a solid chemical hydride for storing H2 in a chemically bound form, which is released when contacted by and reacted with H2O, the storage system has an outlet connected to the H2 pumping means. The fuel cell has: a H2 inlet connected to the H2 pumping means; an outlet for exhausting excess H2; means for passing H2 from the inlet over the anode to react there and vapourise water produced at the anode during operation of the power supply to form a H2/H2O vapour mixt. exhausted at the fuel cell outlet; means for recirculating H2/H2O vapour mixt. to an inlet of the H2 storage system to reintroduce H2O molecules to the chemical hydride to release additional H2 gas at the outlet of the storage system. Pref. the chemical hydride is selected from CaH2 and LiAlH4, and the O2 source is air from which CO2 is removed prior to entry in the system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight portable alkaline fuel cell with on-board H2 generation, which is economical and can effectively operate over a broad range of temp. On-board water storage and water drainage from the fuel cell are unnecessary.
A method for mfg. the fuel cell of a three-layer structure in which a fuel electrode and an air electrode face each other with a solid-state electrolyte between. Into a mould (4) made of the material capable of absorbing a predetermined solvent, the slurries, in which the powder of the solid-state electrolyte and the powders of the electrodes are mixed with the predetermined solvent respectively, are poured successively. Then, an electrolyte compact (5) and electrode compacts (6), (7) are formed respectively.    Solid-state electrolytic fuel cell, with no crack and no peeling, can be obtained easily and at a low price.
Device for detecting a hazardous chemical (I) comprises an optical fibre having a coating which interacts with (I) to reduce the amt. of light passing through the fibre to a light detector.    A set of filters separates the light into signal and reference beams which, after detection, amplification and comparison with preset internal signals, activates an alarm if a predetermined level of (I) is sensed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device, which can be carried or worn, can detect air-borne (I) (specifically hydrazine and its methyl derivs. which are used e.g. in rocket fuels, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fuel cells, etc.) at very low concn. (probably in the ppb range after refinement of the system). Other (I) which could be detected by similar devices are O3, NO2 and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Prepn. comprises (a) heating a surface of the substrate, pref. to 450-600 deg. C, (b) contacting the surface with a vapour consisting of (i) a metal oxide precursor; (ii) an O2-contg. agent; and (iii) a dopant contg. a vinylic fluorine; and (c) thermally reacting the vapour into a F-contg. metal oxide.    Also claimed is the provision of a tin oxide film layer on a substrate in which the vapour consists of (i) a tin chloride; (ii) an hydroxylated cpd.; and (iii) as for (b) (iii).    A further claim is for the prepn. of a high conductivity F-contg. titanium oxide layer on a substrate in which the heated surface is contacted with a vapour contg. (i) SnCl4 and a dopant contg. a vinylic fluorine and (ii) a vapour consisting of an hydroxylated cpd. the two vapours are mixed near the substrate surface, followed by step (c).    (b)(iii) is pref. chlorotrifluoroethylene or difluoroethylene. (b)(ii) is a hydroxylated cpd. such as O2, H2O or a low molecular wt. alcohol. (b)(i) is SnCl4 or tetramethyl tin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as thermal insulator on glass and other substrate, or provide transparent electrodes for use with solar cells or other electro-optical prods. such as liquid crystal displays. The thin film coated glass has reduced haze.
Polymer electrolyte film having ion conductivity, in which at least one of the non-elastic layers is inserted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film is used for batteries, ECD, fuel cell, ion sensor, and gas sensor. Dimension of the electrolyte film can be held constant regardless of humidity of environment.    In an example, on the flat surface of the alumina insulating substrate (10), solid high polymer electrolyte film (21) was formed. On the film (21), the layer (31) having no elasticity was formed. On the layer (31), solid high polymer electrolyte film (22) was formed. The fims (21) and (22) were formed by casting soln. contg. 1-10 wt. % of sulphonated perfluorocarbon (Nafion made by DuPont Co.) at thickness of 0.5-5 microns, then drying it. The layer (31) was formed by plasma polymerisation of tetrafluoro-ethylene having water repellent property. Thickness of the layer (31) was pref. adjusted to 100-5000 Angstom.    .D
Process comprises preparing spinning dope, then forming long fibre state precursor fibre while extruding the dope from a spinning nozzle, cutting the precursor fibre then sintering 650-1050 deg.C. Spinning dope comprises a soln. dissolved in 1-1.3 mol. of proportion of Li in water soluble Li cpd. to 1 mol. of Al in a water soluble basic Al salt in a water based solvent. Viscosity is adjusted using viscosity adjusting agent. Mfg. Li20, Al203 fibre further comprises adding alumina based powder into the soln.    Silica content in the raw material is pref. less than 1 wt.%, pref. less than 0.1 wt. % as a whole.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Li20-Al203 fibre is useful for an electrolyte plate as an electrolyte holding material of fused salt type fuel cell and has min. silica content uniform compsn, long and uniform length, and high aspect ratio. Fibre has large specific area and retention capacity of fused salt.
Prepn. comprises spinning dope, then forming wool state precursor fibre with spouting of dope from a spinning nozzle into high speed gas stream, and then sintering this precursor fibre at the temp. of 650-1050 deg.C. Dope comprises a soln. dissolved in 1-1.3 mol. of proportion of lithium in a water soluble lithium cpd. to 1 mol. of aluminium in a water soluble basic aluminium salt in water based solvent, and adjusting viscosity with addn. of viscosity adjusting agent.    Process for prepn. comprises further adding alumina based powder into the soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lithium aluminate fibre is useful for an electrolyte holding material of fused salt type fuel cell. Fibre low silica content, uniform composition, long fibre length and high aspect ratio can be obtained easily, and fibre has large specific area and large holding capacity of fused salt. The silica content in the raw material is desirably less than 1 wt.%, pref. less than 0.1 wt.% as a whole.
Device is mfd. by forming an amorphous semiconductor layer (2) of first type on a conductive substrate surface; adding an insulating film (3) and patterning to form apertures (20) to expose the amorphous layer; adding an overall amorphous intrinsic layer (4); heat treating to form a poly layer (12, 14) of first type by advancing thermal crystallisation; adding a layer (5) of second type; and adding electrodes (7) over the aperture regions.    The aperture regions include holes formed in the insulating film or regions which surround the insulating film arranged in an island manner. The distance between apertures is 1-500 micron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar cell, photosensor etc. The poly layer is formed with large grain size and few grain boundaries. (First major country equivalent to J04127482-A, J04151878-A)
A solar cell has a photon-receiving absorbing material made of amorphous silicon. The material is in the form of an appts. radially stretching from the vertical longitudinal axis of a glass body, in which it is inserted, to raise the photon absorption independently of each solar state.    The absorbing material appts. is made of individual spokes (2) or spoke-like segments, or a continuous strip. The longitudinal axis (3) of the glass body (1) and the spokes are tubular in shape. A cooling medium is led through the inside of the e.g. tubular formed longitudinal axis and the spokes to cool the absorbing material.    ADVANTAGE -   A larger, more effective absorber surface area is achieved.
Strontium dope lanthanum manganite powder is of formula    (La1-xSrx)1-yMnO3-z (I)    (where x = 0-0.2, y = 0.025-0.75), and is burned, and used as an air pole of a solid electrode fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The manganite does not react with zirconia of electrode material, and does not raise electric resistance of the electrode. It does not change its crystal structure around the operation temp. of a fuel cell and change of thermal expansion coefft. does not occur. Single phase occurs around the operation temp. of a fuel cell. Has excellent chemical stability at high temp., and good conductivity. Solid electrode fuel cell having long, stable life is obtd.
Calcium dope lanthanum manganite powder is of formula    (La1-xCax)1-yMnO3-z (I)    (where X = 0-0.2, y = 0.025-0.75). The lanthanum manganite powder is burned, and used as an air pole of a solid electrode fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The calcium dope lanthanum manganite does not react with zirconia of electrode material, and does not raise electrical resistance of the electrode. Crystal structure is not changed around the operation temp. of a fuel cell and change of thermal expansion coefficient does not occur. Single phase occurs around the operation temp. of a fuel cell. Excellent chemical stability at high temp. and good conductivity is obtd. A solid electrode fuel cell having long, stable life is obtd.
Lanthanum manganite powder has formula La1-yMnO3-z (I), where y is between 0.025 and 0.1. The lanthanum manganite powder is fired and used as an air pole of a solid electrode fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The lanthanum manganite does not react with zirconia of electrode material and does not increase the electrical resistance of the electrode. It does not change its crystal structure at the operating temp. of a fuel cell and change of thermal expansion coefficient does not occur. It has excellent chemical stability at high temp., and good conductivity. The fuel cell has a long stable life.    In an example, La2O3 (dried at 150 deg. C for 1 hour) 100 g and Mn2O3 (Mn2O3.02) 97.1 g were mixed and fired at 1,100 deg. C for 12 hours. The sample was ground and moulded to a pellet, and fired at 1,350 deg. C for 12 hours. The sample was ground and moulded to a pellet, and fired at 1,450 deg. C for 3 hours, to obtain LaMnO3-z system lanthanum manganite.
Reformer is adapted to produce hydrogen to be fed to fuel cell by reforming hydrocarbon such as liquefied natural gas with steam, and includes first stage catalyst combustion section for burning first stage fuel fed from one end of vessel, second stage catalyst combustion section spaced apart from first stage combustion section, double-wall type reactor pipes vertically penetrating and erected in second stage catalyst combustion section and contg. reforming catalyst, and fuel feed pipe arranged parallel to reactor pipes and adapted to eject second stage fuel into space in direction orthogonal to axial direction.    Hydrocarbon is fed into reactor pipe, whereas exhaust gas from fuel cell is fed as first and second stage fuels. Hydrocarbon flowing inside outer pipe of double-wall reactor pipe is transferred in direction opposite to combustion gas in first and second stage catalyst combustion sections.    Reactor pipes are arranged in zigzag, and fuel feed pipe which has same dia. is arranged around reactor pipe at an angle of 60 deg. Distance between adjacent reactor pipe and fuel feed pipe and that of adjacent reactor pipes are set equal.    ADVANTAGE -   Second stage fuel from fuel feed pipe can be uniformly dispersed around each reactor pipe, so that second and first stage fuels can be well mixed.
NOVELTY - Clamp shafts (3,4) are extended from front to backside at the four corners of a carriage (2). An arm (5) provided with a contact piece (6) engaging with inner side of the corner section of a heat insulation container (1), is attached to the pair of upper clamp shafts (3). A cam (7) that contacts medial surface of the heat insulation container, is attached to the pair of lower clamp shafts (4).    USE -   For mounting sodium sulfur cell accommodation carriage in heat insulation container.    ADVANTAGE -   Rupture of heat insulation container by the carriage is prevented. Excessive space for fixing carriage is not required. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows perspective view of container accommodating carriage. (1) Heat insulation container; (2) Carriage; (3,4) Clamp shafts; (5) Arm; (6) Contact piece; (7) Cam.
An electrolytic cell contains (A) a solid electrode and (B) as counterelectrode a porous multilayer arrangement comprising (a) a gas permeable backing layer made of graphite paper, overlaid by (b) a C layer contg. a sufficiently high water repellant binder content to prevent water reaching (a) and (c) another C layer contg. less of the water repellant binder than (b).    Layers (b) and (c) are permeated with a finely divided catalyst and are impregnated with an aq. basic soln.. The cell contains a separator made of an insulating material, is contiguous with at least one of the electrodes and is impregnated with the aq. basic soln.. An electrochemical reaction is initiated by applying a direct potential between the electrodes.    Layer (Bb) pref. contains 25-35 wt.% binder and (Bc) 10-18wt.% binder. The electrodes and the separator are flat and the separator has a larger area than the electrodes. The separator consists of a ceramic material. The solid electrode contains Ag or Ni. The aq. soln. is a KOH soln.. The binder is PTFE, polypropylene or polyethylene. The catalyst is Pt or Pd.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a high response rate and allows application of higher displacement forces than previously.
A electrochemical conversion using a cell with a rechargeable electrode made of consumable powdered solid electroactive material is claimed. The electrode connects to a reservoir (14) feeding a compartment (12) around the electrode and the feed of the electrode material into the compartment varies with the voltage tested locally in the compartment. The voltage is measured between the two probes (26, 27) where the 1st is in the compartment and the 2nd is permanently in contact with the electrolyte (9) around the electrode.    The 2nd probe may also be in the compartment and covered by an insulating sheath with holes, pref. in PVC, or with a microporous cover. The solid particles of consumable material are gravity fed, they may be particles, granules or cylinders.    USE -   The cell may be used to supply energy to transport vehicles or for other industrial applications where intermittent use is required. The automatic re-filling with electroactive material improves the ease of working; it may use metallic powders as the consumable material.
A thin solar cell is obtd. by exfoliation of an epitaxial layer grown on a Si wafer. The solar cell is produced by forming (i) an insulating layer on the wafer; (ii) exposing the surface of the wafer periodically through very small openings in the insulation layer; (iii) generating angular lumps of single crystal Si near the openings by selective epitaxial growth and lateral growth, and growing until they collide with each other; (iv) removing the insulation layer through the gaps remaining between the angular lumps; (v) embedding a resin in the gaps; (vi) forming electrode layers on the surfaces of the angular lumps, and then fastening the surface on a base board via a resin; (vii) sepg. the angular lumps of monocrystal Si form the Si wafer; and (viii) forming reverse electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell is very thin and has an improved photoelectron transforming coefft. It can be mfd. at low prodn. cost.
Process comprises closely contacting transparent electroconductive thin film face of a sheet, (in which film is formed on a support), using an adhesive layer whose adhesion is changed by the irradiation of light with a base plate, applying light via a mask by which light is (un)passed in a predetermined pattern form. Adhesion between the adhesive layer and the base plate is changed depending on the predetermined pattern, and the transparent electroconductive thin film of the predetermined pattern is left on the base plate when the sheet is stripped from the base plate.    Dissolving power and dimensional accuracy of the transparent electrode pattern are good. Treating temp. is low and no etching treatment is used, and transparent electrode of high electroconductivity can be formed on a base plate of poor heat resistance.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Obtd. transparent electrode is useful for liq. crystal display device, solar battery, transparent tablet or liq. crystal light modulating glass. Transparent electrode of high electroconductivity can be obtd. in a short time by simple processes.
New catalyst consists of a C support loaded with Pt alloy which contain Au or Au and Ni, Co or Mn. The prodn. of the catalysts is also claimed, where thiosulphate and/or meta-hydrogensulphite is used to reduce Pt and Au cpds.    Pref. the Au content is 3-20 atom% w.r.t. Pt. Pref. Pt and Au are deposited on C support by reducing Pt and Au cpds.; then organic acid amine salt of Ni, Co or Mn is added to the support; then it is heated to form the Pt alloy. The organic acid amine salt is first loaded on the C support and heated; Pt and Au cpds. are added to the support and reduced; then the support was heated to form the Pt alloy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a phosphoric acid type fuel cell electrode. Dissolution of the catalyst metals into hot conc. phosphoric acid can be effectively prevented. Aggregation of the Pt alloy particles are also effectively prevented, so that the catalyst provides a higher activity.
Film comprises iridium oxide. Halogen atom is in film to produce film.    USE -   High photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Catalyst comprises carbon support loaded with Pt, Mn, and Ni or Co. Prodn. comprises immersing carbon support in soln. dissolving Pt-contg. ions; reducing Pt-contg. ions with reducing chemical to deposit Pt on carbon support and adding soln. dissolving organic acid-amine salts of Mn and Ni or Co to support, to alloy Mn and Ni or Co with Pt loaded on carbon support.    Pref. 40-90 atom % Pt, 30-5 atom % Mn, and 30-5 atom % Ni or Co are loaded.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved activity and longer life.
NOVELTY - A purge gas supply pipe (27) is connected to a midway of a steam ejector (28) so that cathode gas exhausted out from a cathode (8) is supplied to the steam ejector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An electrolyte (4) is pinched between an anode (5) and a cathode (6) arranged inside a container stack (2). An anode gas (10) and a cathode gas (14) containing an oxidizing agent are supplied respectively to the anode (7) and the cathode (8) in the container.    USE -   In fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs purging of container with ejected cathode gas. Avoids usage of nitrogen as a purge gas. Reduces cost and power by using ejected cathode gas and by eliminating the need for nitrogen gas. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure indicates block diagram of a fuel battery. (2) Stack; (3) Container stack; (4) Electrolyte; (5,7) Anodes; (6,8) Cathodes; (10) Anode gas; (14) Cathode gas; (15) Exhausted cathode gas; (27) Purge gas supply pipe; (28) Steam ejector.
A CuInSe2 cpd. thin film is formed by applying an amorphous film contg. Cu, In and Se, then crystallising by heat. Pref. each element is vaporised from independent source simultaneously and deposited on the substrate at 200 deg.C prepd. by sputtering using CuInSe2 sinter, crystallised at 300-500 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film is suitable for solar cell. The method forms homogeneous film.    In an example: A 1 micron thick Mo film was formed on a glass substrate by sputtering, an amorphous film of Cu/In/Se (1:1:2.5) was formed by vapour deposition using independent vapour source simultaneously, heat treated for 1 hour at 400 deg.C to form crystallised CuInSe2 film. Surface of the film was smooth and grain size was homogeneous and compact.
(JP4127482-A)      Device is mfd. by forming an amorphous semiconductor layer (2) of first type on a conductive substrate surface; adding an insulating film (3) and patterning to form apertures (20) to expose the amorphous layer; adding an overall amorphous intrinsic layer (4); heat treating to form a poly layer (12, 14) of first type by advancing thermal crystallisation; adding a layer (5) of second type; and adding electrodes (7) over the aperture regions.    The aperture regions include holes formed in the insulating film or regions which surround the insulating film arranged in an island manner. The distance between apertures is 1-500 micron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar cell, photosensor etc. The poly layer is formed with large grain size and few grain boundaries. (First major country equivalent to J04127482-A, J04151878-A)
(JP2814706-B2)      The device has an ejector vacuum pump (41) which sucks original fuel and mixes it with steam. The fuel is then supplied to a modifier. The modifier performs steam reforming of the fuel and the steam is supplied to a hydrogen rich gas source. The vacuum pump is connected to several parallel arranged solenoid valves (40-48). A control unit (43) selects the number of valves to be opened, based on amount of load of fuel battery (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Quickens supply of steam to ejector vacuum pump through solenoid valve. Offers power generating device of high load response. Enhances hydrogen consumption in fuel battery. Simplifies structure, thereby simplifying maintenance.
A hybrid vehicle drive unit comprises a rotating combustion engine and a high temp. superconductor (HTS) electromotor, with the combustion engine driven by liquid hydrogen and cooled by the electromotor.    Also claimed are: (i) HTS annular piston machine cooled by H2; (ii) HTS annular piston chambers cooled by H2, which are connected one after another in several stages to the magnetic current strength; (iii) HTS annular piston cooled by H2; (iv) HTS magnetocalorific H2 lquefier cooled by H2; (v) HTS current valve, cooled by H2; (vi) HTS hybrid storage unit cooled by H2, and comprising HTSL coil/hollow cylinder and a fuel cell injected with vapourised H2; (vii) hybrid storage coil comprising an outer low temp. coil (e.g. Nb3AlGe) and an inner HTS coil 9e.g. Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O), both cooled by H2; (viii) photovoltaic HTS hollow cylinder cooled by H2 serving as photovoltaic generator and also as HTS storer; (ix) magnetrohydrodynamic generator contg. H2-cooled HTSs.    ADVANTAGE -   The 'nill-emission' hybrid unit considerably increases the range between charges by a compressed, stored magnetic current.
Cell comprises a stack sealed inside a vessel and formed of, from bottom to top: negative electrode, separater disc, positive electrode and graphite current collector disc. The stack is housed inside a BN bushing and the electrode are held under compression by a high temp stainless steel spring and stainless steel assembly screws external to the stack to vary the degree of compression applied.    ADVANTAGE -   Design maintains contact between current collectors and electrodes during the expansion and contraction of heating and cooling cycles.
Modifier comprises the fuel modifying chamber and the fuel modifying reaction tube installed in the chamber to modify the fuel gas into CO,CO2,H2O and H2. The fuel modifier also comprises hydrogen sepg. film inside of the fuel modifying reaction tube.    Pref. the proton conductive type fuel cell comprises the fuel modifier at the side of up-stream of the fuel inlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the proton conductive type fuel cell. Pure hydrogen can be fed to the low temp. proton conductive type fuel cell. Max. working temp. and starting time of the cell can be reduced
A direct energy conversion process employs a closed chemisorptive or chemical reaction circuit in which a chemical cpd. is decomposed into stable components in a thermal decomposition cell with heat input and is reformed from the components in an electrolytic recombination cell with electrical energy output.    The novelty comprises one of the following: (a) in a chemisorptive circuit the chemical cpd. is isothermally and desorptively decomposed, is sorptively recombined with constant temp. and pressure decrease and is recuperatively reheated using the entropic energy content released during recombination; (b) in a chemical reaction circuit, the chemical cpd. is decomposed in an isobaric process with constant temp. increase, is isothermally recombined at the upper decomposition temp. and then cooled to the lower decomposition start temp., the entropic energy content of the recombination process and the sensible heat of the cooling process being recuperatively transferred to the decomposition process; or (c) in a chemical reaction circuit, the chemical cpd. is decomposed in an isobaric process with constant temp. increase, the sepd. components are cooled and recombinant with constant temp. increase opt. in an isobaric process and the cpd. is cooled to the lower decomposition start temp., the entropic energy content of the recombination process and the sensible heats of the cooling processes being directly recuperatively transferred to the heat consuming process steps.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in thermal dissociation of steam to produce H2 for use in a high temp. fuel cell for electrical energy recovery or as a heat energy source, thermal dissociation or decomposition processes. The process converts heat into entropy-free useful work, can be carried out below ambient temp. so that ambient heat can be converted into useful work, and releases no waste heat to ambient.
Control and driver circuits, including a water capacitor/resonant cavity for the pron. of H2 contg. fuel gas as described in US Patent No. 4936961, in which a control circuit for a resonant cavity water capacitor cell utilised for the prodn. of H2 contg. fuel gas includes an isolation transformer including a ferromagnetic core and having one side of the water capacitor of the resonant cavity and the other side of the sec. coil connected to the other plate of the water capacitor to form a closed loop electronic circuit utilsing the dielectric properties of water as part of the electronic circuit and a prim. coil connected to a pulse generator.    ADVANTAGE -   The water capacitor becomes an electrically isolated cavity for the processing of water according to its dielectric resonance properties so that power consumption in the control and driving circuits is minimised when resonance occurs, and current demand is minimised as voltage is maximised in the gas prodn. mode of the water capacitor/fuel cell.
In the appts., pref. for mfg. large area thin film, such as amorphous silicon solar cells, thin film semiconductors or optical sensors, a reaction chamber, a discharging electrode having spiral, flat shape, and a power source to feed glow discharging power to the pole are included. The amorphous thin film is formed onto a substrate disposed in parallel to the electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Amorphous silicon film having large area is formable with high speed deposition.
Source mixt. contains elements in an atomic ratio of La:Ca:Cr of (1-x):x:(1-y), where x= 0.04, y= 0-0.05, and y is upto x. The source mixt. is degreased of below 400 deg.C, rapidly heated at a rate of over 300 deg.C/hr to 900-1100 deg.C, and reacted at that temp. for at least 5 hrs.    The sinter obtd. by firing the chromite powders is also claimed. A solid oxide fuel cell having a separator or terminals made of the chromite sinter is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to produce a separator or terminals for solid oxide fuel cells. The chromite powders are easily sintered at 1100-1400 deg.C.    In an example, a mixt. of 401 g La(NO3)36H2O, 100g Ca(NO3)24H2O, and 529 g Cr(NO3)39H2O was added to an EtOH soln. dissolving (COOH)2H2O. The mixt. was dried to obtain La0.7Ca0.32CrO3, which was heated and kept at 1000 deg.C for over 10 hrs. The obtd. powders are pulverised with EtOH with a ball mill and dried.
Substrate is made by hot pressing a glass substrate using a press forming die, to form desired shape concaves and convexes (asperities) at least one either side of the substrate. Also claimed is the press forming die coated with a chemically stable thin film.    USE -   Used for making substrate for solar cells, capable of absorbing incident light into the thin film effectively, increasing short circuit current.
The fuel cell comprises 3 layers structure of an oxygen electrode, a solid state electrolyte and a fuel electrode. The solid electrolyte is made of a material expressed general formula Ln2M(Cu1-xNx)O5 (I) where Ln = at least one of Y, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er or Tm. M = at least one of Ba, Sr, or Ca. N = at least one of Zn, Fe, Li, Ni, Co, Cr, Nb or Ta. x = 0-0.5).    ADVANTAGE -   The cell can operate at 600 deg. C with low thermal cycle deterioration and lower running cost.    In an example, a cell was fabricated by laminating an oxygen electrode, Y2BaCuO5 solid state electrolyte and fuel electrode. Oxygen and fuel gas were fed to both sides of the electrolyte and gas leakage was prevented by porcelain tubes. The generated potential between the electrodes was carried away by a Pt wire. The cell generated 0.82 V of potential at 600 deg.C.
(JP4115470-A)   NOVELTY - Surplus AC power is converted to DC and delivered to the electrolytic cell (1A) where water is electrolyzed to generate hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen generated is stored under pressure and when needed is fed into the fuel cell battery (1B) where DC power is generated. The generated DC power after being converted to AC, is delivered through the regular power line (2).    USE - Utilities producing electrical power are frequently beset with fluctuating power demands and many times load balancing within the standard generating system proves difficult and uneconomical.    ADVANTAGE - The power conversion and redelivery arrangements are characterized by high operational efficiency and involve negligible wear in the relevant subsystems. Oxygen generated at the electrolyzer is routed into the boiler and improves the quality of combustion and overall efficiency.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The water generated at the fuel cell battery is routed through the feed water loop of the boiler (60). The electrolyte used in the fuel cell battery is lanthanum manganite (LaMnO3). Heat exchangers (20a,20b,30a,30b) installed at the various feed delivery points further ensure that residual thermal energies are judiciously utilized. The system permits simultaneous functioning of the electrolyzer fuel cell battery combination.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the schematic layout of the surplus power conversion storage facility illustrating the principal subsystems and their configuration.    Electrolyte cell (1A)    Fuel cell battery (1B)    Regular power line (2)    Heat exchangers (20a,20b,30a,30b)    Boiler (60)
(JP2538404-B2)      The molten carbonate fuel cell consists of an anode (10), a porous nickel cathode (12) and an electrolyte plate (14) consisting of the following layers: (i) lithium aluminate retaining layer (16), (ii) alumina fibre layer (18) and electrolyte layer (20). The electrolyte consists of an alkali-metal carbonate selected from lithium, potassium and sodium carbonate.    The weight ratio of the alumina fibre layer (18) to the combined weight of the lithium aluminate layer (16) and layer (18) is 2.5-3.0 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Molten carbonate fuel cell which operates at 500-700C. The battery has good mechanical strength and long working life.
NOVELTY - A pressure loss regulator controls partition ratio of fuel gas to modification reaction fraction (12) and non- modification reaction fraction (13). The partition ratio of fuel gas is adjusted in each modification reaction area mutually so that distribution of predetermined amount of modification reaction of fuel gas in fuel gas passage way is obtained.    USE -   For fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains uniform temperature distribution over long period with stability by performing individual regulation of ratio of flow of fuel gas to both modification and non- modification reaction fractions. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional view of fuel battery. (12) Modification reaction fraction; (13) Non-modification reaction fraction.
Solar cell has a Si film, on a metal substrate, in which the crystal orientation of the crystal grains is regulated in the thickness of the Si film.    Pref. the cell has a metal-Si intermediate film between the metal substrate and Si film. The cell is produced by (a) arranging Si monocrystals with regulated crystal orientation at intervals on a metal substrate and then forming a metal-Si intermediate layer by heating; (B) oxidising the exposed areas of the metal substrate; and (c) crystal growth by selective epitaxy, using the Si monocrystals as seeds. Other pref. stages involve (d) forming an insulation film on the Si wafer when the Si monocrystals have been arranged on the metal substrate; (e) forming Si monocrystals by selective epitaxy after fine holes have been made in pt. of the insulation film; and (f) sepg. the Si monocrystals from the Si wafer by ultrasound after the insulation film has been etched away and then arranging the Si monocrystals on the metal substrate; or (g) using ultrasound when the Si monocrystals are arranged on the metal substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   This cell has excellent energy yield. It can be mass produced more economically than usual and the defect level density in the grain boundaries is reduced.
Porous electrodes are made by dry pressing a mixt. onto a suitable support. The dry mixt. consists of a carbonyl metal with a small particle size, high compaction density and high slip resistance, and a powdered component which is catalytically active or can be activated e.g. by a caustic treatment. It is pressed into the surface of the support, consolidated by plating and, if required, activated. The feature is that the catalytic component is at least in part a catalyst coated C powder, pref. coated with 1-5% Pt.    The catalyst pref. has a large active area and a grain-size of up to 100 micron, and may be mixed with up to 50% active metal, especially Raney Ni. It pref. represents at least 2 wt.% of the mixt., and pref. about 50% by vol. To the mixt. is pref. also added a filler which can be removed by dissolution, e.g. rock salt, with a grain-size of up to 100 micron, which is removed before plating. A suitable support is a Ni perforated foil which has been roughened by plating with Ni-carbonyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode shows improved resistance to corrosion, especially when not in use. It is especially useful as H-electrode. The electrodes are used in solar energy conversion
A fuel cell stack with framed components comprsing cathode chamber, cathode, electrolyte, anode, and anode chamber is improved by the use of a sealant comprising a mixt. of 50-90 wt.% butyl rubber and 10-50 wt.% ethylene propylene latices. The sealant may form a seal between adjacent frames or between frame and component, and may further comprise up to 25 wt.% fillers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the prevention of leakage of fuel, oxidant, reaction products and electrolyte, the sealant replaces the two conventional sealants used in fuel cells, and is convenient to use, inexpensive, space-saving as it does not require the use of a thick, grooved, frame, dependable, and can be used in KOH environments. (3/3)
Terminal connection includes a conductive terminal strip (14) protruding from a rear wall of the solar cell and provided with a hole (20) which corresponds with a hole (30) in an insulating member secured to the rear wall. A nut (40) captures the strip to the member and receives a threaded fastener (44) which secures the strip to an electrical cable.    The insulating member is pref. a convex/concave plastic disc (22), pref. of resilient thermoplastic material.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable, screw-fastened connection is provided between the solar cell and a sealed cable connector.
Polyethylene (I) contg. thiophene moiety having repeat unit of formula (II) and (I) composition (III) composed of (I) and dopant (IV) are new, (wherein m is at least 3, n is at least 3).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) has good stability, mouldability, (I) can be used as material of electronic device such as sec. battery, electrophotochromic display device, solar cell, gas-sensor, etc., and functional material, e.g. antistatic material etc., esp. useful as electrode for sec. bettery. (I) can be prepd. from available materials by combination of known reactions.
A pair of electrodes, which face each other, is installed in a vacuum chamber. On one of the electrodes, a LaF3-x film formed by electron beam deposition is set. NF3 gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber and RF voltage is applied between the electrodes to generate discharge between the electrodes to inject NF3 gas into the LaF3-x film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for prepn. of solid electrolyte films for fuel cells. Durability and mechanical strength of the film can be improved. Dropping of power generation function of the fuel cell can be prevented.    In an example, as shown in Fig. 1, LaF3-x film (4), which was formed on a porous substrate by E.B. deposition, was set on one of the electrodes in the vacuum chamber (1). NF3 gas was introduced into the chamber, and deg. of vacuum in the chamber was adjusted to 10power(-3) Torr. Distance between the electrodes (2) and (3) was adjusted to 20mm, then RF voltage was applied between the electrodes to generate discharge between them. As a result, NF3 gas was injected into the LaF3-x film (4), and reacted with it to form an electrolyte.
The oxygen ion conductor comprises a compsn. of A2BO4 (where A= one or more of Ca, Sr, and Ba, B= one or more of Ti, Sn, Mn, Mo, Ru, Ir, Rh, Pb, and Bi), having K2NiF4 crystal structure.    USE -   Used for solid electrolyte of fuel cells, and oxygen sensors.
Method, and associated plant, for the combined generation of electrical and mechanical energy from the oxidn. of fuel is claimed.    Method comprises prodn. of a gas contg. H2 by the endothermic reaction of hydrocarbon cpds.; burning part of this gas to produce a combustion gas; compression and heating of an O2-contg. gas and feeding it into the combustion stage(s). At least part of the H2-contg. gas produced in the endothermic reaction is, in the prodn. of electrical energy, fed as anode gas through a fuel cell system, from which an anode exhaust gas contg. a residue of H2 is used for producing a combustion gas of increased pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system enables the chemically compounded energy in a fuel to be converted into electrical and mechanical energy with an efficiency of at least 60% and possibly over 65%.
Polymeric sheets (97) are simultaneously laminated stop respective, spaced substrates (10) using appts. (60) including means (62) for supporting the substrates in spaced relationship and diaphragm means (80) adjacent each substrate for uniformly transmitting pressure and forcibly flattening one of the sheets against one of its surfaces.    It also includes means (86) for simultaneously heating the flattened sheet/substrate sandwiches to affix them, a pump for removing air from between the substrates and diaphragms, and means providing an air-tight seal between the periphery of each substrate and diaphragm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For economically laminating a relatively thin film of dielectric polymer onto at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, such as an amorphous silicon solar panel, to encapsulate it and protect it from abient conditions.
Fluid flow field plate (12) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is made of electrically conducting material and has multiple, continuous, open-faced, fluid flow channels (22) in a major surface (15). Each channel has a dedicated fluid inlet (24) and a dedicated fluid outlet (26) directly connected respectively to a fluid supply opening (25) and a fluid exhaust opening (27) defined in the surface and traverses a major central area of the surface in a number of passes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By employing continuous channels traversing the plate and an adjacent electrode surface in alternating long and short closely spaced passes, access of adequate fuel and oxidant gases to the entire anode and cathode surfaces is assured and water is readily removed from the channel as it is formed by the flow of oxidant gas before it can coalesce into large water droplets. (2/4)
(JP2714236-B2)      The fuel cell power generation plant, comprises reformer (2), reformer burner (2a), control apparatus (5), temperature detector (6), process fuel (101), reformer burner fuel exhaust gas (104), cathode (1a), anode (1b), etc. The plant detects pressure across anodic outlet line and hydrogen enriched gas generation line.    ADVANTAGE -   The plant avoids reverse flow if the high temperature combustion gas to an anode outlet line from the reformer burner.
NOVELTY - A single cell (1) and interconnector (2) forming a solid electrolyte layer and anode are laminated alternately on a single cell substrate (11), sequentially. An oxidizing gas is made to flow to the porous single cell substrate and fuel gas is made to flow to the anode side. The single cell consists of cobaltite or manganite group oxide.    USE -   For power supply.    ADVANTAGE -   Large volume valuation is reduced. Fuel battery having excellent reliability is offered with no damages. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the longitudinal view of solid electrolyte fuel battery. (1) Single cell; (2) Interconnector; (11) Single cell substrate.
The transparent film comprises fluoro-resin film, as a matrix, and a metal oxide thin film laminated at least on one side of the film for offering surface activation effects, and good moisture-resistance to the film.    USE -   Used for sealing material of electroluminescence, protective film of solar cells, and of displays, and moisture resistant packaging beverages and medical supplies. (0/0)
(JP2814716-B2)      The structure includes a unit cell comprising an anode (2), fluororesin group cation exchange membrane (1) and cathode (3). Hydrophilic and hydrophobic porous base materials (5, 6) are arranged on either sides of the unit cell. The hydrophilic porous base material has a set of holes (9) along thickness direction. Water impregnates through the hydrophilic base material which is in contact with anode of unit cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in polarisation characteristics.
(JP4094173-A)      Solar cell substrate (104) comprises a base member (101) and a buffer layer (103). Pt. of the base surface comprises a metallic material having irregularities at its upper surface. The buffer layer covers the irregularities and comprises transparent or translucent and conductive material. Irregularities on the upper surface comprise alternate thicker convex and thinner concave areas. Solar cell comprises a thin film, semiconductor, optically active layer and an overlying electrode on a substrate as claimed above.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell is reliable under practical use. The substrate scatters incident light and effectively utilises light absorbed by the active layer of the solar cell, hence improving, the power output of the cell. (First major country equivalent to J04094173-A)
(JP4094172-A)      A process, giving better boron activation, using a p-n or p-i-n junction in an amorphous semiconductor with a p-type film on the light side, comprises forming the p-type film by a pulse discharge-assisted CVD method which decomposes a feed gas contg. BF3 dopant by discharging.    Pref. the feed gas is mainly CH4 and SiH4, the semiconductor film is a-SiC, the p-type film contains 1 x 10 power 20-2 x 10 power 21 atoms cm-3 and the concn. of F atoms is not more than 1/2, pref. not more than 10%, of the concn. of B.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For an amorphous photoelectric transducer useful for such transducers and solar cells. The method prevents a decrease in the optical band gap and, by reducing the F concn. to no more than 50% of that of B, the deg. of activation of the B is much improved. (First major country equivalent to JP04094172)
The energy system comprises the step of electrolysing water by an electric power generated by a solar cell to generate H2; the step of storing the generated H2 in a H2 occluding alloy; and the step of discharging H2 from the H2 occluding alloy to use the discharged H2 as a fuel, whereby operating a fuel cell are comprised. An area for installation of the solar cell is set at 800 to 1700 times that of the fuel cell.    Pref. the H2 occluding alloy is represented by LaNi5 wherein La represents rare earth metals, Mg, Fe and Zr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric power generated on the basis of the solar energy can be utilised without wastefulness
Electric power generated from natural energy, is sent to an energy-consuming place in real time by the high-voltage DC transmission of electricity. When the generated electric power exceeds consumed electric power to produce excessive electric power, water is subjected to the low-voltage electrolysis to generate hydrogen and store the generated hydrogen in a hydrogen-occlusing alloy once and transport the occluded hydrogen to the energy-consuming place. The transported hydrogen is used to operate a fuel cell as a fuel to utilise electric power and heat generated by the operation of the fuel cell in the energy-consuming place.    Wind force energy, water power energy, subterranean heat energy, solar energy and the like are used as the natural energies singly or in combination.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the energy system the electric power generated on the basis of clean natural energies can be utilised without wastefulness.
Processing an upper edge section of trenches etched in semiconductor substrates with a stream of particles comprises directing an anisotropic stream of particles at a selected angle of incidence W on to the substrate surface so that the lower edge of the trench, which is not to be processed, is shielded by the opposite edge of the substrate surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is simple, accurate, and can be used instead of high-output solar cells made from crystalline Si. The method is simple, accurate and can be used instead of costly lithographic techniques. It can be used for any shape of trench.
Seal includes an inorganic material, pref. a glass esp. a silicate glass, which is tough at operating temps. and is fitted between parts which must be able to move relative to each other.    Pref. glasses are highly viscous alkali(ne earth) metal, B, Pb, Al and Li silicate glasses.    Glass has Bingham flow characteristics and has a viscosity at 1000 deg. C of 5000-50000 P. Pref. glasses are: (Na2O)0.15 (CaO)0.10 (SiO)0.75 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 1004 deg. C; (Na2O)0.20 (CaO)0.10 (Si)2)0.70 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 924 deg. C; (Na2O)0.20 (MgO)0.10 (SiO2)0.70 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 992 deg. C; (Na2O)0.20 (K2O)0.30 (SiO2)0.50 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 1000 deg. C; and (K2O)0.10 (PbO)0.10 (SiO2)0.80 which has a viscosity of 10 power (4) P at 1000 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with an electrochemical or fuel cell (claimed). Reliable, durable seal is obtd.
System comprises (i) electrolysing water by the electric power generated on the basis of the natural energies to generate H2; (ii) storing the generated H2 in the H-occluding alloy; (iii) transporting the H-occluding alloy to the vicinity of the electric power-consuming place by the use of the marine transportation means; and (iv) releasing H2 from the hydrogen-occluding alloy at the vicinity of the energy-consuming place to operate the fuel cell with the released hydrogen as the fuel, whereby generating the electric power. Materials having an equilibrium H2 pressure of 1 atmos. pressure or less at 30 deg.C are used as the H-occluding alloy.    Pref. the wind force energy, the water power energy, the subterranean heat energy, the solar energy and the like are used as the natural energies singly or in combination.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the energy system the marine transportation of the hydrogen-occluding alloy can be improved in safety.
System comprises (i) electrolysing water by the electric power generated on the basis of the natural energies to generate H2; (ii) occluding the generated H2 in the H-occluding alloy; (iii) releasing H from the H-occluding alloy; and (iv) arranging the fuel cell with the released H as the fuel in the vicinity of the energy-consuming place to obtain the electric power. A dia. of a H2 transporting pipe from the water-electrolysis region to the H-occluding alloy region is set so as to be larger than that of a H2 transporting pipe from the H-occluding alloy region to the fuel cell region.    Pref. the wind force energy, the water power energy, the subterranean heat energy, the solar energy and the like are used as the natural energies.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the energy system the transportation of H2 can be efficiently conducted.
(JP2516274-B2)      The fuel cell generation plant has a fuel reforming installation for reforming gas supplied to the anode, a current converter, an operation control section, a means for inputting measurement data, an electrolyte supply system, and means for controlling anode and cathode polarisation based on the measured data. The measured data includes battery voltage, circuit voltage, internal resistance, reaction gas compsn. flow rates and pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for molten carbonate type fuel cell. The electrolyte board is maintained at optimum distance from the electrodes during continuous operation. Efficiency is improved.
(JP4087158-A)   NOVELTY - A carbon monoxide transformer (4) makes the CO present in reform gas obtained by modifier (1), to react with pressurized water and subsequently with oxidizing gas passed through the transformer, to generate electric power. When the transformation poisoning is produced in transformer, the input to heater obtaining water vapor required for modifier, is performed in stepwise manner.    USE - For power generation using fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since the reaction heat of CO transformer is removed using pressurized water, obtained by the steam separator itself compact generator with simple component is obtained. Enables rising catalyst inlet-port temperature depending on the degree of activity reduction, thereby facilitating supply reform gas with CO of fixed concentration to the fuel battery during long-term running.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The heater is arranged at the gas passage pipe extending from a steam separator (6) to the CO transformer (4), for obtaining water vapor required for the modifier.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the flow diagram showing the principal parts of electric power generator using fuel battery.    Modifier (1)    Transformer (4)    Steam separator (6)
Prepn. of CdS-ZnS solid soln. thin film comprises forming on a light transmitting substrate, semiconductor thin films of CdS and ZnS in laminated layers. The laminated layer thin film is exposed in vapour of CdCl2 at high temp. to activate the film to form solid soln./4 Pref. In, Ga, and Al is preliminarily contained in at least one of the thin films of CdS and ZnS.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for prepn. of CdS-ZnS solid soln. thin film for the solar cell. CdS-ZnS solid soln. thin film having wide band-gap and higher conductivity can be cost savingly prepd.
Device comprises amorphous Si solar cells each comprising a transparent substrate (1), transparent electrode (21), semiconductor layer (3) and metal electrode (40), the electrodes providing series or series-parallel interconnection between cells, the metal electrode being formed of, from the semiconductor layer outward, an Al layer, an additive metal layer for Al bronze and a Cu layer.    Pref., the additive metal for Al bronze is Ni, Fe or Mn, esp. Ni. The three-layered film has a thickness of 0.2-0.8 micron.    ADVANTAGE -   Structure permits easy soldering of lead wires and has high operating reliability.
Process for sepn. of N2 and CO2 and concn. of CO2 in energy-generating oxidn. and combustion processes involves (a) oxidising the carbonaceous fuel (CH4) with air (O2+4N2) in a ceramic high temp. fuel cell with solid electrolyte as O2- ion conductor to a ixt. of gaseous CO2 and H2O, whilst the ballast N2 (4N2) is discharged separately; (b) sepg. the CO2 from the gaseous stream of CO2 and H2O; and (c) working this up to a higher concn.    The H2O+CO2 stream is passed into a scrubber in which CO2 is removed, converted to carbonate with alkali(ne earth) oxide and pptd.; or the H2O+CO2 stream is cooled below the dew point of H2O, which is condensed and removed, whilst the CO2 concn. in the residual gas stream is worked up. The CO2 pref. is compressed or cooled and condensed, then placed in cylinders; or cooled, solidified, compacted and sold in solid form as dry ice.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process reduces the emission of CO2, which is a greenhouse gas. It is simple and can be carried out economically without costly appts. and does not cause harmful side-effects such as additions, air, water or soil pollution.
Making improved coating compsns. comprises: (a) combining silane monomer(s) of formula R-Si(OR)3, where R =1-9C (halo) lower alkyl, (subst.) phenyl, (methyl) phenethyl, and at least 1 R = lower alkyl, with: (i) an effective amt. of a silane catalyst having an amino-substd. functional gp. a 2C or more alkoxy-subst. gp., and an optional alkyl gp., (ii) 10-95 mol.% of water based on the mols. of silane monomer present; and (iii) an opt. nonionic fluorochemical surfactant; (b) emulsifying the mixt. (using ultrasound); and (c) maintaining the emulsion for long enough to hydrolyse partially and condense the silane monomer to the extent permitted by the amt. of water present.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. are esp. useful for coating space hardware. They protect silver interconnects from attack by atomic oxygen. They may also be used as abrasion-resistant coating, for spectacle cases, and as a non moisture-absorbing substitute for polyimide systems in microelectronics. The process uses fewer ingredients, simplified compounding and processing techniques, and provides a coating compsn. with improved oxidation, adhesion and curing properties.
A fuel cell comprises: a first electrode assembly permeable to a fuel and an oxidiser; a second electrode assemble impermeable to the fuel and the oxidiser, and separated from the first electrode assembly by and in contact with a solid electrolyte body. The solid electrolyte body consists essentially of an electron-insulating material which is also ionically conducting to at least a first ionic species and which material is permeable to the fuel, the oxidiser and products of electrochemical reactions of the fuel and oxidiser. The first electrode assembly comprises spaced-apart portions that expose surface regions of the solid electrolyte body. A coating is disposed on the spaced-apart regions which comprises a material relatively permeable to the fuel but impermeable to the oxidiser.    Pref. the coating comprises a polymer material selected from nylon, polysulphone, polytrifluorochloroethylene and polypropylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency solid electrolyte fuel cell, achieved by patterning a permeable catalytic electrode with a coating that is permeable to the fuel but relatively impermeable to the oxidiser. The oxidiser enters the surface of a solid electrolyte mainly via the spaces between the electrode portions.
A wet-tip capillary die method of growing tubular crystals comprises using a crucible (24) holding a supply of melt (29) and feeding it to an EFG die (18) which comprises a tip and at least one melt-feed passage to the top of the tip. The inner and outer surfaces of the tip are continuously and entirely wetted by the melt as the crystalline tube is formed from a liq. film supported by the top end surface of the tip.    Pref. a height difference of 0.15 and 0.56 inches is maintained between the top end surface and the liq. level in the crucible. Pref. the die includes a moat adjacent to both inner and outer exterior surfaces and a liq. pool in the moats extends to form meniscii with the inner and outer surfaces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An EFG method for tubular crystalline growth (claimed) is provided which is useful for a variety of hollow configurations of e.g. Si for use in solar cells. Crystals have uniform circumferential thickness, flooding of liq. Si at intitiation or termination is reduced, and growing problems with large-sized octagons or nonagons are overcome.
The appts. comprises a reformer to convert a hydrocarbon fuel into H2 to be fed to the cell. Upon starting the reformer, N2 is flowed in a reforming processor in the reverse direction to the flowing direction of the gas during reforming.    USE -   For fuel cell power sources.
Appts. comprises an electromagnetic wave detector to detect an electromagnetic wave generated from the flame of a pilot burner to ignite a main burner to heat the interior of a reforming furnace.    USE -   For fuel cell power sources.
Appts. to reform fuel cell comprises a CO converter to convert CO in a reformed gas into H, and desulphuriser to remove a cpd. of S harmful to a catalyst charged in a reformer to produce the reformed gas.    USE -   For fuel cell power sources.
Prodn. comprises mixing fine-granulated polytetrafluoro ethylene powder and carbon powder to obtain a fired polytetrafluoro ethylene sheet. The sheet is compressed with heating rollers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For separators of liq. fuel cells. In contrast to conventional dispersion of PTFE, the amt. of PTFE compounded is relatively large. The electric resistance is low. The permeation amt. of a liq. is small.    In an example, PTFE moulding powder is placed into an autohomomixer and fine-granulated by high speed agitation at 2500 rpm., 60 pts. wt. of carbon powder with an average particle size of 1 micron is added to the mixer, followed by high speed agitation. After drying, the mixt. is filled into a cylindrical metal mould, is pressed at 600 kg/sq.cm. for 8 min. The resultant rod-shape moulding with an outside dia. of 10 cm. is fired at 380 deg.C for 10 min. The moulding is sliced to produce a 110 micron thick sheet. The fired sheet is passed through between metal rolls at 210 deg.C for compression to a thickness of 100 micron.
The switch has a mechanically displaced operating element (51) used for selective operation of different loads (24, 25) by bringing a movable contact device into alignment with respective fixed contacts (6...12). The contacts lie in a single surface (3) with the movable contact device displaced across this surface (3) by the operating element (51).    All the contacts of the movable contact device are coupled together and brought into cooperation with the fixed contacts (6...12) by moving the operating element (51) into a base position and then rotating it through a given angle about an axis.    USE -   For controlling setting motors for vehicle wing mirrors.
Chemical reactor comprises feed lines, reaction chambers (1) and outlet lines. Outlet lines comprises separate gas removal devices (3,3') in the form of ducts at the upper edge of the reaction chamber (1). The ducts have neglible cross-section in relation to the passage cross-section for the reaction chambers (1).    Reactor (1) is a metal/air battery where the anode is pref. of Al. The cathode is an air electrode in the form of an oxygen-reducing diaphragm. Reaction chamber (1) is composed of two identical frames with means for attachment of an air electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for reactions involving gas generation. Can be applied to interconnection of galvanic cells of the type using metal/air fuel cells. It enables fluid transfer through the reactor even with a high emission of gas in the reactor; alleviates problems of uneven liq. supply to the reactor with parallel inlets; and reduces problems of electrical short circuiting between the cells in electrochemical reactors. Work required to pump liq./gas mixt. through the reactors is reduced. Invention contributes towards preventing formation of local eddies or areas with minimal flow rate, reducing the possibility for clogging of the cells due to deposits of solid reaction prods.
Method comprises introducing Ni between the substrate (2), the Al layer (12) and the soldering pads (20). Pref Ni is incorporated in the Ag paste used to form the soldering pads (32) to fill contact windows and overlap the windows on each side. Soldering pads (20) formed of Ag paste are formed thereover and both pads are fired simultaneously.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. useful in providing smoother surface contacts for solar cell substrates with uneven surfaces i.e. EFG. Also useful in the fabrication of other semiconductor devices. The use of Ni reduces contact resistance and so fritted Al ink can be used to form contacts resulting in increased corrosion resistance. The method is simpler and costs less than prior art methods.
Conversion reactor for CO is composed of a reactor, catalyst layer to covert CO rich gas to CO poor gas and electric heater, equipped parallel to the gas flow of which electric power density increases from the outlet to inlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reforming gas contg. poor CO gas is obtd. in a short time using this appts and is applicable to on-site fuel cell.    In an example; the reactor is composed of reactor vessel, catalyst layer and electric heater coil. CO rich reforming gas is supplied from inlet to catalyst layer in the reactor, heated by heater and converted to CO poor gas.
Solar cell has laminate structure of a n-type semiconductor window layer and a p-type semiconductor optical absorption layer. The n-type semiconductor is based on activted CdS or CdS-ZnS solid soln. formed by heat treatment in CdCl2 vapour, and a surface layer in contact with the optical absorption layer is removed by etching.    Prepn. comprises forming transparent layer on a transparent substrate, forming CdS or CdS and ZnS on it by vapour deposition to form a semiconductor thin film, removing the surface by etching to form the window layer, forming optical absorption layer on it and forming an electrode layer on it.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has improved conversion efficiency and is produced at lower cost.
(JP4071277-A)      An economical photovoltaic device comprises a heat-resistant substance (1) on which is an adhesion-improving layer (2), a doped poly-Si layer (3) formed by liq.-phase growth, and an oppositely doped semiconductor thin film (4). The adhesion-improving layer exposes scattered parts of the substrate and is of Si, a silicide, cermet, or SiC.    Also claimed is a method of mfg. the above comprising forming the layers on the substrate as above, the adhesion-improving also enhancing the wettability of the substrate.    Pref. the substrate is glass or ceramic, and the adhesion-improving layer is a single or multilayer. Pref. the first semiconductor layer corresponding to exposed substrate includes a concave portion, as does the second such layer opposite to the first, and pref. an electrode is formed in the latter portion. Pref. the adhesion layer is formed by low-pressure plasma spraying.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A photovoltaic device and method of mfr. (claimed) are provided which are useful for solar sensors, etc. The device is low-cost, has no special substrate requirements, and has high conversion efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J04071277-A)
A vertical junction solar cell, having reduced radiation degradation, comprises a Si semiconductor body (12) with many parallel grooves (14) normal to the front surface and having walls (16) with top (19) and bottom (18) surfaces and at least one photovoltaic junction extending along the side and top surfaces of the walls. A focusing cover slide (20) focuses incident light (24) onto the top surfaces of the walls and away from the groove bottoms to reduce radiation degradation.    Pref., the cover slide comprises numerous cylindrical lenses or pref. Fresnel lenses, or pref. troughs having mirrored sidewalls. The cover slide is comprised of ceria-doped microsheet or U.V. -coated fused quartz. Pref. the grooves are 75 microns deep and 20 microns wide. Pref., the total surface area of the top surfaces of the walls comprises 90% of the front surface of the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vertical junction solar cell (claimed) is provided, esp. useful in outer space applications and which is resistant to degradation by incident radiation. Incident light is directed to the top surfaces of the walls and cell degradation may be halved. The cell is well-adapted to high radiation environments such as space satellites.
Power is generated in a fuel cell with CO2 fixing. At least one gas of CO, H2 or hydrocarbons is used, as fuel gas, and O2 is supplied to the anode to generate power with the fuel cell and to generate power with the exhaust-gas turbine. The steam turbine is operated with the exhaust-heat recovery boiler. Gas comprising CO2 made by removing steam from exhaust-gas, is electrolytically decomposed with DC of at least one of the fuel cell, solar cell, power generated by luminous energy and semiconductor cathode, and rectified current of night time excess power, to produce hydrocarbons and/or alcohols, and also O2 generated at the anode is combined with the O2 from the O2 generator, and supplied to the anode of the fuel cell.    Pref. fuel gas comprising CO and H2 made by gasifying coal with O2 is supplied to the cathode of the cell. O2 generated at the anode of the CO2 converter is used for the coal gasifying furnace, and the anode of the fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for power generation in combination of the fuel cell complex power generation system with the CO2 fixing converter. Efficiency of the fuel cell and the coal gasifier is improved. Release of CO2 outside the system may be reduced.
NOVELTY - The hanger tube (10) includes powdered raw material particles of different sizes. The amount of powdered particles of larger particle diameter increases towards the inner peripheral side of the hanger tube.    USE -   For solid electrolyte fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The amount of particles with larger diameter increases towards inner periphery of hanger tube, which improves gas permeability in the inner peripheral region. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows fragmentary sectional view of hanger tube. (10) Hanger tube.
Amorphous Si-carbide film is formed by magnetic field applied microwave plasma CVD, using H2, as an exciting gas, SiH4 gas as Si-contg. gas, and one of CH2=CH2, CHCH, CH2=CH-CH3, CH2=C=CH2, and CH3CCH, as C-contg. gas.    USE -   Used for making amorphous Si-carbide film having increased energy gap efficiently, used for thin film solar cells, image sensors, thin film LED, or wide gap emitters of Si-system hetero bipolar transistors.
Device includes an extinguishing detecting sensor, discriminator, switch and re-starting ordering unit. The discriminator receives an extinguishment signal from the sensor, outputs a detection signal upon detection of the extinguishing signal, and outputs a stop order upon detection of the extinguishment signal. A switch effects switching between starting and operation, and passes a detection signal from the discriminator on starting only. The re-starting ordering unit outputs a re-igniting order for the specific time period upon receipt of the detection signal from the switch.    ADVANTAGE -   Re-ignition by a worker may be eliminated.
NOVELTY - Carbon black powder is diluted with water and polytetrafluoroethylene is added to it. Then, the entire mixture is filtered and is subjected to back compression molding.    USE -   For gas diffusion electrode of phosphoric acid type fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves catalyst utilisation factor.
The layer, esp. CuInSe2, is deposited by plating of a ternary semiconductor layer on a conductive substrate. The layer consists of elements of the first and third subgroups and the 6th gp. of the Periodic System. The process features deposition of a binary alloy from ions of the elements from the 1st and 3rd Subgroups and simultaneous deposition of the element from the 6th group present in the bath as suspended particles, pref. in a conc. of 10-500 g/l which may be modified by surface active agents. The finely dispersed particles are then consumed in the prodn. of the alloy during a thermal treatment. If Se is used, a heat treatment is used to convert it into the hexagonal semiconducting form.    The binary alloy contains between 25-75 vol.% of each element of the binary alloy vol. The particle content of the layer is 25-70 vol.% of the ternary alloy vol. The electrolysis can be carried out as pulses or jet plating and/or with ultrasonic agitation. The process can include sedimentation. It can be carried out as a continuous belt plating process. The particles to be included on the layer pref. are made by pulverisation of the element and sieving or by reduction of selenious acid by SO2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows the use of stable plating baths which allow relaible prodn. to be carried out. The process also avoids environmentally hazardous operations involving Se. The process is used for the mfr. of solar cells.
Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) has a metallic current transfer plate (6), a cathode (2), a matrix (5) impregnated with Li2CO3 and K2CO3 melt (4), an anode (3) and another metallic current transfer plate (7), laminated in the given sequence. The matrix (5) consists of a mixt of LiAlO2 and Li2ZiO3.    Pref. the molar ratio of LiAlO2:Li2ZrO3 is 90:10 to 50:50.    The matrix is produced by mixing Al2O3 and ZrO2 powders (granulation pref. 0.05-1 micron), with addn. of a binder (i) and an emulsifying liq. (II); making this into a film; forming at 500-800 deg.C; placing in a melt contg. Li2CO3 and K2CO3 and converting it to LiAlO2 and Li2ZiO3 in this, with grain disintegration and increase in vol. (I) is PVA, methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol and/or linseed oil; and (II) liq. water, short-chain alcohols, e.g. MeOH, EtOH or glycol and/or phenol-water mixts. The matrix is formed at 550-700 deg.C and impregnated with the electrolyte by immersion in a melt of Li2CO3 and K2CO3, pref. by sucking the melt into the assembled fuel cell through the matrix and converted under the operating conditions in the melt.    ADVANTAGE -   The inside dia. of the MCFC is stabilised, i.e. recrystallisation is inhibited and the contact between the electrodes and transfer plates is fixed permanently, so that the internal structure of the electrodes is stable.
Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) has a metallic current transfer plate (6), a cathode (2), a matrix (5) impregnated with Li2CO3 and K2CO3 melt (4), an anode (3) and another metallic current transfer plate (7), laminated in the given sequence. The anode (3) is sintered and is based on porous Ni and NiO2, with Li2TiO3 on the outside and inside surfaces.    Pref. the anode contains Cr2O3, Al2O3, LiAlO2 and/or Li2TiO3 as component(s) acting as hardener and wetted by the melt. The amt. of Li2TiO3 on the inside and outside surfaces is 5-50, pref. 15-30 (wt.)%. The anode has a laminated structure a from the transfer plate side to the matrix side and the Li2TiO3 fraction on the side towards the transfer plates (6, 7) pref. is lower than that on the opposite side or is zero, whilst the Ni fraction is 95-50, pref. 85-70%. The transfer plates consist of Ni-plated stainless steel and pref. are bipolar, with ducts (8, 9) for the fuel on one side and the O2 carrier on the other.    ADVANTAGE -   The inside dia. of the MCFC is stabilised, i.e. recrystallisation of the anodes is inhibited and the contact between the anode and transfer plates is fixed permanently, so that the internal structure is stable. Also, the internal resistance is reduced by chemical modification of the electrode materials to improve wetting by the melt and the vol.-specific 3-phase boundary is kept as large as possible, whilst the transfer resistance between the transfer plates and anode is minimised.
Cell is mfd. by: assembling a trilayer electrode tape of thin individual tapes of anode, electrolyte and cathode ceramic and binder materials; shaping the tape to form fuel flow pathways along the cathode; cutting to form elements of desired gross net shape; assembling the elements with interconnect tapes; partially sintering to completely remove binders; forming a stacked array; and bonding the contacting surfaces. The partial sintering pref. provides at least 25% of the shrinkage on full sintering.    Stacking step includes wetting the anode and interconnect surfaces with an anode bonding agent, and the cathode and interconnect surfaces with a cathode bonding agent.    ADVANTAGE -   Partial sintering prior to forming a stack and finally processing (including sintering) eliminates problems of microcracks, ceramic migration and slumping during final sintering.
A novel chloroaluminate molten salt having a wide electrochemical window comprising aluminium chloride and an organic chloride salt, each of mole fraction 0.33-0.67, with sufficient alkali metal chloride added to buffer the salts to Lewis acid-base neutrality, maintained by the latter additive. A method of obtaining a wide electrochemical window in chloroaluminate molten salts by adding a sufficient amt. of at least one alkali metal chloride thereto buffer the salts to Lewis acid-base neutrality is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a compsn. with an extraordinarily wide electrochemical window using salts molten at room temp. it is thus highly suitable as an electrolyte for rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. The wide electro-chemical window permits greater energy density i.e. high power long life batteries at reduced wt. The electrolyte can also be advantageously used in fuel cells, photoelectric cells and electroplating applications.
Metal oxide film is made by feeding an atomised soln. of raw material or raw material gas contg. impurity raw material onto a heated substrate, to form a metal oxide film contg. impurities on the substrate. The substrate is reheated following forming the metal oxide film on the substrate.    USE -   For forming metal oxide film, e.g., transparent electroconductive film used for solar cell, and liq. crystal display units.
Appts. comprises at least a monitor window pipe passed through a hollow vessel contg. a gas burner and reactor tube, and inner tube inserted in the monitor window pipe to form an annular coolant gas flow passage.    USE -   For fuel cell type power generation systems.
Prodn. comprises charging a molten Si into grooves formed into a suscepter mould and solidifying the charged molten Si in the grooves during moving of the mould in one direction.    USE -   For making solar cells.
Producing polycrystal Si sheet, comprises pulling out the Si sheet from a mould nozzle, using a pulling board having grooves on the upper side, on which the sheet and molten Si are laid.    USE -   For making solar cells.
(JP2813040-B2)      The power supply has a fuel battery (1) in which fuel and oxidising agent are combined to perform combustion reaction of the fuel in an electrochemical manner so as to generate electrical energy. An output adjustment unit (2) is provided between the fuel battery and the arc process load. An output control circuit (7) is provided to drive the output adjustment unit. An impressed current unit control circuit (11) is connected to the output end of the fuel battery considering a signal s1 as input during the output adjustment unit process. The output Pr of the reference value setter (6) and the output control circuit for the arc process satisfies predetermined relation Pf&lt;Pr, where Pf is the output of an electricity generation capability detector (5) of the fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents overloading and durability reduction of battery.
Solid electrolyte is prepd. by applying and firing a paste prepd. by dispersing zirconia powder, yttria powder or Y oxide-Zr oxide solid soln. into an organic solvent.    USE -   Used for fuel cells, or high-temp electrolytic cells.
Mfr comprises doctor blade method using slurry made up by adding 280-460 ml solvent, 45-53 g of binder, 45-55 ml plasticiser, 13-18 ml dispersant, and 13-18 ml defoaming agent to 500 g of Ca-doped La-chromite powder of La (1-x)Ca(x+y)Cr(1-y)O3, (x is over 0-0.4, Y is over 0-0.05, and X is larger than Y). Film is fired by holding film at 1100-1300 deg. C for at least 4 hrs during firing. Ca-doped La-chromite electroconductive ceramic is obtd. by firing. Solid electrolyte fuel cell uses film as gas diffusers, separators, and interconnectors.    USE -   Solid electrolyte fuel cells.
La-manganate ceramic comprises (La (1-x) Ca) 1-a (Mn(1-y) Cry)O3 solid soln., as a main component, where x= over 0 to 0.4, Y = over 0 to 0.2, and a = over 0 to 0.1    CYlindrical solid electrolyte fuel cell has a cylinder formed with the ceramic, as a support for supporting single cell. Flat plate solid electrolyte fuel cell has a flat plate formed with the ceramic, as a support.    USE -   Used for cylindrical solid electrolyte fuel cells using the ceramic as a support, or flat plate solid electrolyte fuel cells using the ceramic as a support, and gas diffusers, and current collectors.
Hydrocarbon fuel and steam are circulated through a catalyst layer filled in a reactor tube which is heated by burner. converter comprises stress-absorbing flexible layers which are placed in the catalyst layer in the longitudinal direction. it.    Stress-absorbing flexible layers made of ceramic fibre non-woven cloth are put in catalyst layer of porous alumina.    ADVANTAGE -   Used to convert hydrocarbon fuel into H2-contg. gas in fuel cell systems. Compressive stress developed in catalyst layer can be released by stress-absorbing flexible layers. The collapse of the catalyst layer can be prevented. A highly active catalyst with a larger number of micropores and reduced mechanical strength can be used.
Prodn. comprises:- (A) depositing a layer of non-monocrystalline insulation Si material onto a continuous metallic substrate web using the plasma CVD or sputtering method in plasma chamber (2) using an RF electrode (21) and heater (22) and:- (B) depositing a back electrode on the insulation layer by sputtering or vapour deposition in chamber (3) using a pair of electrodes (23) which act as an anode and a cathode and a heater (24). Gas is induced and exhausted from each chamber and the Si insulation material contains O, N or Ge element(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reduced prodn. time, cost, processing steps and labour also increasing the insulation properties and quality of the material used with solar cells or printed circuit boards.
End part seal appts. comprises flat plate-like gasket inserted between the ends of electrode boards to surround the marginal edge of a matrix between the electrode boards; the gasket composed of a laminate of unbaked Fe resin sheets of different elasticities.    Used for making fuel cells. (J60184769-A)
A gamma-lithium aluminate fibre has 5-30 microns of fibre length and 0.5-3 microns of fibre dia.. Pref. the gamma-lithium aluminate fibre is mfd. via beta-lithium aluminate fibre with 3 methods depending on its fibre length from gamma- alumina, lithium hydroxide as main raw material. The beta- lithium aluminate fibre is converted crystal type from beta-type to gamma-type by heating at 650-950 deg.C for 15 min.-150 hrs. with keeping shape such as length, dia. and the like of the fibre. Lithium hydroxide may be any of LiOH and LiOH.H2O, with the latter being obtd. good result.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gamma-lithium aluminate fibre is useful for a hold-back agent of fused salt fuel cell. Since the gamma- lithium aluminate fibre has longer fibre length than conventionally known lithium aluminate fibre, and also has large aspect ratio, it has high entanglement of the fibres, consequently the hold-back agent of fused salt fuel cell having large strength as a porous sintered body can be obtd..
Structural units, esp. facade elements have an outside pane in which solar cells are arranged between an outer and an inner pane, and they have another inner layer, which by means of an inner-space-defined spacer frame is spaced from the outer pane, where the solar cells are embedded in a cast resin layer and where the inner pane in the region of at least one edge at least partially with regard to the edge of the outer layer recedes, and so forms an overlapping recess on the cast resin layer through which the required electrical conductors pass, where the recess is covered by the spacer frame and the inner space sealing to the centre of the structural element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as structural elements esp. facade elements, with solar cells. The element has enhanced sound and heat insulation.
The appts. comprises at least one cell (14) with storage medium which is more flowable when charged than when discharged and which can be converted to a more flowable form and pumped from a discharged cell. Conversion is pref. by directing liq. jets at the medium to disintegrate it and form a particle /liq. suspension. The pumping system is pref. associated with a supply of charged storage medium so that a set vol. of this can be supplied to each cell. In partic., each cell is a zinc/air cell and the slurry may be a zinc/air slurry. Nitrogen gas may be supplied to the air system to prevent cell operation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   e.g. for electric vehicles, permits more efficient operation.
Selected region of porous substrate (ES) is impregnated using an impregnant injection die (10) having a cavity (12A) opening onto a major surface which can be juxtaposed with the selected region, the cavity being partially delimited by a movable bottom surface which varies its vol.. A predetermined amt. of a prepd. impregnant is introduced into the cavity, the die is positioned with the opening in juxtaposition with the selected region, and the movable bottom surface is moved into the cavity to expel the impregnant under pressure into the selected region of the substrate so that it flows into its interstices and forms a seal.    The seal is an edge seal and the impregnant is prepd. from a non-Newtonian aq. carbon/graphite dispersion to which concentrated alkaline soln. is added to increase the pH level to 10.5-11.5. The soln. is esp. 58 percent ammonium hydroxide soln. and makes up to 7 wt.% of the total mixed impregnant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used, in partic., to form an improved impregnated seal, esp. an edge seal or a corrosion resistant coating or seal, in the porous electrode substrate of a fuel cell using aq. highly thixotropic, non-Newtonian dispersions.
Hollow, thin-walled tubular crystalline Si body is pulled from a melt by the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) process using a seed (30) held in a seed holder (28) while rotating the body, seed and seed holder at rate such the impurities in the melt are evenly distributed about the circumference of the body and the formation of localised high impurity concns. in the body is avoided.    Specifically, body has a wall thickness of 4.5-5.5 mils. Rate of revolution is 35-200 pref. 35-65 esp. about 50 rpm. The melt is ethyl-Si and the pulling rate is about 2.5 cm/min.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In prodn. of solar cell substrates having good micro-structures which are cut from the body.
Prepn. of amorphous silicon solar cell comprises: forming on substrate, first electrode, first conductive film, first and second intrinsic films (2nd. being thicker than first), second conductive film and second elecrode in this order. Second intrinsic film is formed by (a) depositing semiconductor film of 20 atom percent or less bound hydrogen and/or bound deuterium, thickness 5-1000 angstroms (b) modifying deposited film, repeated a number of times, or, (a) depositing silicon semiconductor film, thickness 1-1000 angstroms; with, (b) modification by dehydrohalogenation or exposing to discharge atmos. contg. deuterium and non-film-depositing reactive gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Amorphous silicon solar cell and mfr. of such with stable excellent photovoltaic characteristics for use as small-output energy feed source in portable calculators or watches. Invention improves the silicon film and applies formation method to formation of a substantially intrinsic silicon film.
The thermoelectric generator, which has at least 2 chambers held at different temps. (3,4), features at least one Na-polysulphide cpd. in both chambers and a solid electrolyte membrane (5) sepg. the chambers which allows passage of alkali-ions. The first chamber (3) is held at pref. 400-500 deg.C. and the other (4) at 200-300 deg.C. A provision (2E) is made for excess Na-polysulphide to drain from the cooler chamber into the hot chamber. A condenser (6) condenses the vaporised S and leads it into the cool chamber (4). The hot chamber is pref. heated by a natural source, e.g. sunlight bundled by a parabolic mirror (7), or artificial process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element can be operated at a lower temp. than current Na-based elements. There is no requirement to pump back a constituent or to adapt the return flow to the energy being drained from the element.
The battery membrane separates two strong oxidising electrolytes solutions. The membrane is improved oxidation-resistant, conductive, ion-selective and fabricated from an inert porous perfluorinated polymer sheet, of poly(tetrafluoroethylene), radiatively grafted with alpha-methylstyrene and adequately sulphonated. A minor quantity of a divinyl cpd. is pref. added to the alpha-methylstyrene to crosslink the grafted structure.    A battery includes a container, two electrodes sepd. by the membrane, and two electrolyte solns.. The membrane has resistivity between 0.1 and 10 ohms per square centimetre and is amenable to the passage of positive ions such as sodium while blocking negative ions and complexes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For utility load levelling, solar photovoltaic storage systems, and fuel cells. The membrane has high chemical stability.
A method is described for forming layers of material upon a substrate having a thermal coefft. of expansion different form that of the layers, comprising: (a) depositing a layer of the material on the substrate at a growth temp. substantially above ambient, but below the m.pt. of the material; (b) reducing the growth temp. to an intermediate temp. to induce a thermal stress in the layer portion and thereby to trap dislocations in the layer protion formed by lattice mismatch between layer portion and substrate; (c) depositing additional layer material on the deposited portion at a growth temp. above the intermediate temp.; and (d) repeating the steps of reducing the growth temp. and depositing additional layer material to trap dislocations in the layer material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for growing crystalline layers on substrates by vapour phase deposition, esp. when performing hetero epitaxial growth. Suitable for growth of e.g. GaAs layers on Si substrates for use in solar cells.
A cell sandwich compression method comprises preparing a cell sandwich (2, 20, 28) having Si spheres mounted on the matrix between pressure pads, and heating and compressing the sandwich at constant pressure for a sufficient time to fix the spheres.    Also claimed is a method as above of fixing doped Si spheres to an apertured foil matrix comprising loading the matrix with many doped Si spheres, positioning it between upper and lower pressure pads to form a sandwich, heating and compressing as above and cooling.    Pref. the upper pressure pad is coated foil or a layer of compressed graphite, and the foil is pref. coated on one side with a release agent, pref. a mixt. of silica, printer's ink, ethylene glycol and BN. Pref. the lower pad is the same as the upper. Pref. the sandwich is heated to 450-525 deg. C and compressed at 5-6 lbs. per sphere Cu for 1-60 s.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methods of affixing Si spheres to a foil matrix are provided which are esp. useful for solar cell arrays. Prods. are efficiently formed in a low-cost process, bonding is at low temps. and uses little force, and large cells may be formed in a single operation.
Reforming catalysts comprise Cr contg. porous Ni contg. Li carbonate and potassium carbonate. Also claimed are fuels cells contg. the steam reforming catalysts in their cathodic chambers.    The reforming catalysts for fuel cells pref. comprise Cr-contg. porous Ni impregnated with Li carbonate and carbonate by fusing.    USE -   Used in fuel cells, partic. in fused carbonate fuel cells.    In an example, a mixt. of 10 g of Cr powder with an average particle dia. of 2 micro-m, 90 g Ni powder with an average particle dia. of 2.5 micro-m, and 8 g polyvinyl butyral as a binder was formed by the doctor blade method so that the thickness after drying was 0.8 mm. The formed metal was dried, degreased, and sintered in a H2 atmos. at 1080 deg.C. The porous metal was impregnated with Li carbonate and K carbonate by covering the metal surface with a eutectic salt contg. 62 mol% Li carbonate and 38 mol% K carbonate, placing an alumina plate and a wt. on the top, and heating in a N2 atmos. contg. 20% CO2 at 510 deg. C for 1 hour in an electric furnace.
Metallised contact pattern is applied to a solar cell substrate by filling the etched cavity of a pad printing appts. plate with a metallic printing ink; contacting the plate with a flexible pad to allow ink to adhere to the pad; and contacting the pad with the substrate surface to transfer the ink in the desired contact pattern.    Pref. the ink contains a pyrolysable binder and solvent and is dried and fired after printing. The ink has a viscosity of about 50 poise at 25 deg C and a shear rate of about 10/sec.. Al metallisation may be applied from an Al ink, followed by Ag metallisation, e.g. electrodes, from an Ag/glass frit ink.    ADVANTAGE -   Metallisation patterns of uniform thickness can be formed on uneven substrates, esp. poly Si substrates (claimed) produced by e.g. the EFG method. @(58pp Dwg.No.1/17)@
Cell comprises organic photoconductive layer between two electrodes and electrodess has light permeability. Photoconductive layer comprises binder resin contg. organic dyes and organic pigments. Work function of organic pigments is at least 0.3 eV larger than work function of organic dyes and also work functions of respective pigments are mutually apart by at least 0.2 eV. Pref. mixing mol ratio of total amt. of organic dyes to total amt. of organic pigments is of 0.1-50.0.    ADVANTAGE -   Continuous operation of cell in light of high intensity 100 mW/cm2.
The composite prod. comprises a substrate with 0.01 - 100 microns thick layer of boride of formula. MeB2, where Me is Ti, Zr, Hf, V,Nb, Cr, Mo or W.    Pref. the substrate is a metal, alloy, ceramic material, plastic material, etc., and has high cohesion with the coated boride layer, high flexibility and uniform coatability of the boride film. The boride is coated on the substrate by thermal evaporation e.g. heating by resistivity, flash evapn. arc evapn, laser heating, high frequency heating, electron beam heating, etc. or sputtering (e.g. bipolar DC glow discharging, tripolar DC glow discharging, bipolar RF glow discharging, ion-beam sputtering), or magnetron process or chemical growth in gas phase (e.g. thermal decomposition, redn. by H2, oxidn. gas phase polymerisation).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite prod. overcomes the disadvantage of brittlenesse of boride and puts the high mechanical properties of the substrate into practice. It exhibits low electrical resistivity, high corrosion inhibition and high hardness. It is used as an anticorrosive electrode, a separatorof fuel cell, metal-plating bath, anticorrosive heater, anticorrosive heat-resistant machines, etc. @(2pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Device comprises ion beam source to radiate ion beam focused at point in space, and work transferrer to pass through or close to point.    USE -   Ion beams applied to surfaces of vertical walls of box-type work. Productivity is improved. @(6pp Dwg.No 1/4)@
Device comprises ion beam source to radiate ion beam focused at point in space, and work transferrer to pass through or close to point.    USE -   Ion beams applied to surfaces of vertical walls of box-type work. Productivity is improved. @(6pp Dwg.No 1/4)@
(JP4019964-A)      Device comprises ion beam source to radiate ion beam focused at point in space, and work transferrer to pass through or close to point.    USE -   Ion beams applied to surfaces of vertical walls of box-type work. Productivity is improved.
Dielectric ceramic compsn. has base compsn. comprising (PbaMeb)(Mg1/3Nb2/3)xTiy(Mg1/2W1/2)O2+a+b (x+y+z = 1, b = 0.001-0.04, a+b = 1.001-1.04, and Me = Pb, Ba and Sr), and contains 0.005-0.14 wt.% Mn-cpd., as Mn.    USE -   For high dielectric ceramic compsn. having base metals e.g. Cu, as internal electrodes, capable of firing in low-oxygen atmos. at temps. up to 1100 deg. C, as multilayer ceramic capacitors. @(4pp Dwg.No 0/0)
(JP4017268-A)      Battery comprises a cathode of alkaline metal, a separator of glass fibre, anodic liq. active substance and electrolyte. The anode is a carbonaceous porous material. The anodic liq. active substance contains 0.01-2.0 wt.% polyarylate and 0.01-2.0 wt.% PET.    The separator pref. contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 5-20 g/m2, as binder. The carbonaceous porous anode contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 1-10 wt.%, as binder.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has improved voltage delay phenomena. Prodn. efficiency of the battery may be improved.
Battery comprises a cathode of alkaline metal, a separator of glass fibre, anodic liq. active substance and electrolyte. The anode is a carbonaceous porous material. The anodic liq. active substance contains 0.01-2.0 wt.% polyarylate and 0.01-2.0 wt.% PET.    The separator pref. contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 5-20 g/m2, as binder. The carbonaceous porous anode contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 1-10 wt.%, as binder.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has improved voltage delay phenomena. Prodn. efficiency of the battery may be improved. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/2)@
In the removal of reaction heat from a solid electrolyte fuel cell battery using the oxygen-supplying air, the novelty is that the heat is transferred to thermally conductive temp. equalisation bodies and then from the bodies by (i) indirect heat transfer to the introduced air (i.e. by conduction to heat exchange elements at the air inlets of the cells) and (ii) direct heat transfer to air in contact with the bodies, so that the air is heated to near the reaction temp. before supply to the positive electrodes of the electrochemically active structures.    Also claimed are temp. equalisation bodies for carrying out process (A) and a fuel cell battery equipped with the temp. equalisation bodies.    ADVANTAGE -   The cells can be operated with a 2-3 fold air excess compared with the usual 5 fold excess while the temp. equalisation bodies reduce temp. differences in the electrochemically active structures to max. 20K so that extremely low thermal stresses occur in the solid electrolytes. @(10pp Dwg.No.5/6)@
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
(JP4012469-A)      Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields.
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic is cemented by disposing a metal layer capable of melting at a service temp., and reacting with a gas in the atmos., to form a stable cpd., at the cementing part, followed by melting the metal layer to react with the gas in the atmos.    The metal layer is, pref., Al metal.    USE -   For components of high-temp. type fuel cells. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Rare earth magnet is made by hot pressing anisotropic rare earth magnet powder of R2TM14B1 (where R = rare earth elements including Nd and/or Pr, and TM = Fe1-xCox (where x = 0-0.4)) tetragonal crystal cpd., having up to 1 microns in size, following laminating and orrientating the powder. The powder has a flat shape, with 0.1-2 mm thickness, and 2-40 d/t (where t = thickness of the powder, and d = max. length of the powder).    USE -   For magnet components of various actuators such as small motors, and giant magnet components of MRI's (magnetic resonance image diagnosis units), having high magnetic characteristics, capable of forming by near-net shape moulding. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
Optical disk having a resin substrate has a trench on the periphery when the resin substrates are adhered to each other. A groove or pit for tracking is formed on a side of a resin substrate. A 1st ceramics layer, a recording layer, 2nd ceramics layer and a reflection layer are laminated in order. The plates are adhered using epoxy gp. resin. A trench is formed at the periphery and a UV curing type resin is filled into the trench. The resin is cured and the periphery is cut.    ADVANTAGE -   No change of mechanical characteristics at higher temp.. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
(JP3291855-A)      Optical disk having a resin substrate has a trench on the periphery when the resin substrates are adhered to each other. A groove or pit for tracking is formed on a side of a resin substrate. A 1st ceramics layer, a recording layer, 2nd ceramics layer and a reflection layer are laminated in order. The plates are adhered using epoxy gp. resin. A trench is formed at the periphery and a UV curing type resin is filled into the trench. The resin is cured and the periphery is cut.    ADVANTAGE -   No change of mechanical characteristics at higher temp..
Substrate is treated with a hydride or organo-metallic species by: forming a reactive gas contg. free radicals and/or ions in a microwave plasma zone; supplying the gas downstream to a reaction zone contg. a target of liq. or solid metal or metalloid of Gp. IA-VIA transition elements to form a gaseous hydride and/or organo-metallic cpd., and supplying this downstream to a treatment zone contg. the substrate.    Specifically, microwave wavelength is 0.003-0.3 micron and the reactive gas source is H2 or an aliphatic hydrocarbon, the pressure is 0.001-10 torr. The free radical/ion gas is directed to the reaction zone using an electromagnetic field. The metal/metalloid is a transition metal of Gps. Ib-VIII, a metal of IIIa, Si or a metal of IVa, As or higher metal of Va, or a metal of at. wt. at least 32 of VIa. Process is used to form and recover a hydride or organo-metallic is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In growing or doping semiconductor layers, photovoltaic cells, solar cells etc. Method is highly controllable and the highly toxic hydrides and organo-metallics do not have to be handled but are generated in situ.
A method of bonding an electrolyte, and an outer electrode layer on a porous, doped lanthanum manganite tubular electrode comprises: thermally spraying, pref. plasma arc spraying, a thin axially elongated electrically conductive, ceramic oxide interconnection strip over a narrow segment of a porous, doped lanthanum manganite tubular electrode; thermally spraying yttria stabilised zirconia over the remaining portion of the lanthanum manganite tubular electrode to provide a high temp. oxygen ion conductive electrolyte layer having an open pore structure, which overlaps a portion of the interconnection strip; forming a coating of particles of an electronic conductor, pref. Ni, on the electrolyte; pressurising the outside of the electrolyte layer; feeding halide vapours of Y and Zr, pref. chloride vapours, to the outside of the electrolyte layer, where the vapours penetrate into the poroes of the electrolyte without initiating formation of a metal oxide, and then applying a source of O2 to the inside of the tubular electrode to contact the inside of the electrolyte layer, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Inexpensive, simplified fabrication process for making high temp. tubular, solid oxide electrochemical cells, e.g. fuel cells.
Process comprises (a) heating at least one of the surfaces of a Ni sheet and a stainless steel sheet to 400 deg.C or lower; (b) brushing the heated surface which is to be joined, and adhering the surface to the other surface to be joined; (c) hot rolling at 50-400 deg.C to join the sheets; and (d) after post heat treatment, cold rolling and finish heat treating the clad material. Pref. the Ni sheet used is one pre-heat-treated at about 900 deg.C or higher to effect annealing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The clad materials are used as sepg. materials in fuel cells. They have partic. improved adhesive strength.
The generator has a pressure application water pool part (18) with built-in heater, which is piped between fuel batteries at cooling water flow line of closed loop. A two piece housing is bonded in heat transfer between pressure application proof part and steam generation part. A heat pipe (20) is connected between water pool part and steam generation part. A heat exchanger (17) is built inside the steam generation part.    ADVANTAGE -   Secures high heat conducting characteristics. Simplifies configuration of pipeline, thereby reducing heat loss. Improves heat recovery efficiency.
(JP4004221-A)      Prepn. comprises reacting fluorine gas and polymerisable monomer.    Polymerisable monomer is pyrrole, thiophene or furan. Polymerisation is carried out at 0-80 deg.C. Fluorine gas used is diluted with N2 gas in an amt. of 5-20 vol.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electroconductive polymer obtd. by the prepn. is usable for polymer battery, electrochromic material, solar cell, transistor diode, sensor, etc.. Electroconductive polymer film and polymer powder can be obtd. by simple process.    In an example, into the mixt. of pyrrole (1.50g) and dichloromethane (50.04g) cooled at -78 deg.C was introduced mixed gas of fluorine and nitrogen (10%/90% by vol.) at flow rate of 140 cc/min. for 2 hrs. After finishing the reaction, fluorine gas dissolved in the reaction system was removed by bubbling N2 gas. Polypyrrole film deposited on the inside wall of reactor was stripped off. Electroconductivity of the polymer film was 0.081S cm-1.
Process comprises: preparing a cladded assemblage of Ni and stainless steel, and subjecting the assemblage to cold-hot welding; heat-treating the resulting joined material under specific temp and duration; cold rolling the heat-treated cladding; and effecting a second heat treatment to remove the stress.    The Ni foil pref. is of 99% or higher purity and has a thickness of 10 - 100 microns, or a plate 0.5 - 1 mm in thickness which provides a clad layer 50 - 200 microns in final thickness after cold rolling.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a Ni/stainless steel cladded material with partic. improved peeling off strength of Ni, useful as separating material for solar cells, electrode materials for Ni/SUS/Cu cells, etc.
In an electrochemical cell having a solid electrolyte separator tube for dividing the cylindrical cell housing into inner and outer electrode compartments respectively contg. active anode material and active cathode material, the novelty is that the separator tube (24) has an internal electrode holder (36) in the form of a solid electrolyte casing contg. the same electrode material (54) as that in the outer electrode compartment, the electrode material within the holder being in electronic contact with the electrode material in the outer compartment.    USE -   The cell may be a sodium/sulphur cell or a high temp. alkali metal/halide cell. @(10pp Dwg.No.1/13)
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
The method comprises providing a Si ribbon substrate (12) having a polygonal edge configuration, using P to form a PN junction (14) extending adjacently to the substrate front (16) and back (18) surfaces and edge surfaces, and forming a trench in one of the surfaces using an excimer laser. The trench (40) is adjacent to and similarly configured to the periphery and interrupts the junction along the entire trench length in one surface so that ohmic contacts on front and rear surfaces are isolated from one another. The eximer laser does not cause the P to diffuse deeper into the substrate.    Pref. an ohmic contact is formed on at least one of the surfaces either before or after the trench is formed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An excimer laser method of making a solar cell (claimed) is provided which is useful for photovoltaic semiconductor junction devices, Si solar cells etc. The low-cost method isolates the front and back surfaces without need for trimming and the trench is formed without diffusing P, metals or other conductive materials deeper into the cell. The problem of disposal of Si waste is also avoided.
A layer of material is deposited on the surface of an object, such as a solar array 7, by placing the object on a platform 68 which simultaneously tilts and rotates. The platform 68 is located in a reaction chamber 5 at a point where gases injected into the chamber have reacted to form the coating material. Platform 68 is rotated by means 70 and is tilted by reciprocating rod 80 pivotally connected to platform 68. Reacting gases such as oxygen and titanium isoproxide (TIP), enter mixing chamber 4 vis ports 22 and 24 and enter reaction chamber 5 at 30. A further gas such as water vapour enters 5 via line 28.    The gases react to form titnaium dioxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Layers of metal oxides such as titanium dioxide can be deposited uniformly on spherical and irregular surfaces such as the surface of a solar array as anti-reflective coatings. @(4pp Dwg.No.2/7)
The hydrogen storage alloy electrode is made by (i) holding a hydrogen storage alloy capable of occluding and releasing hydrogen reversibly on a conductor core body, to prepare an electride plate, (ii) exposing the electrode plate to a H2-atmos, and (iii) treating the plate in an atmos contg at least one of SO2, CO, CO2, and alkali mist-contg steam.    USE -   Used for metal hydrogen alkali batteries having excellent incipient activation characteristics. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Oxide film of ZrO2, Y2O3 stabilised ZrO2, perovskite series or superconductive composite for high temp solid electrolyte type fuel cell is sprayed on to a substrate in super-position of arc jet plasma and high frequency plasma to form a homogeneous film of theoretical density more than 98% within overall grain size range.    ADVANTAGE -   The plasma system can use O2, Ar, Ar-O2, Ar-H2 or Ar-N2. @(7pp Dwg.No.1/3)
A thin film multilayer heterojunction photovoltaic device comprises: a first layer of CuInGaSe2; a second layer in overlying contact with the first layer comprising CdZnS; a third layer in overlying contact with the second layer and comprising a high resistivity ZnO material; a fourth layer in overlying contact with the third layer and comprising a high conductivity ZnO material. In a pref. embodiment the device further comprises: a metal grid contact consisting of a Ni layer in contact with the fourth layer followed by An Al layer overlying the Ni, the fourth layer providing lateral current flow to the metal grid contact; an antireflective (AR) coating overlying the metal grid contact; pref. comprising Si nitride or Si nitride covered by amorphous Si oxide. The second layer is pref. deposited by a soln. growth process and the Zn content (x in Cd(1-x)ZnxS) is between about x = 0.10 to 0.25. The thickness of the second layer is pref. 20 to 50 nm. The device is pref. formed on a metallized substrate on which the first layer is applied, and wherein the first layer includes a minority carrier mirror comprising a region rich in Ga to In adjacent the metallized substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   New, improved I-III-VI2 based solar cell, which provides increased power conversion efficiency under both terrestial and space illumination conditions. @(7pp Dwg.No.2/3)@
Photovoltaic device comprises; 1) a semiconductor layer comprising a cpd. semiconductor selected from II/VI, II/V, I/III/VI e and II/IV/V cpds; and 2) a transparent conductor layer in contact with the semiconductor layer which comprises hazy ZnO, pref. at least 5% haze.    Transparent conductor layer is pref. a doped ZnO compsn., the dopant being selected from H, Al, Ga, In and B. The device may include a second transparent conductor layer differing in at least one property relative to the first conductor layer, e.g. electrical, optical, mechanical or compsn. Difference in properties is by selection of different dopants and/or dopant concns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved transparent conductors for use in the prepn. of a variety of photovoltaic devices, partic. solar cells and modules. @(13pp Dwg.No.0/4)
Passivation film of Si3N4 is formed on a Si-oxide film and on Al-wirings formed on Si-wafers by a plasma CVD unit, in which reaction process is performed to the plasma CVD unit by setting 1st combination (SiH4-N2, 50 kHz), or 2nd combination (SiH4-NH3, 50 kHz) or 3rd (SiH4-NH3, 13.56 MHz) of a reaction gas and a frequency of the high frequency power source corresp. to the forming rate of the passivation film and the film quality. Forming temp., forming pressure and gas flow are used as reaction parameters of each reaction gas, controlled appropriately so that the deterioration of the Al-wiring caused by an internal stress of the passivation film is prevented, forming passivation film having the internal stress for preventing deterioration.    USE -   For forming good quality passivation film, preventing deterioration of Al wirings caused by internal stress of the passivation film. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
Electrolyte precursor contains alkali metal including Cs is substd. by NH4 to form a proton conductive solid electrolyte contg. pyroclore type oxide as bone component including Nb or Ta and W. In an example Cs2CO3, Nb2O5, and WO3 were mixed (1:1:2 by mol ratio), fired at 950 deg C for 48 hrs. to form CsNbWO6, ground to 1 micron, immersed in NH4NO3 at 195 deg C and ion exchanged to NH4 from Cs to form a solid electrolyte. @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0
A solar cell having an optical electromotive force (EMF) layer comprises a binder polymer, a non-metal phthalo-cyanine (H2-Pc) molecule dispersed in the polymer, a x-type non-metal phthalocyanine particle dispersed in the polymer and/or tau type non-metal phthalocyanine.    Pref. intensity of diffraction line on reflection from a crystal surface having 11.8 Angstroms plane distance is 2-100% of that of reflection from a crystal surface having 9.8 Angstroms plane distance, in the x-ray diffraction pattern of a mixt. of the mol. dispersed and the particle dispersed H2-Pc, wt. ratio of the polymer and the phthalocyanine is 2:1 to 1:5.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell has improved functioning and stability. Prodn. is easy. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/1)
Solar cell has an optical electromotive force layer comprising a binder polymer, a non-metal phthalocyanine (H2-Pc) dispersed in the polymer, a x-type H2-Pc particle dispersed in the polymer and/or tau type H2-Pc, and a metal phthalocyanine (M-Pc) dispersed in the polymer.    Pref. the wt. ratio of the polymer and phthalocyanine (Pc) is 2:1-1:5. The M-Pc is Cu-Pc, Pb-Pc, Sn-Pc, Zn-Pc, Mg-Pc, Si-Pc, V-Pc, a chloro-Al-Pc, a chloro-In-Pc or a chloro-Ga-Pc.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell has improved function and stability and is easily produced.    In an example, A x-type H2-Pc, Pb-Pc and a polyvinyl butyral were dissolved in THF and mulled. The soln. was coated on a Nesa electrode and heated for 1 hour at 120 deg.C under vacuum, to form a 1.2 microns thick electromotive force layer. A 800 Angstrom thick semi-transparent (optical transparency = 2%) was formed on it by vapour deposition to form a solar cell. @(7pp Dwg.No.1/1)
Cell with optical electromotive force (EMF) layer comprises binder polymer, non-metallic phthalocyanine (H2-Pc) mol. dispersed in polymer, x non-metallic phthalocyanine particle dispersed in polymer and/or tau non-metal phthalocyanine, and electric charge generating agent (ECGE) dispersed in the polymer. Pref. ECGE is of chlorophyll (CF), merocyanine dye, perylene deriv., squarrylium dye, porphyrin deriv., CdS or ZnO.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved function, stability and easy prodn.    In an example, x- H2-Pc, CF, and polyvinyl butylal (PVB) were dissolved in THF and mulled. Soln. was coated on Nesa electrode, heated for 1 hr. at 120 deg.C under vacuum, to form 1.2 microns thick EMF layer, and 800 Angstrom thick semi-transparent (optical transparency = 2%) was formed on it by vapour deposition to form solar cell. As result 5:1 - 1:2 ratio of CF to PVB was pref. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/1)
A thin film capable of replacing metals is formed by CVD on a substrate wiring metal film of a semiconductor device having multilayer wiring structure. Semiconductor device is made using the thin film forming process.    USE -   Used for making semiconductor devices of multilayer wiring structure. @(7pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
A thin film capable of replacing metals is formed by CVD on a substrate wiring metal film of a semiconductor device having multilayer wiring structure. Semiconductor device is made using the thin film forming process.    USE -   Used for making semiconductor devices of multilayer wiring structure. @(7pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
(JP3285268-A)      Halogen bulb has filament, inner lead wire and an anchor wire supporting the filament, and halide sealed in quartz bulb. The inner lead wire(s) and the anchor wire are fixed by burying in glass bead by irradiation with laser.    The halogen bulb is produced by placing an inner lead wire(s), an anchor wire and a glass bead in grooves of a graphite pallet in atmos. of flowing dry nitrogen, irradiating the glass bead with laser for melting, or by placing an inner lead wire(s) and an anchor wire in a groove of a glass bead, and then irradiating with laser to melt the glass bead and simultaneously seal the wires in the glass bead.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oxidn. and thermal deterioration of metallic elements in the halogen bulb are effectively prevented by working with laser.
Halogen bulb has filament, inner lead wire and an anchor wire supporting the filament, and halide sealed in quartz bulb. The inner lead wire(s) and the anchor wire are fixed by burying in glass bead by irradiation with laser.    The halogen bulb is produced by placing an inner lead wire(s), an anchor wire and a glass bead in grooves of a graphite pallet in atmos. of flowing dry nitrogen, irradiating the glass bead with laser for melting, or by placing an inner lead wire(s) and an anchor wire in a groove of a glass bead, and then irradiating with laser to melt the glass bead and simultaneously seal the wires in the glass bead.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oxidn. and thermal deterioration of metallic elements in the halogen bulb are effectively prevented by working with laser. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Halogen bulb has filament, inner lead wire and an anchor wire supporting the filament, and halide sealed in quartz bulb. The inner lead wire(s) and the anchor wire are fixed by burying in glass bead by irradiation with laser.    The halogen bulb is produced by placing an inner lead wire(s), an anchor wire and a glass bead in grooves of a graphite pallet in atmos. of flowing dry nitrogen, irradiating the glass bead with laser for melting, or by placing an inner lead wire(s) and an anchor wire in a groove of a glass bead, and then irradiating with laser to melt the glass bead and simultaneously seal the wires in the glass bead.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oxidn. and thermal deterioration of metallic elements in the halogen bulb are effectively prevented by working with laser. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Cladding material consists of a Cu alloy strip, with at least one strip of pure Cu foil having the Cu purity of 99.9% or more and thickness of 2-50 micron clad on the Cu alloy strip.    The Cu alloy strip is e.g. Cu-Sn base alloy, Cu-Fe base alloy, Cu-Zn base alloy, Cu-Ni base alloy or Cu-Zr base alloy etc. opt. contg. P or Cr. The pure Cu foil e.g. consists of oxygen-free Cu. The cladding of the Cu foil onto the Cu alloy strip is e.g. carried out by cleaning the surface of the Cu alloy strip and the Cu foil e.g. by wire brushing, subjecting to cold pressure welding and diffusion annealing at 350-1000 deg.C, and then rolling with draft of at least 40%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cu base lead frame having excellent wire bondability can be obtained. @(3pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Cladding material consists of a Cu alloy strip, with at least one strip of pure Cu foil having the Cu purity of 99.9% or more and thickness of 2-50 micron clad on the Cu alloy strip.    The Cu alloy strip is e.g. Cu-Sn base alloy, Cu-Fe base alloy, Cu-Zn base alloy, Cu-Ni base alloy or Cu-Zr base alloy etc. opt. contg. P or Cr. The pure Cu foil e.g. consists of oxygen-free Cu. The cladding of the Cu foil onto the Cu alloy strip is e.g. carried out by cleaning the surface of the Cu alloy strip and the Cu foil e.g. by wire brushing, subjecting to cold pressure welding and diffusion annealing at 350-1000 deg.C, and then rolling with draft of at least 40%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cu base lead frame having excellent wire bondability can be obtained. @(3pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The composite magnet comprises cylindrical outer shell consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, in which metallic materials exist.    At least one of the metallic materials comprises metallic permanent magnet material modified into filled-up material by plasticising powder material. The materials are closely attached to each other at the interfaces which are parallel to the centre axis line of the cylindrical shell.    In a cylindrical capsule consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, partitions consisting of the filled-up metal, which have surfaces parallel to the centre axis line of the capsule, are inserted. In at least one of the other spaces, permanent magnet metal powder material is filled, and in the rest, appropriate metal powder or filling metal material is admitted. The capsule is closed, and hot or warm extrusion is applied.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite magnet is used for the magnetic sensor. The magnet is easily welded, soldered, or processed with machines. Vibration resistance and shock resistance of the magnet are improved. @(4pp Dwg.No.1-3/4)@
The composite magnet comprises cylindrical outer shell consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, in which metallic materials exist.    At least one of the metallic materials comprises metallic permanent magnet material modified into filled-up material by plasticising powder material. The materials are closely attached to each other at the interfaces which are parallel to the centre axis line of the cylindrical shell.    In a cylindrical capsule consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, partitions consisting of the filled-up metal, which have surfaces parallel to the centre axis line of the capsule, are inserted. In at least one of the other spaces, permanent magnet metal powder material is filled, and in the rest, appropriate metal powder or filling metal material is admitted. The capsule is closed, and hot or warm extrusion is applied.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite magnet is used for the magnetic sensor. The magnet is easily welded, soldered, or processed with machines. Vibration resistance and shock resistance of the magnet are improved. @(4pp Dwg.No.1-3/4)@
The composite magnet comprises cylindrical outer shell consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, in which metallic materials exist.    At least one of the metallic materials comprises metallic permanent magnet material modified into filled-up material by plasticising powder material. The materials are closely attached to each other at the interfaces which are parallel to the centre axis line of the cylindrical shell.    In a cylindrical capsule consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, partitions consisting of the filled-up metal, which have surfaces parallel to the centre axis line of the capsule, are inserted. In at least one of the other spaces, permanent magnet metal powder material is filled, and in the rest, appropriate metal powder or filling metal material is admitted. The capsule is closed, and hot or warm extrusion is applied.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite magnet is used for the magnetic sensor. The magnet is easily welded, soldered, or processed with machines. Vibration resistance and shock resistance of the magnet are improved. @(4pp Dwg.No.1-3/4)@
The device comprises a preheater for insulated core wires that are to be taken up by a take-up roller, and a means to fuse the core wires taken and guided by the take-up roller to be integrated with each other. Operation of the preheater starts before starting operation of the take-up roller, and operation of the preheater is stopped before stopping the take-up roller.    USE -   The heating device can be kept at a constant temp.. Good quality cable can be produced. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The device comprises a preheater for insulated core wires that are to be taken up by a take-up roller, and a means to fuse the core wires taken and guided by the take-up roller to be integrated with each other. Operation of the preheater starts before starting operation of the take-up roller, and operation of the preheater is stopped before stopping the take-up roller.    USE -   The heating device can be kept at a constant temp.. Good quality cable can be produced. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The appts. comprises a beam blanking plate to pass and block a charged beam, thus switching the beam on and off, after the beam is deflected, at least, in one direction by a static deflector.    USE -   For forming a fine pattern on a semiconductor wafer by an electron beam. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Magnet comprises first magnetic circuit including semi-hard magnetic members each surrounded with exciting magnetic coils, a magnet and a magnetic member to be attracted, and second magnetic circuit including magnet and a soft magnetic member, and an exciting coil driving means is provided to control the attracting force of the member.    ADVANTAGE -   An electric magnet has energy saving. @(9pp Dwg.no.1/7)@
Magnet comprises first magnetic circuit including semi-hard magnetic members each surrounded with exciting magnetic coils, a magnet and a magnetic member to be attracted, and second magnetic circuit including magnet and a soft magnetic member, and an exciting coil driving means is provided to control the attracting force of the member.    ADVANTAGE -   An electric magnet has energy saving. @(9pp Dwg.no.1/7)@
The system comprises; a reformer in which hydrocarbon gas and steam are made to react to produce H2; a fuel cell proper which generates DC power through electrochemical reaction of H2 produced in the reformer and O2 separately supplied; and the DC-AC converter which converts DC generated in the fuel cell proper into AC power; The system also comprises a pressure changing equipment for changing gas pressure in the reformer.    The pressure changing equipment for changing pressure in the reformer is installed in the conventional type fuel cell power generating system. The pressure changing equipment is composed of compressors and pressure control valves.    @(7pp Dwg.No. 1/5)@
Appts. comprises: a generator section contg. cells; fresh fuel gas feed; oxidiser gas feed; spent fuel gas recirculation channels; and hot combustion exhaust gas exit channels.    The spent fuel recirculation channel passes from the generator to combine with fesh fuel feed at a circulation and mixing appts; a reformable fuel mixt. channel passes between the mixing appts. and a reforming chamber contg. a reformable material; and a portion of the hot combusted exhaust gas exit channel surrounds the reforming chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. allows more efficient heating of internal reforming material and controls spent fuel inclusion into the fresh fuel feed. @(8pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
An electrochemical apparatus comprises a fresh gaseous feed fuel inlet; a gaseous feed oxidant inlet; a hot gaseous spent fuel recirculation channel; a separate combusted exhaust gas exit channel; a generator chamber containing a plurality of electrochemical cells, each cell having an exterior fuel electrode and an interior air electrode; a combustion chamber; a reforming chamber containing a reforming material. The hot spent fuel channel, a portion of which is in contact with the outside of a mixer chamber, passes from the generator chamber to combine with the fresh feed fuel inlet at the entrance to the mixer chamber, and a mixer nozzle is located at the entrance to the mixer chamber, where the mixer chamber exit connects with the reforming chamber and reformed fuel entry ports connect the reforming chamber to the generator chamber, and where the mixer chamber and mixer nozzle are exterior to the main body of the apparatus and substantially spaced apart from the --combustion chamber and the generator chamber. Pref. the electrochemical cells are fuel cells, the fresh gaseous feed fuel is natural gas, the air electrode contains doped LaMnO3, the electrolyte is yttria stabilized zirconia and the fuel electrode contains a zirconia nickel cermet material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrochemical apparatus containing a plurality of electrochemical cells each having an exterior fuel electrode, which can be contacted by a gaseous fuel mixture of fresh feed and recirculated spent fuel. Mixing of the gases is at an ejector exterior to the body of the apparatus, with gaseous fuel temps. not exceeding 400 deg.C. Carbon deposition is therefore eliminated. @(9pp Dwg.No.1/2)@
(A) An electronic component, esp. a solar cell, has an electrically conductive contact contg. an electrically conductive Al-B cpd., esp. aluminium boride (AlB2). (B) An electrically conductive material, esp. for use as electrode e.g. for an electronic component such as a solar cell, contains an Al-B cpd., pref. AlB2. (C) In the prodn. of an electrically conductive material, esp. for use as a contact of an electronic component such as a solar cell, the novelty comprises producing an electrically conductive Al-B cpd. esp. by mechanical and/or chemical treatment of materials contg. or comprising Al and B.    ADVANTAGE -   The Al-B cpd. has satisfactory electrical conductivity and mechanical stability, forms surface defects in silicon substrates acting as electron acceptors and being used for p-doping, and does not form recombination centres which affect cell efficiency. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Prodn. of a chalcopyrite solar cell, with a p-conducting copper-gallium diselenide absorber layer and a n-conducting window layer, comprises (i) producing a first electrode layer on an electrically insulating substrate; (ii) producing a first conductivity type semiconductor layer of a chalcopyrite material selected from copper-gallium diselenide and copper-aluminium diselenide; (iii) heating the semiconductor layer with a metal ion-contg. aq. soln. to produce, by ion exchange, an upper layer region of opposite second conductivity type, resulting in formation of a heterojunction between a layer region forming the CuGaSe2 absorber layer and another layer region forming the window layer; and (iv) producing a second electrode layer on the surface of the semiconductor layer.    The semiconductor layer is pref. produced by sputtering metallic Cu and Al or Ge onto the first electrode layer and then treating with H2Se pref. at 400-500 deg.C. During ion exchange of the Ga or Al, the Cu is pref. protected by buffering and, when the semiconductor layer is of CuGaSe2, the Ga is exchanged by Al to form the window layer. Alternatively, when the semiconductor layer is of CuGaSe2, the Cu and Ga ions are exchanged for Zn ions to form a ZnSe window layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell exhibits good lattice matching between the absorber and window layers and avoids the disadvantages involved with the use of Cd and In. @(7pp Dwg.No.3/6)@
Electochemical cells are prepd. with a number of composite boards from a diaphragm with a porous electrode layer on each side where an electroconducting dividing wall is formed in oxygen which divides the room into a cathode room and an anode room, with an electroconducting mat placed at least between the electrode layer formed in oxygen and the dividing wall. The composite boards (5, 6, 7) are used such that the electrode layer comprises a sintered metal layer, and on positioning the mat in contact with the metal layer, a metal powder or metal oxide powder is coated, where an electroconducting bond to the mat with the metal layer is formed by sintering the metal powder in a non-oxidising atmos. and the metal oxide powder in a reductive atmos. at a temp. below the recrystallisation temp. of the sintered metal layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flawless conduction is obtd. at reduced cost. Useful as electrolysis cells and fuel cells (claimed). @(6pp Dwg.No.1/3)
A photovoltaic cell of high conversion efficiency comprises a semiconductor solar cell (12) with front contact grid (14) and a glass cover plate (18) of matching thermal expansion coefft. which has several V-grooves (24) in the back surface (22), each with facets diverging towards a base at the back of the plate and mirroring the pattern of the contact grid. The V-grooves serve as clearance slots for the grid and the diverging facets (26), which have a reflective layer, direct incident rays onto the front surface in between the contact grid.    Also claimed is a process of making the cell above comprising forming the solar cell and cover plate, forming a ridged metal die plate in a mirror image of the grid, heat softening the die plate and pressing it into the back of the cover plate to form the V-grooves. The back surface of the cover plate is then electrostatically bonded to the front of the solar cell so that the grooves overlie the grid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A photovoltaic cell and method of making it (claimed) are provided. The method uses electrostatic bonding and is cost effective and the cell has increased conversion efficiency since the V-grooves direct all incident radiation onto the solar cell in between the front contact grid. @(7pp Dwg.No.2/4)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
(JP3276566-A)   NOVELTY - The barrier plates (11,12,16,17) are attached to the sides of rectangular cell (C) such that ends (16a,17a) of barrier plates protrude from the cell and are stuck to the ends (11a,12a) of plate (11,12). An oxygen content gas passageway (5) is opened to the end faces (8a,8b) of corresponding barrier plates.    USE - Fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - Manufacturing cost of fuel battery is reduced.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional view of fuel battery.    Oxygen content gas passageway (5)    End faces (8a,8b)    Plates (11,12,16,17)    Ends (11a,12a,16a,17a)    Rectangular cell (C)
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
The system to produce modified gas using methanol as material comprises: (a) an inner tube of which one end is connected to the material supplying opening formed at an end of the vessel, and which is extended in the direction of the other end inside the vessel, and in which modifying catalyst is filled along its overall length; (b) an outer tube which forms double tube surrounding the inner tube, and is sealed with a blind cap at the end portion that faces to the other end of the inner tube, and of which the other end is connected to the modified gas outlet mounted at the end of the vessel, and in which modifying catalyst is filled from the end portion to the designated portion; and (c) a flow path formed with the outer tube and the inner wall of the shell of the vessel, which conducts from the exhaust gas entrance mounted at the end of the vessel to take anode exhaust gas of the molten carbonate type fuel cell, through the exhaust gas outlet mounted at the other end of the vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The methanol modification system is used for getting optimum forming condition of modified gas to be supplied to the molten carbonate type fuel cell (MCFC). Apparent heat of the exhaust gas from the MCFC can be effectively utilised. Temp. of the reactor wall with which the catalyst contacts can be made lower than the durable temp. of the catalyst. @(7pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The electrode is made by wrapping a wire comprising W (alloy) or a member obtd. by dispersing oxide of metals except W on a core wire comprising a rod-shape member of W contg. La-oxide or Ce-oxide in such manner that the apex part of the core wire protrudes and is exposed a little, followed by forming a Re-layer on the superficial layer part of the wire, or ranging from the wire to the apex part of the core wire by plating or sputtering method.    USE -   Used for making long lasting electrodes for high-pressure Hg-lamps. @(4pp Dwg.No. 1-3/3)@
The electrode is made by wrapping a wire comprising W (alloy) or a member obtd. by dispersing oxide of metals except W on a core wire comprising a rod-shape member of W contg. La-oxide or Ce-oxide in such manner that the apex part of the core wire protrudes and is exposed a little, followed by forming a Re-layer on the superficial layer part of the wire, or ranging from the wire to the apex part of the core wire by plating or sputtering method.    USE -   Used for making long lasting electrodes for high-pressure Hg-lamps. @(4pp Dwg.No. 1-3/3)@
The electrode is made by wrapping a wire comprising W (alloy) or a member obtd. by dispersing oxide of metals except W on a core wire comprising a rod-shape member of W contg. La-oxide or Ce-oxide in such manner that the apex part of the core wire protrudes and is exposed a little, followed by forming a Re-layer on the superficial layer part of the wire, or ranging from the wire to the apex part of the core wire by plating or sputtering method.    USE -   Used for making long lasting electrodes for high-pressure Hg-lamps. @(4pp Dwg.No. 1-3/3)@
A terminal plate is placed on the one mould, and a press member made of resin having width wider than that of the terminal plate id idsposed on the terminal plate. When the other mould is mated with the one mould, a press pin prbtruded from the other mould is brought into contact with the press member. A mould is formed in a manner described above. By using the mould, injection moulding takes place to mould a terminal base.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Airtightness and reliability of a contact are improved. @(4pp Dwg.No. 2/7)@
A terminal plate is placed on the one mould, and a press member made of resin having width wider than that of the terminal plate id idsposed on the terminal plate. When the other mould is mated with the one mould, a press pin prbtruded from the other mould is brought into contact with the press member. A mould is formed in a manner described above. By using the mould, injection moulding takes place to mould a terminal base.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Airtightness and reliability of a contact are improved. @(4pp Dwg.No. 2/7)@
(JP3272567-A)   NOVELTY - A heater (31) heats the storage battery (3) using heat of surplus air exhausted from fuel battery cell (2). A cross valve (25) switches supply path of surplus air to heater or to external side. The cross valve is operated such that the temperature of storage battery detected by sensor (32), is maintained at predetermined range.    USE - Hybrid fuel battery comprising combined storage battery and fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - Prevents capacitive reduction of storage battery by maintaining appropriate internal temperature. Hence, durability is improved.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Fuel gas containing hydrogen and oxygen content air, is supplied to the cell. An air blower (22) guides atmospheric air to the cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a diagram of hybrid fuel battery.    Fuel battery cell (2)    Storage battery (3)    Air blower (22)    Cross valve (25)    Heater (31)    Sensor (32)
Membrane electrode assembly comprises membrane (43) sandwiched between first and second electrodes (44, 50) which cover and support all of it.    The membrane is a solid polymer ion exchange membrane. Both electrodes are porous carbon fibre paper and each has catalyst (54) on its surface adjacent the membrane. The electrodes and membrane form an integral assembly, counterminous holes (52, 111, 113) accommodating flow of gases and colant, esp. water through it. Sealing grooves (104) are formed in the electrode surfaces furthest from the membrane and are filled with sealant, esp. silicon rubber, the sealant protruding from the grooves. The catalyst, esp. is also on each electrode surface furthest from the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Membrane electrode assembly is used in solid polymer fuel cells. The membrane is sealed between the electrodes and unable to shrink or swell and consequently allow leakage between the flow field plates. The membrane is also easily positioned in the assembly and it is not necessary to machine recesses in the flow field plates to enhance sealing action. @(22pp Dwg.No.2/5)
Diffused junction GaSb cell is used in a GaAs/GaSb tandem solar cell to improve conversion efficiency. The GaSb cell pref. has no upper passivating upper epitorical overcoat.    A solar concentrator module comprises the above tandem cell units (10) and a solar light focussing means and concentrator. A pref. module array produces energy conversion efficiencies of 31% (air mass effects zero). Specifically light concentrated is a pi matic cover glass which optically eliminates grid line obscuration losses. Multiple layers of anti-reflective material are provided on each opposite surface of the GaAs upper cell; a pref. anti-reflective layer material is Ta2O5. The GaAs upper cell includes parallel conductors on its upper surface connected to a first terminal and a contact on its lower surface connected to a second terminal. The lower GaSb cell has a p-diffusion layer and a radiation - receiving area with parallel conductors contacting the diffusion layer connected to a third terminal, and a metallised terminal. lower surface connected to a fourth terminal. @(49pp Dwg.No.1/11)@
Prepn. of a noble metal alloyed catalyst comprises precipitating a noble metal cpd. from soln. onto a support, reducing the catalytic activity of the ppte, adding a souble alloying metal cpd. to the soln., precipitating the alloying cpd. onto the support, and then calcining to form the alloyed catalyst.    Pref. noble metals are Pt and Pd, and the catalytic activity may be reduced by adjusting the pH or temp. of the soln. Alloying metal cpd(s). may be added both before and after the catalytic activity of the noble metal is reduced, and calcining is performed at 500 deg.C under H2, 10 min. - 3 hr. A Pt-Cr-Co catalyst so prepd. is also is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High and predictable loadings are obtainable, with reduced waste, eg. in the prepn. of fuel cell catalysts. @(25pp
A high-temp-stable contact metallisation system for contacting a III-V semiconductor comprises a III-V surface having non-planar regions (10) over which is a diffusion barrier layer (20) and a patterned conductor (24) contacting the semiconductor through the barrier layer, the conductor having sepd. parts which do not overlie the non-planar regions such that current passes between these parts across the non-planar regions, through the barrier layer.    Pref. the non-planar regions comprise an insulator the III-V body is GaAs, the system pref. comprises a grid for a photovoltaic device, and the grid pref. collects current from a GaAs solar cell. Pref. the metallisation contacts a light-incident surface of a photovoltaic device and is pref. a collection grid for a solar cell. Pref. the semiconductor body comprises a mesa.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A high-temp. metallisation system for contacting semiconductor, esp. III-V, surfaces (claimed) is provided which is useful in semiconductor and photovoltaic devices, e.g. in space applications, lasers, solar cells etc. A highly stable grid pattern is provided which resists both thermal and mechanical stress, both for front and back contacts, and high-temp. excursions. Interdiffusion is minimised and adhesion is good. @(12pp Dwg.No.1/12)@
An aerosol method for depositing Si and forming films on substrates comprises aerosolising and electrostatically charging Si powder particles (17), grounding a substrate (18) to give an opposite polarity, coating the particles on the substrate, and heat-treating the coated substrate to form a Si film.    Pref the substrate is semiconducting, insulating or conducting, pref. Si, pref. n- or p-doped. Pref. it is an insulating sapphire or conducting Mo and pref. heat-treatment is under flowing Ar for 1-24 hours at 1000-1430 deg.C to melt the powder and form a Si film, which is pref polycrystalline. Pref. deposition thickness is controlled by time, velocity of coating, and charge difference. Pref. the charged particles travel 17 cm to the substrate, spray time is 1-3s, velocity is 11.2Nm3hr(-1) and the charge level is 0-100,000 V d.c., pref. 75 kV.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An aerosol method of depositing and forming Si films on substrates (claimed) is provided which is useful for IC processing, solar cell mfr. and in the chemical and metallurgical industries. The method is economical, does not require expensive appts. and avoids the use of unsafe gases. @(14pp Dwg.No.1A/10)
Zr-oxide ceramic and metal are cemented by coating the ceramic surface at the side where it is cemented to the metal with a thin film of Al2O3 or Cr2O3, laminating 1-5 micron thick Ti, 50-150 micron Ag-solder, 0.2-2.0 micron Ni, and 20-30 micron Ag solder from the thin film side. This is followed by laminating the metal on the laminate of the thin film, followed by heating the obtd. laminate in a vacuum furnace or in an inert gas atmos. at temps. higher than the m.pt. of the Ag-solder.    USE -   In making steam electrolysis cells for steam electro-decomposition plants, or high-temp. sensors, and solid electrolyte type fuel cells. @(6pp Dwg.No.0/5)
Wire material is made by transferring a superconducting transfer material having layer with a superconducting material on one side of matrix around a metal wire of at least 900 deg.C followed by sintering the metal wire.    USE -   For making superconducting wire material with film having thickness that is adjusted freely. @(3pp Dwg.No.1,2/2)@
Formation of chalcopyrite cpd. film is new and comprises g-forming film consisting of Cu and X element e.g. Indium is formed on a substrate. Then, on the surface of the film on the substrate heated at required temp., soln. of cpd. contg. Se, which is to be decomposed at the temp., is sprayed in mist state to obtain a film of formula CuXSe2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for formation of chalcopyrite cpd. film for the solar cell. The Se content in the film can be easily controlled. Thin film solar cell having high capability can be easily prepd. without using toxic gas. In an example, an Mo film (22) was formed on the glass substrate (21) by sputtering. Cu film (31) was formed on it using EB vapour deposition equipment. On the Cu film, In film (32) was formed with the same equipment. The prepd. sample was put in the equipment shown in Fig. 1. for selenium-treatment. The sample was set on the substrate holder (1), and heated at 350 deg.C. 5 wt.% dimethyl selenium urea aq. soln. (4) was held in the soln. tank (3). The aq. soln. was sprayed in mist state onto the sample through the nozzle (5) to form p type CuInSe2 layer (23). On the layer, n type CdS layer (24), ZnO layer (25), and Mo electrodes (26), (27) were formed to prepare the solar cell. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Sheet comprises a mixt. comprising high polymer elastic body, in which Li ion conductive solid electrolyte powder and/or Ag ion conductive electrolyte powder, and maleimide cpd. except bismaleimide cpd. are uniformly dispersed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid battery. Flexibility, stability at high temp., attachability with electrode active substance and charge-discharge cycle life of the electrolyte are improved.    In an example, 159.8 g of 4 mol/1000 g NaI aq. soln. and 129.4 of 1 mol/1000 g Na2WO4 aq. soln. were mixed. 200 g of 5 mol.1000 g AgNO3 aq. soln. was poured into the mixed soln. to obtain mixed pptes. of AgI and Ag2WO4. The pptes were dried at 70-90 deg.C in vacuum, pelletised with a press, heat-treated at 200-300 deg.C for 2-6 hrs. in inert gas and pulverised to obtain Ag6I4WO4 powder. 10 pts.wt. of SBS (JSR TR-2000 made by JAPS) was dissolved in toluene, then N-(m-methoxyphenyl)-maleimide was added in the soln. in amt. of 5 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of SBS to prepare the high polymer elastic material soln. The Ag6I4WO4 powder was kneaded with the elastic material soln. Polyester cloth was soaked in the prepd. mixt. and dried to make a solid electrolyte sheet. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Sheet comprises a mixt. comprising high polymer elastic body, in which Li ion conductive solid electrolyte powder and/or Ag ion conductive electrolyte powder, and maleimide cpd. except bismaleimide cpd. are uniformly dispersed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid battery. Flexibility, stability at high temp., attachability with electrode active substance and charge-discharge cycle life of the electrolyte are improved.    In an example, 159.8 g of 4 mol/1000 g NaI aq. soln. and 129.4 of 1 mol/1000 g Na2WO4 aq. soln. were mixed. 200 g of 5 mol.1000 g AgNO3 aq. soln. was poured into the mixed soln. to obtain mixed pptes. of AgI and Ag2WO4. The pptes were dried at 70-90 deg.C in vacuum, pelletised with a press, heat-treated at 200-300 deg.C for 2-6 hrs. in inert gas and pulverised to obtain Ag6I4WO4 powder. 10 pts.wt. of SBS (JSR TR-2000 made by JAPS) was dissolved in toluene, then N-(m-methoxyphenyl)-maleimide was added in the soln. in amt. of 5 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of SBS to prepare the high polymer elastic material soln. The Ag6I4WO4 powder was kneaded with the elastic material soln. Polyester cloth was soaked in the prepd. mixt. and dried to make a solid electrolyte sheet. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Sheet comprises a mixt. comprising high polymer elastic body, in which Li ion conductive solid electrolyte powder and/or Ag ion conductive electrolyte powder, and maleimide cpd. except bismaleimide cpd. are uniformly dispersed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid battery. Flexibility, stability at high temp., attachability with electrode active substance and charge-discharge cycle life of the electrolyte are improved.    In an example, 159.8 g of 4 mol/1000 g NaI aq. soln. and 129.4 of 1 mol/1000 g Na2WO4 aq. soln. were mixed. 200 g of 5 mol.1000 g AgNO3 aq. soln. was poured into the mixed soln. to obtain mixed pptes. of AgI and Ag2WO4. The pptes were dried at 70-90 deg.C in vacuum, pelletised with a press, heat-treated at 200-300 deg.C for 2-6 hrs. in inert gas and pulverised to obtain Ag6I4WO4 powder. 10 pts.wt. of SBS (JSR TR-2000 made by JAPS) was dissolved in toluene, then N-(m-methoxyphenyl)-maleimide was added in the soln. in amt. of 5 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of SBS to prepare the high polymer elastic material soln. The Ag6I4WO4 powder was kneaded with the elastic material soln. Polyester cloth was soaked in the prepd. mixt. and dried to make a solid electrolyte sheet. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
A SOFC includes a solid electrolyte film (16) having ion conductivity; joined to it, a porous electrode (15) and an interface (1) therebetween. The pore dia. of the electrode (15) is smaller at the interface (1) than at the surface portion (3).    The dia. of particles and pore dia. in the porous electrode is increased stepwise from the interface to the surface portion side opposite the interface. Alternatively the entire porous electrode is formed by relatively large particles and the portion in contact with the solid electrolyte film is densely filled with smaller particles. The ratio of pore dia. at the interface to the surface portion = 1:5 to 1:100 and more pref. 1:10 to 1:30. The ratio of porosity between the interface and the surface portion = 20:40 to 25:30. The dia. of the coarsest particles = 10-100 micron and the finest particles = 0.1-1.0 micron. The ratio in dia. between the coarsest and finest particles = 10-1,000.    ADVANTAGE -   The SOFC has improved gas diffusion through the electrode. Surface contact density of 3 phase interface is maintained at a high level and output power is increased. @(11pp Dwg.No.3/4)
A tapered electrode(42) deposited on a support by (1) providing a porous ceramic support tube(10) having an open end and closed end(16), (2) marking at least one circumferential interior band (18') inside the tube, (3) evacuating air from the tube to provide a permeability gradient between the marked port (18') and unmarked port(20) of the tube and (4) applying a liq. dispersion of solid electrode particles to the outside surface of support tube(10). Liq. flows through the wall, forming a uniform coating(40) over unmarked support(20) and tapered coating(42) over marked port(18').    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the mfr. of solid oxide electrolyte, high temp. tubular fuel cells, and fuel cell generators employing a such cells. Machining, dust, and breakage problems are solved by taking advantage of the natural spreading angle in the permeability of the tube. Also breakage due to low strength at the joint between the tube and air electrode is prevented. @(6pp Dwg.No.1,2/18)@
In the negative pressure masking appts. for plasma hot spraying esp. for a solid electrolytic fuel cell, a semicircular, horseshoe-shaped or rectangular gas masking element which has a gas absorbing passway in it and a negative pressure gas feeding mechanism which is connected to the gas passway are included.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased number of solid electrolytic fuel cells on the ceramic supporting pipe is possible. @(6pp Dwg.No.0/7)
Photoelectric transfer element having a transparent front electrode, an optical activation layer and a back electrode. The activation layer contains an optical conductive organic dye and a cyano-ethyl-plurane of formula (I). (R = cyanoethyl gp excluding all R is H).    ADVANTAGE -   The element is at least 15 times more efficient without depending on the optical activation film.    In an example, a mixt of 1.8 g azo dye of formula (II), 9 g of 10 wt% THF soln of cyano-ethyl-flurane, 16.2 of THF was ball milled for a day to form a slurry, the slurry coated on a glass substrate having ITO as back electrode by dipping method as 1.05 microns thick, Al was vapour deposited on it as front electrode (transparency = 10 % at 560 nm thick). A lead wire was then connected with ITO surface and Al surface to form photoelectric transfer element. A test of the element by impressing 6.6 mJ/sec potential while irradiated 0.16 mV.sq.cm of light showed that Voc = 0.80 V, Jsc = 95.4 nA/sq cm, ff = 0.27 and efficiency = 1.27%. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
Photoelectric transfer element having a transparent front electrode, an optical activation layer and a back electrode. The activation layer contains an optical conductive organic dye and a cyano-ethyl-plurane of formula (I). (R = cyanoethyl gp excluding all R is H).    ADVANTAGE -   The element is at least 15 times more efficient without depending on the optical activation film.    In an example, a mixt of 1.8 g azo dye of formula (II), 9 g of 10 wt% THF soln of cyano-ethyl-flurane, 16.2 of THF was ball milled for a day to form a slurry, the slurry coated on a glass substrate having ITO as back electrode by dipping method as 1.05 microns thick, Al was vapour deposited on it as front electrode (transparency = 10 % at 560 nm thick). A lead wire was then connected with ITO surface and Al surface to form photoelectric transfer element. A test of the element by impressing 6.6 mJ/sec potential while irradiated 0.16 mV.sq.cm of light showed that Voc = 0.80 V, Jsc = 95.4 nA/sq cm, ff = 0.27 and efficiency = 1.27%. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
Zn-alkali cell includes an anode active substance comprising Zn-powder contg. 0.1-0.5 wt% In, 0.005-0.5 wt% Pb, 0.005-0.1 wt% Al, 0.005-0.1 wt% Bi, and upto 0.5 wt% Hg.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has an improved anode active substance. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Zn-alkali cell includes an anode active substance comprising Zn-powder contg. 0.1-0.5 wt% In, 0.005-0.5 wt% Pb, 0.005-0.1 wt% Al, 0.005-0.1 wt% Bi, and upto 0.5 wt% Hg.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has an improved anode active substance. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
(JP3262926-A)      Sensor comprises a temp. sensor, a humidity sensor, a gas stream sensor and a radiation sensor formed on a Si semiconductor chip by thin film formation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for an environmental conditioner e.g. air-conditioner, humidifier, air cleaner, etc. Atmospheric temp., humidity and radiation may be simultaneously and separately detected. The sensor is small and light and has a small consumption of electricity. It may be easily assembled into the remote controller of the environmental conditioner.
The raw material mixt. of Ca-doped lanthanchromite (Ca-La) powders having a compsn. of La:Ca:Cr=(1-x):(x+y):(1-y) (atomic ratio: x = 0-0.4, y = 0.0-0.05, y = or isY less than x) is prepd. by mechanical mixing, sol-gel method, or co-pptn.; the mixt. is degreased below 500 deg.C.; it is heated to 900-1100 deg.C. at a rate of up to 70 deg.C/hr.; it is heated at the same temp. for over 5 hrs.. The degreasing and heating processes are repeated at least two times. A sinter prepd. from the Ca-La powders is claimed. A solid oxide fuel cell, which is assembled by connecting unit cells in series with the separators given by sintering the Ca-La powders, is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to produce Ca-doped lanthanchromite powders, which are chemically stable, having a higher electronic conductivity, providing a dense sinter.    In an example, Ca-doped lanthanchromite powders were produced by adding a mixt. of La(NO3)2, Ca(NO3)2, and Cr(NO3)2 to EtOH contg. (COOH)2; drying and degreasing the mixt. at 500 deg.C.; mixing it again in EtOH with ball mill; heating the mixt. to 1000 deg.C. at 70 deg.C/hr.; then calcining at the same temp. for 20 hrs.. @(5pp Dwg.No.1a/3)@
Colour CRT comprises film contg. pigment particles, is placed between inner surface of the face plate and the luminescent screen. Film contg. pigment particles comprises pigment layer of which plane projected area of pigment particle occupies 5-90% of picture element area for at least one kind of the picture element.    Pref. on the inner surface of the face plate of a CRT, mixed slurry of green colour pigment and photosensitive binder is applied and dried. Dried film is pref. exposed to rays and developed to form the pigment layer. In the same manner, blue colour and red colour pigment layers can be formed in required patterns. Covering deg. must be up to 90% to avoid lowering of brightness at large deg..    ADVANTAGE -   CRT picture with improved contrast can be obtd. without lowering brightness. @(4pp Dwg.No.0/3)
Photoelectric device made of hydrogenated amorphous silicon, with a chemically inactive surface layer.    Gloss substrate (1); Transparent ITO electrode (2) and lead terminal (8);; N-type amorphous Si layer (3); I-type amorphous Si layer (4); Chemically inactive layer (5) or I-type amorphous Si; Collector electrode (6); Epoxy resin sealant (7);    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is used in solar-cells or photo-sensor to convert near UV, visible, or near IR light into electrical energy, or change in electrical resistance. The formation of chemically inactive layer prevents the electromigration of electrode metal at elevated temperatures, and allows more choice in electrode metal. @(9pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
A CO2/H2O sorbent (I) comprises a support (II) impregnated with 6-40 wt.% of an insol. silver cpd. (III) plus 30-70% CO2 sorption promoter (IV) w.r.t. wt. of (II). Pref. (II) is Al2O3, magnesium as calcined diatomaceous earth, (III) is silver oxide or carbonate and (IV) is a carbonate of Cs, K or Na. (I) is obtd. by dissolving silver oxide or carbonate in a solvent e.g. aq. NH4OH or HNO3 and impregnating (II). Aq. solution of (IV) is then dissolved in the same solvent and (II) further impregnated followed by drying to obtain (I).    Alternatively (II) is impregnated with e.g. the iodide, sulphur or nitrate etc. of Ag followed by reacting with KOH or NaOH for conversion to an insol. Ag cpd..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are regenerable and removes CO2 plus H2O from gas streams at below 160 deg.C. (I) is reactivated and CO2 desorbed by heating at 160-220 deg.C. (I) has a life of more than 40 cycles against 20 for unsupported sorbents and does not need mixing with desiccant. (I) is esp. used in treating gases in fuel cell systems. @(7pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Electrode appts. comprises ion-permeable membrane (10) separating anode and cathode compartments (12, 14); H2 electrodes, cathode (16) and anode (18) in their respective compartments and in contact with the membrane, each formed of a porous hydropholic catalytic structure which allows passage of H2 along and perpendicular to the longitudinal surface (20, 26) of the electrode (16, 18) and having an external portion (24, 30) extending outside the compartment and exposing the edge surface (22, 28) of the electrode; and a gas chamber (32) connected to the external portions of the electrode and allowing transfer of gas from the cathode direct to the anode.    Membrane is pref. a solid polymer electrolyte and the anode and cathode each comprise a porous substrate coated with hydropholic material and a catalyst, pref. a C fibre cloth coated with a mixt. of PTFE and C powder impregnated with Pt; the catalyst may alternatively be Pd, Ni or WC.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   H2 from the electrochemical battery and cell system. H2 from the cathode (18) is recirculated to replenished H2 consumed at the anode (16) during cell operation.
Mfr. of doped areas on semiconductor components involves applying a source layer contg. a first type dopant to a portion of the substrate surface and heating it to a temp. sufficient to cause diffusion of part of the dopant from the source layer to the substrate.    Undesirable auto-doped areas on unprotected surfaces of the substrate, formed during the process, are etched away using the source layer as a protective mask for underlying doped areas. A second source layer with a second type dopant is then applied to another portion of the semiconductor surface and processed as before.    Substrate is crystalline Si. Source layers are selected from TiO, TiO2, Al2O3, SnO2 and Si3N4. Dopants are selected from P, B, As and Sb.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in the mfr. of a solar cell. The use of highly toxic HF acid for etching and photoresist masking is avoided. Also the number of high temp. process steps is significantly reduced compared with prior art. @(1pp Dwg.No.1/8)@
Spin-on glass is applied to a substrate over low m.pt. non-refractory metal, esp. Al., in a moisture-free environment which may be a vacuum or an inert gas esp. N2, Ar or other noble gas. Pref. the glass is inorganic and phosphorus-alloyed. The substrates are passed singly and sequentially from a load cassette to a zone where they are spun after a few ml of glass soln. has been applied to their centres. They are then successively transported over an in line series of hot plates and then to a cooling zone from where they are received in a storage cassette. The coating sequence is repeated as many times as necessary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Planarising of semiconductor wafers (claimed); other steps in prodn. of integrated circuits and prodn. of emission diodes, liq. crystal displays, electrochromic displays, photodetectors and solar batteries.    Reverse hydrolysis during curing is minimised when high temp. processing cannot be used, enabling prodn. of high quality film. @(16pp Dwg.No.1/2)@
Around the plate (1) of silicate glass heated to temp. 230 deg.C, placed on the heating unit for diffusion welding, is welded aluminium foil strip (2). To heating unit is connected the negative terminal of d.c. source of 1000 V, whose positive terminal is connected to strip (2). The latter is pressed to the glass by force of 4 kg/cm sq. of roller (4) moved with velocity of 0.6 m/min.    During welding, the welding current is of density of about 1 mA/cm sq. gradually falling to zero. After cooling the glass plate, the joints between sections of aluminium foil are welded by ultrasonic waves before by metal (aluminium) shield (6) connected by ultrasonic welding in the aluminium strip (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method can be used in power engineering to increase the service life of solar cells, due to improved quality of welding. Reduced production costs are obtd. Bul.4/30.1.91 @(3pp Dwg.No.1,2/2)@
ECR (electron cyclotron resonance) plasma etching is performed by disposing a semiconductor substrate at an electron cyclotron resonance pt., or at a location within +/- 3% in magnetic field from the pt.    USE -   Used for high-rate, high-selective anisotropic etching semiconductor substrate by keeping it at temps. lower than 30 deg.C. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
A solar cell is made by feeding active species obtd by decomposing a cpd contg. Si, and halogen, and active species capable of inter-reacting with the former species respectively into a film form space, to form a deposition film on a substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cells having good energy conversion efficiency. @(12pp Dwg.No.1/11)@
Flame resistant electric wire produced by (1) applying an insulation layer and an intermediate layer successively onto outside surface of an electric conductor, (2) winding a tape prepd. by applying flame resistant paint layer having a thickness of 1-200 microns and contg. 10-25 wt.% of aq. emulsion resin solid component, 30-50 wt.% of inorganic powder, 0.2-5 wt.% of red phosphorus, 1-10 wt.% of phosphoric acid ester, and 0.2-5 wt.% of inorganic fibre, around the electric conductor, and then (3) applying a flame resistant coating layer contg. 100 pts. wt. of polyolefin, 50-250 wt. parts of metal hydroxide and no halogen thereon.    The emulsion resin in the flame resistant paint is e.g. polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate-vinyl propionate copolymer, or vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer etc. The inorganic powder is e.g. Ca carbonate, Al oxide, Mg silicate, silica, Zn borate or clay.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric wire shows good flame resistant property, mechanical property, and formability, and generates no toxic halogen gas while burning. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The organic thin film is mfd by the vacuum evapn. Light of wavelength absorbed by the organic substance, is applied to the organic substance used as the evapn source, so the organic substance is heated, thus evapg to form the thin film.    1D3D3'-trimethyl -6-nitrospiro(2H-1-benzopyrane -2, 2'-indoline (NBPS)) whose mol structure is changed by UV irradiation is used. NBPS is changed from spiropyrane structure to merocyanine structure. evapg it same while applying UV, crystallisation is prevented and a glass-type organic-crystalline thin film can be mfd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   On evapn film of the cpd not obtd by the conventional method, can be formed. The thin film can be formed by a dry method and in an excitated condition, so that a solar battery can also be mfd. @(5pp dwg.No.0/0)
The organic electrolyte cell comprises cathode plate for which Al powder prepd. by the gas atomising method is used.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic electrolyte cell with improved high rate discharge performance and cycle life can be prepd. at reasonable cost.    In an example: alloy powder of 50 microns in particle size, consisting of 82 wt.% of Al, 3 wt.% of Li, 5 wt.% of B, 5 wt.% of Si, and 5 wt.% of Ga, was prepd. by the atomizing method for cathode material. 0.35 g of the powder was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type cathode plate. LiCoO2 was mixed with 5 wt.% of acetylene black and 2 wt.% of PTFE. 0.8 g of the mixture was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type anode plate. Using the cathode plate and anode plate, a button type organic electrolyte cell was prepd., as shown in Fig. 1. and 1 m LiCl04/PC was used for electrolyte of the cell. The cell was charged at current of 1 mA until terminal voltage reached 4.3 V, then discharged at various current values. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The organic electrolyte cell comprises cathode plate for which Al powder prepd. by the gas atomising method is used.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic electrolyte cell with improved high rate discharge performance and cycle life can be prepd. at reasonable cost.    In an example: alloy powder of 50 microns in particle size, consisting of 82 wt.% of Al, 3 wt.% of Li, 5 wt.% of B, 5 wt.% of Si, and 5 wt.% of Ga, was prepd. by the atomizing method for cathode material. 0.35 g of the powder was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type cathode plate. LiCoO2 was mixed with 5 wt.% of acetylene black and 2 wt.% of PTFE. 0.8 g of the mixture was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type anode plate. Using the cathode plate and anode plate, a button type organic electrolyte cell was prepd., as shown in Fig. 1. and 1 m LiCl04/PC was used for electrolyte of the cell. The cell was charged at current of 1 mA until terminal voltage reached 4.3 V, then discharged at various current values. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The organic electrolyte cell comprises cathode plate for which Al powder prepd. by the gas atomising method is used.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic electrolyte cell with improved high rate discharge performance and cycle life can be prepd. at reasonable cost.    In an example: alloy powder of 50 microns in particle size, consisting of 82 wt.% of Al, 3 wt.% of Li, 5 wt.% of B, 5 wt.% of Si, and 5 wt.% of Ga, was prepd. by the atomizing method for cathode material. 0.35 g of the powder was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type cathode plate. LiCoO2 was mixed with 5 wt.% of acetylene black and 2 wt.% of PTFE. 0.8 g of the mixture was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type anode plate. Using the cathode plate and anode plate, a button type organic electrolyte cell was prepd., as shown in Fig. 1. and 1 m LiCl04/PC was used for electrolyte of the cell. The cell was charged at current of 1 mA until terminal voltage reached 4.3 V, then discharged at various current values. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The wrist exercise device includes an elastic container (1) filled with ferromagnetic fluid (2). An inductance coil (3) with core (4) attached to flange (5), lies inside the container (1). The coil (3) is connected by leads (6) to an oscillating amplitude electrical power supply source. When the amplitude of the current increases the container (1) deforms and assumes a barrel shape. It reverts to its original shape when current returns to zero.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sports use, for exercising wrist muscles, simplifies construction and increases reliability. Bul.6/15.2.92.
The energy conversion device benefits from forces associated with angular momentum. A mass such as fluid is directed through a conduit from one elevation to a lower elevation with the conduit configured to conform to a decreasing cross-sectional area and oriented in a spiral of conical shape so that fluid entering into the conduit accelerates both by virtue of the decreasing cross-sectional area of the conduit and by the velocity added to the fluid by successively constricting the fluid to an ever tighter spiral path of lesser radius ultimately to an output of the conduit which is communication with a converter such as a turbine.    The converter has an interior passageway in axial alignment with an outlet of the conduit and includes an interior vane which coacts against the fluid exiting from the outlet of the conduit imparting rotation to the rotor which circumscribes the passageway. The rotor is supported on a bearing block and operatively couples to a stator for power output.    ADVANTAGE -   Maintains helical tubes stationary.
A body member is provided wtih first and second engagement rolelrs (38,40). The engagement rollers are arranged in opposed relationship and define a non-linear path between for receiving a tensioned elongate flexible member along the path and in engagement with the engagement rollers to apply a lateral force between.    The engagement rollers allow longitudinal movement of the tensioned member. The speed of movement of the flexible member is measured by measuring the frequency of cyclical variations in the lateral force. A chain tension measuring device for a bicycle incorporating the tension measuring transducer includes a mounting apparatus for securing the transducer on a bicycle.    USE -   Bicycle force measurement e.g. for laboratory or physical training use.
The device (14) includes a power generating sheet having an electrically conductive substrate (30) forming a first electrode. Layers (32,34,36) of semiconductive material, e.g. alloy, adhered to the substrate form at least one photovoltaic cell. A second electrode (37,38) is adhered to the top layer.    Apertures (42) pass through the semiconductor layers and substrate to pass a portion of the incident light. the aperture diameters are sufficiently small to ensure diffraction of a substantial portion of the light passing through the device. Preferably, the sheet is laminated with glass or plastic (24,26).    ADVANTAGE -   Mass producible. Uses power generating sheet made with cost-effective continuous deposition processes. Environmentally friendly.
A rotary element, mounted on a frame (11) turns freely on a horizontal axis (18) and is mechanically coupled to an inertia flywheel (15). A strap (16) is tightened around the flywheel and has its ends fixed to a pin (17) and a spring (18).    A microprocessor (20) stores information on torques for theoretical runs and, in response to the actual torque, generates a signal to change the torque by means of an adjustable tension device (19) joined to the spring. The rotating element may be coupled to a chain wheel (2) of a bicycle or the frame.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives sensation of motion similar to real journey, improves user motivation.
The hydraulic reversible turbine/pump speed control system has appts. (3) for combining the machine valve control command (So), obtained form a normal speed regulator (1), with a secondary command (S) for positioning the valve as a function of the variation of pressure at the machine.    This secondary command actuates an increase or decrease of the valve opening which is directly proportional to the increase or decrease of pressure in the turbine casing of the machine, or the pressure differential at the input and output of the turbine.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces noise and vibration and produces stable rotational speed when machine is operating in turbine mode.
The pedometer is constructed so that the pitch of the walking, or jogging is set as the intensity of exercise by a reference signal setting unit. The interval of the set reference signals and the interval of detection signals generated by the walking or jogging are compared by a comparator.    An output signal is produced from the comparator when the comparison reference is satisfied. The number of steps, the period of time of the exercise and the continuation period of time is associated with the preset reference signals, are presented to the user on the basis of the output signals of the comparator. The number of steps associated with the set intensity of the exercise is that number of the output signals of the comparator which is counted by a number-of-conforming-steps counter. The period of time of the exercise is a period of time which is calculated from the interval of reference signals set by a period-of-conforming-exercise counter and the output of the number-of-conforming-steps counter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Exercise monitoring, enables user to recognise the state of exercise.
Series connected cells of a solar array formed in a monolithic semiconductor substrate are electrically isolated by forming grooves in a first major surface partially through the substrate between cells and then fracturing the substrate from the bottom of the grooves to an opposing major surface.    Metallisation interconnecting the cells provides physical integrity of the cell array after the fracturing of the substrate. The grooves can be formed prior to completion of fabrication of the cells or after fabrication of the cells. In an array where each cell extends from one major surface to the opposing major surface, the grooves can be formed in both major surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Enhanced electrical isolation between solar cells in cell array. Uses standard integrated circuit mfg. techniques right up to the fracturing step. Avoids cost, reliability and yield problems of using individual cells.
The system includes a rigid, transparent three-dimensional structure within which is provided co-spatial visual display elements arranged in a three-dimensional geometry at regular coordinate addresses. Information input terminals, including terminals for biological interface, are provided. Also furnished is logic for assigning a three-dimensional coordinate address, at uniform time intervals, for the informational input from each of the biological sources.    Each of the display elements are energised in a fashion that is input-responsive to the coordinate addresses corresp. to the system inputs. The system is further provided with detectors for alerting the users to spatial and temporal coincidence of energised visual elements resultant from simultaneous inputting of like coordinate addresses by the biophysical source.    USE -   For 3-D chase game and biofeedback monitor/game. May be used to illustrate isometric exercises, as colour organ, or as light display for use in connection with stereos. Simultaneous co-spatial and co-temporal visualisation of two or more like classes of information derived from different sources.
The power station has a body (1) with a positive floatability, turbine (2) with electricity generator, placed in the body opening, and supply channels for turbine connection to the water reservoir (4). The body (1) can vertically displace. The station power is increased since the body is connected to the bottom (5) by a water non-permeable thread (6) which is connected to the body and to the bottom forming a closed space. The supply channels are made as slots (7) in the body (1).    When the tide is coming in the water through the body slots (7) flows to the opening (3) and rotates the turbine. As the water level increases, the body (1) rises and the closed space is filled with water. When the tide is going out the water level falls and body (1) begins to lower, the water pours out of the closed space through opening (3) rotating the turbine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In floating power stations. The station power is increased. Bul. 48/30.12.91
The power station has a multi-stage axial turbine (1) whose front and rear supports (3,4) are fitted in bearings (2). The turbine rotor (5) is kinematically connected through a toothed transmission (6) to the generator (8), shaft (7). The turbine is provided with a water receiver (9) and a stator (10) with directing blades (11). The stator (10) can rotate and is kinematically connected to the generator (8), shaft (7). The turbine is provided with water outlet attachment (12), nozzle (13), placed in the attachment (12), and side water receiving pipes whose inlet openings are placed outside the attachment. The generator (8) is placed above the river water surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The innovation is used in hydro-electric power station. The power is increased and the construction is simplified. Bul. 48/30.12.91
The drive has an axisymmetrical converging channel (1) and a working element fitted on the vertical shaft (2), and made as a ball (3) fitted at the converging channel inlet. The ball can vertically displace. The construction is simplified since the drive is provided with a directing element fitted on the converging channel working surface. The directing element is made as two sections of spiral blades (4) fitted with a gap at the converging channel inlet and outlet.    When the liq. flows through the channel (1), the working swirls the stream and rotates ball (3). The power developed is transmitted through valve (2) to the utiliser. The power is regulated by hanging the liq. flow rate by displacing the ball along the channel axis. To stop the drive the ball is displaced until it touches the walls in gap (5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hydraulic drives. The construction is simplified. Bul. 48/30.12.91
The servo has a hollow body (1) with directing blades closing and opening pipes (2,3). The piston (4) with tie (5) is fitted in the body (1). The vessel (6) is fitted on the body (1) and has oil and air pipelines (7,8) with non-return valves (9). The pipe (2) is provided with turning slide (10) for body connection to the vessel (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The servomotor is used in hydraulic turbine guide unit. The emergency disconnection of the directing unit is improved. Bul. 48/30.12.91
The setting of the guide vanes of the vane system varies with a given turbine blade setting of the runner, and the intensity of the timely fluctuations of a measurement value, determined with the operation of the water turbine, is determined depending on the guide vane setting. The guide vanes are then adjusted to that setting, with which the intensity fluctuations of the measurement value assume a min.    The intensity of the fluctuations of the measurement value is determined in a specified frequency range. The frequency range is limited downwards by a high pass filter. The intensity of the fluctuations of the measurement value is determined by the root mean square formation.    ADVANTAGE -   Automatic method quicker and less expensive than hitherto, for determining optimum parameters of double regulated water turbine. Parameters to be determined can be derived well and accurately.
The setting of the guide vanes of the vane system varies with a given turbine blade setting of the runner, and the intensity of the timely fluctuations of the generator output is determined dependent on the guide vane setting. The guide vanes are then adjusted to that setting, with which the intensity fluctuations of the generator output assumes a min. value.    The intensity of the fluctuations of the generator output is determined in a specified frequency range and the frequency range is limited downwards by a high pass filter. The intensity of the fluctuations of the generator output is determined by the root mean square value build up of the power swing.    ADVANTAGE -   Automatic method which is quicker and less expensive than hitherto, for determining optimum parameters of double regulated water turbine. Parameters to be determined can be derived well and accurately.
The system for measuring displacement determines the movement of a conductive material (15) past a capacitive sensor (3). The sensor has two parallel conductive plates (5, 7), electrically isolated from each other. They are supplied with a high frequency signal at a fixed voltage.    A detector (11) is connected in order to measure the current flowing in the capacitor circuit provided by the pair of parallel plates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In electric generator. Detector may measure displacement dynamically and without contact, or may alternatively measure varying permittivity of dielectric between sensor and plate.
The water gate (102) comprises a door (104) which closes a port (103) and which has a counterweight (132) and a rotatable shutter (122) which closes a window (120) which when open reduces the drag on the door by allowing water through it. The counterweight is used to close the door and the shutter using gravity.    In use the counterweight keeps the door closed until the water on the opposite side of the door reaches a level where it forces the door open when the shutter opens first relieving the pressure on the upper part of the door so that the pressure on the lower part forces the door open against the counterweight. When the door is open the counterweight closes the shutter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In system for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in body of water, including those with small water heads e.g. rivulets and creeks. Provides efficient energy conversion in low head applications without disruption of natural flow of water.
The exercise apparatus comprises a frame and an exerciser lifting support. A guidance system couples the exerciser lifting support to the frame, providing linear movement in a first direction. A handle (55) is coupled to the frame. A force source supplies a force to the exerciser support, with at least a first component in the first direction. The lifting support is spaced from the guidance system for using a weight placed on the lifting support to provide tracking loading on the guidance system.    The weight provides a first torque force on the support. The source of the force can be either a weight stack, an electric motor or a hydraulic lifter. The line can be either a cable, a chain, a belt or a rope. The first direction is vertical.    ADVANTAGE -   Binding of wheel and track system is avoided by providing a force to wheel, and track system which tends to enhance tracking.    is
The hydraulic generator includes oil bath with thrust and rotor with bushing (2) fixed to it and encompassed by concentric element (7). One endface part of the latter is hermetically coupled to cylindrical surface of one of the bushing discs (3), while the other endface is thermally insulated from the bushing disc (4). For simpler design and increased reliability, the concentric element (7) is made in the form of cylinder and its endface part is mounted with a gap (10) w.r.t. bushing disc (3).    During operation of the hydraulic generator, the bushing (2) with a thrust disc (5) and the thin-walled concentric cylinder (7) rotates on segments of the thrust (6). A seal (8) contacts the cylinder (7) whose surface is heated during rotating. The thermal insulating air-gap (10) does not transfer the heat from the cylinder (7) to the bushing (2).    USE -   In electric machine industry. Bul. 3/23.1.92
After the assembly of the stator and pulling up of the elastic elements (7) of reverse wedges (4,5), heating of core (6) takes place using a special induction coil. The cores expand and the longitudinal prismatic rod (3) with moving wedge (4) displaces in the radial direction until it touches stop (8). The stops are located along the surface of circular cylinder which guarantees the ideal form of the stator core.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Stator has high reliability and low labour expenditure in assembly achieved by the use of fixing element in the form of two reversely positioned wedges. Bul.3/23.1.92.
The apparatus includes a turbine which is so suspended that its rotor is positioned beneath the surface of the water from which it is required to extract the kinetic energy. The rotor is mounted upon/from a nacelle (3) attached to support (1,2). The turbine may be axial flow or cross-flow.    The nacelle is attached to a rigid positioning strut which is in turn attached to the support. The strut is attached to a floating buoy or to a buoy or to a point on a mooring cable that is tensioned between a buoy and an anchor on the bed of the sea, river etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For extracting kinetic energy from flowing water currents, e.g. tidal marine, esturial or river currents.
Converter consists of two floating wheels (1) of cylindrical shape equipped with the blades (2) and fixed in the sleeves mounted on frame (3) ends. The wheels (1) can rotate on horizontal axes. The frame (3) also supports a generator kinematically coupled with the wheels (1) and connected to the on shore electric energy consumer via a cable. The device is equipped with the flow orientation mechanism including a rope (6) fixed on the on shore mount.    The generator is made in the form of a flexible endless piezo-electric tape (7) and equipped with the electrodes arranged on the drive pulleys (8,9). The tape passes between rows of intermediate contact rollers (10,11) which are insulated from the frame and kinematically coupled with the pulleys (8,9).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For generating electricity in rivers, stream, etc. Scope of applications is widened. Bul. 47/23.12.91
The measuring device includes thermistors (e.g. platinum-type) (1,2) connected to the adjacent arms of an unbalanced DC bridge, amplifier (3) whose input is connected to the measurement diagonal of the bridge, voltage divider (4) with temperature-sensitive resistor (5) and three temperature-independent resistors (6-8), indicating or recording unit (9).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For temp. monitoring of electrical equipment of power stations, e.g. water pumps, turbine condensers, air blowers, etc. Increased accuracy of temp. difference measurement by automatically compensating the error caused by non-linearity of characteristics of temperature-sensitive resistors. Bul.31/23.8.91.
An apparatus comprises a frame having a base (42), a platform (24) parallel to the base for an exerciser to stand on, and chin-up handles, (22) and dip handles (20) extending from the frame. A motive device oscillates the platform vertically between a lower and an upper position parallel to the base.    Angular displacement of the platform is prevented by attaching it to a guide member (25) which permits the platform to travel vertically along the device frameposts. The guide members comprise a set of rollers (26). The system further includes a control and monitor with which the force is controlled and the oscillation of the platform is monitored.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Promotes correct exercise for all levels of fitness with simpler and therefore lower cost apparatus. Rollers eliminate need for complex moment arms and levers, improving reliability and reducing costs. Variable, but linear assist force provided to platform.
An apparatus includes a frame having a base (42), a platform (24) parallel to the base for an exerciser to stand on, chin-up handles (2), dip handles (20) extending from the frame and an activating arm (30) connected to a pivot (100).    A motive device comprising a spring (45) driven by an electric motor (48) moves the platform vertically between a lower and an upper position whilst maintaining the platform parallel to the base avoiding any angular displacement. The system includes a control and monitor with which the force is controlled and the oscillation of the platform is monitored.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Promotes correct exercise for all levels of fitness with simpler and therefore lower cost appts. Variable, but linear assist force provided to platform.
A base platform supports a pair of vertical uprights which have a pivotly attached person supporting boom. The boom is positionable vertically by a hydraulic actuator or jack. A pair of leaf springs are attached to the uprights and extend downwardly from fixed in place ends to distal ends. A pair of cables extend from the distal ends of the leaf springs each around a pulley and extend to common termination member to which is attached a person supporting cable which extends from the end of the boom, a dampening spring and a periodically operated solenoid which pulls against the weight of the person supported by one end of the cable.    The person supporting cable passes through a pair of pulleys and extends downward from the distal end of the boom. A person attached to the distal end of the person support cable is exercised by action of the solenoid jerking the cable and the flexing of the leaf springs against the weight of the suspended person. The dampening spring is adjustable to control the amplitude of the solenoid action on the cable.    USE -   Static rebound exercise-rehabilitation device for exercising a person regardless of that persons physical condition and particularly for exercising an invalid person.
In the hydraulic generator the rim external part (1) is equipped on the internal side with the tails (2) wedged out by opposite wedges (3) in the rim internal part (5) grooves (4).    During hydraulic generator operation the centrifugal forces and the magnetic tension forces are passed on from the poles (7) to the rim part (1) by the tails (8) and from the rim part (1) to the rim part (5) by the tails (2) and opposite wedges (3). The rim part (5) operates like a ring and receives radial forces. The torque is passed from the poles (7) to the rim part (5) and from it to the hydraulic generator rotor shaft (10). The T-shaped tails (2) are placed in the corresponding grooves (4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydraulic generator rotor is used in power plants. Working rotation frequencies range is widened. Bul. 45/7.12.91
Electrical energy is produced by water running through a vertical pipe, under gravity. Water is fed from an upper reservoir, filled with water pumped from a lower reservoir. The low end of the pipe has a valve, controlled automatically, which directs a high speed jet of water towards a turbine. The turbine axle is connected directly to an electricity generator.    USE -   Generation of electricity by a jet of water driving a turbine. (First major country equivalent to JP4271247-A)
Solar module consists of an outer disc (10) of silicate glass, bonded by a plastic film (12) to a toughened safety glass disc (14). A solar cell array (20) is embedded in cast resin layer (18) and a decorative safety glass disc (16) is positioned below this layer, bonded to a backing plate (24) e.g. of silicate glass. The safety glass discs contain internal fracture faces (28), perpendicular to the module plane.    ADVANTAGE -   Aesthetic impression is improved without affecting efficiency.
The barge mounted waterwheel comprises a moored barge and a submerged or partially submerged waterwheel with articulated blades or foils which has a large diameter hub to concentrate the water flow onto its active blades or foils. The barge mounted waterwheel has an electric generator mechanically driven by the waterwheel. The barge mounted waterwheel is constructed of modules to facilitate transport and to enable standardisation of its construction.    Reciprocating pumps are directly driven by cranks fitted to its rotor to supply water under pressure. Water supplied by the pumps is used to generate electricity via a hydraulic motor coupled to an electric generator. The barge mounted waterwheel is self started and remains self starting should the direction of flow be reversed. The barge mounted waterwheel is made to navigate waters of lesser depth than their normal draught by using the potential buoyancy of its hub.    USE -   For extracting energy from streams, tidal channels or ocean currents.
A flywheel (14) is provided for storing kinetic energy and a battery (22) for storing electrical energy, the battery being incorporated as a substantial part of the rotating mass of the flywheel. Pref. the unit further includes an electrical machine (26), being a motor or generator or machine operable either as a motor or a generator for transferring energy between the battery and the flywheel and/or for the input or output of rotary energy.    The motor may be used for powering the flywheel and may also operate in a regenerative mode for recharging the unit on deceleration of the vehicle. The unit may also be utilised as an electrical stored power source, e.g. wind or water driven.    USE -   Efficient and pollution-free power unit, e.g. for an electrically driven vehicle.
The solar cell tracking device allows free movement of the solar cell (1) relative to an underlying surface (2) of greater area to track the movement of the sun over the course of the day. The solar cell supports a charge on the side facing the underlying surface (2) and the latter supports a number of photoelements, responding to the incident solar radiation, to generate an opposite charge.    Pref. the underlying surface has a regular matrix of photoelements, e.g. photodiodes (34), with amplification of the charge provided by the generated electrical field.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows floating movement of solar cell.
In a turbine body with an internal generator activated tangentially by an hydraulic jet, two hollow sleeves and a hollow sphere have two ball bearings which are fixed to the sleeves and the centres of two semi-spheres. The sleeves serve as axis of rotation to the hollow sphere which serves as a protective shell to a generator.    The generator is activated by rotational movement of the sphere. The produced current is conveyed towards the exterior by holes in the sleeves or the axis. The sphere is maintained at the surface of the water jet for the rotational movement. The sphere has curved blades all over its surface. The water penetrates the back of the blades tangentially. The blades have grooves allowing the water to make a rotation of 180 degrees on each. A gearing system provides driving between the fixed generator gearwheel and the mobile sphere.    ADVANTAGE -   Includes opening to provide cooling system.
The shaft (1) with several working elements with flat blades (2) is placed across the stream. The electricity generator is connected to the shaft (1). Each working element is made as a bush (3) with through-running figured slots (4), fitted on the shaft. Longitudinally displacing and simultaneously rotating rod (5) is placed in the bush and has radial pins (6) moved into the slots (4). The blades (2) are fixed in pairs at the rods (5) ends and their surfaces are turned, w.r.t. each other, around the rod (5) longitudinal axis by 90 deg. The bushes (3) and the shaft (1) longitudinal axis are at ninety degrees. The rods (5) are turned w.r.t. each other in the plane perpendicular to the shaft axis.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for conversion of the energy in a stream into electric energy. The efficiency is increased by reducing hydraulic losses. Bul. 45/7.12.91
(JP4258754-A)   NOVELTY - The ion-insensitive sensor, which uses an ion sensitive type field effect transistor (ISFET), has a diamond-like thin film (DLC). The DLC is formed on a thin film made of high melting point, low diffusivity carbon material, as gate film. The DLC film consists of diamond or diamond and graphite.    USE - For use as standard or reference electrode in semiconductor ion sensor.    ADVANTAGE - The sensor has reduced size, since use of reference electrode having internal electrode is prevented. The sensor has improved performance and durability.
The front electrode (3) is formed on a glass substrate-support (1) and comprises a series of conducting bonds (19) extending across the surface, separated by transparent passages (15) that are straight and parallel to the longitudinal direction of each insulating passage.    The rear electrode (7) is transparent and receives the first incident light. The semiconducting photoelectric conversion element (5) lies between the electrodes. A transparent protective layer (11) is formed on the rear electrode and is itself covered by a transparent glass or toughened glass layer (13).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin layer solar cells. Mechanically strong, corrosion resistant substrate.
The substrate support (7) is formed of relatively rigid, transparent material and the photoelectric conversion elements are formed on one planar surface (7a). Under pressure from both directions, the substrate is deformed and glued to the curved surface of a light receiver (1) with a thin layer of transparent adhesive (3).    The photoelectric conversion elements include a front electrode (9) which may be transparent or opaque with passages (15a,15b) extruding across to allow partial light transmission. On this electrode is formed a photoresponsive semiconducting layer (11) and then a rear electrode (13) which receives the said glue.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin layer solar cells. Reduced number of layers, simpler manufacture, increased mechanical resistance, easily cleaned.
A number of prime movers (1,1A,1B) are serially connected to one another through power transmitting teeth (8). Each prime mover has a number of outer peripheral buckets (7) rotatable about respective horizontal shafts (4) in vertical planes. The device may use a natural water stream having no particular large head as a source. The output drive wheels (12) connected to both ends of the shaft (4) are coupled to respective electric generators (16) via gear wheels (13,14,15).    USE -   E.g. for agricultural working device.
When used as a motor the power transforming device will receive energy from a source (1/1a) e.g. a heat exchanger, steam boiler, gas reactor or a head of water. Units (2) singly or coupled, comprise a pressure area (2/1), rotor (2/2) and axle (2/4), stator (3/3) and partition (2/5). The partition is sprung (2/8) against the rotor through a slot in the stator to provide input and output pressure zones.    Fluid entering via an inlet orifice (2/9) causes the rotor to turn and exits via an outlet orifice (2/10). The device can also operate as a pump or compressor.    ADVANTAGE -   Steam, gas or liq. energy is transformed into mechanical energy or vice versa simply, with high efficiency and simple regulation. Operates without valves, valve regulators, crankshaft and connecting rods, clutches and transmissions etc.
The free weight lifting apparatus is adapted for return of a Free Weight Barbell (6) to a stationary barbell support rack (3) without other ancillary assistance for a lone exerciser participating in a variety of free weight lifting exercises, incuding negative lift exercises. A reciprocating frame assembly (2) is adapted for the upward and rearward travel of a Free Weight Barbell in the direction of the stationary barbell support rack.    The reciprocal frame assembly is comprised of a pair of horizontal arms (4) with an electrical switch (11) secured to each arm and a sleeve (5) pivoted over each switch. The reciprocal frame reciprocates in or about a fixed vertical frame (1). The frame is raised and lowered by an hydraulic cylinder (8) which is powered by an electrically driven pump (24). The electrical switches are activated when the free weight barbell depresses the sleeves and are deactivated when the barbell automatically rolls off the sleeves and repositions itself on the support rack.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows user to safely follow several different weight lifting regimens.
The isoinertial lift machine evaluates and trains patients in the static and dynamic lift modes. The machine consists of an arm which can be positioned on a vertical column. At the end of the arm, various size attachments and handles can be attached. The arm also carries a force sensor that measures the force applied to the handles. In the static mode, the arm is positioned at a desired height and locked in place. The patient lifts on the handle, and the force sensor registers the lifting force. Since the handle does not move during the lift, the mode is called static. In the dynamic mode, the arm/handle moves in the vertical direction during the lift.    A resistance mechanism is used to resist the lifting force applied by the user at the handle. The resisting force is always pulling the arm down, both in the lifting and the lowering motion. The resisting force remains constant throughout the range of motion during lifting. The isoinertial machine can also be used in the static mode. The machine also allows the user to test pushing and pulling loads in static mode only.    ADVANTAGE -   Versatile device for both therapy, exercise and evaluation which has capacity to function in both isometric and isoinertial modes.
The appliance can be designed for sitting, lying, standing or walking, or existing furniture or equipment can be adapted or modified, to suit anatomical and physiological condition of user or patient. The computer assisted software induced alterations of the inclination setting of the furniture relative to the room and/or for influencing the position of the parts of the furniture are carried out relative to each other.    Across the carrying systems, the furniture or the training appliance, or parts of the same, mainly in the horizontal plane, but also in other planes, e.g. the backrest, are moved from each manually directed or programmed position, according to the particular application, to a selected angle, in several time cycles per movement direction and in programmed work cycles. Existing drive systems are made computer compatible by the installation of sensors, as well as external sensors and simulators, such as movement resistances, optical systems, acoustic or other types of feedback and should be integrated in the total system across the computer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Medical, orthopaedical and special furniture and training appliances. Suitable for handicapped and aged also injured pesonnel. Enables initiations and simulations to be carried out related to patient condition.
The exercise appts. has a frame with an associated movable member which is positioned and configured to be repetiously moved by a user at a selected user rate of movement. A speed snesor associated with the movable member senses the user rate. An input device is associatively linked with a computation device and operable by the user to input target values of exercise parameters, the target values including a target user rate, target distance and target time.    The computation device associatively linked with the speed sensor computes exercise parameters, and is operable to receive the target values from the input device and the user rate from the speed sensor and calculates one target value from any two of the target values. A display device associatively linked with the computation device displays the target values.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For motivating user of exercise appts. while training.
One of the two loads is selected using switch (1). The switch is set to position (P1). The connection of the load is achieved by pressing the 'START' pushbutton (4). Contactor (6) connects in and is latched in by contact (7), and applies voltage via its power contacts. The break contact (9) opens the intermediate relay (17) achieving blocking for its connection and simultaneously contact (8) closes.    When the pressure in the main attains a given value the electrical manometer contact (20) opens and its contact (21) closes connecting relay (14). The latter latches in and with its contact (15) prepares the automatic connection of the standby pump.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For automatic switching on backup LV electric motors for controlling pump plant. Low cost, simplicity and wide functional possibilities are achieved. Bul.46/15.12.91.
The exerciser includes an upper portion having moving rungs simulating a hand over hand motion to exercise the upper body of an operator, and a lower portion having moving platforms simulating a stair like climbing motion to exercise the lower body.    The upper and lower portions are oriented at different angles to maximise user comfort. The angle of the lower portion in particular provides clearance for the operator's knees during use. The exerciser also includes a variable speed control to adjustably vary the speed of the moving rungs and platforms, thereby adapting to the needs of various users.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Low impact full body exerciser. Provides balanced and complete aerobic workout of operator's entire body. Simple and flexible to use.
The method comprises applying a voltage between the photoelectric conversion device and a counter electrode across an electrolytic solution containing hydrogen ions and/or hydronium ions.    The electrolytic solution is an aqueous solution of an electrolyte or electrolytes selected from a group consisting of inorganic acids, organic acids, inorganic bases, organic bases and salts of metals having standard electrode potential levels which are minus relative to the standard hydrogen electrode potential and which have absolute values greater than hydrogen super voltage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For semiconductor solar batteries eliminates short circuits quickly even where device has large area.
The impedance of the nonlinear impedance increases as the output of the light-receiving element approaches a min. reception light level. The impedance is finally set in the non-conductive state. Thus, at the min. reception level, the output current of the receiving element is supplied, with little loss, to the low-noise amplifier via the pure resistor and capacitor.    The impedance of the impedance decreases exponentially in accordance with the increase in the input of the light-receiving element. Consequently, the output current of the receiving element begins to flow into the impedance from a certain point, and the current to the amplifier is limited.    ADVANTAGE -   Has dynamic range increased to high level of reception light, with simple circuit configuration, without degrading min. level of reception light.
The vertical axis synchronous heavy electrical machine has the stator laminated core (1) secured via radial guide rails spaced around its outer periphery. Separate clamp bolts (7) extend between upper and lower clamp segments (2, 3) and act against the opposing surfaces of the stator laminated core (1). A single washer ring (4) and a pair of washer rings (4) are respectively provided between the lower clamp segment (3) and the stator intermediate walls (14) and between the latter and the upper clamp segment (2).    The latter is secured to the outer stator intermediate wall (14) via a number of fixing screws (8), each with a respective washer (9). A defined radial expansion gap is provided between the guide rails and the stator stampings packet.    USE -   For water-powered turbine generator.    he l
The endless belt provides a continuously moving exercise surface. The lubrication system reduces or minimises the friction between the moving treadmill belt (22) and a supporting deck (42), resulting from pressure exerted between the surfaces by the feet of a treadmill user.    The system applies a liquid, solid or aerosol lubricant either to the inner surface of the treadmill belt or to the associated support deck. Initiation of lubricant supply may be dependent on hours of treadmill use, distance travelled by the treadmill belt, or upon the level of belt to deck friction, as indicated by e.g. increase in electric drive motor current. The system may be controlled by a microprocessor, which provides an output for energising a lubricant peristaltic pump or a solenoid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For periodic lubrication of exercise treadmills (20) to reduce service outage times or even possible machine breakdown.
The battery has an upper electrode (103) of one (105) of the adjacent solar batteries (105, 106), and a lower electrode (111) of the other (106) connected via a lead wire (110).    A groove portion (107) of the boundary of the adjacent batteries (105, 106) is filled with insulative material (108) to a thickness to cover edge portions of the batteries (105, 106). A conductive material (109) connects an upper portion of the insulative material (108) and the upper electrode (103) of one (105) of the adjacent batteries (105, 106). The lead wire (110) is over the insulative material (108) along the groove portion (107) of the boundary to connect to the conductive material (109). The lead wire (110) is connected to the lower electrode (111) of the other solar battery (106).    ADVANTAGE -   Produces practical output voltage, without loss of power by shadows of lead wire. Small risk of short-circuit. Disconnection of conductive material can be prevented. Low cost mfr..
A support structure (5) carries a pivoted lever arm (2) with a wave follower (1) fixed to one end. The lever is connected to a piston rod (7) which drives a reciprocating pump in response to wave action. The floatation unit (23) has a lower body portion (24) comprising a hollow chamber (24a) with an opening (24b) in the bottom and with an inward and downward angled side surface (27a) to harness the lateral force wave energy.    A one-way valve (10) lies in a passage (10a) between the chamber (24a) and through the upper body to atoms. The device can rotate to follow changing wave direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Cost effective energy extraction from wave motion.
An earn per view device affords variable viewing on a television as a reward for accomplishment of a positive task on an exercise machine, computer, electronic glove or other associated device. A tabulation and accumulation device tabulates and accumulates the amount of positive task performed on the associated positive task device.    A control device controls the access to viewing on the associated video device in electrical communication with the tabulation and accumulation device. The control device may be activated by the user to afford viewing on the television in proportion to the quantity of positive task accumulated by the tabulation and accumulation device.    USE -   Encouraging children to take exercise or do homework.
The device comprises a sealed box (1) containing a tension sensor (2) and a pressure sensor (6) along with a display screen (10). The box has orifices (7,8) to which pressure may be applied, and rings (3,4) at the two ends in order to allow connection to traction equipment.    An electronic processing circuit (9) is incorporated along with controls (12) determining the access to stored information. A loudspeaker (11) may be included to give information about the device's use, and a solar panel (13) is associated with a rechargeable battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows personal record or physical education training.
The apparatus provides real-time auxiliary energy input control based ont he instantaneous difference between the actual operator work rate, and the intended work rate. The preferred version includes a stationary bicycle frame (10) having a pedal (11, 12) and crank assembly (13, 14, 15) mechanically coupled to an output shaft (17). A clutch-connected, double-ended electric motor (18) provides the rotational toque to bring the output shaft (17) up to a desired speed, if desired prior to the onset of a physical output test.    The motor can also control the intended work rate level of zero operator work rate input. A flywheel (19) is also mounted ont he motor output shaft, which manually operates in conjunction with an electromagnetic magnet/coil eddy braking system (21, 22, 23) to apply a retarding force on the driveshaft (17) of the bicycle ergometer on a time-variable basis.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For diagnosis of e.g. cardiac problems. Relatively simple device which reduces relative amount of isometric muscular effort required to operate device.
A housing has a front, a back and a fluid passageway extending between. The housing is attached to the output so that the said passageway fluidly communicates with the water outlet. An electrically powered device is contained within the housing.    An impeder is driven by fluid flow through the passageway, for generating electricity in response. At least one oil filled tube is mounted to the housing and an electric heater at a lower end of the tube.    USE -   Radio accessory for a bathroom shower.
The float (1,2,3), anchored locally in the flowing water, is provided by a ship, a raft or a pontoon . The latter (1,2,3) consists of at least two hulls, arranged rough in parallel to each other. The axis of rotation (10,11) of the paddle wheels (8,9) extends roughly at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the float.    At least one transformer station (16), also arranged on the float, is provided as a transformer unit for the current given by the generator (14). The blades (22,23,24,28,29) of the paddle wheel (8,9) related to the main plane of the paddle wheel are displaced laterally to each other and/or are curved. The blades are provided with recesses (25-27), pref. perforated and/or finely slotted.    ADVANTAGE -   Installation costs reduced to min. Enviromentally friendly and cost effective prodn. of electrical current facilitated.
The integrated structure for a solar cell by-pass diode includes an epitaxial layer of a semiconductor material formed on a semiconductor substrate. A first solar cell is formed on a surface portion of the epitaxial layer. A second solar cell is electrically connected in series with the first solar cell.    A by-pass diode is electrically connected in parallel with the first solar cell to form a by-pass circuit. The circuit includes a metallised layer contacting a second surface portion of the epitaxial layer to form the by-pass diode. The metallised layer has an electrical contact such that the diode is electrically connected, through the electrical contact, to the second solar cell and is electrically connected to the first solar cell through the epitaxial layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises diffusion of overlying contact metal through tungsten.
The exercise hand grip has a sound-reproducing unit and comprises two handles and one connection rod. One of the handles comprises first and second housings, both of which are hollow constructions made of plastics by means of injection moulding. The first housing is provided with a speaker mount with a circular speaker and a sound-reproducing unit with conductive pieces disposed in the battery mount, and a circuit plate in contact with batteries lodged in the battery mount.    The circuit plate comprises an integrated circuit storing programmably musical melodies or commands. The second housing is symmetrical in shape with the first housing. Another handle is provided with a third housing and a fourth housing, both of which are of hollow construction made of plastics material. The third housing is provided with an exercise count display. The connection rod is of a bendable spring body coupled pivotally at both ends with both handles.
The power generating plant, especially for use in a fast-flowing river or ocean current, consists of a transverse turbine (1) with vanes, mounted on a shaft by means of cross-members at its ends, connected to a generator (3), and a screen (4). The turbine blades and end cross-members are made with a symmetrical aerofoil profile and are connected to form a frame round the shaft.    The screen (4) is curved in shape and has an end section located above the turbine and to the rear of a vertical plane passing through its axis, and set at an angle of 30-60 degrees to the horizontal. The plant is equipped with a segment-shaped shutter (5) which is located behind the turbine and has its working surface equidistant from that of the screen.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.38/15.10.91.
The portable muscle building and exercising apparatus, has a helical compression coil spring (4) installed in a housing, associated therewith appts. for indicating when a predetermined degree of compression has been attained. The component which actually stresses the spring is a tensioning member (5) having a conductive extension (6) which can complete the circuit of a plug-shaped acoustic alarm (9) when the spring stores a select amount of energy.    The alarm can be moved to any one of a number of different positions in the path of movement of the extension of the tensioning member. The audible signal which is generated by the alarm indicates to the user that the selected degree of stress upon the spring has been reached as well as that such stress is maintained. The apparatus is pref. actuated by the user pulling on a pair of handles attached to a flexible belt (3).
The solar panel is fabricated with a number of light sensitive elements (5,7,9) in thin layers deposited on a thin, transparent insulating substrate (3). The current collecting system of the light sensitive element is an opaque metallic layer (9) with a number of openings or slots (13) allowing light to pass through.    The slots may be in the form of parallel openings in the same direction as the flow of current through the light sensitive elements.    USE -   Combination of semi transparent panel and solar panel allows use of solar panel as a building element for e.g. windows, verandas.
The upper water reservoir has a duct with a number of vertical inlet ducts (9, 10, 11) at different heights. Each duct feeds a turbine (5, 6, 7). The different inlet heights provide a staggered operation, with progressively more turbines generating power as the water level rises in the upper reservoir. Water level sensors activate each turbine when the height of water is sufficient for each turbine.    The water levels required to operate each turbine are a minimum height above each inlet lip. Below this level any excess water flows freely through the braked turbine. Braking is mechanical, electrical. The turbines can be reversed.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple progressive power generation, simple inlet water control.
A rotatable power wheel has an axle and a number of vanes extending radially so that a flow of fluid in a direction perpendicular to the axle impinge upon the vanes. A coupling links rotational power from the rotatable power wheel to a load, the coupling comprising a flywheel which is rotatably mounted and which has a centre of rotation. Weights are mounted in inward positions on the flywheel relatively close to the centre of rotation of the flywheel.    A guide allows the weights to move by centrifugal force to respective outward positions relatively far from the centre of rotation of the flywheel in response to rotation of the flywheel so that the flywheel will build angular momentum. The weight are returned from the outward positions to the inward positions in response to a diminution of speed of the flywheel.    USE -   System for converting the kinetic power of a flowing fluid to rotational power, esp. utilising flowing canal water.
Stair climbing exercise appts. comprises frame with two foot pedals pivotally secured to frame to impart via a chain rotational movement to an alternator which supplies the resistive force to the pedals controlled by a comparator. A pair of resilient compressibly contacts each pedal member as it approaches a predetermined limit. The resilient members are helical compression springs made of polyphenylene oxide, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester or their mixts..    ADVANTAGE -   Clear comfort is enhanced by limiting some portion of downwards of travel of each pedal.    .D
A turbine liner wall (8) is anchored to a backing wall (9) while the liner wall is in place and during repairs. The process includes positioning of apertures (20) within the liner wall. Second apertures coaxial with the apertures in the liner wall are drilled into the backing wall sufficient for purposes of embedding a reinforced steel bar in a manner to appropriately support the liner wall. After the apertures had been formed, an adhesive material in an unactive state is inserted into the aperture of the liner wall and into the secondary aperture of the concrete backing wall.    The steel reinforcing bar is then inserted through the aperture of the liner wall and into the secondary aperture of the backing wall. The reinforcing bar causes the adhesive material to be released and activated, and provide adhesion between the reinforcing bar and the interior surfaces of the secondary aperture. The reinforcing bar is then cut off an apporpriate dis tance into the liner wall. A weld overlay material (48) is then applied to the reinforcing bar within the liner wall aperture.    USE -   Anchoring process for use in a hydraulic electric facility turbine structure, for maintaining stability during repair.
The solar cell chain comprises several series connected spaced solar cells (10,12;12,14) again spaced between plates (18,20). The intermediate space is cast in transparent resin at least on the radiation side. Alternately it may be filled with melt adhesive in an autoclave. One cell (12) front side (30) is conductively contacted to the next cell rear (28) via at least one contact strip (22,24,26,28).    The contact strips between the cells have a preset shape (36,38) such that a relative movement between the cells is possible without damaging the contact strips. The shape is pref. curved, or zigzag.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cell modules. Tolerates mechanical stress, e.g. during transport, without damage to contact strips.
A fluid current motor is formed having large and small wheels so that the little wheel rotates about a minor axis and the big wheel rotates about a major axis. The minor axis is located away from and parallel to the major axis at a perpendicular distance less than the difference between a radius of the big wheel and a radius of the little wheel. The little wheel is positioned within the big wheel so that a circumference of a little circle defined by the rotating little wheel approaches a circumference of a big circle defined by the rotating big wheel in one phase of operation and departs in another phase.    At least two sails are attached between the big wheel and the little wheel so that the sails are repetitively opened and closed. The motor is operated so that an offset line that is perpendicular to and intersects the major and minor axes- creates about a forty-five degree angle with a fluid current directional line that traces a direction from which fluid current is coming and intersects the major axis.    USE -   Conversion of wind or water currents to useful energy.
The power build-up procedure requires a pressure water duct (1), hydraulic generating set (2) and solid-fuel gas generator (3), connected to the water duct. There may be a pneumatic chamber (4) between the gas generator and the water duct, containing a valve (5).    As the consumption regulating valve is opened, gas from the gas generator or water from the pneumatic chamber is supplied to the pressure line. The high pressure in the water duct compensates for pressure loss when the valve is opened.    ADVANTAGE -   Set picks up power more rapidly, so the power station is more versatile. Bul. 40/30.10.91
A power turbine installation is intended for use in a current of water such as a river. A floating support (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) is held in position against movement by mooring cables (19, 20, 21). A turbine rotor (32) on the support is moveable between a fully immersed state and a position partly above the water in response to current flow rate such that the rotor lifts as the current increases.    Pref., a pivoted arm has an upstream end portion pivotally mounted on the support and carries the rotor on its downstream end portion such that the weight of the arm and rotor tends to hold the rotor down in the current but the force of the current on the rotor tends to pivot the arm so that the rotor rises partially out of the water. Pref. the rotor is an axial flow rotor with radial blades. The turbine drives a water pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Regulates power output in response to variations in water flow rate such that useful output is available at slow current rates and installation is not damaged by excess speed or excess power transmission at high current.
The body is loaded to engage at least one sixth of the muscular structure at a range between roughly 50 to 65 percent to reach the aerobes and anaerobes thresholds. A warming up time is given first to set the brain in preparation for matching the blood circulation to the body requirements.    The procedure can be carried out by an ergometer, pref. of the fixed bicycle type (1) with adjustable loading devices assigned to a control unit (5) contg. at least one microcomputer. The latter has inputs for user data and signals from at least one sensor as well as at least one output to supply control signals to the loading device. At least one output leads to a display (22) and/or a push-button (23) to provide information concerning the training range. The sensors can be breathing rate, blood pressure, sweating level, body temp., the outputs being amplified before reaching the microcomputer.    ADVANTAGE -   Requires no psychological effect as e.g. by auto-genic training.
A turbine rotor (1) is connected to a generator (2) and an asynchronous machine (4) having a dual squirrel cage Boucherot rotor. The stator winding of the asynchronous machine is coupled to the winding of a synchronous machine (6) coupled via a shaft (8) to a direct current machine (7) whose armature is connected to an accumulator battery (9).    During full water turbine power at synchronous speed, the DC machine generates magnetising current. If the generator is overloaded the asynchronous machine will act as a motor powered by the synchronous machine acting a generator driven by the DC machine powered from the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Apparatus functions continuously, while the synchronous and DC machines can be designed for higher rated speeds than the generator and asynchronous machine
The water entry chamber (10) that encloses the turbine housing can be coupled by ducts (9,13) and via a valve (14) controlled by an actuator (15) to a source of compressed air (16).    When the unit is started the generator coupled to the turbine is unloaded. The speed of the turbine is then regulated to hold its speed near the synchronisation speed by injecting air into the water inlet to form alternate flows of air and water.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows regulation of speed of Kaplan and Francis turbines when generator they drive is not connected to line.
The wave power collection device has a pilaster device located to protrude for a preselected distance above the high water line of the body. A float is trackingly mounted to move along the pilaster in response to tidal and wave motion. Generating devices are mounted on the pilaster, to generate current from from the movement.    Electrolysis devices are in liquid communication with the water and generate hydrogen and oxygen. A compressor is used to compress the hydrogen gas thus produced before it is stored.    ADVANTAGE -   Utilises wave power without great expense.
The electrical appts. is operated by a device connected between the electrical appts. and its power supply. A relay (18) which is normally open in the rest position, is closed by the operation of a dynamo (24). The relay closes an interrupter contact (16). A bridge rectifier (20) and capacitor (22) are provided between the dynamo and the relay.    The bridge rectifier is pref. formed as a Wheatstone bridge with diodes. The dynamo may be a 6 volt bicycle dynamo. A second relay and RC circuit may be provided to ensure that the electrical appts. is not switched off during change of rider.    USE -   For operating TV, video recorder stereo system etc. to encourage physical excercise.
Photovoltaic array for use as a solar power plant comprises: a unitary structural grid (10) supported on a pedestal (16) and formed of structural members connected at angles and defining spaces in between; lens assemblies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the other sides being closed by plates (22) directly supported by the structural members; and solar cells located within the spaces defined by the plates and lens assemblies.    ADVANTAGE -   Fully integrated structure (claimed) provides highly efficient solar conversion, is low-cost to fabricate and eliminates problems of water leakage and condensation.
The platform is hinged to a base platform along an edge with a spring and switch in between. The spring holds the platform and base panel slightly apart except when the user is standing on the platform. The switch has two sets of poles, one of which activates a circuit for timing the time in contact and the second of which activates the time of flight of each jump when the user is out of contact. Monitoring of each period can be performed by any one of several circuits. One circuit includes a clock and display for displaying the current flight or contact time.    Another circuit includes a structure for presetting target periods, for flight and contact times. A respective signal is emitted if actual contact time or flight time exceeds target times respectively. The total in-contact time for a given number of jumps and the flight time is monitored by controlling jump height to a given value by looking in a mirror as the user jumps.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improves athlete's vertical leaping ability to enhance sprinting.
Stator end-bells (7) support the rotor (5) on peripheral (12) and face-plate (14) bearings, with labyrinth seals (15), Opt., the air-gap (10) may contain pressurised inert gas. Asynchronous machines have constant-pitch runner blades (1), fixed to the cylinder (2) within the rotor and to each other centrally.    Synchronous machines have an exciter on a rotor extension and variable-pitch runner blades, requiring a central pivot-block of minimum cross-section. Variable inlet control vanes are also fitted. Turbines, with some blank modules, on a light frame-work form the barrage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For run-of-river stations. Hubless feature reduces diameter and hydraulic losses.
The trainer includes a conrod revs. transducer (1), monostable multivibrator (3), reverse frequency to pulse voltage converter (4), a threshold device and a counter (8).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For study of consistency of pedalling during training. Pedalling intervals are determined with greater precision because the working sector of the pulse sequence is on an increased scale. Bul. 38/15.10.91
The 'veloergometer' includes a frame composed of front and rear sections connected by a pivot (3). There are supports on the front section and on the pivot. A loading element (4) and a seat (6) for the patient are mounted on the sections so that they can be displaced. The seat includes a footrest (7). There are electrodes (13) on this and on the armrests (10) for electrocardiography and rheography. Electrodes (14) for tetrapolar rheography are fitted in the back of the seat.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Training of sportsmen and in medical diagnostics, The design is simpler because there are fewer components and fixing points, which are themselves simpler too. There is no need for the 'veloergometer' to be made to such high precision as is the case for the prior art. It is more versatile, because the patient can be moved simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical planes. Bul. 38/15.10.91
The apparatus shows a carbon brush (3), part of a slip ring (5), enclosed in a case (4) formed as a box of parallellipedal shape and open at the end facing the slip ring. The case has a low friction coefficient and its edge (41) facing the slipring is very close to the slipring (about 1 millimetre). The brush holder (31) is fixed to the case with screws (32) reached through holes (42) covered with plugs (43) during the operation of the apparatus.    The case rear wall (44) is penetrated by a hole (431) leading to a hose coupling (432) and an exhauster is connected to the hose coupling and generates a flow of air through the case, entering at the slot formed between the edge (41) of the case and the slip ring and leaving through the hole (431). The exhauster serves as a dust extractor evacuating dust produced by the friction between the brush and the slip ring.    ADVANTAGE -   Exhausted air may be filtered and recycled in case rotating members located in closed space.
The photovoltaic element for a solar module has a blocking layer between 2 further layers, for separating the charge carrier pairs in the latter applied to an elastic or flexible carrier web (64), via an adhesive thermoplastics polymer.    Pref. a number of photovoltaic elements are coupled together via folded metal conductor strips, or electrically conductive elastomer elements. The elements are connected electrically in series or parallel, under control of a max. power point regulator.    USE -   For mounting on roof structure for solar electricity generation.
An assembly of an article and a polyimide is prepd., the assembly resists dimensional change, delamination, or debonding when exposed to changes in temp.. The assembly is prepd. by: i) providing an article; ii) prepg. a soluble polymide resin soln. having a low coefft. of thermal expansion (CTE), by dissolving the polyimide in a solvent and adding a metal ion-contg. additive to the soln., these additives being e.g. Ho(OOCCH3)3, Er(NPPA)3, TmCl3 and Er(C5H7O2)3; and then iii) combining the polyimide resin with the article to form an assembly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By lowering the CTE the polyimides are useful in articles in aerospace and electronic applications where dimensional stability is a requirement.
The device, for reliability during starting with isolated consumers, additionally includes comparator (11) with regulatable threshold point and OR-gate (12), whose first input is connected to the output of the main comparator (6), while the output is connected to the second input of the logic unit (9).    When required magnitude for opening the guide appts. is reached, e.g. with equality of a signal for opening of the guide appts. and a signal at the output rail, the second logic signal is formed and is also passed to a ring-off channel of automatic load selection, for forming a signal into the OR-gate (12), for cessation of movement at opening of the guiding device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hydro-power engineering. Improved reliability for starting the hydro-aggregate with separated (isolated) users. Bul.36/30.9.91.
Power station is designed with a sea wave energy utilisation mechanism whose wave-receiving element is made in the form of a rotary guard (1) joined to an electric generator vertical shaft (2) by use of mechanical transmission. The electric generator is located in a roller-mounted housing (4) which can be displaced relative to a shore-mounted support. The body movement mechanism includes a chain and rollers encompassed by the chain. One roller is fitted on the shore-based support, whilst the other one - on the sea bed.    Tidal and ebb inclined troughs are fixed to the housing, one on the sea side and the other on the shore side, respectively. The rotary guard (1) is situated in the upper part of the housing and has bent-in wave-receiving surfaces directed towards the troughs. Automatic regulation system contains two potentiometers, one of which is installed on the housing and connected to the guard axis of rotation. The second one is in the form of a vertical rack fitted on the tidal trough.    ADVANTAGE -   Power output is increased. Bul.36/30.9.91.
The spring resistance device has a lever arm attached to a frame and coupled via a tension cable (3) to a coil spring (4) which is attached to the frame on the opposite side. The force exerted on the lever arm (11) is indicated by an electronic force measuring element (13), the lever arm (11) attached to an eccentric roller (14) at the centre or offset from the centre.    The tension cable (3) passes around the eccentric roller (14) and around a pulley roller (5) cooperating with 2 limit stops (6, 7). The eccentric roller (14) is coupled to an electronic angle measuring device.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple device allowing precise setting of resistance force and easy replacement of individual components.
Control of fluid flow in high flow conduits is accomplished by a proportional throttling valve located in the high flow return line. A servo valve and proportional throttling valve together have a flow capacity which is equal to the flow requirements of the piston and cylinder assembly and they are both actuated by the same electronic controller.    The controller only actuates the throttling valve when the flow requirement of the piston and cylinder assembly exceeds the flow capacity of the servo valve. A hydraulic logic circuit activated by the controller allows the high flow pressure and return conduits to be reversed for two-way operation of the piston and cylinder assembly.    ADVANTAGE -   System achieves fine control of lower capacity servo valve along with high flow capability of larger capacity throttling valve.
The control for a DC motor coupled to a user interface to provide a counter force which simulates a weight stack in an exercise machine. The control includes a position transducer coupled to the motor to provide a signal proportional to the displacement of the user interface. A circuit is provided to generate a control signal which follows the displacement signal when it is less than a maximum torque signal, the control voltage following maximum torque signal when it is less than the displacement signal.    Alternatively, a microprocessor control unit is responsive to the displacement signal to provide a control signal for the motor which starts increasing from a first value when the user interface is displaced an initial amount and which continues gradually increasing to a maximum value as the user interface is moved through a given displacement from the initial displacement. The control signal is used to soft start the motor such that the counter force provided by the motor simulates a weight stack supported by a spring over small displacements of the user interface.    ADVANTAGE -   More economical exercise bicycle.
The ergometer isometrically exercises one or more leg muscles of a patient undergoing rehabilitation of the knee joint following knee ligament surgery. The ergometer has an upper leg restraint and a lower leg restraint which are positioned on the leg above and below the knee. The leg restrains are maintained in a fixed position relative to the leg by a rigid crossbar and a bolster positioned behind the knee.    Exercise of the hamstring or quadriceps muscles is performed by isometrically contracting the desired muscles while the knee is at an ezxtension angle which does not stress the ligament under repair. Muscle contraction can be artifically induced by an electrical stimulator, which, in concert with a closed-loop control system, effectively regulates the exercise level.    USE -   For rehabilitation of an injured leg following an accident or surgery.
A rotatable armature of an electromagnetic brake comprises a short cylinder disposed parallel to the first and second pulleys and co-axial with it. A circular pedestal is mounted within the armature and co-axial with it. A series of bobbins are equally spaced around the pedestal. The second connector comprises a second one-way clutch between the second end of the shaft and second pulley.    The first spring is connected to the first pulley such that the first spring winds up when the first pulley is rotated in the one direction. When the first spring upwinds, it rotates the pulley in the opposite direction. The second spring is connected to the second pulley such that the second spring winds up when the second pulley is rotated in the one direction, and when the second spring unwinds, it rotates the pulley in the opposite direction.    USE -   Stair-climbing exercise machine with planetary gear arrangement.
The CHEDROD plan is used for the dams of a central hydro-electric reserve pump. It recovers the water at the turbine output and makes it re-enter or pass in supplementary turbines. The supplementary turbines supply electricity to the pumps so that they function to make the water of the principal dam return to a particular level. The recovery of the water is carried out using a funnel form.
The arrangement permits a horizontal reciprocal movement between the machine part (1) and the support component (4). On the machine part are arranged a number of foot plates (5), each of them resting on a support plate (6). In each of the division planes between the foot plates and the support plates is a guide device (7) incorporating a track in either the foot plate or the support plate running parallel with a first direction.    In the track is fitted a fillet so that the guide device permits reciprocal movement between the foot plate and the support plate in the first direction, but prevents such movement in another direction at right-angles to the first. The first direction with a radius from the vertical shaft (3) centre to the guide device (7) forms an angle greater than 20 but less than 70 deg.    USE -   As water power machine for generating electricity.
The guide bearing assembly for supporting a shaft of a hydrogenerator includes an inner ring plate adapted to support shoes on an inner surface to rotatably support the shaft. The assembly includes an outer ring plate adapted to support the inner ring plate within the hydrogenerator. The outer ring plate has an inner annular surface secured in opposing concentric force fit relation with an outer annular surface of the inner ring plate.    The assembly includes a number of concentric layers of electrical insulation sandwiched between the inner and outer ring plates. Each layer of electrical insulation consists of one or more electrically insulating sheets of predetermined thickness whereby an electrically insulated gap of desired thickness between the inner and outer ring plates is defined.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not employ molding mica and shelloc insulation between plates. Not as labour intense.
The pivot body is fitted with inserts whose set covers the body and forms a plane. During rotation of the set the inner and outer ring zones of the pivot will pass the heat into the rotor plane which would form an annular groove on its surface. This ring would duplicate the pivot mirror. Neutralisation of the hills and dips is carried out by the removal of the inserts in the required spots.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pivot has an advantage of increased specific loading effected by ensuring directional thermal deformation of the pivot mirror by using the channels in the form of several slots. Bul.24/30.6.91.
The punched core segments are inserted on the wedge (1) tails of the stator (2) body. Each segment is compressed by hammering toward the vertical planes and the assembled segment packets are equalised in the vertical direction using the templates. The templates are fixed in the winding slots.    When the segments are assembled to form packets they are shifted in the required direction until they rest against the guiding surface. The shifting is carried out using a specially designed hammer made of soft alloy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Assembly method is used in the manufacture of hydraulic generators. Stator vibrational resistance is improved. Bul.23/23.6.91.
Electric machine bearing unit with air cooling system comprises a sleeve (1) with radial openings (2). The sleeve (1) cylindrical part external surface acts as the shaft neck. The bearing segments (3) embrace the sleeve (1). The latter with the shaft are positioned inside the cylinder (4) of the oil tub (5) built in the hydraulic generator upper spider (6). U-shaped pipe oil coolers (7) of different shape are placed in the oil tub (5) external wall. The oil tub is separated by an horizontal partition (8) into hot and cooled oil zones (9,10).    During rotor rotation the oil is discharged under the pressure to the bearing segments (3) zone through the radial openings (2) due to the centrifugal force effect. Next the oil from the hot oil zone (9) passes to the cooled oil zone (10) through the coolers (7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Bearing unit can be used in vertical hydraulic generators with air ventilation system. Reliability is increased and operation is simplified. Bul.23/23.6.91.
The machine includes a frame (A), a plate for (1c) for mounting various parts on lower portion of frame, a pair of crankarms (2a) pivotally mounted by a pivot shaft (2b) on the plate, with a step member mounted on one end, movable up and down through a predetermined angle. An eddy current load unit (3e) is rotated by the swinging movement of the crankarms, and an input unit inputs the individual data of the exercisor.    A mechanism (4h) measures the pulse rate of the exerciser, and a detector (4g) detects the rotation frequency of the eddy current load unit. A processor extracts a control signal and a display predetermined data extracted by the processor.    ADVANTAGE -   Brake load can be set in accordance with level of physical strength of individual exerciser.
The reluctance machine has an armature laminations packet carrying an armature winding, cooperating with a relatively displaced rotor to provide a ferromagnetic circuit enclosed by the armature winding, with an air-gap (2) for each magnetic pole. The armature laminations packet defines a number of armature teeth (7).    The rotor energising system is in two parts of opposite polarity, each with a corresponding number of energising teeth (4) having the same spacing as the armature teeth (7). Pref. the energising system uses individual bar magnets of alternating polarity.    USE -   For use with wind or water turbine wheel or for bicycle.
The training machine for competive cyclists has a main frame (1) that supports a pedal crank with a coupled gear trsnmission (6,7). The main gear wheel is coupled to a drive chain wheel (12) that is integral witha flywheel (15).    The frame exerted by the cyclist is determined by the braking force applied to the flywheel. This is determined by the radial position of a pivot mounted permanent magnet (18) that can be moved by a Bowden cable (22).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Training machine for cyclist has system for varying resistor load.
Photovoltaic device is mfd. by forming a lower electrode-semiconductor layer-upper electrode photovoltaic composite on an insulating substrate; etching grooves in the composite to define separate cells; defining a contact pad area for each cell coextensive with a part of a groove; etching the semiconductor layer in each pad area; adding a contact member (60) on the resulting exposed portion of the lower electrode (17) laterally spaced form the semiconductor layer; adding insulation (62) in the groove portion coextensive with the pad but not on the pad; and forming an interconnect (64) between the pad (60) of one cell and the upper electrode (22) of an adjacent cell to form a series connection.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a solar cell array. Large area array is formed with small contact areas so that high photo-conversion efficiencies are achieved.
Polymeric sheets (97) are simultaneously laminated stop respective, spaced substrates (10) using appts. (60) including means (62) for supporting the substrates in spaced relationship and diaphragm means (80) adjacent each substrate for uniformly transmitting pressure and forcibly flattening one of the sheets against one of its surfaces.    It also includes means (86) for simultaneously heating the flattened sheet/substrate sandwiches to affix them, a pump for removing air from between the substrates and diaphragms, and means providing an air-tight seal between the periphery of each substrate and diaphragm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For economically laminating a relatively thin film of dielectric polymer onto at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, such as an amorphous silicon solar panel, to encapsulate it and protect it from abient conditions.
The hula hoop toy comprises a tube formed of translucent plastics and an electrical system enclosed within the tube. The electrical system includes interconnected lights and a sounding member, with a power supply enclosed in the tube for delivering electric power to the system. Pressure activated switches are positioned along an inner perimeter of the tube, the switches activating the electrical system when pressed.    A second switch is located along an outer perimeter of the tube, the second switch connected to the electrical system and having multiple on positions for selectively actuating one of a number of combinations the lights and the sounding member upon actuation of the first switches. The second switch includes a motion sensor to activate one of the sounding system and the pressure switches upon tube rotation. The lights are pref. arranged in spaced groups of several individual lights.
The electrical generation installation has a pump (4) driven by a motor (5) to raise water from a lower reservoir (1) to an upper reservoir (2), and a valve (6) to control flow of fluid from the upper reservoir to the lower, via a down pipe (8). The opening of the valve is controlled by a regulator (7).    The down pipe extends to the level of the lower reservoir and terminates in a regulated (9) jet (11) that directs the water flow onto a turbine (12). The turbine drives an electric generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Low cost generation of electricity.
Roll of semiconductor material, including composite substrate formed of electrically insulating material bonded onto a support layer, is produced by unwinding a roll of support material while subjecting the material to a tensioning force, simultaneously unwinding a roll of insulating material, and interwinding the materials together on a common take-up roller to form a composite roll having alternating layers of tensioned support material and insulating material. The roll is exposed to heat for sufficient time to bond the two materials together to form the composite substrate following which the substrate is unwound and semiconductor material deposited on the insulating material surface to form a roll of semiconductor material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is used esp. for making a composite photovoltaic device substrate. Since the substrate is kept under tension while the two layers are interwound, air is not trapped between them and outgassing and the formation of pin-holes are not problems in subsequent processing operations.
The control system includes an adjustment knob to regulate the resistance of the exercise machine. Various indicia are positioned proximate the knob so the user can specifically select an exercise program and real time feedback of exercise performance through the use an ear clip supplying pulse information or other biological data which is converted and displayed for observation by the user.    A pulse detector is interconnectable to the user to detect and supply a pulse signal reflective of the users pulse during exercise. Selected biological data is displayed for the user.    USE -   For rowing machine, or stationary exercise cycle.
The exercising device has a moveable treadmill belt supported by a base frame. One upwardly extending support member is attached to the base frame. An upper pair and a lower pair of handle bars are vertically spaced apart on the upwardly extending support member and pivotally mounted on it. Resistance to movement of each pair of the handle bars about the pivotal mounting is selectively and independently varied. the resistance to movement of the handle bars is pneumatic. The base frame is inclinable.    One upwardly extending support member is attached to the frame. Two pairs of pivotally mounted handle bars are attached to the upwardly extending support member. The speed of the treadmill belt and the angle of incline of the base frame are selectively varied. The speed of treadmill movement, the angle of frame inclination, the variable resistance to movement of the pairs of handle bars are controlled and monitored.
The photovoltaic cells (10, 12, 14, 16) are integrated in isolated regions within the same substrate (8) to help form a 'silicon on insulator' structure. The isolating base is a deep layer of silicon IV oxide formed by introducing positive oxygen ions during high temperature reheating. The side walls (4, 6) are formed by localised thermal oxidation to silicon IV oxide.    The doped regions in each cell are produced by adding ions. The electrical conductors (18, 20, 22) between the cells are made by etching the conductors using masks on the substrate surface. An alternative battery uses PNN+NP in a similar structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Small size, increased voltage, simple structure, can be built with normal manufacturing facilities.
Device comprises amorphous Si solar cells each comprising a transparent substrate (1), transparent electrode (21), semiconductor layer (3) and metal electrode (40), the electrodes providing series or series-parallel interconnection between cells, the metal electrode being formed of, from the semiconductor layer outward, an Al layer, an additive metal layer for Al bronze and a Cu layer.    Pref., the additive metal for Al bronze is Ni, Fe or Mn, esp. Ni. The three-layered film has a thickness of 0.2-0.8 micron.    ADVANTAGE -   Structure permits easy soldering of lead wires and has high operating reliability.
A semiconductor device having a number of photovoltaic units arranged on a substrate, where each photovoltaic unit is new. The device comprises (a) a first semiconductor layer (3a) of low reistance, on which is formed a high temp. resistant insulating substrate (1); (b) a second semiconductor layer (5) selectively formed on the first semiconductor layer (3a) such that a part of the first layer is exposed and the second layer is not in contact with the first layer of the neighbouring photovoltaic unit; and (c) an electrode layer (7) formed on the second layer such that the electrode layer is in contact with the first semiconductor layer (3a).    Prodn. of the semiconductor device is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The device has a high conversion effect, which does not decrease on exposure to light.
Prior to rotation of a rotor, an engineering drum (6) is fastened on a shaft (2) of rotor via a ring (3), bolts (4) and a key (5). A guide block (8) is fastened on the abutments (7) of an hydro-electrical power plant. The end of a rope (9) is fastened to the technological drum, passing the rope through the leading block (8) and is fastened to a hook of bridge crane (10), then using a drive of hook the rotor is rotated and required measurement of shaft (2), thrust bearing (11), bearings (12,13) and rotor (1) stator (14) gap are carried out.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For testing operations during assembling hydro-generators in the electrical machine industry. Improved quality of testing operations by providing smooth rotation of the rotor. Bul.20/30.5.91.
The inlet (2) and outlet pipes of the power station are equipped with branch pipes (8) which are made of changing height reducing evenly away from the dam (1), and with a hydroelectric unit (4) which communicates with the inlet (2) and outlet pipes through a pipe (5) with a shutter (6). The branch pipes (8) are equipped with reverse valves (7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydro-power and tidal power station of simpler construction and increased reliability. Bul. 20/30.5.91
The inlet parts (6) of the working chambers (4) are made in the form of troughs (7) with upper walls (8) slanting along the stream. The chambers (4) are sectional pipes with working and rotating parts (10,11) joined by junction units (12). The troughs (7) are made with gates (13). The side wall of the box has an opening (15) with shutter (16) at the side of the stream.    USE -   Hydroelectric power station with increased power and repairability. Bul. 20/30.5.91
The solar cell mfg. method comprises the steps of providing a photovoltaic member having a first portion including a first surface and a second porton integral with the first portion and including a second surface which extends from the first surface. A releasable barrier layer is formed on the second surface. A resist layer including contact and interconnect pattern portions is integrally formed for ohmic contact and interconnects to be deposited on the surfaces and the barrier layer.    Electrically conductive material is integrally deposited on the surfaces and the barrier layer through the contact and interconnect pattern portions of the resist layer respectively. The barrier layer and the resist layer is removed and the second portion is removed from the first portion and the interconnects.
A microprocessor or semiconductor chip card registers the training parameters for an individual. The power of the muscles is measured as well as pulse rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, oxygen intake, CO2 output, sweat formation and muscle temp.    A piston (2) rises and falls in a cylinder (1) as recesses (6) are opened and closed (5) axially by a motor (3), varying the resistance to flow of liq. (8). A shunt relay (16) and a movement detector (13) as well as the driver (19) of a piezoelectric crystal (18) are connected to a computer (14) via a write/read unit (21) incorporating a slot (30) for a chip card. Logic is provided for preprogramming alternating loads in an individually tailored muscle gp. training routine.    ADVANTAGE -   Person can undergo a desired or therapeutic training sequence without risk of breakdown or overload.
The computer-controlled exercise sit up machine has a frame supporting a bed on which a user may rest his or her body, knee support posts for resting the user's knees and foot rest support posts for receiving the user's feet and ankles. The exercise sit up machine has a triangular-shaped housing which acts as a fulcrum for pivoting the frame about a transverse axis, so that the bed is inclined to a position where the user performs sit ups with the head at a higher vertical level than the feet.    A computer controls a motor housed in the triangular-shaped housing for pivoting the frame about the fulcrum. The user may select a desired sit up routine. The computer than operates the machine through the chosen sit up routine and calculates and displays a sit up coefficient score to apprise the user of his or her performance.    USE -   Exercise machine in which triangular pivot fulcrum is used as housing for electrical components.
The solar cell assembly consists of a rigid field of straight current conductors and a uniform distribution of solar cells, with individual cells suspended from the current conductor pairs via flexible leads, providing electric connections. Pref. the individual solar cells are mechanically stiffened and protected against ambient influence.    The stiffening may be formed by laminations, or by plastics encapsulation. The latter may be formed by injection moulding, or by immersion coating. The conductor field may consist of tensioned, flexible current conductors, mutually parallel in a single plane.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple, low-cost design, mechanical stability, and weather protection.
A magnetic conducting ring has a longitudinally extended cylindrical contour coupled in contiguous interfacing relationship to the cylindrical member. A permanent magnet is slidably mounted within the housing in spaced relation to the magnet conducting ring for establishing a magnetic field coupling between, the cylindrical member being disposed between the magnetic conducting ring and permanent magnet and in spaced coaxial relationship with the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet includes a mounting ring member and permanent magnets fixedly coupled to the mounting ring.    The permanent magnets coupled to the mounting ring member, are displaceable, the permanent magnet displacement unit being slidably coupled to the rotatably driven shaft.    An actuating wire member is coupled to the permanent magnet displacement unit, so that axial displacement of the actuating wire member axially displacers the permanent magnet w.r.t. the cylindrical member for varying a braking force responsive to a variation in a magnitude of the eddy currents conducted in the cylindrical member.    USE -   Adjustable eddy current brake for exercise machine.
Prodn. comprises:- (A) depositing a layer of non-monocrystalline insulation Si material onto a continuous metallic substrate web using the plasma CVD or sputtering method in plasma chamber (2) using an RF electrode (21) and heater (22) and:- (B) depositing a back electrode on the insulation layer by sputtering or vapour deposition in chamber (3) using a pair of electrodes (23) which act as an anode and a cathode and a heater (24). Gas is induced and exhausted from each chamber and the Si insulation material contains O, N or Ge element(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reduced prodn. time, cost, processing steps and labour also increasing the insulation properties and quality of the material used with solar cells or printed circuit boards.
The power plant comprises a machinery compartment (1) with output shaft (2). The shafts of the turbine wheels (3) are pivoted to each other and to the output shaft. The blades (5) are on the turbine wheel shafts. The strut (7) is fixed to the upper part (8) of the compartment. The above-water cantilevers (9) are attached to the strut and to floats (6). The machinery compartment is floating and streamlined.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable, more efficient, simpler design. Bul.16/30.4.91.
The method of running the power station is implemented using a device including hydraulic units with turbine wheels and generators (2). The units are connected to the reservoir by pipelines with water receivers.    The generator has an automatic activation regulator (9) and is connected via an adjustable transformer (10) to a converter (11). The converter includes rectification and inversion units (12,13) and their regulating systems (14,15). The synchronous compensator (16) has an automatic activation regulator (17).    When the reservoir is full, the hydraulic unit is used at low frequencies for better efficiency. The current frequency is raised to mains level by the converter.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be used at low pressures with standard turbine wheels, so can produce more electricity. More efficiency and reliable. Bul.16/30.4.91.
Structural units, esp. facade elements have an outside pane in which solar cells are arranged between an outer and an inner pane, and they have another inner layer, which by means of an inner-space-defined spacer frame is spaced from the outer pane, where the solar cells are embedded in a cast resin layer and where the inner pane in the region of at least one edge at least partially with regard to the edge of the outer layer recedes, and so forms an overlapping recess on the cast resin layer through which the required electrical conductors pass, where the recess is covered by the spacer frame and the inner space sealing to the centre of the structural element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as structural elements esp. facade elements, with solar cells. The element has enhanced sound and heat insulation.
A roof structure comprises panels (14) of desired length, each having a galvanised steel supportive layer which has side supporting flanges (22) interconnected together to form the roof assembly (10). The mid portion (20) of each panel has a photovoltaic surface made from amorphous semiconductor material which is laminated onto the galvanised steel with a protective plastic transparent polymer coating laminated above the photovoltaic material.    The laminated galvanised steel and the photovoltaic layers are rolled into a coil and transported on site where it is unrolled, cut to size having the flanges formed to construct the rigid panels and having the panels assembled together via clips and weather-proof battens. The photovoltaic surfaces are connected together via electrical conduit coupled through couplings under the panels and between the frame members.    USE -   Energy-saving photovoltaic rigid panel for use e.g. on roof.
The ergometer includes cycle-based ergometer (1) controlled from heart contraction sensor (3) contg. load unit (2), revs sensor, setter (4), comparator (5), positive magnitude discriminator (6), amplifier (8) and subtracter (7). The positive magnitude discriminator (6) and the amplifier (8) are combined in one stage on an operational amplifier and a diode. The subtracter is also based on an op. amp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In sport and clinical medicine, e.g. for sportsmen training and rehabilitation of patients. Easier to use design is obtained. Bul.23/23.6.91.
Weightlifting training rig comprises stage (1) and base (2) carrying supports (3). Telescopic horizontal rods (5) are attached to sliders (4) on supports (3). These carry guides (6) made of flexible elements which can be set in the required position. A tube (11) is attached by screw (10) to each sleeve of the grip of hand bar (9).    The tube (11) carries an L-shaped bracket (12) which has side slots for the half axles carrying guide rollers. These interact with micro-switches connected to a sound and light circuit (22,23). In use, if the hand bar (9) deviates from the limits of the chosen path along guides (6), the rollers trip the micro-switches to indicate this aurally and visually.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases effectiveness of training by ensuring adherence to optimum lifting parameters of the hand bar. Bul.23/23.6.91.
The plant comprises a platform (1) connected to a shore support (2) by ropes (3) round rollers (4,5), and an electric motor (6) with reduction gear. On the platform is a vertical rod (8) on which a float (9) is freely mounted. A rack (10) is fixed to the float and connected to the generators by a mech. transmission. The platform control system includes a potentiometer, filter, amplifier, and regulator connected to a motor (6) to move the unit up or down depending on the water level.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable. Bul.16/30.4.91.
The stator consists of bands (1) with columns (2), a spiral chamber shell (3) and ribs (5) with reinforcing elements (6) mounted on the bands. The ribs (5) are set with a variable spacing which is determi'rom the equation: a.n+1=al/l+(-1) power n+1 beta i Ki-l/Ki+l, where a is the pitch of the ribs when evenly spaced; n = 1,2,3... with the even numbers corresp. to the zones between the columns and the odd numbers to the zones adjoining the columns; beta i is a coefficient for the relationship between the thickness of the shell and the reinforcement; and Ki is a coefficient for the relationship between the extreme stresses in the shell during static loading.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable operation. Bul.16/30.4.91.
A cell sandwich compression method comprises preparing a cell sandwich (2, 20, 28) having Si spheres mounted on the matrix between pressure pads, and heating and compressing the sandwich at constant pressure for a sufficient time to fix the spheres.    Also claimed is a method as above of fixing doped Si spheres to an apertured foil matrix comprising loading the matrix with many doped Si spheres, positioning it between upper and lower pressure pads to form a sandwich, heating and compressing as above and cooling.    Pref. the upper pressure pad is coated foil or a layer of compressed graphite, and the foil is pref. coated on one side with a release agent, pref. a mixt. of silica, printer's ink, ethylene glycol and BN. Pref. the lower pad is the same as the upper. Pref. the sandwich is heated to 450-525 deg. C and compressed at 5-6 lbs. per sphere Cu for 1-60 s.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methods of affixing Si spheres to a foil matrix are provided which are esp. useful for solar cell arrays. Prods. are efficiently formed in a low-cost process, bonding is at low temps. and uses little force, and large cells may be formed in a single operation.
The counterflow detection method comprises the steps of detecting variations in the discharge pressure of the pump and signal analys device for analysing oscillation components contained in an output signal from the pressure detecting device, and detecting the pump`s operating point to have entered a counterflow characteristic operation region when a waveform of the detection signal generated in association with the variations in the discharge pressure of the pump exhibits a predetermined spectrum distribut9ion.    When it is detected that the operating point enters a counterflow characteristic operation region, the escape from the region is performed by temporally throttling the guide vane and temporally increasiing the rotating speed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Variable speed reversible pump hydraulic turbine in pumping up electric power station.
The rod (3) is made with a conical part (8), and the roller (6) is mounted on the spring-loaded bush (7) with the possibility of interaction with the conical part (8) of the rod (3). The indicator of force applied has a rod position sensor, bush motion sensor (10), acoustic frequency generator, variable sound frequency generator, sound indicator, two switches and voltage source.    USE -   For developing habits of differentiated force in training. Bul.15/23.4.91.
The power station has hydraulic plant (2) with casing (2) accommodating an inlet converging tube reducer (3) and outlet window (4). Drum-type working wheels (5) of opposite rotation are located in the cavity of the casing (2) and connected through a gearbox (6) to generator (7). The generator (7) is mounted in protective hood (8) on the casing (2). The power plant is provided with a fixed frame (9) and the casing (2) has stabiliser (10) positioned in the outlet window (4). The casing (2) is mounted on the frame (9) with freedom to rotate.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplified construction combined with improved reliability and efficiency. Bul.14/15.4.91.
The plant incorporates vertical sidewalls (1) and base constructed as an horizontal trough (3). The hydraulic turbine (4) is made as cylinder (5) partly located in the trough (3). The axis (6) of the cylinder (5) is mounted in bearings located in guides (7) positioned on the sidewalls (1). The side face of cylinder (5) has radial slots (8) for partial location of blades (9). The guides (7) are made as profiled cams (10). During rotation of cylinder (5), the carriers (11) with rollers (13) on ends interact with the cams (10) and turn the blades (9) into the working, or non-working position.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased power output and overall efficiency. Bul.14/15.4.91.
A novel photovoltaic device consists photovoltaic cells (14) which are mounted on a flexible backing foil (13) and which are covered individually or in groups by a cover foil (16) to form a foil module having one or more perforations for binding by molten plastics (esp. PVC) (20), to the backing foil (13), to a backing textile (10) or to another foil module.    Pref. when bonding to a textile backing (10), the textile is pref. coated with plastics (11) which is bonded to the molten plastics (20) in the region of the perforations. When bonding foil modules together, the molten plastics is pref. cast into the aligned perforations and formed to a rivet-like body.    ADVANTAGE -   The foil modules can be bonded together to form large units or can be bonded to textile (or other material) backings. 1,2,3,4/4
Panel for a noise damping wall consists of two or more glass panes with interposed plastics material (pref. EVA or polyvinyl butyral bonding foil), united as a bonded unit (1,2,3) and positioned in front of a solar cell (4) array which is covered by a sealing glass plate (6).    Also claimed is a noise damping wall constructed (partially) of panels as in (A).    ADVANTAGE -   Panel combines good safety and sound damping properties with solar energy recovery, can be mfd. simply and efficiently and may be (partially) transparent.
The system enables each exercise unit to communciate electronically with all of the other potential racing units. Any user may offer a race, accept or reject another user's race offer, or join a race during a limited countdown period. More than one race can be underway. For cost reduction, a daisy chain hookup is used, in which each unit's microprocessor has an input port receiving message flow from the output port of the preceding unit, and an output port transmitting message flow to the input port of the following unit.    The racing function is controlled by the same microprocessor which is embedded in each exercise machine as the controller for that machine, receiving commands from the user and feedback from the machine.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides useful motivator for user. @(15pp Dwg.No.10/11)@
The solar power-generating system for use on board spacecraft comprises: optical device positioned to collect and concentrate solar energy flux, a flexible solar energy flux transmission line for conducting the concentrated solar energy flux towards a solar energy converter, solar energy converter including an array of photovoltaic cells for converting the solar energy flux to electrical power to be applied to on-board equipment of the spacecraft. There is a protective enclosure positioned about the photovoltaic cells for substantially shielding the photovolatic cells from destructive radiation and particulate matter.    The transmission line includes a number of optical fibre waveguides having respective input and output end portions, the input end portions being respectively positioned to receive concentrated solar energy flux, the output end portions being respectively positioned to direct concentrated solar energy flux towards the converter. There is also device for moving the input ends of the optical fibre waveguides with respect to the optical device to generally optimise the quantity of concentrated solar flux entering the waveguides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Efficient highly survivable solar power generating system for use on board a spacecraft. @(17pp Dwg.No.7/12)@
The solar cell arrangement includes a support having at least one recess. At least one solar cell is directly bonded to the support and at least partially covers the recess. An electrical connection is located within the recess connected to at least one of the layers of the covering portion of the cell.    The electrical connection is at least partly a metallisation layer, and the support is a coverglass bonded to the back of the solar cell. Pref. two supports are provided with each being transparent.    ADVANTAGE -   Arrangement is lightweight. @(25pp Dwg.No.8/11)@
The water-powered current generation plant comprises 2 floating pontoons (1) with a free space between them, in which at least one paddle wheel (2) is located, the rotation of the paddle wheel (2) used to drive an electrical generator (5), in turn driving a generator (6).    Pref. each paddle wheel (2) is supported by movable carrier arms (3) which are raised and lowered via hydraulic piston/ cylinder devices (4).    USE -   For low-cost electricity generation. @(3pp DWg.No. 2/3)@
A number of aerodynamically shaped sails or blades (20) are spaced round a hub (22) and are arranged to assist in the formation of an unconfined vortex. A vortex excitation fluid mover (28) e.g. an axial flow fan, allows the turbine to develop a peripheral velocity at least twice that of the prevailing fluid speed. A regenerated circular movement occurs round the turbine (24) which augments the fluid mover (28) and increases the available kinetic energy.    A generator and battery (42,46) may initiate the vortex.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency power generation. 1-4/6
Applying a dielectric material to a solar array having an edge, a light gathering side and a backside comprises sealing the array in the region of the edge; providing a gas pressure differential between the light gathering side and the backside which is greater on the light gathering side than on the backside; applying the dielectric material to the backside of the array, the gas pressure differential being sufficient to prevent the dielectric material from leaking to the light gathering side. Pref. (i) the gas pressure differential is 1.0-5.0 psi; (ii) the gas is air or N2; (iii) the dielectric material is an organic insulator such as polyimide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An inexpensive process for applying an insulating material to a solar array, in which leakage from the backside to the light gathering side is prevented, i.e. a uniform coating is applied to the backside with no coating on the light gathering side.
The system consists of outer and inner rings of segments (1,2), each segment of the outer ring being supported on one end of a balance rocker (5), while the corresponding segment of the inner ring is supported on the other end. The load is transmitted via shaped adapter (4). The top and bottom faces of the adapter represent cylindrical surfaces at right angles to each other.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a coaxial bearing system for hydrogenerators. Reliability is increased by increasing the carrying capacity of the bearing at heavy loads, together with the strength of the bearing assembly. Bul.11/23.03.91.
The hydrogenerator has a bearing oil bath made up of cover (3), shell (4) and base (5) attached by an oil-permeable joint. The vertical wall of the bath is a continuous shell, avoiding any danger of oil leaks and the danger of oil vapour escaping into the machine hall.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In suspension-type hydrogenerators, in which the bearing oil bath is mounted on the upper disc of the hub of the spider. Maintenance is simplified and reliability increased. Bul.11/23.03.91
The power plant utilises a multi-cylinder hydraulic engine has has a number of pistons and cylinders arranged for reciprocal movement. Each piston is powered by a hydraulic fluid or air pressure. The fluid exhausted from one cylinder is sent to another cylinder to act as the inlet fluid to move that cylinder. The engine requires piston and cylinder arrangements in sets or multiples of four (such as 4,8,12,16 and so forth) to provide a balanced system. The engine can be designed in many different arrangements such as four cylinder raidal, eight cylinder V-shaped, eight cylinder opposed.    These cylinder arrangements can be linked together if desired to provide multiple engine power plants. The piston used is a spool-type piston having distinct sections which create distinct upper and lower fluid areas in the cylinder. The hydraulic engine can be coupled in a power plant arrangement with a source of fluid pressure such as a pump located on pontoons on a body of water subject to tidal or wave movements.    USE -   Tidal or wave movement power generator. @(14pp Dwg.No.12/13)@
A layer of material is deposited on the surface of an object, such as a solar array 7, by placing the object on a platform 68 which simultaneously tilts and rotates. The platform 68 is located in a reaction chamber 5 at a point where gases injected into the chamber have reacted to form the coating material. Platform 68 is rotated by means 70 and is tilted by reciprocating rod 80 pivotally connected to platform 68. Reacting gases such as oxygen and titanium isoproxide (TIP), enter mixing chamber 4 vis ports 22 and 24 and enter reaction chamber 5 at 30. A further gas such as water vapour enters 5 via line 28.    The gases react to form titnaium dioxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Layers of metal oxides such as titanium dioxide can be deposited uniformly on spherical and irregular surfaces such as the surface of a solar array as anti-reflective coatings. @(4pp Dwg.No.2/7)
Unit for applying a load to the oars of a rowing machine comprises guide (1) for the blade of oar (2) and comb structured electromagnetic block (3) with pole-pieces (7,8) separated by a dielectric layer (10). Between pole-pieces (7,8) and guide layer (4) lies a slot for fitting an interchangeable diamagnetic screen (13) and having a longitudinal window (14). The oar has a ferromagnetic plate (5) attached. The windings of electromagnetic block (3) are connected to a variable voltage source.    In use, a suitable screen (13) is selected and the resistance to the oar set by applying a suitable voltage to the electromagnetic block (3).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For training oarsmen, increases convenience and allows setting of loads at the extremes of oar movement. Bul.19/23.5.91. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
Die for magnet comprising rare-earths magnetic powder and resin (including inorganic additive) comprises metallic part, which forms die-lip-land at tip of die along flowing path of mixed melted material of the powder and resin, coated with ceramics e.g. TiC, TiN, WC, etc. at thickness of 1-100 microns. Pref. die-lip-land is made of magnetic material to form magnetic circuit. The powder comprises rare-earths cobalt magnet comprising transition metals comprising rare-earths (including Y) and cobalt. The powder comprises rare-earths iron boron magnet comprising boron and transition metals comprising rare-earths (including Y) and iron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Life of die can be extended. Magnet with precise dimension can be prepd. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/2)@
The drive arrangement for a treadmill includes an electric motor having a stator winding and an armature winding connected in series with each other and in parallel with a rectified power source that has a DC component and an AC component. The series-connected (universal) motor is capable of producing torque for driving the endless belt of the treadmill from both the AC component and the DC component of the power source. Speed control circuitry, normally used with DC motor drives, can be employed, while reducing the degradation in motor performance which would occur if a DC motor is used due to the presence of the AC component in the rectified power source.    A speed measuring device (tachometer) can be mounted adjacent a rotating shaft of the motor to provide direct feedback of motor speed to the speed control circuitry.    USE -   In hospitals and health clubs to measure and improve the aerobic and cardiovascular fitness of a treadmill user. @(15pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
The spirometer device, for sports training comprises a mask (10) which is fitted to the face of the wearer and incorporates a through-flow resistance (3) and a difference pressure measuring device (4). The through-flow resistance (3) lies at one end of a flow pipe (1) with a suction fan (2) at its opposite end, with a mouthpiece (9) communicating with the flow pipe (1) halfway along its length.    Pref. the mouthpiece (9) is coupled to a pump with a defined cylinder vol.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures measured respiration is as close as possible to natural breathing. @(8pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The device prevents the entrance of fish into the intake water-course having a U-shaped cross-section with a narrow bottom and a wide surface. Oppositely facing electrodes are installed vertically along the side walls on both sides of the intake watercourse. The distance between the upper ends of the electrodes is made greater than the distance between the lower ends of the electrodes. A voltage is impressed between the both electrodes.    Since the electric barrier intensity is smallest at the surface of water and becomes greater as it goes toward the bottom of water, the river fish moving around the bottom of water make a U-turn when they reach the strong electric barrier. Alternatively, after reaching the strong electric barrier, they move upward to where the electric barrier is weaker and then make a U-turn.    USE -   To prevent the entry of fish e.g. Ayu into the intake watercourse of a hydro-power station.@(6pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
The composite magnet comprises cylindrical outer shell consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, in which metallic materials exist.    At least one of the metallic materials comprises metallic permanent magnet material modified into filled-up material by plasticising powder material. The materials are closely attached to each other at the interfaces which are parallel to the centre axis line of the cylindrical shell.    In a cylindrical capsule consisting of metal having sufficient strength and maleability, partitions consisting of the filled-up metal, which have surfaces parallel to the centre axis line of the capsule, are inserted. In at least one of the other spaces, permanent magnet metal powder material is filled, and in the rest, appropriate metal powder or filling metal material is admitted. The capsule is closed, and hot or warm extrusion is applied.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite magnet is used for the magnetic sensor. The magnet is easily welded, soldered, or processed with machines. Vibration resistance and shock resistance of the magnet are improved. @(4pp Dwg.No.1-3/4)@
In a sluice between upstream and downstream gates (2, 3), the level of water (4) rises and falls intermittently raising and lowering a float (5). A cable (6) having both ends fixed to the float (5) runs around underwater and overhead rollers (7, 8) and over two driving rollers (11, 12) coupled to contrarotating electric generators (9, 10).    Two such sluices may be operated side-by-side with a valve at mid-height in their common wall for equalisation of the water levels in the two compartments.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient torque for driving generators is obtd. from arrangement exploiting Archimedes' Principle. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Liq. is pumped (10) from a lower tank (8) into an upper tank (7) from which the upper cylinder (1) is filled via a three-way valve (6) so that magnets (4) around the floating piston (3) induce current in the surrounding coil (2).    Contact with an upper limit switch (12) resets (13) the valve (6) so that the liq. drains into the lower cylinder (1A) until the upper piston (3) contacts a lower limit switch (15), restarting the cycle. The coils (2,2A) around the two cylinders (1,1A) are connected in parallel.    ADVANTAGE -   Flow is converted into linear motion from which electrical energy is generated. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
A magnetic resistance generator includes a rotating shaft journaled on a frame assembly and a rotary plate rigidly sleeved on the rotating shaft and made of an electrical conducting material. A magnet member is mounted on a frame assembly adjacent to the rotary plate and having a pair of oppositely polarised and aligned ends disposed on opposite sides of the rotary plate.    An endless drive transfers rotation of a rotating shaft to the rotary plate. The rotary plate cuts into a nonuniform magnetic field caused by the magnet to induce eddy currents in the rotary plate. Induced eddy currents in the rotary plate generate a retarding force that opposes the motion of the rotary plate through the magnetic field.    USE -   Magnetic resistance exercise machine of the rowing type, providing a wide range of retarding force and operating quietly. @(8pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
Diaphragm is produced by: (1) applying a ceramics type coating agent by sol-gel process onto the surface of a diaphragm substrate composed of fibrous material such as natural fibre, foamed syntheitc resin, synthetic resin film, foamed (sic) metal, metal sheet, foamed ceramics or ceramics sheet; (2) forming a surface coating layer with the applied coating agent on the substrate, or impregnating the substrate with the applied coating agent; and (3) transforming the applied coating agent into an organic-inorganic complex body at normal temp. or by heating.    The ceramics type coating agent e.g. contains metal alkoxide and solvent such as toluene, xylene or n-butanol. The solid component in the coating agent is about 25%. The coating agent can be applied onto the substrate surface e.g. by air spraying.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The diaphragm shows excellent stiffness, durability, and can be produced economically without using special equipment. @(4pp Dwg.No.1-3/3)@
The plasma etching unit has a mass analyser directly connected to an etching chamber, for quantitatively analysing gases in the etching chamber prior to or during etching, and a controller for controlling flow rate of a reactiona gas feeding into the etching chamber by signals from the analyser.    USE -   Used for plasma etching Al alloy film of semiconductor devices, achieving high stability of the etching process. @(4pp Dwg.No. 1/2)@
The plasma etching unit has a mass analyser directly connected to an etching chamber, for quantitatively analysing gases in the etching chamber prior to or during etching, and a controller for controlling flow rate of a reactiona gas feeding into the etching chamber by signals from the analyser.    USE -   Used for plasma etching Al alloy film of semiconductor devices, achieving high stability of the etching process. @(4pp Dwg.No. 1/2)@
A solar panel has a rectangular box-shaped housing (7) with a transparent cover (8). Located behind the panel is a further panel containing a matrix of solar cells (6). The cells are in good thermal contact with a heat conducting plate (9).    A formed plate (10) has channels through which water is circulated from inlet (11) to outlet (12) and is heated in the process by the solar energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Combined heating of water and generation of electricity. @(3pp Dwg.No.2/2)@
The pump displaces water by movement of the membrane (6). As the tide rises the platform (30) moves upwardly under the influence of the buoyant tanks (32). The flexible membrane is moved upwardly and water is thus drawn in through inlet (20) but expelled through outlet (18) as the diaphragm (6) rises to the solid line position in the drawings. Flow is restricted to one way flow by the check valve (38). Thus as the tide rises water cannot enter or be forced out of the inlet (16). Water passes from outlet (18) to the conduit (34). It may be used to drive water turbine (36) and then passes to the reservoir. Water in the reservoir can be used to drive the turbine when the tide is still and the pump thus not operating.    As the tide recedes the platform (30) goes downward, moving the connecting rod (26) downwardly and, with it, moving the connecting rod (26) downwardly and, with it, the membrane. Water enters the upper compartment (8) through inlet (16) as the water in the lower compartment (10), present from the previous cycle, is forced out of outlet (22) into the conduit (34), through the turbine (36) and to the reservoir.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Generating electricity from tides. Simple, durable, easily maintained, less massive. @(9pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Diffused junction GaSb cell is used in a GaAs/GaSb tandem solar cell to improve conversion efficiency. The GaSb cell pref. has no upper passivating upper epitorical overcoat.    A solar concentrator module comprises the above tandem cell units (10) and a solar light focussing means and concentrator. A pref. module array produces energy conversion efficiencies of 31% (air mass effects zero). Specifically light concentrated is a pi matic cover glass which optically eliminates grid line obscuration losses. Multiple layers of anti-reflective material are provided on each opposite surface of the GaAs upper cell; a pref. anti-reflective layer material is Ta2O5. The GaAs upper cell includes parallel conductors on its upper surface connected to a first terminal and a contact on its lower surface connected to a second terminal. The lower GaSb cell has a p-diffusion layer and a radiation - receiving area with parallel conductors contacting the diffusion layer connected to a third terminal, and a metallised terminal. lower surface connected to a fourth terminal. @(49pp Dwg.No.1/11)@
A high-temp-stable contact metallisation system for contacting a III-V semiconductor comprises a III-V surface having non-planar regions (10) over which is a diffusion barrier layer (20) and a patterned conductor (24) contacting the semiconductor through the barrier layer, the conductor having sepd. parts which do not overlie the non-planar regions such that current passes between these parts across the non-planar regions, through the barrier layer.    Pref. the non-planar regions comprise an insulator the III-V body is GaAs, the system pref. comprises a grid for a photovoltaic device, and the grid pref. collects current from a GaAs solar cell. Pref. the metallisation contacts a light-incident surface of a photovoltaic device and is pref. a collection grid for a solar cell. Pref. the semiconductor body comprises a mesa.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A high-temp. metallisation system for contacting semiconductor, esp. III-V, surfaces (claimed) is provided which is useful in semiconductor and photovoltaic devices, e.g. in space applications, lasers, solar cells etc. A highly stable grid pattern is provided which resists both thermal and mechanical stress, both for front and back contacts, and high-temp. excursions. Interdiffusion is minimised and adhesion is good. @(12pp Dwg.No.1/12)@
The hydro-pneumatic chambers each have ingress and egress below the water surface near the river or ocean floor and water gates operative to open or seal the ports to the passage of water. The gates are synchronised by shafts so that the ingress of ports of each chamber are connected to the egress ports of each other chamber. One set of gates is closed, while the other is open, allowing water to flow into one chamber and build air pressure there and allowing water to flow out of the other chamber and create a partial vacuum.    A pipe connects the chambers and an air tubrine harnesses the air movement within the pipe. When water levels are equilibrated, the open set of gates is closed by a counterweight and the other set is allowed to open by natural force of the water differential. The water gates may be comprised of a series of louvres which are ganged for simulaneous opening and closing. The system operates with air turbines or other pneumatic devices. Its design minimises construction cost and environmental impact, yet provides a clean renewable energy source.    USE -   System for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in a body of water. @(15pp Dwg.No.4/11)@
Sensor comprises a base bed integrally moulded with a sub-base bed which is electrically insulated; a vibration plate having a central part secured to the annular protrusion of the sub-base bed; two piezoelectric ceramic elements energised and adhered to each other such that positive and negative electrodes are positioned facing each other; lead terminals connected to the electrodes of ceramic elements; a circuit substrate to amplify, filter, impedance-convert signals from the lead terminals; a metallic case to shield the piezoelectric ceramic element and circuit substrate; and an outer case having a shape contg. the metallic case and moulded integrally with a connector wiring and a fixing part. A mounting bracket is moulded integrally with the outer case.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An acceleration sensor which is not influenced by external noise is provided. @(8pp Dwg.No.1,2/15)@
The ski exercise machine includes foot skate assemblies on wheels positioned on tracks in a side-by-side relationship with respect to movable arm poles. The foot skates are attached to a resistance belt system. The arm poles are rotated about a resistance system.    The ski exercise machine includes a knob for adjustable tension of the resistance belt system and a knob for adjustable resistance of the arm poles with respect to each other. The ski exercise machine is ergnomically designed for esthetic appearance as well a function and utility in exercising.    ADVANTAGE -   Has optional electronics. @(21pp Dwg.No.1/14)@
The device applies a load to a rotating shaft of an exercise bicycle. A rotor, which is to be rotated by the shaft of the exercise bicycle, is rotatably mounted by a bearing to a fixed main shaft of the load applying device. The rotor is a tubular magnetic conductor having a closed end, and an open end and a cylindrical wall. An electromagnet includes a first and a second disc coaxially fixed to the main shaft and sleeved by the cylindrical wall of the rotor. The discs serve as poles in a magnetic field created by the electromagnet.    An annular exciting coil is fixed between the discs. Each of the discs has radially projecting teeth extending from the periphery but not in contact with the cylindrical wall of the rotor. A closed magnetic flux in the magnetic field of the electromagnet passes through the poles of the electromagnet and the cylindrical wall of the rotor. When the rotor is rotated, the rotor cuts the magnetic field and produces an induced eddy current, causing an eddy current brake effect to the rotor.    USE -   Electrical variable load application for an exercise bicycle. @(8pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Organic thin film laser element contains rare earth element cpd. and cpd. selected from gp. IV transition metal cpd. and uses LB film, made of a LB forming organic cpd. having complex formability.    Pref. sec. harmonic wave generating organic thin film laser element is formed by material having sec. non-linear optical effect. Organic thin film laser element of an EL layer is laminated on the BL film and the an electrode is formed on both faces of the EL layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The element is small and light wt.    In an example, a laser generating LB film laser element was prepd. as follows; a developing soln. was formed by behenic acid was dissolved in chloroform as 1 x 10 power 8-3) mol., mono-molecular film of the behenic acid was formed on a water (dissolving 4 x 10 power (-4) mol/l EuCl3 and 5 x 10 power (-5) mol/l KHCO3 in ultrapure water, pH = 6.0 20 deg.C) surface, compressed by a barrier, 330 layers were laminated on a Si wafer (4) by vertical lamination method, dielectric multilayers film coated reflection mirror (2,2') was set at both end of the LB layer (3). A test of the element using UV rayEu3+ showed 617 nm of red optical beam was generated. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/3)@
The casing (13) supports a set of gears (11) which engage a worm-screw (6-1) mounted on an axis (6-2) fixed by a nut (6-3). A rotating sleeve (3), mounted on this principal axis, has an integral gear wheel (7-2) and a channel (7-3) in which runs a slider (8) supporting a lamp and a sleeve (9).    A steel cable (17) which crosses a spring (99-1) is mounted in the slider and also connects to the braking mechanism. A replaceable cam (2) comprising many projecting elements engages the sleeve (9) to displace the slider. A box (22) of electrical circuits provides information and generates sound and light.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Exercise bicycles. Gives impression of real journey, indicating distance, speed, energy consumption. @(12pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
The solar energy device has a carrier structure (11) supporting a number of solar cells (4) which are electrically coupled together and which lie next to one another to provide a solar cell laminate with a flat transparent surface. The solar cell laminate lies across the carrier structure (11) which has 2 cover layers (8, 9) on either side of a rigid foam layer (7) with a projecting edge enclosing the solar laminate, for obtaining a flush surface.    The foam layer (7) has a waveform configuration with the solar cell laminate supported by its peaks and with coolant flow channels (10) communicating with its troughs.    USE -   For upper deck of motor boat. @(6pp Dwg.No.3/3)@
The system (100) includes an electric motor rotated by an outside power supply and a compression device for feeding a fluid forcedly by the motor rotation. A fluid velocity increasing device includes a disk shaped fluid pipe, whereby the fluid flows from the outside or input side of the pipe toward the centre of the velocity increasing device, and then turns about the centre, thus producing centrifugal force.    A turbine generates power from the energy in a stream of fluid discharged from the velocity increasing device and fluid coded by the heat energy taken from the turbine is fed by the compression device. A heat exchanger obtains the taken heat energy from a fluid of normal temp. and re-introduces the fluid into the velocity increasing device. The propulsion device forcedly feeds fluid from one side to another using generated electrical energy. Two pipes having a groove and decreasing section respectively convert the fluid flow to produce a force directed to one side.    ADVANTAGE -   Produces powerful and high speed turning force utilising small amount of energy. Simple in construction and effective in operation. Buoyancy or propulsion may be exhibited independently of outside air.
Non fossil fuel energy e.g. solar energy (A) heats the liq. in an element (20), and in a reservoir (22). A vaporising chamber (10) immersed in the reservoir, is in series with a turbine (12) and a condenser (14) which has a cooling water feed (8) whose temp. rise may be used at an outlet (9).    The turbine drives a generator (16) monitored by a controller (51). An electrolysis plant (40) provides hydrogen and oxygen which are used to supply a fuel cell (42). The energy may be used immediately or stored as required.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables convenient use of alternative energy sources.
The solar tracking mechanism comprises a light-weight space-frame assembly supporting an array of point-focus Fresnel lenses in a two-axis tracking structure. The system is enclosed under a glass cover which isolates it from environmental exposure and enhances tracking accuracy by eliminating wind loading.    Tracking accuracy is enhanced by the system's broad-based tracking support. The system focuses highly concentrated sunlight into optical fibres for transmission to core building illumination zones. The system may have potential for photovoltaic or photothermal solar energy conversion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Core daylighting system for lighting building spaces, concentrator photovoltaic systems elimination of wind loading improves tracking accuracy, isolated from environmental influences e.g. dust, rain, hail, UV exposure, bird droppings, improves order-of-magnitude in tracking accuracy, exceptional tracking resolution.
The installation is equipped with inserts and a shaft (12) with locks (13) joining the reactor section (1) and the three-dimensional over-water structure (10) which is floating and made with slits (14) on the outer side of the structure (10). The reactor section (1) is positioned on the underwater base (6) in which there are conical apertures with greater base (6) upwards.    The tubular supports (9) are floating and pass through the conical apertures of the underwater base (6) and the slits (14) of the three dimensional overwater structure (10). The supports (9) are fixed in the slits (14) by the inserts. The cavities of the tubular supports (9) are joined to the reactor section (1) by hermetic corridors (17).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a marine energy installation, constructed on sea shelf. Increased safety and reducing the time taken to construct it. Bul.6/15.2.92.
Prepn. comprises combining ion beam polymerisation- and ion beam mixing methods.    Monomer vapour is dissociated and partially ionised using an ion source in a discharge chamber. The ions are accelerated to a substrate using an ion source extn. system with an energy of 10-200 eV and polymerised on the substrate surface. A second ion source is used to target ions into the polymer layer which form gps. responsible for ion conductance, with an energy of 100-10 eV.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in electrolysis of, e.g., aq. solns., or as polymer solar cells, etc.. The films are inexpensive to m
Photovoltaic concentrator module has at least one solar cell assembly (26). The assembly has a cell with insulated (52) centre (46) and perimeter (48) regions of opposite polarity. An electrically and thermally conductive spacer (32) is bonded to the centre region and an electrically and thermally conductive planar member bonded thereto. A planar conductor (30) is bonded to the cell perimeter. The planar member and conductor have insulation therebetween. The planar member is mounted on an insulated sheet (34) forming a back wall of the assembly. An hollow enclosure is formed by four walls connected to and extending up from the insulated sheet. A refractive optical element (28) is fixed on top of the enclosure by resin filling the enclosure. A lens (15) is positioned over the enclosure. The lens, resin and enclosure have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion. Pref. a number of series connected assemblies are provided. Pref. the insulator is of glass cloth, the conductor members of copper. Pref. the refractive element is of quartz and the lens a Fresnel element. Pref. the resin, lens and enclosure are of plastic. Pref. a transparent silicone adhesive secures the refractive element to the cell. Pref. a back water vapour barrier of sheet aluminium is provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides improved manufacturing and production advantages compared with prior assemblies.
Small DC or AC motors (8,45) and low-pressure air turbines (49) are arranged radially around a circle and above and behind one another with outer and inner gearing or friction wheel drive (21,52).    Any number of individual motors may contribute jointly to output power and torque. The plant may be powered from parallel-connected vehicular or motor-cycle batteries, 220 V AC mains, or compressed-air storage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For construction machinery, pumps, lawnmowers, domestic appliances, fans, milkers, irrigators, winches, transmissions, dryers, presses etc., low initial cost is recouped quickly from utilisation of solar energy.
Water (3) in the windscreen washer reservoir (2) is heated in situ by an element (7), while the tubes (18) supplying the washer nozzles (4) are also heated by current from the thermoelectric generator (6) on the outside of the exhaust manifold (24).    Thermoelectric modules (8) in series can supply 3 W at 14V with a temp. difference of 230 to 30 deg. C.. Cooling fins (5) protrude from the generator (6) into the slipstream of the vehicle. A thermostate (23) operates the nozzle heater switch (14).    ADVANTAGE -   Energy available from the vehicle is utilised in simple manner to protect washer against freezing.
The device (14) includes a power generating sheet having an electrically conductive substrate (30) forming a first electrode. Layers (32,34,36) of semiconductive material, e.g. alloy, adhered to the substrate form at least one photovoltaic cell. A second electrode (37,38) is adhered to the top layer.    Apertures (42) pass through the semiconductor layers and substrate to pass a portion of the incident light. the aperture diameters are sufficiently small to ensure diffraction of a substantial portion of the light passing through the device. Preferably, the sheet is laminated with glass or plastic (24,26).    ADVANTAGE -   Mass producible. Uses power generating sheet made with cost-effective continuous deposition processes. Environmentally friendly.
The arrangement feeds water into a reservoir located at a level above that of the ocean by utilising energy produced by the movement of waves. An air cushion-forming portion of a first chamber communicates with an air cushion-forming portion of a second chamber. Water is supplied to the second chamber via an intake pipe and associated back pressure valves plus adjacent rising pipe.    As a result of equivalent pressure variations in the two cushion-forming portions caused by movement of the waves, water is lifted from the second chamber in a pipe via additional back pressure valves along with a further rising pipe plus pump to a higher lying, third chamber and from there to the reservoir.    ADVANTAGE -   Extra water pressure supplied to work chamber in reliable manner with each wave movement.    (First major country equivalent to NO9101405).
The elastic bands (1) of equal length on either side are knotted at regular spacing to the pendulum shaft, and wrapped around opposite pairs of snap rollers (2) with a sufficient reserve of length around each roller.    As the pendulum swings, the rollers are rotated about their common axes on which dynamos (4) are connected by cables (5) through conduits (6) to a load. The swing is boosted when necessary by pulses (3) from e.g. battery, magnet or solar cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Generator requiring only occasional swing reinforcement contributes to environmentally friendly prodn. of electricity.
Series connected cells of a solar array formed in a monolithic semiconductor substrate are electrically isolated by forming grooves in a first major surface partially through the substrate between cells and then fracturing the substrate from the bottom of the grooves to an opposing major surface.    Metallisation interconnecting the cells provides physical integrity of the cell array after the fracturing of the substrate. The grooves can be formed prior to completion of fabrication of the cells or after fabrication of the cells. In an array where each cell extends from one major surface to the opposing major surface, the grooves can be formed in both major surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Enhanced electrical isolation between solar cells in cell array. Uses standard integrated circuit mfg. techniques right up to the fracturing step. Avoids cost, reliability and yield problems of using individual cells.
The power station has a body (1) with a positive floatability, turbine (2) with electricity generator, placed in the body opening, and supply channels for turbine connection to the water reservoir (4). The body (1) can vertically displace. The station power is increased since the body is connected to the bottom (5) by a water non-permeable thread (6) which is connected to the body and to the bottom forming a closed space. The supply channels are made as slots (7) in the body (1).    When the tide is coming in the water through the body slots (7) flows to the opening (3) and rotates the turbine. As the water level increases, the body (1) rises and the closed space is filled with water. When the tide is going out the water level falls and body (1) begins to lower, the water pours out of the closed space through opening (3) rotating the turbine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In floating power stations. The station power is increased. Bul. 48/30.12.91
The tracking signal input control has electronic and mechanical parts, the mechanical part supported by a surface (1) lying parallel to the incident solar radiation with a right angle cross (2) projecting perpendicularly from this surface. The surface (1) has a photodiode at each right angle corner of the cross (2), the opposing diodes connected in pairs.    Pref. the voltage differences between the photodiodes in each pair are used to control the tracking motors for the solar collector.    ADVANTAGE -   Low cost tracking system.
The apparatus includes a turbine which is so suspended that its rotor is positioned beneath the surface of the water from which it is required to extract the kinetic energy. The rotor is mounted upon/from a nacelle (3) attached to support (1,2). The turbine may be axial flow or cross-flow.    The nacelle is attached to a rigid positioning strut which is in turn attached to the support. The strut is attached to a floating buoy or to a buoy or to a point on a mooring cable that is tensioned between a buoy and an anchor on the bed of the sea, river etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For extracting kinetic energy from flowing water currents, e.g. tidal marine, esturial or river currents.
The coating comprises chromium and a dielectric of titanium oxide in the ratio 20-33.33:66.67-80.0(%). The mixed powdered solids are heated in vacuum to the sputtering temp., when they are deposited in a layer of thickness 200 angstrom on a substrate of aluminium, copper or metallised polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a light absorbing coating for solar collectors. The prepn. is simple and gives a coating with reproducible properties, having good adhesion to the substrate. The coefft. of absorption is high. Bul.46/15.12.91
The appts. has a parabolic reflector (1-52) which tracks the sun about two axes, horizontally (1-55) and vertically (1-56) from a mount (1-53) such that solar radiation (1-51) is focussed onto a secondary system (1-54) for processing.    The spectrum of the incoming concentrated solar radiation is converted into a spectrum of a narrow band of the infrared from 852 to 894nm, by focussing the radiation onto a tungsten mantle. Caesium contained within a vacuum cavity is evapd. by the heated mantle to produce plasma which transforms the emitted thermal electrons with efficiency double that produced by direct solar radiation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In direct conversion of thermal radiation from combustion of Hydrogen and Oxygen for electric car propulsion. Stabilises and controls temp. of tungsten mantle for max. system efficiency. Clean and abundant energy source.
Thermal energy is exploited under a specially developed thermodynamic cycle obtained by combining the Brayton cycle, converting heat to work, with an inverse refrigeration cycle.    The compression phase of both cycles occurs simultaneously during the same phase of the combined cycle, and the cycles in which heat is given off in both cycles occur at the same time. This allows energy to be taken from low temperature sources.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Allows tapping of latent energy from low temperature sources, for example, the ocean, with high efficiency.
The wave energy collector structure towable to a marine site is anchored by sediment (237) pumped from the sea bed (215) into the base (221) of the structure. The sediment may be stabilised. A three cell sphere tetrahedron collector has one or more openings for the ingress of waves.    To optimise air flow, the upper canopy has radial dividers whose lower edges extend below the water line. Ducts convey air to ensure constant turn direction of a rotor which extracts available power efficiently using pref. 9 to 15 rotor blades. These are catenary shaped to balance centrifugal and blade tension forces.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient anchoring and wave energy extraction from about 10 fathoms deep.
Solar module consists of an outer disc (10) of silicate glass, bonded by a plastic film (12) to a toughened safety glass disc (14). A solar cell array (20) is embedded in cast resin layer (18) and a decorative safety glass disc (16) is positioned below this layer, bonded to a backing plate (24) e.g. of silicate glass. The safety glass discs contain internal fracture faces (28), perpendicular to the module plane.    ADVANTAGE -   Aesthetic impression is improved without affecting efficiency.
The hypogeum generator has a transformer and a dc/ac converter as well as a cylindrical column drilled into the ground with a thermoelectric pair, such as the copper/germanium-silicon alloy pair, copper/constantan pair copper/selenium pair, with cylindrical surfaces or more coaxial and concentric pairs. The pairs exploit the Thomson's effect in the hot regions of the transmission path where a temperature gradient is present.    Heat transformation occurs through the Seebeck's principle and/or the principle of the thermoelectric emission if a thermoelectric emission generator is used alternatively.    USE -   Exploits energy embodied in magmatic heat.    eu
The solar cell tracking device allows free movement of the solar cell (1) relative to an underlying surface (2) of greater area to track the movement of the sun over the course of the day. The solar cell supports a charge on the side facing the underlying surface (2) and the latter supports a number of photoelements, responding to the incident solar radiation, to generate an opposite charge.    Pref. the underlying surface has a regular matrix of photoelements, e.g. photodiodes (34), with amplification of the charge provided by the generated electrical field.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows floating movement of solar cell.
In a turbine body with an internal generator activated tangentially by an hydraulic jet, two hollow sleeves and a hollow sphere have two ball bearings which are fixed to the sleeves and the centres of two semi-spheres. The sleeves serve as axis of rotation to the hollow sphere which serves as a protective shell to a generator.    The generator is activated by rotational movement of the sphere. The produced current is conveyed towards the exterior by holes in the sleeves or the axis. The sphere is maintained at the surface of the water jet for the rotational movement. The sphere has curved blades all over its surface. The water penetrates the back of the blades tangentially. The blades have grooves allowing the water to make a rotation of 180 degrees on each. A gearing system provides driving between the fixed generator gearwheel and the mobile sphere.    ADVANTAGE -   Includes opening to provide cooling system.
The dish reflector comprises a number of concentric, concave, reflective surface elements, arranged symmetrically about a common axis which is perpendicular to the target plane, and each of the surface elements being defined with respect to its axial position forward of a parabolic reference dish sharing the common axis and having a vertex spaced from the target plane by a distance equal to the focal length of the reference dish.    Each of the reflective surface elements comprises an equal fraction of the total reflective surface of the reflector. The reflective surface elements are equal in surface area and each comprises a spherical segment. Each of the reflective surface elements is displaced from the reference dish by a predetermined amount.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Concentrating solar flux uniformly over target plane on solar cell array. Reduces cost of photovoltaic energy.
The front electrode (3) is formed on a glass substrate-support (1) and comprises a series of conducting bonds (19) extending across the surface, separated by transparent passages (15) that are straight and parallel to the longitudinal direction of each insulating passage.    The rear electrode (7) is transparent and receives the first incident light. The semiconducting photoelectric conversion element (5) lies between the electrodes. A transparent protective layer (11) is formed on the rear electrode and is itself covered by a transparent glass or toughened glass layer (13).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin layer solar cells. Mechanically strong, corrosion resistant substrate.
The substrate support (7) is formed of relatively rigid, transparent material and the photoelectric conversion elements are formed on one planar surface (7a). Under pressure from both directions, the substrate is deformed and glued to the curved surface of a light receiver (1) with a thin layer of transparent adhesive (3).    The photoelectric conversion elements include a front electrode (9) which may be transparent or opaque with passages (15a,15b) extruding across to allow partial light transmission. On this electrode is formed a photoresponsive semiconducting layer (11) and then a rear electrode (13) which receives the said glue.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin layer solar cells. Reduced number of layers, simpler manufacture, increased mechanical resistance, easily cleaned.
Multilayered photovoltaic element obtained by stacking at least three cells for generating photovoltaic forces. A second cell formed adjacent to a first light incident side cell is adapted to receive light having passed through the first cell and includes an i-type semiconductor layer having a bandgap in the range 1.45 eV-1.60 eV consisting of essentially silicon contg. amorphous material.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has high reliability, high photoelectron conversion efficiency over a long time period and has a high output voltage.
The solar power cladding comprises rows of tile elements (1) each incorporating a solar cell (2) and a pair of electrical connections (7,8). Each tile element is associated with a pair of electrical contacts which are secured to the underlying structure (T). The respective electrical connections of each tile element make electrical contact.    The electrical contacts comprise a pair of electrical busbars (26,27) which extend side by side parallel to a respective row of tile elements.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use on inclined surface e.g. pitched roof or vertical surface, e.g. walls. Provides form of cladding for solar power generation which is aesthetically attractive and which facilitates quick and inexpensive repair.
The energy recovery system has a motor for actuating the compressor to effect compression of the refrigerant, the motor being coupled to the compressor by a thermostatically controlled clutch. An energy recovery unit is provided, including an electromotive generator coupled to a turbine for extracting kinetic energy from refrigerant flowing through the first conduit system. The turbine has a refrigerant suction intake and a refrigerant exhaust outlet connected to the conduit system.    Kinetic energy extracted from refrigerant flow channelled through the turbine from the turbine suction intake and exhausted through the turbine exhaust outlet impels rotation of the turbine to drive the electromotive generator. At least one auxiliary voltage generator is coupled to the motor for rotation to produce electricity independently of the turbine driven electromotive generator upon the energy recovery unit being rendered inoperative when the refrigeration compressor is declutched from the motor.
The facility incorporates rotary head (1) fitted with the main wind-wheel (2) with rigidly fixed blades, strut (9) with a sprung hinge suspension (11), a starting wind-wheel and a cut-out unit. The power generator is connected to the commutator by an electric circuit incorporating an accumulator and a cut-out switch. The starting wind-wheel is positioned in the bottom part of the suspension, and the cut-out unit is mounted on the strut below and opposite of the hinge suspension.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased generation of electrical power. Bul.46/15.12.91.
The generating plant has a pontoon connected by a flexible connector (1) to submersed casing (2) of an electric generator (7) with pulley (3) and counterweight (4). The casing (2) is equipped with the horizontal rigid plate (5), which increases its hydrodynamic resistance. The wave action moves the pontoon up and down, and the movement is transmitted by the flexible connector to a pulley on the generator's (7) shaft, producing the electrical power. The counterweight (4) ensures constant tension in the flexible connector.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency and reliability. Bul.46/15.12.91.
Power plant comprises a stationary base (1), a three-surface wind concentrator (2), a wind wheel mounted on rear and front hollow posts (5,6), fitted with dampers (7), an energy conversion installation in the form of an hydraulic circuit. The concentrator windward surface (3) features a parabolic longitudinal section.    The hydraulic circuit includes collectors (11), connected in series, hydro-accumulator (12), an hydraulic pump (13), housed in a body (8), and hydraulic motors (14) connected to motor-generators (15). The front and rear posts, grouped in pairs, are hinge-connected to the concentrator (2). Post-fitted dampers (7) are in the form of a cylinder with a ring-shaped piston.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved reliability and effectiveness. Bul.43/23.11.91.
In the upper part of the underground pool (2) there is a controlled high pressure gas source (7). The controlled high pressure gas source (7) may be made in the form of a gas generator or else in the form of a high pressure receiver, joined through a shutter to the lower pool (2) and by a main and shutter to a compressor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an hydroaccumulation power station, with increased effectiveness in work. Bul.43/23.11.91.
The device generates electrical energy by producing accelerated relative torsional vibrations of magnets (13) w.r.t. coils (14). The device in antiphase incorporates the main energy receiving plate (2) and the additional plate (3) positioned on the base with the facility of turning around parallel axes. The additional plate (3) is equipped with coaxially positioned sections (4,5) of a wheel.    A flywheel, made as two coaxial sections (8,9), is located on elastic suspension (10) between the main plate (2) and the sections (4,5). The suspension (10) is made as two coaxial bundles (11,12) of elastic eccentric connectors, joining plate (2) to the inner sections (4,8) and outer sections (5,9) of the wheel and the flywheel. The magnets (13) and coils (14) are positioned on different sections (8,9) of the flywheel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For conversion of unconventional sources of energy into electric power. Improved effectiveness arising from increased relative speeds of displacement between the coils and the magnets. Bul.31/23.8.91.
The facility has two wind powered plants, each of which has wind-wheel (1) fixed on vertical shaft (2), and extraction column (3) with guide appts. (4), an air turbine (15) and a tubular heater (5), submersed into the heat carrier in reservoir (6).    The stand (10) with axis (11), located between the two power plants, is equipped with rocker (12) having sliders (13) on the opposite ends and positioned with the facility of rocking. Pusher (17) of each slider interacts with a closed groove (16) on the vertical shaft (2). Electrical generator (14) is mounted on the base of the stand, and heat exchanger (7) is mounted on its upper part and connected pneumatically to the column heaters and compressors (8), and connected hydraulically to the pump (9) and the reservoir.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved effectiveness of utilising the wind energy. Bul.31/23.8.91.
The device consists of a roller (1) projecting from the road surface and articulating on an arm (3). The assembly is supported on a double jack (4) supporting the roller's hub (2). The impact of a vehicle's tyre has two effects: first, it causes the roller to rotate; secondly, it depresses the roller which is then returned to its original position by the jack (4).    Continuity of movement of the roller is achieved by means of an inertial flywheel (7) mounted on the hub of the roller. Transmission of the roller's rotation to the generator is achieved by means of a rack and pinion system (8).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Providing illumination of motorway, ring road, traffic sign and dangerous area. Provides source of energy which is natural, renewable, free and non-polluting.
The drive system uses a refrigeration gas held at a constant volume during heating, so that the pressure is raised, with the high pressure gas fed back to the container for the refrigeration gas around a circulation path incorporating a generator drive.    The obtained electrical energy can be used for heating or cooling water.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures continuous drive of electrical generator turbine.
The method includes providing a pond containing a liq. and locating in the pond a vertical tube having an upper end that is closed. An open lower end is immersed in the liq. in the pond and spaced from the bottom for establishing a trapped region above a column of liq. in the tube. Hot liq. is suppplied to the trapped region. The point and the tube are arranged so that the liq. in the pond and the liq. in the column are in hydrostatic equilibrium.    The trapped region is maintained at a pressure such that some of the liq. supplied to the trapped region flashes into a vapour thereby concentrating the liq. in the column. Finally, the open lower end of the tube effects the passage to the bottom of the pond of scaling material that precipitates as a consequence of the concentration of liq. below the trapped region.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For extracting heat from geothermal brines or from gases containing entrained particulates or noxious compds. e.g. flue gases. Improved extraction of heat from hot fluids containing foreign material such as salts and silica.
The Stirling engine (1) is solar-powered through collector (2a) and heating tubes (2). The working fluid passes between engine and tank (9) via pressure lines (6), contg. one-way valves (5a,5b) and electromagnetic valves (8). These valves are operated by the control box (4), whose inputs are the working temp. and working pressure, both measured by sensors.    The generator may be DC or AC. If DC, then the field is weakened if the fluid working pressure exceeds a preset value and the working temp. exceeds the optimum temp., and if AC, the frequency of the rotating magnetic field is increased.    ADVANTAGE -   Temp. of working fluid held constant for max. efficiency.
Three photoelectric sensors separated by semicircular vanes arranged to produce a shadow line over any two of the photoelectric sensors at any given time are used. Each resistive photoelectric sensor is a component of a separate electrical circuit. Each electrical circuit acts as a switching device to supply electrical current to a small motor which is dedicated to that particular circuit. The resistivity of the photoelectric sensor not covered by the shadow of one of the semicircular vanes is decreased, resulting in increased current to the small motor connected to that sensor's electrical circuit.    The small motors are mounted on a plate and each provides a means to rotate a linkage; each linkage being used to rotate a uniquely designed knob either clock-wise, counterclockwise, or to return the knob to a pre-set position. The knob is also attached to the aforementioned plate in a manner which allows free rotation of the knob. The plate is mounted to a fixture containing a rheostat.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved efficiency g solar tracking because each sensor has a separate circuit Ctee is rw need to balance the sensors. Avoids stresses caused by frequent switching on and off of main drive motor.
The power station incorporates a natural, or an artificial underground reservoir (1), from which the underground water is lifted along borehole (2) by utilising the geothermal energy resulting from the temp. difference, and after cleaning the water in separator (4) from contaminants, the pressurised water is directed to hydraulic turbine (6). The water heat is then extracted by heat exchanger (5) and directed for further use. The cooled water is returned by pump (7) into the underground reservoir (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power stations utilising geothermal energy. Improved operational effectiveness. Bul.46/15.12.91.
A hinged platform has one end mounted on the bearings in the bearing housing causing the remaining part of the platform to descend under the weight of passing vehicles and to rise from the over balancing weights or coil springs, in a reciprocating manner, each time a vehicle enters and leaves the platform. The platform has a pressure bracket and is connected to a reciprocating pressure bar. The pressure bracket has a slot connected to a lever plate and locked with a crank bolt, the other end of the lever plate being arranged with a bore and mounted onto a pivot provided on a dog-teeth clutch.    The dog-teeth clutch is turnable on the shaft and guided by the reciprocating lever plate. The clutch has two projecting radial lugs to engage in a slidable manner on the elongated two teeth formed on the shaft in order to rotate the line of coupled shafts, rotatable on the bearing housing brackets leading to the generator.    USE -   Multiple platforms may be arranged sideways on motorway toll or busy major road and are coupled together to supply nearby power station.
The solar energy folder includes a solar collector or solar-cell which transfers electric energy into two batteries. One battery is connected to illuminated fluorescent lines coloured green producing specific number of horizontal lines corresp. to given paper size. The second battery is connected to one vertical illuminated fluorescent left margin line, coloured red.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For all types of plain unlined paper. Allows user to produce artificial illuminated lines under paper for purpose of writing on plain paper, partic. for scrap and computer paper which is liable to be wasted.
The projection system of the type comprises a first illumination subsystem, a first rectangular modulator in the path of light emitted by the illumination subsystem, and a projector for projecting the modulator image. A first non-imaging reflector has a rectangular input aperture defining an XY plane, a rectangular output aperture, and a central Z axis of an XYZ coordinate system. The sub-system further comprises a first light source situation outside the reflector and illuminates the reflector input aperture for illuminating the modulator substantially homogeneously.    The non-imaging reflector satisfies Dix.ni.sin theta-ix = Dox.no.sin theta-ox and Diy.ni.sin theta-iy = Doy.no.sin theta-oy. The terms Dix and Diy are the dimensions of the input apertures, ix and iy are the maximum angles of incidence, Dox and Doy are the dimensions of the output apertures, theta ox and theta oy are the maximum emission angles, ni and no are the input and output operture refractive indices.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for collecting solar energy. High offeciency collection optics. System has low maximum deviation angle w.r.t collimated light rays.
The battery has an upper electrode (103) of one (105) of the adjacent solar batteries (105, 106), and a lower electrode (111) of the other (106) connected via a lead wire (110).    A groove portion (107) of the boundary of the adjacent batteries (105, 106) is filled with insulative material (108) to a thickness to cover edge portions of the batteries (105, 106). A conductive material (109) connects an upper portion of the insulative material (108) and the upper electrode (103) of one (105) of the adjacent batteries (105, 106). The lead wire (110) is over the insulative material (108) along the groove portion (107) of the boundary to connect to the conductive material (109). The lead wire (110) is connected to the lower electrode (111) of the other solar battery (106).    ADVANTAGE -   Produces practical output voltage, without loss of power by shadows of lead wire. Small risk of short-circuit. Disconnection of conductive material can be prevented. Low cost mfr..
A support structure (5) carries a pivoted lever arm (2) with a wave follower (1) fixed to one end. The lever is connected to a piston rod (7) which drives a reciprocating pump in response to wave action. The floatation unit (23) has a lower body portion (24) comprising a hollow chamber (24a) with an opening (24b) in the bottom and with an inward and downward angled side surface (27a) to harness the lateral force wave energy.    A one-way valve (10) lies in a passage (10a) between the chamber (24a) and through the upper body to atoms. The device can rotate to follow changing wave direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Cost effective energy extraction from wave motion.
The plant comprises a degasser (1), sludge trap (2), evaporator (4), turbine (5) and generator (6), and a condenser (7). A condensate discharge pump (9) is connected to a heat exchanger (10), the second circuit of which is connected to the productioon well (13) and to the suction side of a delivery pump (8). A combustion chamber (11) is connected to the degasser (1) and to atmosphere. An ejector (12) is connected by its inlet to the combustion chamber (11), and by its outlet to the sludge trap (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Reliability is increased by prevention of deposition of CaC03 on surfaces washed by geothermal water. Bul. 44/30.11.91
The luminescent comonomer 6-(N-methacryloylamino)- 4-aminophenyl- benzimidazole (I) has formula (I), mol.wt. (3050-2750).1000; where p:m=(1:2798)-(1:581). Copolymerisation is carried out by dissolving cpd. (I) at room temp. in methyl methacrylate and adding an initiator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable as a matrix for prodn. of luminescent solar concentrators for collecting and concentrating scattered sunlight. The cpd. can be used to obtain copolymers of enhanced fastness to light and high transmittance at the visible end of the spectrum. They exhibit max. absorption at 334-337 nm, max. fluorescence at 428-433 nm and a vitrification temp. of 103-118 deg.C. After one month's use a luminescent solar concentrator from the copolymer contg. 3% of cpd. (I) had a light concn. coefficient of 89.3% of the original value against 77% for a non-modified methacrylate. Bul.39/23.10.91    .D
The machine uses the medium of liquid Helium (He) in a horizontal cryostat made of glass in the form of a torus (I). The Helium-filled torus is encircled by a number of vertical piezoelectric generators of solitonic waves (A to H) made of quartz and annular in shape.    The liquid Helium is maintained at a constant temperature in its torus which is placed under vacuum in another glass torus of a greater diameter.    ADVANTAGE -   Solves problem of classic generators which suffer from dissipation of generated waves by ammortisation of amplitude with loss of energy in surrounding space.
The working mixt. of gases produced from water in an electrolytic stage (1) ascends through an ionising stage (2) surrounded by a ring of electrodes. The stream of ions (4) continues to rise to a level where it induces an electric current in surrounding windings (3).    The gases can be reconverted into water in a fuel cell stage (6) for the prodn. of more current, or can be carried away as H2 and O2 in a gas transport stage (7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A much less expensive current generator is entirely harmless to the environment and consumes no resources.
The device is for collecting and concentrating radiant energy to focus the rays to a small region. The device diverges the rays instead of converging them so the device can then face any direction and does not need the sun as a source of energy. This factor gives my device the advantage of continuing to function whether or not the sun is shining. The device continues to function at night and in cool weather.    The method consists of taking a bundle of rays that are converging on a point, and of reducing the angle of the convergence. If the rays are squeezed into one half the angle, for example, the concentration of radiation is doubled. The device the angle of convergence is reduced to a narrow line. The radiant energy entering the device is concentrated by a hundredfold or more. The receiving element is a boiler tube, from which the concentrated energy can be directed to a turbine for conversion to useful rotary energy.    USE -   For generating electric power using turbine as for heating a building.
The apparatus for converting a potential energy of a reservoir to a power output includes a pair of cylinders where each has a piston and a piston rod. The piston rods are coupled to two axles of a crank. Each cylinder has an inlet pipe coupled to the reservoir.    An inlet valve is coupled to each inlet pipe in order to control the flow of the water. When the inlet valve is opened, water from the reservoir may flow into the cylinder in order to push the piston so that the crank is driven to rotate and so that a power output is generated by the crank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power generating appts. Reduced waste water generated than usual rotor based converters.
The photo transducer (1) mounted on the heliostat (2) is connected to the input of functional converter (3) which is connected to heliostat drive servo mechanism (5) control unit (4).    During operation, it carries out differential comparison of solar angle of incidence on the heliostat (2) and of the precision scanning collimated source (10) mounted on the heat receiver.    When a fault occurs, fault sensor (6) is activated and this supplies fault control law shaper (7) with output connected to priority unit (9) input, which in turn sends signal via control unit (4) to servo mechanism (5). Heliostat is reset to operational position by using solar radiation sensor (8) connected to priority unit (9). The scanning collimated source (10) matches the optical linkage of the heliostat field, conjugating with basin-type solar power station heat receiver.    ADVANTAGE -   Accuracy and simplicity of control. Bul. 44/30.11.91
The float (1,2,3), anchored locally in the flowing water, is provided by a ship, a raft or a pontoon . The latter (1,2,3) consists of at least two hulls, arranged rough in parallel to each other. The axis of rotation (10,11) of the paddle wheels (8,9) extends roughly at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the float.    At least one transformer station (16), also arranged on the float, is provided as a transformer unit for the current given by the generator (14). The blades (22,23,24,28,29) of the paddle wheel (8,9) related to the main plane of the paddle wheel are displaced laterally to each other and/or are curved. The blades are provided with recesses (25-27), pref. perforated and/or finely slotted.    ADVANTAGE -   Installation costs reduced to min. Enviromentally friendly and cost effective prodn. of electrical current facilitated.
The integrated structure for a solar cell by-pass diode includes an epitaxial layer of a semiconductor material formed on a semiconductor substrate. A first solar cell is formed on a surface portion of the epitaxial layer. A second solar cell is electrically connected in series with the first solar cell.    A by-pass diode is electrically connected in parallel with the first solar cell to form a by-pass circuit. The circuit includes a metallised layer contacting a second surface portion of the epitaxial layer to form the by-pass diode. The metallised layer has an electrical contact such that the diode is electrically connected, through the electrical contact, to the second solar cell and is electrically connected to the first solar cell through the epitaxial layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises diffusion of overlying contact metal through tungsten.
The reflectors are formed by alternately depositing priming, reflecting and protecting coatings on the working surface of the reflector substrate. The priming coat is in the form of a varnish layer applied to the working surface, this layer consisting of an epoxy compsn. with an aromatic amine hardener. After this layer has partially hardened, the working surface is hot pressed for a time sufficient to complete the compsn. hardening process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reflectors have high mirror reflectance coeffts. in the visible and u.v. regions, and are used as solar energy intensifiers. Used in the mfr. of carbon-filled plastic reflectors. The reflector quality is improved.    In an example, the priming coat compsn. contains (pts.wt.): ED-16 epoxy resin 100, metaphenylene diamine 10 and stearic acid 0.8. This coating is applied to the reflector surface and heat-hardened at 15-35 deg.C for 24 hours. Such reflectors have reflectance coeffts. of more than 90 and 80%, respectively, in the visible and u.v. regions. Bul. 37/7.10.
The solar panel is fabricated with a number of light sensitive elements (5,7,9) in thin layers deposited on a thin, transparent insulating substrate (3). The current collecting system of the light sensitive element is an opaque metallic layer (9) with a number of openings or slots (13) allowing light to pass through.    The slots may be in the form of parallel openings in the same direction as the flow of current through the light sensitive elements.    USE -   Combination of semi transparent panel and solar panel allows use of solar panel as a building element for e.g. windows, verandas.
Engine is operated on pressurised non-corrosive fluid (2) from the bottom of the energy tank (1) via an electric operated control valve (10), a rear end compressor cylinder (16), another control valve (10a). The engine admits energy via two nozzles (7) and gravity to energise a rotor having eight chambers, to turn the rotating shaft (19) to drive a load. Each of the energised rotor cells have a 45 deg. revolution to discharge fed energy via two exhaust outlet conduits (17) to the compressor (4) using nuclear battery (5) energy or solar cell (6) energy to provide a continual pressurised non-corrosive fluid supply to directly energise the engine. Nuclear batteries (5) and solar cells (6) are connected to starting switch (24).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for propelling a load. Engine uses economical and convenient nuclear batteries and natural energy from solar panels. Engine is operated on a relatively low pressure of pressurised non-corrosive fluid. Engine is capable of being environmentally friendly and has a high capacity for recycling energy.
Solar cell module comprises: a housing with an aperture (15) and light concentrator (12) for a primary active area (20); and a sec. active area (30) for receiving light propagated in a different direction from the optical principal axis (45) of the concentration. The concentrator is pref. a Fresnel lens.    The primary active area is located on the rear wall of the housing on the concentrator principle axis and sec. active areas are provided on part of the other inner walls. The primary active area is a solar cell of mono-Si or GaAs, which may be mounted on a Peltier element. The housing may have a truncated cone or pyramid shape with the primary active area at the apex.    ADVANTAGE -   Good output is achieved even if the module is not directly irradiated by the sun.
The mechanism unfolds a stack of components (Al-An) joined together in pairs and resting one on top of the other in the folded state. Adjacent components hinge together on common axes.    Each pair of adjacent components has two parallel hinge axes (e1,c2,f1,d2) when in the folded state. Each component is joined to the adjacent one by two strips (G12,H12) hinging on the respective axes. The latter can extend along opposite side edges of the components, while locking devices can be provided to hold the components in the folded and/or unfolded position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Wide range of use, offering different ways of unfolding partic. useful in space whose element of a solar panel are mounted on an artificial satellite. Shelf elements for storing materials and presenting for retrieval on demand.    .D
The ocean wave energy conversion system comprises a float adapted to ride on the surface of the ocean in reciprocal vertical motion in response to ocean wave front action. A first support extends downward from the float deeper into the ocean. A magnetohydrodynamic electric generator is mounted at a level of attenuated vertical wave action in the ocean, the generator comprising a duct arranged to channel the flow of sea water vertically through in response to the reciprocal vertical motion of the float. Magnetic field elements apply a strong magnetic field cross-wise to the longitudinal axis of the duct and the flow of sea water.    An electrode is positioned in the duct and in contact with the flowing sea water such that the electrode receives electrical energy generated by magnetohydrodynamic phenomenon as the sea water passes upwardly and downwardly in a relative manner through the magnetic field. A transfer unit is connected to the electrode for conveying the generated electrical energy outward from the magnetohydrodynamic electric generator to an external electrode load.    USE -   High efficiency wave operated electricity generator.
The shaft generator system construction is simplified, its mass-dimension characteristics decreased and its functional capacity extended, by ensuring condition of its long duration parallel work with generators of automonous ship electrical station.    The system has a dual rotating shaft generator (1) of three-phase alternating current, made in the form of an async. machine with short-circuited winding positioned on internal rotor. The source of regulated d.c. voltage is in the form of an ac-dc electric machine convertor containing a sync. machine (13) with self-excitation and a regulated d.c. alternating voltage.    USE -   Ship shaft generators and also can be used on objects of land and sea transport in hydro- and wind power engineering. Bul.42/15.11.91
The solar cell chain comprises several series connected spaced solar cells (10,12;12,14) again spaced between plates (18,20). The intermediate space is cast in transparent resin at least on the radiation side. Alternately it may be filled with melt adhesive in an autoclave. One cell (12) front side (30) is conductively contacted to the next cell rear (28) via at least one contact strip (22,24,26,28).    The contact strips between the cells have a preset shape (36,38) such that a relative movement between the cells is possible without damaging the contact strips. The shape is pref. curved, or zigzag.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cell modules. Tolerates mechanical stress, e.g. during transport, without damage to contact strips.
An endless chain is trained over and movable in a continuous path about two spaced-apart sprockets, to define upper and lower horizontal chain reaches. A series of sails are fixed to the chain, the sails each including two adjacent superposed flaps having surfaces of equal areas, the flaps being movable between a first, open position where the surfaces are in laterally adjacent co-planar relation and a second closed position where the flaps are folded about an axis perpendicular to the chain with the surfaces in facing superposed relation in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the sail when in the first, open position.    A guide is positioned adjacent the chain and operable to effect movement of the flaps into the first, open position when the sail travels with the chain along one of the reaches and into the second, closed position when the sail travels with the chain along the other of the reaches. At least one of the sprockets is connected to a rotary electrical generator to rotate it in response to movement of the chain by wind acting upon the sail flaps whhen in the first, open position.    USE -   Wind-powered electricity generator.
Photovoltaic device comprises flexible photovoltaic elements (3) connected by electrical connectors (7), and a common protective film (9) to flexibly connect the elements together.    ADVANTAGE -   A large area flexible device is formed which can supply several watts of power, and can be easily attached to a curved surface.
The preventive device for uncontrolled gybe turns of sailing vessels comprises an electrical or mechanical wind angle detector, within an outer container (1) secured to the mainsail boom. The detector comprises a freely rotating windvane e.g. (2), a pair of wind flaps with restricted movement, a tube positioned in the wind flow stream, or simply a pressure sensor within the above-mentioned container.    Electrical or mechanical signals are converted within the container to give an audible or visual warning (3) of gybe turn conditions. Power for the conversion circuitry may be by battery, solar cell, wind generation or be supplied externally.    ADVANTAGE -   For warning of impending gybe turn conditions on sailing vessels, without necessity for rigging `preventer' line from bow to outer end of boom.
A series of solar array panels is carried by a pantograph arm that is deployable to position the panels in a predetermined canted arrangement for receipt of solar radiation. Each panel includes spaced cylindrical off axis parabolic mirrors that concentrate the reflected light on a line that falls upon a series of photovoltaic cells arranged longitudinally along the back of each mirror.    The cylindrical parabolic mirrors are aligned with the cylindrical axis perpendicular to the axis about which the panels are canted so that such canting causes no loss of focus. The array panels may be hardened to resist perceived threats and the pantograph arm is operable to position the array panels in a preferred orientation according to the nature of the threat.    USE -   Deployable-retractable photovoltaic concentrator solar array assembly for space applications.
A fluid current motor is formed having large and small wheels so that the little wheel rotates about a minor axis and the big wheel rotates about a major axis. The minor axis is located away from and parallel to the major axis at a perpendicular distance less than the difference between a radius of the big wheel and a radius of the little wheel. The little wheel is positioned within the big wheel so that a circumference of a little circle defined by the rotating little wheel approaches a circumference of a big circle defined by the rotating big wheel in one phase of operation and departs in another phase.    At least two sails are attached between the big wheel and the little wheel so that the sails are repetitively opened and closed. The motor is operated so that an offset line that is perpendicular to and intersects the major and minor axes- creates about a forty-five degree angle with a fluid current directional line that traces a direction from which fluid current is coming and intersects the major axis.    USE -   Conversion of wind or water currents to useful energy.
The system for producing and distributing electric power on a sailing ship uses arrays of photovoltaic cells covering the ships sails and rigging to generate electric power during daylight for the purpose of driving a ships screw. The solar array electric power output is processed by a voltage regulator which charges a large capacity storage battery and energises an electric motor to drive the ships screw.    An AC inverter is also provided to convert the DC power for the AC loads. To increase the area normally available on sailing ships for solar arrays, wing-booms extend the lengths of the yards and rolling booms above the yards are proposed for addition to the ships superstructure.    ADVANTAGE -   Makes it possible for sailing ships to resume transportation of cargo without the need for auxiliary gas or oil-burning engines and a fuel supply.
The storm fence incorporates rotational elements comprising revolving shafts with blades or stationary shafts with revolving blades, secured at any part of the fence. Any size and any number of elements may be used, the elements allowing a principal force caused by wind to rotate them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Maximises privacy, strength, and durability while minimising cost. Allows fence to accommodate strong wind and gale forces without damage.
The folding arrangement involves components (1) connected to one another by strips, and folding together accordion-fashion by hand or by means of telescopic bars. The components, such as shelves, solar panels, etc. are rotatably but lockably located, and on one pair of strips (2a,2b) - at both ends, after a short section, serving as fixture fold (4) - a flap link (3) is machined in. The strip length between the flap links is dependent upon the external dim. of the components to be folded.    On the flap link (3) on the first of the strips (2a) pointing towards the second strip (2b) a ball snap device is provided on the flap link on the second strip pointing towards the first strip is a ball bearing whichis so fixed that the ball of the snap device with the components closed together can engage in the shaft aperture of the ball bearing.    ADVANTAGE -   Folding arrangement for shelves, solar panels, etc., creating a heavily loadable device which is safe, easy of access, and cheap to produce.
Glass cemented body which is exposed to corrosive substance is made by cementing glass members using a glass, and forming a coating on the cemented portion to be exposed to the corrosive substance.    USE -   For Na-S batteries, or thermoelectric conversion devices. Improved cemented part between beta-alumina and insulating ceramics.
Filter compound (I) comprises a pulverulent mixture formed by (a) a weakly acidic cation resin activated by carboxyl gps. and (b) a strong anion exchange resin, where (a) is represented by C13H12COOH.    More specifically, (b) is pref. a quaternary ammonium anion resin represented by C12H18NOH.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is used with the steam condensate from a thermoelectric, conventional or or nuclear power station. (I) allows the maximum condensate filtration capacity and the minimum consumption of products due to the exhaustion of the filters.
The wave power collection device has a pilaster device located to protrude for a preselected distance above the high water line of the body. A float is trackingly mounted to move along the pilaster in response to tidal and wave motion. Generating devices are mounted on the pilaster, to generate current from from the movement.    Electrolysis devices are in liquid communication with the water and generate hydrogen and oxygen. A compressor is used to compress the hydrogen gas thus produced before it is stored.    ADVANTAGE -   Utilises wave power without great expense.
The converter consists of two main parts, viz. spring-loaded (1) and movement conversion (2) components. A third part generates the electrical energy. The spring-loaded component is located in a roadway to be pressed downwards by passing vehicles and to spring back again when the vehicle has passed. Such movements are converted into rotary movement which, in turn, activates the electrical generator.    The spring-loaded component is a double ramp (6) extending over the complete width of the roadway so that it can be activated by traffic in both directions. The ramp has two plates (7,8) which, in the longitudinal direction of the road (4), are located closely to one another, their ends (7a,8a) being articulately connected to the road. The facing ends of the plates (7b,8b) are held over the roadway by springs (9,10). The arrangement of the plates is such that they adopt positions in which they are slightly inclined upwards towards each other. The inclination is scarcely noticeable since the plates are several metres long.
The solar panel (1) is mounted (3) on a tubular axis (5) at an angle (theta) equiv. to the latitude of the site. The tube (5) is rotated pivotally by rods (13) driven by expansion and contraction of low-b.pt. material in two cylinders (6,7) on to which solar radiation is conc. by parabolic reflectors (8).    The eastward-oriented cylinder (6) is first heated by the rising sun. When its threshold temp. is exceeded a rod (13) is deployed, rotating the panel (1) in the appropriate direction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with solar photovoltaic arrays, accurate tracking is achieved without expenditure of electrical energy.
The appts. for continuously forming functional deposited film by a microwave PCVD process on an elongated member which is being continuously moved comprises: (a) a first vacuum chamber and a second vacuum chamber disposed within the first vacuum chamber for forming a film, the second vacuum chamber having a side wall defined by the elongated member wherein means for supporting and conveying the elongated member is continuously moving the elongated member in the lengthwise direction of the elongated member; (b) a microwave introduction opening for introducing microwave energy into the second vacuum chamber disposed in the first vacuum chamber; (c) microwave applicator means for radiating microwave energy to generate plasma in the second vacuum chamber; (d) means for continuously winding a movable sheet of a dielectric material in the first vacuum chamber, the movable sheet forming the second vacuum chamber and being in the vicinity of the microwave introduction opening; (e) exhaust means for exhausting the 2 vacuum chambers; (f) means for introducing a deposited film-forming raw material gas into the second vacuum chamber; and (g) temp. control means for heating or cooling the elongated member.    USE -   Used for the mass prodn. of a large area thin film semiconductor device, e.g. photovoltaic device.    ADVANTAGE -   The deposited film is formed over a large area at high speed. A high quality film is economically produced. The process provides high gas utilisation efficiency. The process gives a high power density and low pressure operation.
Two equally thin-walled rotor surfaces (1, 1a) carry reflectors (3) held (6, 6a) in recesses (4) with rounded edges (5). Horizontal covers (7, 7a) are shaped to match the rotor surfaces.    The pressure of air currents sets the assembly into rotation about a vertical axis (9) of small dia. topped with a small ball (10) and set in bearings (8, 8a) in the cover (7, 7a). The axis (9) may drive an electric generator enabling a light beam to be radiated from the rotor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For safety of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and sailors, attention from all directions is attracted by the optical effect of the rotation.
In a system for extracting ambient thermal energy, the combination of an array of insulated gas-tight compartments with operable valves and valve-ports are adapted to open and close to interconnect the compartments in pairs alternately. The compartments are adapted to be cooled internally by heat exchangers. Appts. isothermally introduce increments of pressurised gas at the input end of the array of compartments. Increments of pressurised gas are at the output end of the compartment array. The extrated gas is introduced to counterflow through the heat exchangers. The energy of the heated expanding gas is converted into rotary energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides clean electrical energy.
Photovoltaic array for use as a solar power plant comprises: a unitary structural grid (10) supported on a pedestal (16) and formed of structural members connected at angles and defining spaces in between; lens assemblies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the other sides being closed by plates (22) directly supported by the structural members; and solar cells located within the spaces defined by the plates and lens assemblies.    ADVANTAGE -   Fully integrated structure (claimed) provides highly efficient solar conversion, is low-cost to fabricate and eliminates problems of water leakage and condensation.
A number of floats (1) are each connected via a rod (2) to a counterweight (3). The wave action energy produces vertical rod movement which is converted via a toothed rod to energise pumps (5). The high pressure liquid from the pumps is collected in a reservoir which may supply a turbine which runs an electrical generator in a power plant (8).    The energy transfer pumps (5) are sited in an underground channel (6) which could conveniently be associated, safely below the sea bed (9), with transportation or gas pipeline tunnel installations (7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Effective use of sea wave motion energy with vital parts protected below the sea bed.
A supporting structure for solar cells in provided by a tensioned covering (10) on at least one support or carrying elements placed at corners (12, 13, 14). The photovoltaic elements or solar module (20) are inserted on the covering by intermediate elements distributing the load.    The cells or modules can be arranged in rows with like poles connected togehter for coupling to a regulating system. The rows (20a-20d) can also form columns so that tension is equalised in both directions. The intermediate elements are pref. of soft plastics material serving as buffers.    ADVANTAGE -   Distributed light loading on support(s). Makes use of open area to use sunlight usually wasted and sometimes not wanted.
The photovoltaic element for a solar module has a blocking layer between 2 further layers, for separating the charge carrier pairs in the latter applied to an elastic or flexible carrier web (64), via an adhesive thermoplastics polymer.    Pref. a number of photovoltaic elements are coupled together via folded metal conductor strips, or electrically conductive elastomer elements. The elements are connected electrically in series or parallel, under control of a max. power point regulator.    USE -   For mounting on roof structure for solar electricity generation.
A slowly turning rotating mass is balanced is situ. by measuring the magnitude of a phenomenon, such as acceleration created by rotor unbalance. The rotor unbalance causes an acceleration at a location on a mass support shaft which is close to the mass.    The acceleration is measured along a line selected to be insensitive to the bias of gravity upon the mass. As the mass rotates, at a known number of revolutions per minute, measurements are taken.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables team of skilled technicians to balance two to three turbines per day.
The collection appts. has a fixed primary reflector (25) having a surface defining a longitudinal axis (26) that may be cylindrical,or composed of two symmetrical halves parallel to the axis, and is open at one side to allow radiation to enter and to be reflected towards the axis.    Another preferably movable, e.g. motor (42) driven, reflector (35) having a conical external reflective surface is mounted adjacent the axis and has its wider end surrounding it. Radiation from the primary reflector is reflected longitudinally to the axis to a third, concave reflector (36) which converges the radiation towards a focus for collection.    ADVANTAGE -   Esp. radiation e.g. solar, tracking systems. Allows source to be tracked without moving primary reflector. Portable.
An assembly of an article and a polyimide is prepd., the assembly resists dimensional change, delamination, or debonding when exposed to changes in temp.. The assembly is prepd. by: i) providing an article; ii) prepg. a soluble polymide resin soln. having a low coefft. of thermal expansion (CTE), by dissolving the polyimide in a solvent and adding a metal ion-contg. additive to the soln., these additives being e.g. Ho(OOCCH3)3, Er(NPPA)3, TmCl3 and Er(C5H7O2)3; and then iii) combining the polyimide resin with the article to form an assembly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By lowering the CTE the polyimides are useful in articles in aerospace and electronic applications where dimensional stability is a requirement.
Process comprises closely contacting transparent electroconductive thin film face of a sheet, (in which film is formed on a support), using an adhesive layer whose adhesion is changed by the irradiation of light with a base plate, applying light via a mask by which light is (un)passed in a predetermined pattern form. Adhesion between the adhesive layer and the base plate is changed depending on the predetermined pattern, and the transparent electroconductive thin film of the predetermined pattern is left on the base plate when the sheet is stripped from the base plate.    Dissolving power and dimensional accuracy of the transparent electrode pattern are good. Treating temp. is low and no etching treatment is used, and transparent electrode of high electroconductivity can be formed on a base plate of poor heat resistance.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Obtd. transparent electrode is useful for liq. crystal display device, solar battery, transparent tablet or liq. crystal light modulating glass. Transparent electrode of high electroconductivity can be obtd. in a short time by simple processes.
A solar cell module (1) has a number of cells (11-15) formed on a glass substrate. The cells are produced using thin film techology and are interconnected by a conductor strip (4). Voltage limiting diodes (21-25) are coupled in series and in parallel with the solar cells. Other diodes (5, 6) are at the input and output terminals.    The cells are formed with a photo-electric layer (8) between transparent electrodes (7, 9). Both solar cells and diodes are separated by grooves (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Compact, and integrated as far as possible.
The Ocean Wave Compressor comprises the following components: an intake structure, a vertical chamber with valves at the top for the vacuum and compressed air, pipe connections between the tanks and the valves. The wave that enters the intake compresses the air in chamber (C); when pressure is greater than that stored, valve (1) opens and the air flows to storage tank (A).    The receding water column in chamber (C) creates a vacuum, closing valve (1) and opening valve (2). The vacuum is stored in tank (B). Valve (2) will always provide a supply of air to chamber (C) for compression in the next cycle in case the water level fills the throat of the intake obstructing the entrance.    USE -   Generation of electricity.
A flexible reflective film comprises in combination a flexible polymeric support sheet (pref. 25-75 micrometers thick); a specularly relfective layer of silver (pref. about 1.0-1.5 micrometers thick) overlaying the surface of the support sheet, the layer of silver being at least partially relfective to at least a portion of the visible, ultraviolet and near-infrared spectrum between about 300-2,500 nm; an adhesive (pref. stable to ultraviolet light) overlaying surface of the specularly reflective layer opposite to the support sheet, the adhesive being transparent to at least a portion of the visible, ultraviolet and near-infrared spectrum between about 300-2500 nm; and a fluorocarbon film (pref. about 25-75 micrometers thick) overlaying and bonded to the surface of the adhesive opposite to the reflective layer, the fluorocarbon film being impervious to moisture, stable to ultraviolet light and transparent to a portion of the visible, ultraviolet and near-IR spectrum between about 300-2500 nm.    A reflector comprises in combination the flexible reflective film above and a means for attaching the film to a structure for reflecting light (pref. by bonding with an adhesive or holding with a vacuum).    ADVANTAGE -   High weather and corrosion resistance, more scratch resistant and less susceptible to becoming dusty or dirty. They are more durable, more optically efficient, require less frequent cleaning and are cheaper to maintain. They can be incorporated into lighting reflector applications and solar energy applications including solar dishes and heliostats.    .D
Film comprises iridium oxide. Halogen atom is in film to produce film.    USE -   High photoelectric conversion efficiency.
The solar cell array consists of numerous, identical solar cells, passivated against environmental influenced and of sufficient rigidity. They are interconnected by current conductors and formed into a flexible hand in at least one, row. The band is pref. formed by flexible conductors.    Several such bands may be clamped to form the array on support elements. Individual cells may be stiffened and embedded in plastics. The stiffening may be provided by laminations in the band, the individual solar cells are coupled in parallel. The conductors may be wires or strips.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple design, low-cost mfr. and assembly, weather resistance, and easy handling.
The device has a sensor (7) with a surface (4) on which there is a two dimensional netowrk of photosensitive cells (6). A second opaque surface (5) is situated at a distance above the first, with an aperture (8) formed in it. Between the two is a black box containing refractive material of index approx. 1.5.    Incident light (9) passes through the aperture, is refracted, and falls on to the detector array. By use of computer calculation based on the position of the deteced light, it is possible to determine the azimuth and the height of the light source which is detected.    USE -   Detection of position of sun w.r.t. to plane of reference on board satellite, or positioning of a solar concentrator.
The transparent sheet or pane (10) possesses a transparent outer layer (11) and a solar compound (12) deposited evenly on its inner surface. The sheet can be principally of glass or plastics material.    The active part of the solar compound consists of a region (12) in the outer edge area of the pane, made of a crystalline semiconductor substance, and of another region (14) made of an amorphous semiconductor substance.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Dual-purpose pane, capable of letting through light and capable of also of generating electrical energy very efficiently. Suitable for sliding or lifting roofs.
The wave power apparatus (10) includes a chamber (16) which may be constructed over a coastal gully (12) so that waves cause the water level to rise and fall in the chamber, and so cause air to flow to and fro in a duct (32). A turbine (34) capable of operating with airflow in either direction and located in the duct (32) drives a generator (36). The turbine comprises two turbine discs (45) 0.5m apart, each defining a hub, a number of aerofoil section straight blades and an outer ring.    The ring (56) is sufficiently massive to act as an energy storage flywheel , and has a greater moment of inertia than the hub and the blades. Each turbine disc (45) might have a kinetic energy of at least 1 MJ when rotating at 1650 rpm.    ADVANTAGE -   Easy maintenance.
A luminous float includes a float body, a resistance plate and a light-emitting device, and causes the light-emitting device to emit light by electricity generated by a dynamo through the relative motions of the float body and the resistance plate, which are caused by waves and tidal currents.    Pref. a contractable and extensible bellows provided at the bottom of the float body is connected with the resistance plate through a connector. One end of a spring is coupled to an inner member of the float body, and the other end of the spring is coupled to the bottom of the bellows through a coupler. A motion conversion mechanism converts reciprocation of the coupler into a rotary motion of the rotation drive shaft of the dynamo.    USE -   Luminous floats which efficiently generate electricity for the emission of light using waves and tidal currents, for e.g. fisheries and ocean construction.
The energy conversion unit has a cylinder (2) partially filled with working liq. (1). Electrodes (5) are placed in the liq. which forms combustible gases during electrolysis. The combustible gases are collected in the combustion chamber (4) which is pre-evacuated and placed between the piston and the liq. working surface. Due to the initiation of the chemical reaction of the gases by impulse light radiation, the pressure in the combustion chamber rises and the piston displaces to the top dead centre. The reaction gaseous products temp. reduces due to expansion and due to cooling by surrounding atmos., the pressure reduces and the piston moves to the lower dead centre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. Construction is simplified. Bul.30/15.8.91
The tide power conversion plant has a working chamber (3) made as container and is placed in the accumulating chamber (2). The working chamber flexible wall (5) is made as an elastic diaphragm. Liq. gas is used as the working body. The accumulating chamber (2) is provided with drainage and purging pipelines (6,7) with valves (8,9) connected to the compressed gas source. The channel (1), connecting the chambers (2,3), is provided with valves (11) placed on both sides of the turbine (4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For utilisation of tide power. The size is reduced and assembly conditions improved. Bul.30/15.8.91
The generation plant has a frame (2) extending between or among pontoons (1), supporting reciprocating piston air compressors (3) controlled via floats (8) which move up and down with the sea level.    Pref. the cylindrical reciprocating floats can run along vertical guide rails (10) via attached rollers (9), each coupled directly to a piston rod (5) of a respective air compressor, the guide rails (10) being joined together at their bottom ends, for improved stability. The top of the frame may have solar panels for additional energy generation.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents environmental pollution.
Tower comprises reflections comprising materials which reflect light more diffusely and obtusely than conventional mirrors, e.g. aluminium (foil)-coated cardboard e.g. insides of used drink cartons. Solar power generator uses solar energy simultaneously for plant photosynthesis (e.g. algae in large bioreactors) and for other uses (e.g. in power generator towers); and energy transport system is used e.g. for a solar power generator tower.    ADVANTAGE -   Reflectors, opt. mfd. from waste drink cartons.
Flowing media or waves are partly guided through a funnel-shaped passage in the centre of the housing, while the remainder of the flow passes over the outer surface so that the outlet from the funnel sees a max. wake or flow line compression.    Different effects such as forced ventilation, streamlining, ultrasonic energy concn., propeller efficiency improvement, silencing etc. can be achieved.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g. electric power generation from running water. Flowing liq. or gaseous media can be accelerated or retarded, and/or waves therein compressed or scattered.
The collector captures energy from waving waters and may be installed on floating vessels, banks or shores. It uses floats, levers, 'limbed levers', gears with ratchets etc. for loading caught energy into spring via 'energy straighteners'.    The energy straighteners may be mechanical, with square gear cogs, or angular gear cogs; a wedge and hook combination or array; pumps applications, hydraulic, pneumatic or hydro-mechanical. The energy straighteners are promoted by changes in gravitation caused by waves via such mediums as 'weightcocks', pendulums, 'hammers', 'rolling weights', cranes, floating chains. Ratchets or bearings are pref. used to turn a gear assembly in one direction e.g. for electricity generation or powering of non-combustion engine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electricity generation, powering boats etc. Replaces internal combustion engine of corresp. size.
Photovoltaic device is mfd. by forming a lower electrode-semiconductor layer-upper electrode photovoltaic composite on an insulating substrate; etching grooves in the composite to define separate cells; defining a contact pad area for each cell coextensive with a part of a groove; etching the semiconductor layer in each pad area; adding a contact member (60) on the resulting exposed portion of the lower electrode (17) laterally spaced form the semiconductor layer; adding insulation (62) in the groove portion coextensive with the pad but not on the pad; and forming an interconnect (64) between the pad (60) of one cell and the upper electrode (22) of an adjacent cell to form a series connection.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a solar cell array. Large area array is formed with small contact areas so that high photo-conversion efficiencies are achieved.
A totally enclosed pump (18) draws, from a receiver (38), low pressure, low temp. refrigerant which flows via a heat exchanger (12) where it becomes super heated with higher enthalpy. It absorbs heat in housing (14) from an electric generator (24) driven by a turbine wheel (30). Low pressure, low temperature and low enthalpy refrigerant flows on to the condenser heat exchanger (36) where it condenses and passes to the receiver (38). The heat exchanger (12) cools the refrigerated load.    Solar energy supply by a collector panel may be transferred along with heat energy from motors used in system and a turbine generator into the refrigerant fluid of the system.    ADVANTAGE/USE -   Efficient refrigeration with generation of electrical energy. Eliminates operating noise and flash gas losses.
Polymeric sheets (97) are simultaneously laminated stop respective, spaced substrates (10) using appts. (60) including means (62) for supporting the substrates in spaced relationship and diaphragm means (80) adjacent each substrate for uniformly transmitting pressure and forcibly flattening one of the sheets against one of its surfaces.    It also includes means (86) for simultaneously heating the flattened sheet/substrate sandwiches to affix them, a pump for removing air from between the substrates and diaphragms, and means providing an air-tight seal between the periphery of each substrate and diaphragm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For economically laminating a relatively thin film of dielectric polymer onto at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, such as an amorphous silicon solar panel, to encapsulate it and protect it from abient conditions.
The unit has two counter rotation wind drives (1,8) placed on the hollow flat (4) upper bearing (3). The wind drives shafts (2,9) by means of friction ring (12) idle clutches (10,11) and connections (16) are connected to the electricity generator rotor (15). The operation is based on the cyclic rotation of the rotor (15) under an auto oscillation condition when the float displaces vertically with the wave field frequency and periodic rotor (15) turning by ring (12).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for wave and wind energy to power conversion. The efficiency is increased. Bul. 29/7.8.91
The double action piston pump (2) is connected to the water pressure reservoir (3), which contains hydraulic turbine (4), connected to the electricity generator (5) shaft. The flexible connections (10) are connected to the pump (2) body (9). The pump (2) is hinged to the pontoon (1) and bottom platform (6) and has pressure and suction valves (7,8). The connections (10) are sprung and connect the body (9) lower part to the pontoon edge. The piston (11) is hollow and is provided with valve (7). The valves (8) are placed at the body ends. The body is sectional along the length. The pontoon in the lower part is provided with a skirt (12) and in the upper part has openings (13).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave power conversion and its reliability is increased. Bul. 29/7,8.91
Devices are formed by using a carrier in the form of a tape which is coated with an insulating layer in which windows have been formed. The semiconductor material to be deposited is dissolved and the tape passed along the surface of the soln. in such a way that single crystalline regions grow on the tape.    The semiconductor material pref. comprises Si, Ge, Ga, As, In or P, and the solvent pref. comprises In, Sb, Zn, Sn, Ga or B. The tape material includes pref. Al, stainless steel, Cu and/or Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is fast, e.g. can deposit a succession of layers, forming an active structure, in one min. The active semiconductor consists of single crystalline regions which gives the devices a high efficiency, e.g. up to 13.7%. The formation temp. is low, allowing flexible materials to be used for the tape, which alllows serial connection of cells to be made easily and with high yield and allows a continuous process to be used. The tape material can be used as one of the electrodes of the cell. As a result of the above features, the cell cost has been significantly reduced.
The pump is a helix formed of tubing. When the helix is rotated, the inlet end of the tubing scoops water and an outlet end of the tubing directed along the central longitudinal axis of the helix delivers liquid to a conduit.    The helix of tubing is pref. mounted on a shaft which is turned by a ratchet powered by rocking motion or rise and fall of water due to wave motion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Rotary pump capable of slow movement, for wave power applications. Continuous supply of water from dependable wave powered pump could replace intermittent high flow rate gasoline engine pump or pump driven by electric motor. Can be used for any low viscosity liquid.
The arrangement includes the digital setter (1), switches control unit (2), pulse converter (3) with its inputs connected to corresp. outputs of control unit (2) for switches, current transducer (4) connected to one of converter (3) outputs, electric motor (5), A-D-converter (6), relay current regulator (7), programmed timer (8) and a clock pulse generator (9).    The electric drive ensures the control for switches (27,28,29,30) in dependence of the current magnitude, which is measured by A-D-converter (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In D.C. drives. Regulation quality is increased. Bul. 22/15.6.91
The ferroelectric capacitor consists of plates (3,4) and layer of ferroelectric (5) positioned in a thermostat (1) with freely displaceable plunger (2). The capacitor divides the thermostat (1) frame into two cavities.    During operation, the heat carrier (8) is fed into the lower cavity and heats the ferroelectric (5) up to the Curie temp., the heat carrier is removed from the lower cavity. The plunger (2) moves into an upper position, the liquid (6) evaporates from the upper plate (3) of capacitor forming a vapour (7). The ferro-electric (5) cools. The cooled ferroelectric (5) reduces the capacitor capacitance and discharges via the network laod.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In conversion of heat-to-electrical energy. Increased conversion efficiency. Bul. 22/15.6.91
The plant has a support column (1) fitted with pulley (2) mounted on the power output shaft (3), counterweight (4) and a flexible connector (5), enveloping the pulley and attached at one end to the counterweight (4), and the other end - to the wave responding unit, made as a triangular sail made of flexible material, and having two ends attached to the anchors and the third end to the connector (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Improved operational reliability. Bul. 22/15.6.91
Method involves (a) hydrolysing in one step a mixed soln. comprising Al alkoxide and Na alkoxide in the atomic ratio of Al:Na of 6-10:1 by adding acetic acid, and by adding more water than is required for hydrolysing the soln. diluted with methanol, (b) drying the resulting gel, and calcining at lower temps.    USE -   Used for solid electrolyte film of Na-S batteries, Na-fused salt batteries actuating Na ions, as a carrier, or alkaline metal thermoelectric conversion batteries.
The drive system is operated by the loading force provided by a passing road or rail vehicle on a pressure pad or pressure rail (3). This lies slightly above the road or rail surface, so that it is depressed upon passage of the vehicle wheels.    The released pressure upon passage of the vehicle is converted into a rotation via a lever arm (4) with a gear toothed section cooperating with a splined drive shaft (5). The latter is used to drive an electrical generator (10) and carries a flywheel mass.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Environmentally friendly energy generation.
Roll of semiconductor material, including composite substrate formed of electrically insulating material bonded onto a support layer, is produced by unwinding a roll of support material while subjecting the material to a tensioning force, simultaneously unwinding a roll of insulating material, and interwinding the materials together on a common take-up roller to form a composite roll having alternating layers of tensioned support material and insulating material. The roll is exposed to heat for sufficient time to bond the two materials together to form the composite substrate following which the substrate is unwound and semiconductor material deposited on the insulating material surface to form a roll of semiconductor material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is used esp. for making a composite photovoltaic device substrate. Since the substrate is kept under tension while the two layers are interwound, air is not trapped between them and outgassing and the formation of pin-holes are not problems in subsequent processing operations.
An assembly of an article and a polyimide compsn. is prepd. as follows: equimolar quantities of an aromatic diamine and an aromatic dianhydride were reacted in a solvent medium to form a polyamic acid soln. A metal ion-contg. additive e.g. TbC13, DyC13, ErC13, TmC13, Al(C5H7O2)3 or Er2S3, was added to the soln. The soln. was imidised to give a polyimide having a low coefft. of thermal expansion. The polyimide was combined with the article to form the asssembly.    The article is pref. a solar concentrator, antennae, solar cell arrays, second surface mirrors, precision solar reflectors, electronic circuit boards etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   PCB, solar cell, antennae, solar reflector. Lowering the coefft. of thermal expansion (CTE) leads to increased usefulness for aerospace and electronic applications where dimensional stability is required. The CTE is lowered to match that of the article. The assembly resists dimensional change, delamination or debonding when exposed to temp. change.
A support framework is formed of an umbrella-like framework of radially-extending ribs, struts and cords which deploy away from a central hub to form a system of radial trusses. A semirigid reflective surface structure is divided into sections of radial panels which are supported and shaped by an arrangement of radially tensioned flexible tape members aligned with the ribs. Connecting ties between the tapes and the ribs cause the tapes to assume a catenary curve. The ribs and flexible tape members are bridged circumferentially by sets of cords and ties to which the panels are joined. These cord and tie pairs place the panels in bending to effect a "splined" approximation of a parabola in the radial direction.    The panels are arranged in a side-by-side relationship so as to be foldable in the circumferential direction during stowage. The panels are also discontinuous in the radial direction along lines connecting adjacent rib hinges in order to allow the reflective surface to be folded at the hinge points during stowage. As a result, each gore is effectively subdivided into a number of radial sections determined by the number of hinges along each rib and associated tape member. Openings are provided between the ends and sides of the panel strips to permit relative movement during folding and deployment and to allow the panels to expand and contract with temp. change.    USE -   Solar energy concentrator for satellite or other space use.
The generating plant consists of two fixed bases (1) at different heights, a pivoted support (2) on the lower base, and an arm (3) which is pivoted to the support and has a curved blade (4) on its lower end to receive the incoming waves. The upper end of the arm (3) is connected by a cable to a power converter (6) mounted on the upper fixed base.    The power converter is in the form of a generator with a shaft and pulleys, and an intermediate shaft with pulleys, ratchet mechanisms and a drum. The pivoted support (2) is equipped with an additional upper arm (18) which projects above the pivot (19) between the arm and support, while the cable is wound round the drum and attached by its second end to the additional arm (18).    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul. 27/23.7.91
The photovoltaic cells (10, 12, 14, 16) are integrated in isolated regions within the same substrate (8) to help form a 'silicon on insulator' structure. The isolating base is a deep layer of silicon IV oxide formed by introducing positive oxygen ions during high temperature reheating. The side walls (4, 6) are formed by localised thermal oxidation to silicon IV oxide.    The doped regions in each cell are produced by adding ions. The electrical conductors (18, 20, 22) between the cells are made by etching the conductors using masks on the substrate surface. An alternative battery uses PNN+NP in a similar structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Small size, increased voltage, simple structure, can be built with normal manufacturing facilities.
Device comprises amorphous Si solar cells each comprising a transparent substrate (1), transparent electrode (21), semiconductor layer (3) and metal electrode (40), the electrodes providing series or series-parallel interconnection between cells, the metal electrode being formed of, from the semiconductor layer outward, an Al layer, an additive metal layer for Al bronze and a Cu layer.    Pref., the additive metal for Al bronze is Ni, Fe or Mn, esp. Ni. The three-layered film has a thickness of 0.2-0.8 micron.    ADVANTAGE -   Structure permits easy soldering of lead wires and has high operating reliability.
A semiconductor device having a number of photovoltaic units arranged on a substrate, where each photovoltaic unit is new. The device comprises (a) a first semiconductor layer (3a) of low reistance, on which is formed a high temp. resistant insulating substrate (1); (b) a second semiconductor layer (5) selectively formed on the first semiconductor layer (3a) such that a part of the first layer is exposed and the second layer is not in contact with the first layer of the neighbouring photovoltaic unit; and (c) an electrode layer (7) formed on the second layer such that the electrode layer is in contact with the first semiconductor layer (3a).    Prodn. of the semiconductor device is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The device has a high conversion effect, which does not decrease on exposure to light.
The wave-energy generator contains rack (1) connected to mechanical drive. Teeth (2) interact with magnet (5) whose oscillations set up an e.m.f. in winding (8) situated on a core (7). Magnet (5) is fastened by an elastic suspension with a natural vibration frequency exceeding that of the rate of tooth displacement of the rack (1). The increase in magnet vibration rate in comparison with the displacement rate of the rack.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting of movement e.g. sea waves to electric power. Improved power output in condition of small displacement rate of the drive. Bul. 20/30.5.91
The chamber of variable volume is made in the form of a hose (2) which is positioned along the base of the vertical wall (1), and the energy transformer is made in the form of two air turbines (5,6) mounted on the ends (3,4) of the hose (2) and joined by ratchet couplings (9) and flywheels (10) to the electric generators.    USE -   Surf wave power conversion installation of increased power. Bul. 20/30.5.91
The thrust generator has a helical thrust duct (2) rotatably supported inside a hollow portion of a superconductive magnet (1) of a solenoid coil type. Positive and negative electrodes (8 and 9) are bonded to the inner surface of the thrust duct (2) to permit the flow of an electromagnetic field such as sea water. Electronic current is supplied from a current feeder to the electromagnetic fluid inside the thrust duct (2) so as to generate a Lorentz force F with a magnetic field. The electromagnetic fluid flows into the thrust duct (2) through an opening (6a) at the inlet end portion (6), receives continuously the Lorentz force F inside the thrust duct (2), is accelrated by this force F, and is jetted outside from an opening (7a) at the outlet end portion (7). The reaction of the jet force becomes a thrust.    The Lorentz force F is also generated in each element of the current feeder by the magnetic field B generated by the superconductive magent (1) and the electrode current (J) flowing through each element, and rotates and drives the thrust duct (2). A fluid friction loss between the inner surface of the thrust duct (2) and the electromagnetic fluid is reduced due to the rotation of the thrust duct (2).
Mfr. of a photovoltaic device having decreased shading of incident illumination from collector gridlines comprises: (a) providing a photovoltaic cell, the cell includes a bottom electrode layer, a photovoltaic body disposed on the electrode layer, a top electrode layer on top of the photovoltaic layer and an electrically-conductive, current collecting gridline in electrical communication with the top electrode layer; (b) disposing a layer of embossable, transparent, organic, polymeric, encapsulating material directly on top of the top electrode; (c) providing an embossing die, which includes at least one groove forming element; (d) aligning the embossing die with the photovoltaic cell so that the groove forming element is in registry with at least a portion of the length of the gridline and in contact with the layer of polymeric encapsulating material; (e) compressing the embossing die and photovoltaic cell so as to emboss a groove into the layer of encapsulating material; (f) removing the embossing die, and so providing a photovoltaic cell having a groove integral with the encapsulant layer and in registry with the portion of the gridline, with the groove operable to direct incident illumination away from the gridline so as to decrease the shading effects.    Also claimed is the mfr. of a large area photovoltaic module.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photovoltaic devices with increased efficiency due to the minimisation of shading effects are provided.
The fluid driven turbine generator comprises a housing with a fluid inlet and outlet to allow fluid flow to and from the turbine generator, and a rotor in the housing, having a circumferential roughened surface, and being driven by the fluid being applied to the fluid inlet and the roughened surface. An electric generator produces electricity and includes a core element and a magnetic element, with one of the elements being stationary relative to the housing and the other element secured to and spinning with the rotor.    The rotor comprises a receptacle shaped portion, with one of the elements secured to the receptacle shaped portion. The core element is stationary and fixed to the housing. The receptacle shaped portion comprises an annular wall with an inner surface, and the magnetic element comprises a number of magnets fixed to the inner surface to spin about a portion of the core element which is fixed to the housing.    ADVANTAGE -   Is made of minimum parts which are easily formed, making it easy to assemble, install, operate and maintain.
The solar cell mfg. method comprises the steps of providing a photovoltaic member having a first portion including a first surface and a second porton integral with the first portion and including a second surface which extends from the first surface. A releasable barrier layer is formed on the second surface. A resist layer including contact and interconnect pattern portions is integrally formed for ohmic contact and interconnects to be deposited on the surfaces and the barrier layer.    Electrically conductive material is integrally deposited on the surfaces and the barrier layer through the contact and interconnect pattern portions of the resist layer respectively. The barrier layer and the resist layer is removed and the second portion is removed from the first portion and the interconnects.
A floating solar mirror tray with concave curvature focusses the incident solar radiation in the region of an elongated, pref. straight focal line.    The mirror tray has a pivoting mechanism which allows it to tilt in a direction essentially perpendicular to the focal line, so that the mirror follows the path of the sun during the day and so that the solar radiation remains focussed in the region of the mirror's focal line.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Avoids conventional disadvantages of requiring frequent removal of dust and land ownership problems since it floats out to sea, pref. outside the 200 mile zone.
The solar cells (10, 11) are arranged in an overlapping shingle pattern with their interconnecting contacts (2, 3) positioned on the longitudinal edges.    An intermediate contactor plate (1), consisting of two contacts (4, 6) separated by a elastic area of conductive material (8), is permanently attached via solder points (5, 7) between the overlapping solar cells (10, 11).    ADVANTAGE -   Elastic intermediate connecting plate allows movement of individual solar cells during temperature changes. Longevity of solar generator significantly increased, material and manufacture of intermediate conencting plate can be selected according to solar cell construction.
The solar cell assembly consists of a rigid field of straight current conductors and a uniform distribution of solar cells, with individual cells suspended from the current conductor pairs via flexible leads, providing electric connections. Pref. the individual solar cells are mechanically stiffened and protected against ambient influence.    The stiffening may be formed by laminations, or by plastics encapsulation. The latter may be formed by injection moulding, or by immersion coating. The conductor field may consist of tensioned, flexible current conductors, mutually parallel in a single plane.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple, low-cost design, mechanical stability, and weather protection.
The Martian atmosphere is used as a working fluid. The power supply has an open Brayton cycle combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator that use the Martian atmosphere for their operation. The Martian atmosphere working fluid picks up heat derived from a nuclear heat source that transfers the heat to the working fluid by laminar flow heat exchange.    The combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator have provisions for separating dust from the dust laden Martian atmosphere and for operating with any residual Martian atmospheric dust that is ingested into the combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator. Reliably of operation is achieved by having two functionally separate power operating units that each have their own combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator and by only using one power unit at a time.    USE -   For electric power generation in dust-laden Martian atmosphere.
Prodn. comprises:- (A) depositing a layer of non-monocrystalline insulation Si material onto a continuous metallic substrate web using the plasma CVD or sputtering method in plasma chamber (2) using an RF electrode (21) and heater (22) and:- (B) depositing a back electrode on the insulation layer by sputtering or vapour deposition in chamber (3) using a pair of electrodes (23) which act as an anode and a cathode and a heater (24). Gas is induced and exhausted from each chamber and the Si insulation material contains O, N or Ge element(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reduced prodn. time, cost, processing steps and labour also increasing the insulation properties and quality of the material used with solar cells or printed circuit boards.
A fluorescent compsn. comprises a chelate of formula (RE(PX)N(Ly)m)+n2+my(D)-(3+nx+my) x and y are the formal charges on P and L; n = 1-4; m = 0-6 where Zn + m is at least 9; RE = metal at the rare earth series in the +3 oxidation state; L = mono- or polydentate ligand, opt.-corrdinated; and P = anion of formula (I): X1 = oxygen, sulphur, or NR1; Y1 = hydroxyl, sulphoxyl or NHR1, where R1 = hydrogen or opt. substd. hydrocarbon radicals, and the rings A, B and C are opt. surther substd. with substits. and an opt. counterion D. The neodymium chelate of 9-hydroxy-1-phenalenone is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Novel fluorescent compsn. having the potential for absorption of visible and U.V. radiation and for re-emitting the radiation at larger wavelengths are provided. They can be used in a fluorescent solar collector (claimed) where a substrate such as a plastic plate or film contg. a low concn. of the chelate of different phenalenone dyes is irradiated with sunlight. The chelates can also be used for liquid and solid state lasers, phosphors and wavelength shifters for optical communication.
Structural units, esp. facade elements have an outside pane in which solar cells are arranged between an outer and an inner pane, and they have another inner layer, which by means of an inner-space-defined spacer frame is spaced from the outer pane, where the solar cells are embedded in a cast resin layer and where the inner pane in the region of at least one edge at least partially with regard to the edge of the outer layer recedes, and so forms an overlapping recess on the cast resin layer through which the required electrical conductors pass, where the recess is covered by the spacer frame and the inner space sealing to the centre of the structural element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as structural elements esp. facade elements, with solar cells. The element has enhanced sound and heat insulation.
A roof structure comprises panels (14) of desired length, each having a galvanised steel supportive layer which has side supporting flanges (22) interconnected together to form the roof assembly (10). The mid portion (20) of each panel has a photovoltaic surface made from amorphous semiconductor material which is laminated onto the galvanised steel with a protective plastic transparent polymer coating laminated above the photovoltaic material.    The laminated galvanised steel and the photovoltaic layers are rolled into a coil and transported on site where it is unrolled, cut to size having the flanges formed to construct the rigid panels and having the panels assembled together via clips and weather-proof battens. The photovoltaic surfaces are connected together via electrical conduit coupled through couplings under the panels and between the frame members.    USE -   Energy-saving photovoltaic rigid panel for use e.g. on roof.
Fuel is supplied to burners (30) to be mixed and burnt with air in a combustion zone (17) to heat an emitter (170) which radiates energy through a window (38) to a photovoltaic cell (39). The window (38) absorbs energy to protect the cell (39) from over heating . An optical coating reflects energy which would not activate the cell back to the emitter. Air flowing to the combustion zone from the blower (24) passes over heat exchangers (128) to receive heat absorbed from the liquid used to cool the window (38) and passes through one of the beds (20a,20b) of porous heat transfer material before entering the combustion zone (17). Valves (14a,14b) are operated to provide combustion air flow alternately to each of the beds (20a,20b) to be heated thereby while the combustion products from the zone (17) flow through the other bed (20b,20a), to heat the bed.    generation of    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the electrical power from heat of combustion of a fuel. Provides electrical power at high power density and high conversion efficiency since max. amount of energy which might be lost is recycled to incoming air stream. Thermovoltaic electric power generation.
The plant comprises a mobile platform (1) with wave-receiving device consisting of two shields (2,8) absorbing the vertical and horizontal components of the oncoming wave and imparting force to hydrocylinders (7,11). The platform moving system includes rollers, guides (20) and telescopic hydrocylinders (22). The control system includes water level transducers, hydraulic distributor (23) and locking devices for switching to manual mode.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient. Bul.16/30.4.91.
The chamber comprises a body (1) partly immersed in water, with a front wall composed of upper and lower shutters (2,3) pivoted to each other. The upper shutter (2) is pivoted to the body and one shutter is kinematically linked to the rod (4) of the return cylinder (5).    The chamber has a second return cylinder (6) mounted on the upper shutter and kinematically linked to the lower one. The first return cylinder (5) is kinematically linked to the upper shutter. The cylinder cavities are linked to each other, and the lower shutter (3) is fully immersed in water.    As the wave runs on to the receiving chamber, the air pressure changes periodically inside the body, activating the energy converter. The lower shutter can turn to reduce its hydro-dynamic resistance in return motion.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher productivity. Bul.16/30.4.91.
The intake chamber consists of a housing (1) with an open lower section which is immersed in the water and has its rear wall immersed to a greater depth than its front one and a pressure pipe (3) which is connected to the upper part of the housing.    The upper section of the housing has a chamber divided into two compartments (7,8) and on the outside of the housinq there is a pneumatic cylinder (4) with a piston (5). The two compartments (7,8) are connected at the bottom by a pipe (9) and partially filled with liquid and the compartment nearer the rear wall is connected to the pressure pipe and the one nearer the front wall to the outside atmosphere.    The lower section of the housing has an elastic membrane (10) on the inside of the rear wall, covering the end of a pipe leading from the power cylinder's chamber beneath its piston. The generating unit also has a pneumatic accumulator (11) and a shut-off valve (12).    ADVANTAGE -   Higher productivity. Bul.16/30.4.91.
The plant has a hollow body (1), on the sea-bed, in the form of a cone, with apertures (3) under the water, connecting the body cavity (2) to the sea. There is an ai r turbine (4) in the top of the cavity, and a float (5) in the middle, connected to an hydraulic energy converter. This is in the form of two coaxial vertical hydrocylinders (6,7), either side of the float, with hollow rods (8,9) of equal length.    ADVANTAGE -   Simpler design. Bul.16/30.4.91.
A body (1) has an upper conical surface for guiding waves to a wheel (14) with a bar construction (20) and balanced or non-balanced radial blades (9), pivotable about their axes automatically from a working to a non-working mode. The wheel is turned by the waves and transfers the motion by a flywheel (6) to an electro-generator (5).    The electricity produced is transferred to the shore by a cable (7). The body can go up or down in accordance with the changes of the tidal sea level and is fixed to the bottom of the sea at the necessary level by a construction (3,4) and stopping slides (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Arrangement protects blades and other parts from damage in event of storm or overloading and allows blades to swing around their axes and take up safe position.
The thermoelectric generator (1) has a parabolic mirror (20) acting as a heat source and two spaces (3,4) held at different temps., each contg. an electrode (12,13), with Na used as the heat transfer medium passed between the space at the higher temp. and the space at the lower temp. The Na heat transfer medium passes through a space (8) with walls made of a material allowing passage of alkali ions.    The generator (1) is rotatable about a central axis (16) to allow the relative positions of the two spaces to be reversed relative to the heat source.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for feedback pump for heat transfer medium.
The thermoelectric generator, which has at least 2 chambers held at different temps. (3,4), features at least one Na-polysulphide cpd. in both chambers and a solid electrolyte membrane (5) sepg. the chambers which allows passage of alkali-ions. The first chamber (3) is held at pref. 400-500 deg.C. and the other (4) at 200-300 deg.C. A provision (2E) is made for excess Na-polysulphide to drain from the cooler chamber into the hot chamber. A condenser (6) condenses the vaporised S and leads it into the cool chamber (4). The hot chamber is pref. heated by a natural source, e.g. sunlight bundled by a parabolic mirror (7), or artificial process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element can be operated at a lower temp. than current Na-based elements. There is no requirement to pump back a constituent or to adapt the return flow to the energy being drained from the element.
The generator (1), allowing direct conversion of heat into electrical energy, has 2 spaces (5,6) held at different temps. by a heat source (14) and separated from one another by a solid electrolyte (4) allowing conduction of alkali ions. The electrolyte (4) has 2 electrodes on opposite sides with a heat transfer medium fed between the space at the higher temp. and the space at the lower temp. The position of the 2 spaces (5,6) relative to the heat source (14) is interchangeable.    Pref. the generator (1) has a cylindrical housing (3) receiving a beaker shaped electrolyte with an outer flange (4F) abutting its inside face for dividing its interior into 2 equal spaces (5,6).    ADVANTAGE -   Simple interchange of hot and cold generator spaces.
A cell sandwich compression method comprises preparing a cell sandwich (2, 20, 28) having Si spheres mounted on the matrix between pressure pads, and heating and compressing the sandwich at constant pressure for a sufficient time to fix the spheres.    Also claimed is a method as above of fixing doped Si spheres to an apertured foil matrix comprising loading the matrix with many doped Si spheres, positioning it between upper and lower pressure pads to form a sandwich, heating and compressing as above and cooling.    Pref. the upper pressure pad is coated foil or a layer of compressed graphite, and the foil is pref. coated on one side with a release agent, pref. a mixt. of silica, printer's ink, ethylene glycol and BN. Pref. the lower pad is the same as the upper. Pref. the sandwich is heated to 450-525 deg. C and compressed at 5-6 lbs. per sphere Cu for 1-60 s.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methods of affixing Si spheres to a foil matrix are provided which are esp. useful for solar cell arrays. Prods. are efficiently formed in a low-cost process, bonding is at low temps. and uses little force, and large cells may be formed in a single operation.
A gas gate forming a passageway between deposition chambers has a number of electrodes extending transversly across the gate generating a plasma from gases within the gate each electrode having a U shaped grounded shield partially surrounding the electrode, the electrodes and shields positioned along the length of the passageway, the open section of the U shields facing downwards. Substrates being processed pass through the passageway between depostion chambers, entering the gate at the bottom, rising over the shields whilst passing through the gate and dropping to exit the gate at the bottom of the passage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The appts. is useful in the mfr. of photovoltaic units using multi layered deposition onto a film moving between different gas deposition chambers, providing a gas valve passageway between the deposition chambers which incorporates shielded electrodes for anionising the gas to a plasma which is attracted to deposit on the shields not the substrate and thus gas isolates the depos chambers without pressurising gas and with a much shorter compact configuration.
The waves running over the installation cause rising and lowering of the floating pontoon (1), which tensions the flexible connection (2) attached to anchoring device incorporating frame (3) fitted with net (4). The net (4) is equipped with braking elements, made as rectangular plates (5) made from soft material. Each plate (5) is attached to the net (4) along its longitudinal central line (6) and acts as unidirectional valve.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced material content of the anchoring device. Can operate under relatively small waves. Bul.14/15.4.91.
A novel photovoltaic device consists photovoltaic cells (14) which are mounted on a flexible backing foil (13) and which are covered individually or in groups by a cover foil (16) to form a foil module having one or more perforations for binding by molten plastics (esp. PVC) (20), to the backing foil (13), to a backing textile (10) or to another foil module.    Pref. when bonding to a textile backing (10), the textile is pref. coated with plastics (11) which is bonded to the molten plastics (20) in the region of the perforations. When bonding foil modules together, the molten plastics is pref. cast into the aligned perforations and formed to a rivet-like body.    ADVANTAGE -   The foil modules can be bonded together to form large units or can be bonded to textile (or other material) backings. 1,2,3,4/4
Panel for a noise damping wall consists of two or more glass panes with interposed plastics material (pref. EVA or polyvinyl butyral bonding foil), united as a bonded unit (1,2,3) and positioned in front of a solar cell (4) array which is covered by a sealing glass plate (6).    Also claimed is a noise damping wall constructed (partially) of panels as in (A).    ADVANTAGE -   Panel combines good safety and sound damping properties with solar energy recovery, can be mfd. simply and efficiently and may be (partially) transparent.
The solar power-generating system for use on board spacecraft comprises: optical device positioned to collect and concentrate solar energy flux, a flexible solar energy flux transmission line for conducting the concentrated solar energy flux towards a solar energy converter, solar energy converter including an array of photovoltaic cells for converting the solar energy flux to electrical power to be applied to on-board equipment of the spacecraft. There is a protective enclosure positioned about the photovoltaic cells for substantially shielding the photovolatic cells from destructive radiation and particulate matter.    The transmission line includes a number of optical fibre waveguides having respective input and output end portions, the input end portions being respectively positioned to receive concentrated solar energy flux, the output end portions being respectively positioned to direct concentrated solar energy flux towards the converter. There is also device for moving the input ends of the optical fibre waveguides with respect to the optical device to generally optimise the quantity of concentrated solar flux entering the waveguides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Efficient highly survivable solar power generating system for use on board a spacecraft. @(17pp Dwg.No.7/12)@
Converter module comprises an enclosure, several cells (3), a condenser, heating conduits (7) and alkali metal within the enclosure. Each cell has a flat bed plate (11) with adjacent alkali metal, a barrier (23) permeable to alkali metal ions, with adjacent bed plates forming a duct (33) for transporting alkali metal vapour, insulation (19,19a) isolates adjacent bed plates, and there are means (21) for transferring liq. metal from the condenser to the container, and a current collector (25,27).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for both space and terrestrial applications. The flat plate cells are rugged and can be packed in a space-efficient manner to reduce parasitic heat losses and minimise ohmic losses. Pref. the bed plate has heat transfer grooves on its opposite sides and has thick edges, each contg. at least one C-shaped groove; contg. the heating conduit. The C-groove is on the outward side of the thick edge and there is insulation between conduit and groove. The alkali metal lies within a wick, pref. of porous sintered Nb, having an extended surface and the current collectors connect gps. of cells in series and comprise thin films of W-Rh overlying the barrier and W springs connecting cell to cell in either series or parallel. Pref. the bed plate is pref. of beta alumina. @(7pp Dwg.No.4/5)@
The power plant uses low temp. evaporating working body and the formed vapour from the evaporiser (1) goes to superheater (7), where it is sequentially heated in collector (11), pipes (10), collector (12), pipes (13) and accumulator-collector (14) by the direct sun rays and also the reflected rays from the iceberg (6) surface and the internal heat conducting plates (9), ensuring dryness of the steam before entry into a steam turbine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power feeding instruments in polar stable ice conditions. Improved operational effectiveness. Bul.21/7.6.91. @(3pp Dwg.No.1/3)@
The solar cell arrangement includes a support having at least one recess. At least one solar cell is directly bonded to the support and at least partially covers the recess. An electrical connection is located within the recess connected to at least one of the layers of the covering portion of the cell.    The electrical connection is at least partly a metallisation layer, and the support is a coverglass bonded to the back of the solar cell. Pref. two supports are provided with each being transparent.    ADVANTAGE -   Arrangement is lightweight. @(25pp Dwg.No.8/11)@
The removable closure cover for a drinking vessel such as a cup or mug has an outer cover for attachment to the mouth of the vessel, with an aperture adjacent the edge through which a user may drink. An inner cover secured to the outer cover is selectively movable into opening or closing relation with the aperture.    While usable with insulated plastics drinking cups, the closure cover also may be used with traditional mug or cup forms, to enable transportation of a hot drink in sealed, insulated relation, thus extending the use of the traditional, non-disposable mug, in a ecology promoting fashion. @(14pp Dwg.No.1/9)@
The thermo-electric Generator is made up of a set of copper tubes, a set of thermoelectric generators, a set of cold junctions, DC to AC converters, and a control system. The Hot Junctions use solar heat or atmospheric heat and the Cold Junctions are refrigerated to maintain lower temperatures extending down to Zero Degrees Kelvin. The Hot Junctions use waste heat from existing power stations or other heat producers.    The Hot Junctions use conventional or unconventional forms of heat energy including geothermal energy and the Cold Junctions are refrigerated to below superconducting temperatures or to near Zero Degrees Kelvin. The connections between the Hot ot Cold Junctions and other parts use superconductivity to improve thermodynamic efficiency. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
A drum shaped exercise unit housing is supported and sized so that a jogger can run within. A bearing is associated within the drum shaped exercise unit housing. A rotatable ring member is operatively supported by the bearing for rotation within the drum shaped exercise unit housing.    The drum shaped exercise unit housing operates a generator during the running of the jogger within the drum to produce electrical current. A foot receiving section on the rotatable ring member receives and provides a comfortable position for the feet of the jogger, the foot receiving section being spaced around the entire circumference of the rotatable ring. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The degasifier (1) in the geothermal electricity power station plant is a multi-stage device and is designed to have the water boiling up in its upper section with the sludge separator (4) mounted beyond the vaporiser (2) in order to achieve a higher degree of degasification of the geothermal water. A steam-washing device (3) is used to increase the quality of the steam fed to the turbine (11).    The steam-washer (3) receives the condensate, pre-heated initially by the heat of the brine emerging from the sludge separator (4), then by the heat of the flash steam from the degasifier (1) and finally by the heat of the combustion products from the combustion of the hot part of the gases separated out of the geothermal water in the degasifier (1). Part of the combustion products from the water economiser (18), which prevents the water from coming into contact with the atmospheric air, is directed into the upper section of the sludge separator (4) in order to prevent the geothermal water from becoming saturated with oxygen. The water which is to be returned to the ground formation is acidified in advance in a recarboniser (6) with the carbon dioxide given off in the degasifier (1) in order to prevent the underground circulation system from becoming overgrown. Provision is made for the water-cooling system of the condenser (12) to be made up with part of the turbine condensate in order to reduce the consumption of water from outside and to reduce the load on the pumps (24) pumping out the spent water.    ADVANTAGE -   The power plant is more economic and more reliable. Bul.12/30.3.91. @(3pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The intake chamber consists of a housing (1) which is open at the bottom and partially immersed in the water, equipped with a wave-receiving wall (2) and a vertical cylinder (3). The cylinder has a piston with its rod (4) connected to a float (5). The wave-receiving wall has a series of lengthwise slits (6), set one above the other, opposite which on the inside of the wall there are tubular elastic elements (7), connected to the cylinder's piston chamber.    The plant is also equipped with an hydropneumatic cylinder (9) which is connected to the housing. The pneumatic chamber of cylinder (9) is connected to the upper section of the intake chamber and its hydraulic chamber to the tubular elements.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher productivity. Bul.12/30.3.91. @(3pp Dwg.No.3/4)@
The generating plant consists of a hollow pontoon (1) mounting the power generator (2), a fixed pulley (3) which is attached to the upper section of the pontoon, and a flexible cable which passes round the pulley and connects a fixed anchor support to a tensioner, to which the generator shaft is also connected.    The plant is equipped with additional fixed (3) and moving (5) pulleys, connected by the flexible cable. The additional fixed pulleys are connected to the upper section of the pontoon and the moving ones to the tensioner.    The tensioner is in the form of a hollow housing (6) which can move vertically. The generator is located inside the housing and its shaft is connected to one of the moving pulleys.    Under wave action, the pontoon rises on the crest of a wave, pulling on the cable, which rotates the pulleys and drives the generator shaft.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable operation. Bul.12/30.3.91. @(2pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The generator consists of a vertically-anchored cylindrical float (1), surrounded by a pontoon (2) with outer projections (3), mounted so that it can perform reciprocating and rotary motions relative to the float and an electrical power generator (4).    The unit is equipped with a second electrical generator with its stator winding located round the outside of the pontoon and made in the form of a closed hollow ring (5), while its rotor is situated inside the stator and is made in the form of a ring with a series of half-ring wts. of varying size.    During operation the pontoon is moved up and down the float by the action of the waves, causing generator (4) to produce a current. At the same time the pontoon is rotated by the interaction of its projections (3) with the waves, so that the additional generator provides further electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased capacity. Bul.12/30.3.91. @(2pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The epoxy resin is e.g. bisphenol A type epoxy resin, bisphenol F type epoxy resin, bisphenol AD type epoxy resin, cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, glycidyl amine type resin, or glycidyl ester type resin etc. The acid anhydride hardener is aliphatic acid anhydride, cycloaliphatic acid anhydride, or aromatic acid anhydride such as polyadipic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, pyromellitic anhydride, or tetrabromophthalic anhydride etc. The hardening catalyst is e.g. tertamine. The electroconductive paste composition may contact antioxidant such as phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hydroxy phenol, organic acid, rosin base cpd, organic titanate or triazole etc., or dispersing agent such as metal soap, Al chelate, colloidal silica or long chain polyamino-amide etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composition shows good moisture resistance, adhesion to resist layer, and stable and high electroconductivity. The compsn. is suitable for use in prevention of electromagnetic interference. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
A sun direction sensor for solar concn. systems consists of a rectangular tube with a transvesely mounted cylindrical lens. The lens is mounted at a distance from its focal point perpendicularly to the tube above a plate carrying a photocell.    The lens forms an image of the incident sunlight as a line on the plate which illuminates the suitably arranged photocell whose output signal is used to determine the direction of incidence of the sunlight.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Accurately determining angle of incidence and hence position of radiation source to enable concn. of sunlight. @(4pp Dwg.No.4/4)@
A planar array of voltaic cells (3) lies below a layer of triangular prismatic glass ridges 92) which refract any incident radiation on to their opposing surfaces where it is totally internally reflected on to the cell-array over a range of the incident angles.    The optimum angle of the reidge vertices (2 x gamma) is defined for glass with a refractive index of 1.5. A radiation-throughput efficiency of over 95% is maintained over an angular range of nearly 90 deg. between overhead and horizontal radiation.    ADVANTAGE -   Present clean surface with higher efficiency than flat panel. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
Applying a dielectric material to a solar array having an edge, a light gathering side and a backside comprises sealing the array in the region of the edge; providing a gas pressure differential between the light gathering side and the backside which is greater on the light gathering side than on the backside; applying the dielectric material to the backside of the array, the gas pressure differential being sufficient to prevent the dielectric material from leaking to the light gathering side. Pref. (i) the gas pressure differential is 1.0-5.0 psi; (ii) the gas is air or N2; (iii) the dielectric material is an organic insulator such as polyimide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An inexpensive process for applying an insulating material to a solar array, in which leakage from the backside to the light gathering side is prevented, i.e. a uniform coating is applied to the backside with no coating on the light gathering side.
The power plant has a horizontal platform (1) with power vibration units (2), forming a power group, and connected by a shaft (4) via bearings (5). The energy of each group is imparted via chain transmissions (6), a gearbox (7) and a flywheel (8) to a generator (9) or to the propeller of the wave-hopper.    Each unit has a constant-torque mechanism covering the entire range of the vibration cycle, float volume control mechanism and mechanism for setting the float in the direction of action of the wave.    ADVANTAGE -   Combines the energy of all the power units. Bul.20/30.05.91.
The energy storage device uses different heavy weights selected from different applications, allowing storage of energy from a number of different sources, e.g. a wind turbine, a water plant or a combustion engine. The energy is stored by lifting the weights, to provide potential energy.    The stored energy is extracted by controlled lowering of the weights and converted into a DC or AC output. Pref. the weights have a mass of 100 tons or more. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
The force multiplier is placed between a power source and a load, and has a pair of hydraulic cylinders joined by a yoke (9) that rotates on a shaft (10). The cylinders have two opposing pistons (5,3). The left piston is a ring with a tubular piston rod (4) fitted with an inner piston (8) driven by the engine. The piston produces opposing forces on the pistons. Motion of these pistons is coupled by crossed yokes (21,23) so outward movement causes inward movement of pistons in the other cylinder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Low cost, pollution free creation of energy.
The fluid driven turbine motor comprises a turbine shroud and a rotor assembly attached to a central portion within the turbine shroud. The rotor assembly comprises a rotor and a series of vertical vanes, the vanes being mounted to the rotor and extending radially outward. Flared intake ports are primarily located in front of the shroud, directing a fluid flow to the vanes. The intake ports are positioned such that fluid flow is directed in opposite directions on opposite sides of the rotor to exert balanced forces onto the vanes.    A retractable, centrifugal weight assembly comprises centrifugal weights, the weights being arranged in a predetermined manner to maximise momentum and maintain attained RPM. A guide rail assembly is provided for each centrifugal weight, the guide rail assembly comprising two parallel tracks having a predetermined length and extending radially outward from a centre. The centre is aligned vertically with a centre of the rotor assembly, the centrifugal weights being mounted to the tracks to allow the centrifugal weights to traverse the length of the tracks.    USE -   Machine for generation of electrical energy.
A sectional spherical member is comprised of laminated sections, each including inner, outer, and intermediate elements. Suitable conductors connect the inner and outer elements of the sectional spherical member with a source of electrical current. A spherical core member is positioned interiorly of the sectional spherical member and is formed of a non-fusion material (does not heat up on impact). When the sectional spherical member is energised by an electrical current, the respective sections of the sectional spherical member vibrate, producing radially directed pressure waves that cause vibrations of the intermediate and outer spherical members of the spherical vibrating structure.    Inwardly directed radially propagated pressure waves are transmitted from the vibrating structure to the core member, which undergoes a slightly implosive effect to intensify outwardly directed radial pressure waves. The outwardly directed radial pressure waves produce alternate expansion and compression of the piezoelectric crystals in the outer spherical member to produce electrical current for use as available energy.    USE -   Electrically-actuated explosive energy converter for generating electricity using piezoelectric devices.
A series of magnets are in a fixed circular relationship to a rotating shaft and a complimentary series of magnets positioned on the first series and magnetically retained there. A series pickup coil is also circularly positioned relative to the rotating shaft but of a greater diameter than the ring formed by the magnets. Upon the rotation of the shaft workpiece, the magnets will continue to be attracted.    As the rotation increases, the centrifugal force to rotation increases and as the speed of rotation attains a given speed, the centrifugal force exceeds the magnetic attraction between the two series of magnets. At this speed the second series of magnets will move outwardly from the rotating shaft. The magnetic field of the moved magnets become vertically aligned with the series pickup coil and the magnetic-field induces an electrical potential in the series pickup coil. Several coil configurations and alternative magnet configurations are possible.    USE -   Magnetic actuator for controlling the electrical induction in a pickup coil to a predetermined speed of rotation of a workpiece actuated shaft.
Transfer paper has density of up to 1.10 g/m3, air permeability of up to 4,000 sec, and moisture content of 4-6%.    Coating amt. is pref. 8-20 g/m2 per side. Coat layer contains 5-25 wt.% based on pigments, of non-filmforming resin having inside voids.    ADVANTAGE -   Paper has good runnability in electrophotographic printing and provides copies having high image quality.    Inm an example, ground CaCO3 (10 pts.), cationised starch (1 pt.), and alkylketene dimer (0.1 pt.) were added to a pulp slurry consisting of hardwood BKP (100 pts.), and the resultant stock was made into paper. Coating compsn. consisting of kaolin (65 pts.), CaCO3 (30 pts.), organic pigment (5 pts.), and binders (12 pts.) was applied to both sides of the base paper and supercalendered to obtain electrophotographic transfer paper. @(6pp Dwg.No.0/2)
The power plant utilises a multi-cylinder hydraulic engine has has a number of pistons and cylinders arranged for reciprocal movement. Each piston is powered by a hydraulic fluid or air pressure. The fluid exhausted from one cylinder is sent to another cylinder to act as the inlet fluid to move that cylinder. The engine requires piston and cylinder arrangements in sets or multiples of four (such as 4,8,12,16 and so forth) to provide a balanced system. The engine can be designed in many different arrangements such as four cylinder raidal, eight cylinder V-shaped, eight cylinder opposed.    These cylinder arrangements can be linked together if desired to provide multiple engine power plants. The piston used is a spool-type piston having distinct sections which create distinct upper and lower fluid areas in the cylinder. The hydraulic engine can be coupled in a power plant arrangement with a source of fluid pressure such as a pump located on pontoons on a body of water subject to tidal or wave movements.    USE -   Tidal or wave movement power generator. @(14pp Dwg.No.12/13)@
A layer of material is deposited on the surface of an object, such as a solar array 7, by placing the object on a platform 68 which simultaneously tilts and rotates. The platform 68 is located in a reaction chamber 5 at a point where gases injected into the chamber have reacted to form the coating material. Platform 68 is rotated by means 70 and is tilted by reciprocating rod 80 pivotally connected to platform 68. Reacting gases such as oxygen and titanium isoproxide (TIP), enter mixing chamber 4 vis ports 22 and 24 and enter reaction chamber 5 at 30. A further gas such as water vapour enters 5 via line 28.    The gases react to form titnaium dioxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Layers of metal oxides such as titanium dioxide can be deposited uniformly on spherical and irregular surfaces such as the surface of a solar array as anti-reflective coatings. @(4pp Dwg.No.2/7)
(ES2023332-A)      The cavity unit has at least one absorber in the cavity. The cavity has an aperture through which light enters the cavity and a mirror, curved so that the points of the mirror illuminated from the aperture are normal to the lines of geometrical vector flux created by the bundle of rays issuing from one face of the entry aperture.    Pref. an optical system directs light reflected by the absorber such that light escaping from the cavity through the aperture has a limited angular spread. The cavity includes an optically dense dielectric medium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For photovoltaic converters. Improves absorption of solar cells and achieves higher conversion efficiency for photons of different energies by using solar cells of different materials.
The pump displaces water by movement of the membrane (6). As the tide rises the platform (30) moves upwardly under the influence of the buoyant tanks (32). The flexible membrane is moved upwardly and water is thus drawn in through inlet (20) but expelled through outlet (18) as the diaphragm (6) rises to the solid line position in the drawings. Flow is restricted to one way flow by the check valve (38). Thus as the tide rises water cannot enter or be forced out of the inlet (16). Water passes from outlet (18) to the conduit (34). It may be used to drive water turbine (36) and then passes to the reservoir. Water in the reservoir can be used to drive the turbine when the tide is still and the pump thus not operating.    As the tide recedes the platform (30) goes downward, moving the connecting rod (26) downwardly and, with it, moving the connecting rod (26) downwardly and, with it, the membrane. Water enters the upper compartment (8) through inlet (16) as the water in the lower compartment (10), present from the previous cycle, is forced out of outlet (22) into the conduit (34), through the turbine (36) and to the reservoir.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Generating electricity from tides. Simple, durable, easily maintained, less massive. @(9pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Diffused junction GaSb cell is used in a GaAs/GaSb tandem solar cell to improve conversion efficiency. The GaSb cell pref. has no upper passivating upper epitorical overcoat.    A solar concentrator module comprises the above tandem cell units (10) and a solar light focussing means and concentrator. A pref. module array produces energy conversion efficiencies of 31% (air mass effects zero). Specifically light concentrated is a pi matic cover glass which optically eliminates grid line obscuration losses. Multiple layers of anti-reflective material are provided on each opposite surface of the GaAs upper cell; a pref. anti-reflective layer material is Ta2O5. The GaAs upper cell includes parallel conductors on its upper surface connected to a first terminal and a contact on its lower surface connected to a second terminal. The lower GaSb cell has a p-diffusion layer and a radiation - receiving area with parallel conductors contacting the diffusion layer connected to a third terminal, and a metallised terminal. lower surface connected to a fourth terminal. @(49pp Dwg.No.1/11)@
Biomass for fuel is ground in a mill (70) and fed by pneumatic feedline (72) to a furnace (4) via a storage bin (74). Provision is made for alternative fuels.    A computer (94) simplifies operation and improves efficiency by regulating the compressor (42), the turbine (50), the mill (70), the motor (80) etc.. A dummy load water heater (100) is used to maintain a constant load on the gas generator unit (40) to maximise combustion and thermal transfer efficiencies.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides world-wide isolated communities with easily fuelled electrical power generators. @(15pp Dwg.No.4/7)@
A high-temp-stable contact metallisation system for contacting a III-V semiconductor comprises a III-V surface having non-planar regions (10) over which is a diffusion barrier layer (20) and a patterned conductor (24) contacting the semiconductor through the barrier layer, the conductor having sepd. parts which do not overlie the non-planar regions such that current passes between these parts across the non-planar regions, through the barrier layer.    Pref. the non-planar regions comprise an insulator the III-V body is GaAs, the system pref. comprises a grid for a photovoltaic device, and the grid pref. collects current from a GaAs solar cell. Pref. the metallisation contacts a light-incident surface of a photovoltaic device and is pref. a collection grid for a solar cell. Pref. the semiconductor body comprises a mesa.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A high-temp. metallisation system for contacting semiconductor, esp. III-V, surfaces (claimed) is provided which is useful in semiconductor and photovoltaic devices, e.g. in space applications, lasers, solar cells etc. A highly stable grid pattern is provided which resists both thermal and mechanical stress, both for front and back contacts, and high-temp. excursions. Interdiffusion is minimised and adhesion is good. @(12pp Dwg.No.1/12)@
The positioning of a reflector (20) within the framework (12) can be varied to obtain max. efficiency. A transparent cover (26) covers the reflector. The installation (10) includes a first photovoltaic solar panel (28), pivotally mounted to the framework. The panel has protruding stub axles mounted in bearings in housings (30) mounted to the framework members (16). A toothed cog (32) is fitted to one of the stub axles.    From the protruding end of a bimetallic strip (22) a lever (34) depends. A toothed cog (36) is rotatably mounted to the framework. The lower end (38) of the lever is secured to the toothed cog such that, as the protruding end of the metallic strip rises within the opening (24) due to heating, the lever is urged upwardly, causing the cog to rotate (arrow 40). A continuous chain connects the cogs.    ADVANTAGE -   Reacts dynamically to degree of heating during course of day. Few moving parts. @(Provisional basic advised week 9149)@ @(27pp Dwg.No.1/8)@
The process for the destruction of waste includes passing an organic waste into a chamber, pumping an inert gas into the chamber until the pressure within the chamber is at least 10,000 p.s.i. and heating the chamber to a temperature in excess of 300 deg. F. The organic waste is dissociated into its gaseous constituents and the gaseous constituents passed from the chamber. The chamber is filled with an inert gas, so as to displace oxygen from the chamber.    The pressurised gaseous constituents are delivered to a turbine to actuate the turbine and to generate electricity. The gaseous constituents pass from the turbine into a boiler. An oxygen-containing gas is mixed with the gaseous constituents within the boiler to produce pressurised steam. This pressurised steam is passed to a turbine to produce electricity. The inert gas is argon.    USE -   Thermal destruction of refuse, including toxic and hazardous wastes. @(7pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
A system for controlling travel of truck in a piping having circular section when the truck is inclined, has with a detector for detecting inclined angle of the truck relative to horizontal line and attached to two positions in the truck and for outputting signal to eliminate the inclined angle by a steering motor, a detector for detecting rotation speed of the motor and for outputting the speed detector to each the travelling wheels, a detector for detecting and outputting the steering wheels, a differential amplifying circuit for inputting output of the inclined angle, for inputting output of the steering angle detector through a sensitivity controller and for amplifying and outputting the difference between them, a circuit for controlling rotation of the motor so that both may be the same, a device to set inclined angle for driving the steering wheels manually and simultaneously, and a comparator for comparing the output of the inclined angle setter with that of the inclined angle detector and for performing steering and to change the steering to two wheels arranged in series or to one of the wheels arranged to the truck.    ADVANTAGE -   When the inclined angle of a truck exceeds a specified limit, steering wheels are controlled automatically, and the inclined angle is returned to within the limit. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/3)@
The conversion of a reactive force generated by some differential actions can generate a greater quantity of energy than the energy required to generate the differential actions. The apparatus consists of some ringlike circular tubes which are shut and contain a fluid they are located in a revolving circular frame between its axis and its edge.    Each circular tube is mounted on a beam or the like and a shaft in such a way that it can revolve on its axis like a wheel. The shaft is driven by an electric motor to get the differential actions the circular frame must revolve. The centrifugal force acts on the fluid inside the tubes toward the edge of the circular frame, as the frame and the tubes revolve in the same direction, the forces acting on the fluid during its revolutions are unbalanced.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The artificial source of energy is provided which will be free of pollutions and reliable in most circumstances. @(15pp Dwg.No.1/3)@
USE/ADVANTAGE -   Since engine need not use air, it is suitable for undersea and space development. Avoids possibility of radioactive contamination, and public pollution problems. @(13pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The motor consists of an optically-transparent tapering dome (1) with apertures (2,3) at the top and bottom for air to pass through and a rotating radiation receiver (4) which is located axially-symmetrically inside the dome. The receiver is filled with a heat accumulating substance; its outer surface is located equidistantly from the fixed dome and it has lengthwise ribs (5) forming channels (6) for air to pass through between the lower and upper apertures.    During operation the solar rays passing through the dome are absorbed by the black surface of the receiver and the ribs, heating them and the heat accumulating substance inside so that the heat can be stored. The air current flowing upwards through the dome impinge on the ribs and an impeller (7), causing the receiver to rotate about its vertical axis and turn a power generator (9).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides for round-the-clock operation and higher efficiency. Bul.5/7.2.91. @(2pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Non fossil fuel energy e.g. solar energy (A) heats the liq. in an element (20), and in a reservoir (22). A vaporising chamber (10) immersed in the reservoir, is in series with a turbine (12) and a condenser (14) which has a cooling water feed (8) whose temp. rise may be used at an outlet (9).    The turbine drives a generator (16) monitored by a controller (51). An electrolysis plant (40) provides hydrogen and oxygen which are used to supply a fuel cell (42). The energy may be used immediately or stored as required.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables convenient use of alternative energy sources.
Producing a two-dimensional image which is adaptable to electroless deposition of metal comprises printing a catalytic ink onto a moving web from a rotating gravure roller, the catalytic ink comprising a soln. of less than 10 wt.% solids comprising polymer and a group IB or group 8 metal cpd., complex or colloid, and having a viscosity of 20-600 cpoises (Brookfield no. 1 spindle at 100 rpm, 25 deg.C.).    A web having repetitive patterns of two dimensional metal image including a conductive metal line of 50 microns width or less and adapted for use as an electrical device is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This method allows fabrication of 2-dimensional imaged metal articles on webs, esp. moving webs, by electroless deposition of metal onto a catalytic pattern. This is useful for producing electronic devices such as diodes, capacitors, etc. or energy conversion devices such as batteries, sensors or fuel cells. Conventional techniques involve the use of catalytic printing inks which require considerable drying/baking and which therefore limits the printing speeds attainable. This method uses low solids inks to achieve fine line images at printing speeds of up to 500 m/min., with vertical drying possible.
A battery disconnect circuit has a voltage measuring circuit (32) that constantly measures the voltage of the battery (12). When the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage, proportional to the stored electrochemical energy sufficient to start a vehicle one time, a circuit breaker (24) disconnects the battery (12). An inhibitor (53) senses the operation of the engine (31) through an electret microphone (94) and inhibits the circuit breaker (24) from opening.    An alarm disabler (58) senses the state of the circuit breaker (24), and disables the alarm (42) if the circuit breaker (24) is closed. A trigger (41) through a sensor (R1) sensing a drop in voltage due to an operator trying to activate the starting subsystem (30), activates the alarm (42) to notify the operator that the battery (12) has been disconnected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wheel battery. Eliminate all parasitic current drains, can be universally installed without connection to wiring harness.
The battery includes a single housing contg. a number of electrochemical cells which include a first set of cells electrically connected in series to a first positive terminal cell and associated first positive terminal. A second set of cells are electrically connected in series to a second positive terminal cell and associated second positive terminal.    A common negative terminal cell and associated terminal has both sets of cells connected to it in parallel. Each cell has a number of positive and negative electrode plates in it and an electrolyte in contact with the plates, wherein the first set of cells has different discharge characteristics than the second set of cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) battery. Allows discharge/recharge management without need for heavy duty switches or major electrical alterations. Electrode plates sufficiently thick to withstand deep discharge pressures. Cost-effective.
An automotive SLI battery, resistant to inter-cell connector corrosion, comprises a battery container having many cells contg. electrolyte. Each cell has a grid structure (17) of many positive and negative electrodes with attached layers of active material, and a strap connecting electrodes together including an intercell connection (20). The strap is of Pb-based alloy contg. by wt. 3-3.3% Sb, 0.04-0.07% of Sn and of As, and 0.014-0.020% Se.    Also claimed is the battery above, with the strap being able to withstand continuous exposure to 155 deg.F. for at least 15 weeks.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An SLI battery suitable for automotive use (claimed) is provided. The alloy used provides both toughness and ductility to the intercell weld and corrosion resistance and service life are increased, even in warmer climates.
The electric storage battery includes a battery case and cover enclosing positive and negative electrical element plates and an electrolyte solution. An insulating layer composed of foam particles is floated on the top of the electrolyte. The positive element plates are formed on grids, including a rectangular frame having on its top side a lug for connecting the positive plates, and a number of horizontal grid wires. The plate also include a number of vertical grid wires having a greater cross-sectional area than the horizontal grid wires, other than the center horizontal grid wire. The number of vertical grid wires is twice the number of horizontal wires.    Two diagonal grid wires, extending from the vicinity of the bottom corner of the frame of the lug and are oriented such that each is in a different quadrant when viewed in plan elevational view defined by horizontal and vertical axis passing and intersecting through the lug.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries. Ameliorates effects of heat and evaporative water loss to reduce corrosion.
The battery connector cover includes an insulative body which is locked when in a closed position over a battery terminal and cable connector by a locking detent at one end, is secured at its opposite end to battery cables via a cable lock, and includes an integral hinge disposed between the two ends so as to provide easy access to the battery terminal and connector.    The connector lock holds the cover in a closed position by utilising a locking detent which engages with a fastening tab on the connector to prevent the cover from becoming disengaged from the battery temrinal. The rear of the connector cover is secured to and encloses the battery cables via the cable lock which employs wing shaped locks that snap lock to a centrally located wall in the cover to form two individual cable compartments.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle battery. Allows opening of cover without exposing terminals, simple installation.
(US5208117-A)      The battery includes the container and the cover with aligned side and end walls. The electrolyte filling part extends upward and in a direction between the end walls of the container. Two top walls extend between the side walls of the cover and the end walls of the cover. An intermediate wall extends between the end walls of the cover and interconnects an end of the first top wall with an end of the second top wall, and a pair of conductor tab terminals.    The intermediate wall has a projecting portion extending around one end of the electrolyte filling part, and outwardly extending portions extending from opposite ends of the projecting portion to the side walls of the cover. One end of each of the conductor tab terminals projects from the intermediate wall at the opposite sides, respectively, of the projecting portion at positions above the second top wall, and the other end of each of the conductor tab terminals extends in the cover for connection to the positive and negative posts, respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple positioning of receptacle housing, with easy connection, when connecting housing of fasten terminal type to tab terminal installed on cover. Enables simple charge operation.
(JP4323549-A)      NOVELTY - The manufacture of solid-electrolyte sensor involves pouring the slurry containing solid-electrolyte powder (zirconia) into a mold having water absorbing capacity to form an electrode-electrolyte compact (EEC). EEC is baked to obtain solid electrode-electrolyte composite.    USE -   For manufacturing solid-electrolyte sensor.    ADVANTAGE -   A precise solid-electrolyte sensor is manufactured easily and at reduced cost.
Reformer includes annular reactor tube with reforming catalyst, burner, annular exhaust gas flow path surrounding reactor tube and adapted for flowing comubstion exhaust gas having heated reactor tube, annular off gas flow path for flowing off gas to be fed to burner after heat exchange with combustion exhaust gas flowing exhaust gas flow path and annular combustion air flow path for flowing combustion air.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat of combustion exhaust gas can be recovered as much as possible.
The fuel cell has a number of fuel cell sub-stacks, each of which has cell bodies, with at least one anode header and at least one cathode header. The sub-stacks are stacked to form a fuel cell stack body. Side thermal insulators are provided on the whole side of the fuel cell stack body to keep the fuel cell sub-stacks warm and are discrete from each other in the direction of stacking of the fuel cell sub-stacks.    Each of the side thermal insulators is independently supported. The side thermal insulators are discrete from each other in the stacking direction in correspondence with the respective cell sub-stacks. The weight of each of the side thermal insulators is supported by the cell sub-stack or corresponding cell sub-stacks.    USE -   Easily attached thermal insulation for a fuel stack body.
Fuel cell power plant comprises a gas modifier to modify preheated mixed gas contg. methane or methanol into hydrogen rich gas, a modifier burner to supply required heat for the modifying reaction to the modifier, and a cell proper to generate electric current receiving the hydrogen rich gas from the modifier.    The plant also comprises catalyst layer, in which catalyst to suppress methanation reaction is filled, in the vicinity of the mixed gas inlet of the modifier.    Pref. the catalyst to suppress methanation reaction comprises Cu-Ni gp. catalyst. In the plant, waste fuel exhausted from the cell proper is pref. supplied, controllably depending upon the designated temp. of the modifier, to the auxiliary burner for turbo-compressor operation to supply oxygen or air to the cell proper.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the plant for which methane and methanol can be utilised as its fuel. Methanol can be directly modified into hydrogen rich gas, and mixed gas contg. methane can be modified into hydrogen rich gas at the methane modifying catalyst on the methanation suppressing catalyst.
Device comprises (a) a catalyst feed system to heat mixed steam by feeding high temp. sec. helium gas to a steam modifying device; (b) a water heating system to feed helium gas after its passage through the steam modifying device to a heating source to form a heating source for water; and (c) a preheating system feed for helium gas after its passage through the steam generator to a raw material preheater to form a heating source for a coal like raw material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Heat source is effectively fed without consuming quantities of fossil fuel.
An electrolysis cell, for gas evolving or consuming electrolytic processes, has a housing with cathodic and anodic current distribution and at least one fluidised electrode comprising individual electrode elements, the novelty being that (i) the electrode elements have a pulverulent structure with an average dia. of max. 500 microns but sufficiently large that the characteristics of a suspension of the electrode material in the electrolyte are retained; and (ii) at least one system, which interacts directly with the electrode elements, is provided for electrode element transport to and pref. retention at the reaction-side region of the current distributor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell may be used, e.g., for removal of metals from waste water or for solar prodn. of hydrogen by electrolysis. It has an extremely large electrode surface, ensures an overall zero electrode spacing under fluctuating process conditions, avoids overloading of the separator system (membrane or diaphragm) and allows use of a solid electrolyte as the separator system.
An electrolysis cell, for gas evolving or consuming electrolytic processes, has one or more electrodes with a quasi one-dimensional or two-dimensional capillary structure at the reaction-side edge region such that gas and electrolyte transport proceeds transversely to the electrode plane.    The novelty is that one or more capillary gaps are connected to the edge region (51,52) and oppose gas and electrolyte transport (L,G) along the electrode plane, esp. in the vertical direction, with less resistance than the edge region.    In the operation of the cell, the novelty is that (a) during the cell start-up phase, the electrolyte level is sufficiently high that gas bubble evolution causes electrolyte transport to the upper electrode edge so that the electrode is fully supplied with electrolyte, this being dependent on cell geometry, material properties, pressure, temp., voltage and current; and (b) on transition to the operative state, the electrolyte level is opt. lowered at most by an amount still ensuring uninterrupted supply of the entire electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is used, e.g., for water electrolysis. It has improved electrolyte and gas transport properties, increased efficiency and, because of its compactness, a good space-yield ratio. The cell operation is reliable and efficient and avoids aerosol formation so that a dry gas prod. is obtd..
The appts. includes a special block and hardened material which serves to lodge a mounted battery in place against its mounting plate. A bolt is secured through this block to the mounting plate. The bolt has a head formed with a variably configured female locking receptacles which fits down in a recessed opening in the top of the block.    A key male piece can be matingly received in this female head so that the attached bolt can be turned to lock or release the battery. The key can be removed and the recessed head becomes inaccessible for security of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Locking automobile battery to its mounting plate so that it can't easily be stolen.
The electrochemical unit comprises two electrodes facing each other; and a composite membrane of ion-exchange resin/liq. permeable fibre between these electrodes. The liq. permeable fibre is pref. hollow fibre. At least one side of the composite membrane of ion-exchange resin/liq. permeable fibre is pref. integrated with an electrode layer side of composite electrode comprising electrode layer and phase sepn. layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A three phase interface is formed between the electrode layer, reactant and reaction prod. Gas and liq. are sepd. as the supply/discharge of gas is at the rear side of electrode, allowing the adjustment of liq. flow rate and high efficiency. The unit is compact.
Modular isothermal reactor useful in power generation systems comprises (a) a sealing plate; (b) a baffle plate located in spaced opposed relationship relative to the sealing plate; (c) several heat conductors on one side of the baffle plate and extending towards the sealing plate; (d) a housing between the sealing plate and the baffle plate, the housing having an interior surface surrounding the heat conductors, such that the sealing plate, the baffle plate, the heat conductors and the housing interior surface together form a channel for containing a solid catalyst and passing the flow of feedstock and fuel; and (e) a fluid flow plate adjacent the other side of the baffle plate, the fluid flow plate and the baffle plate providing a fluid flow passage between them for carrying a thermal fluid, which fluid flow passage is separate from the channel.    Pref. the heat conductors are in the form of concentric arcuate walls on the baffle plate. The channel may have a tortuous or labyrinthine configuration providing a relatively long and narrow reactant path with minimal-sectional area increasing the linear velocity of the reactants for a given space velocity.    ADVANTAGE -   The reactor design provides for sufficiently high linear velocities precluding thick boundary layers along the reactor walls, which happens in previous designs, the thinner boundary layers providing efficient transfer of heat from the heated side of the plates to the reactor side.
The plate-shaped reformer includes a reforming chamber filled with reforming catalyst, a heating chamber for passing high temp. gas, heat-conductive partition walls through which reforming chamber and heating chamber are piled, a raw material gas feed line connected to the inlet side of the reforming chamber and high temp. gas feed and discharge lines connected to inlet and outlet sides of heating chamber respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Conventional combustion catalyst can be omitted.
System comprises (a) a fermentation bath to generate methane gas by heating acid contg. C, (b) high temp. bath to produce H2 and CO by heat treatment of the methane gas obtd. in the fermentation bath with solar heat, and (c) a fuel cell for which H2 formed in the high temp. bath is used as fuel.    The system pref. also comprises a solar cell which is connected in parallel with the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   H2 produced by decomposition of CH4 may be used for power supply at night. No CO2 is generated, and leakage of CH4 into the air is prevented.
The cabling system comprises a first cable (12) connecting a terminal (11) of a first battery (7) to a vehicle component. The cable is fitted with a split ring terminal (14) comprising a pair of spaced lugs (15 and 16) with concentric apertures (17 and 18) to receive attachments (19) to draw together the lugs to clamp the ring onto the terminal of the first battery.    A second cable (31) connects the terminal (11) to the terminal (36) of the second battery (8). The second cable has a terminal in the form of a post (32) inserable in one of the apertures (17 and 18) in the lugs (15 and 16). A third cable (27) connects the other terminal (26) of the first battery (7) to an earthing point on the vehicle, fitted with a split ring terminal (29). A fourth cable (39) connects the other terminal of the first battery to the corresponding terminal (41) of the second battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For battery of vehicle esp. agriculture. Removes corrosion problems and removes undesirable voltage drops.
The battery is made up of a series of conventional cells and includes at least one cell which has an additional positive or negative terminal to form an auxiliary circuit terminal.    During a starting or cranking phase of operation, the main circuit of the battery is isolated from the auxiliary circuit and is connected to energise the heavy load circuits of the automobile. The auxiliary terminal is connected so as to provide stable power to light load circuits, for example the ignition circuit. During running of the automobile the main and auxiliary terminals are connected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pseudo-double circuited vehicular electrical system and storage battery which in critical starting load conditions performs with two independent circuits, but under normal running load conditions provides function of traditional signal circuitry.
H2, CO and CO2 are produced by contacting a mixt. of pyrolytic C and H2O with radio frequency energy. The energy is pref. at 2450-5000 MHz and it may be pulsed at ca 60 c/s. C (char) is a good absorber of radio frequency energy, it's temp. being rapidly increased. The heated C is an effective reducing agent, removing O2 from steam to produce H2. To remove S contg. gases, e.g. hydrogen sulphide, that may be formed in the process, ferric oxide may be added to the char.    ADVANTAGE -   H2 is obtd., by a method that does not require use of chemical catalysts and high temps.. Reactants may be prods. of a mild coal gasification process.
Desulphurising reactor includes a fuel reformer for reforming hydrocarbon fuel with steam and feeding reformed gas to a fuel cell, and reactor vessel upstream reformer and filled with a catalyst layer to remove the sulphur component in the raw fuel. The reactor also includes a cooling pipe, heater and heat-conductive nets in the catalyst layer. Nets are orthogonal to the flowing direction. A cooling pipe flows cooling water of the fuel cell, and cooling water is heated by the heater to heat the catalyst layer on starting.    ADVANTAGE -   Difference in temp. variation of catalyst layer may be reduced.
Device for producing current from a mixt. of 02 and an H2 (-yielding) fuel comprises: an electron-receiving electrode (I) having high catalytic activity for formation of H2O2 from H2 and O2; an electron-supplying electrode (II) of lesser catalytic activity for H2O2 formation; and an electrolyte for conducting ions and gases between the electrodes. One or both electrodes is permeable. Pref. (I) comprises Pt/Pd as catalyst, pref. 0.5-6.0 wt.% more pref. 1-50 wt.% and esp. 2-20 wt.% Pt, balance Pd; and (II) pref. Comprises Pt or Pd.    ADVANTAGE -   Device provides increased electrical energy output from an unsegregated 02/ fuel mixt.
Power plant comprises a fuel cell mainframe, a steam reformer, a gas separator, a hydrogen refiner and a crossover exchanger, to guide heat generated in a graphite-moderated helium cooled type hot gas reactor to the steam reformer, via a helium-to-helium intermediate heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective use of manufactured hydrogen gas is allowed by using hot helium gas.
Prodn. of porous ceramic parts in which a mixt. (I) is produced contg. ceramic powder and binders moulding and sintering comprises (a) forming (I) using an unstable ZrO2 or Zr(CO3)2 and a non-oxidic cpd., which can decompose to form a gas and is stable to ZrO2, e.g. CaCO3; (b) moulding to give ceramic parts; and (c) heating the parts to sintering temp., in which during heating, calcination to produce pores occurs, and then sintering.    Extruded ceramic mouldings can be produced by (a) producing a powder mixt. contg. ZrO2 and CaCO3; (b) adding organic extrudant, e.g ethylene glycol and methyl cellulose and water, to the mixt. and processing to a plastic extrudable mass; (c) forming a moulding; (d) pre-drying the moulding in hot air; (e) heating the moulding to approx. 1550 deg.C by 1-2 deg./min. and keeping at the temp. for 3-10 secs.; (f) cooling the moulding to room temp. by 3-5 deg.C/min.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic parts produced can be used for fuel cells. They have improved porosity and mechanical strength
The stack arrangement of high temp. fuel cells has several alternately arranged first and second chambers (3, 4) respectively subjected to oxygen or fuel gas, and separated from each other alternately by an oxygen-ion conducting first, and a gas tight second wall.    The side walls (11, 12) of the stack (1) are single storeyed and the partition walls (6, 7) are located in slots, which are arranged in the side walls. The gap between the partition walls (6, 7) and the side walls (11, 12) is sealed by a material which, at the operating temp. of the fuel cells, is plastically deformable so far, that due to the different heat expansions between the parts, the tensions occurring are balanced.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliability increased due to redn. of joint places. Different temps. between side and partition walls exerts no harmful reaction.
A bipolar electrode comprises two electrically coupled parallel metal plates supporting an anode and a cathode, respectively. Electrical coupling is achieved by an electrically conductive solid mass which is held under pressure between the plates and which is heated to at least its flow temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyser is used, e.g., for electrolysis of aq. alkali metal halide solns., e.g., NaCl solns. to produce sodium chlorate and hydrogen. The electrical coupling mass provides low electrical resistance, allows escape of gas and provides a simple construction allowing rapid and easy (dis)assembly of the common wall of the bipolar electrod
The vehicle battery has a lower region (11) and an upper region (12), each of which have separate covers (15,16) set on separate battery blocks (13,14). Each battery block is divided into a number of cells, e.g. 6 and a filler cap is provided. Each cell has a 2 V rating.    Each block has a positive (21,23) and negative (22,24) battery terminal. The upper battery block is used to supply power for engine starting, while the lower unit serves the ignition and lighting.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery is subdivided for different engine and vehicle functions.
A terminal clamp (1, 1') establishes an electric connection of an electric lead to, e.g. the accumulator of a motor vehicle. The terminal clamp has inclined surfaces (6). These are forced to move relative to each other in the circumferential direction upon tightening of a tensioning screw (3) running parallel to the axis of the lead to be gripped. Thus the lead is gripped circumferentially.    At least the receiving part (2) is made in one piece from a punched metal sheet. The inclined surfaces are formed on folded over tongues (7) of the sheet. The tongues fit into slots (5, 5') in a part (4) to prevent them breaking off. The width of the slots in the circumferential direction of the clamp is greater than the corresp. length of the tongues. An end (5E, 5E') of the slots forms a contour for the tongues on which the inclined surfaces are opened to produce the relative movement.    ADVANTAGE -   Secure, reliable clamp which allows savings on material and weight while maintaining clamp effectiveness.
A gas tight ceramics carrier (1) has U-shaped recesses defining open channels (5) which are covered by the fuel cells (2) to form air flow channels. The carrier is pref. closed at one end by an end wall which deflects the air between the adjacent flow channels in a zig-zag path between an air inlet and an air outlet.    Alternatively, the channels (5) formed in the surface of the ceramics carrier have a zig-zag configuration, with the fuel cells overlapping at their edges so that they are electrically connected in series.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective air circulation to fuel cell air electrodes.
The lead-acid battery includes a stack of film pouches, each contg. positive and negative electrode elements and separators. The pouches are prepd. by folding an elongate film strip, and collector tabs are provided for the electrodes at either end of the stack. Electrode pairs intermediate the ends of the stack are electrically connected through adjoining openings in the pouch walls, e.g. by welding.    An integral vent is formed from flaps cut in the film strip and the pouch edges and top are heat sealed for electrolyte containment. The battery is constructed utilising an elongate strip of plastic material, onto which prepasted positive and negative grids of battery material are placed. The plastic is folded, accordion style, and separators are provided between adjacent positive and negative plates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin SLI batteries. Simple venting, lightweight.
The fuel cell stack includes a set of fuel cells juxtaposed with one another in the stack and each including a pair of plate-shaped anode and cathode electrodes that face one another, and a quantity of liq. electrolyte present at least between the electrodes. A number of separator plates that are substantially impermeable to liqs. but wettable by electrolyte is interposed between respective successive electrodes of adjacent ones of the fuel cells.    Each such separator plate has edge portions situated at a periphery of the fuel stack and having a peripheral surface, and marginal surfaces respectively facing the successive electrodes and forming respective interfaces therewith. Migration of any electrolyte is prevented by providing a layer of a material that is non-wettable by the electrolyte at least on the peripheral surface of the separator plate and also on the marginal surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids edge region corrosion.
A gill for extracting O2 from an environment in contact with the appts. comprises: (a) a container having an inlet, an outlet and an oxygen permeable membrane which together at least in part define an inner space of the container, the membrane having a first surface adapted to be in contact with the environment and a second surface facing the interior space, (b) a carrier fluid in contact with the second surface of the membrane in the container and (c) a non-proteinaceous O2 binding cpd. (I) contained in the carrier fluid, where (I) comprises a tetradentate chelating mol, a metal ion in the mol and a nitrogenase base chelated to the metal ion.    The membrane may comprise e.g. silicone rubber, PTFE, an alkylcellulose or an acetylcellulose. The carrier fluid may be an organic solvent, e.g. 1-methylimidazole. (I) may be haem or Fe(II) protoporphyrin IX or its alkyl esters or salts complexed with 1-methylimidazole.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The appts. and method can be used for removing O2 from an environment e.g. seawater or air, with low energy requirements.
The machine has a one-piece platen with a central core having formed therein a set of openings, spaced apart from each other.The openigns are used to receive heaters and the thermocouple used in the platen. An intergral external heating surface is formed on top of the central core and another integral external heating surface is formed on the bottom of the central core.    These heating surfaces are used for heating the cover and the battery container and serve to transfer the heat from the heaters. Thermal growth appts. are provided in the unique platen travel design which reduce stress and and forces on the platen bearings and on the heat seal machine structure as the platen expands and contracts upon use.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle battery production. Eliminates corrosion and warpage, provides uniform heat transfer to cover and battery container.
The dual supply has two alternators (A, A`) and two batteries (B, B`) each with their own voltage regulator (REG, REG`). Each alternator has a diode bridge rectifier (Dt, Dt`) at its output.    An single indicator lamp (LT) has one terminal connected to the positive terminal of one battery (B`). The other lamp terminal is connected to the rectifier (Dt) for the other battery (B) through a zener diode (Dz) and to the first rectifier (Dt`) through a diode (D2) which blocks current circulation between bridges.    ADVANTAGE -   Single fault indicator lamp serving dual voltage supply circuits in motor vehicle.
The container is provided with a set of aligned pouring spouts at the same elevation and with a spacing corresp. to the spacing between the cells of a battery. The level of electrolyte in the container is below the level of te pouring spouts when the container is placed in a certain position witth the spouts spaced in a horizontal plane.    In this container position, the pouring spouts are opened and then simultaneously inserted into the cells of the battery which has been placed on its side. The mated battery container assembly is then pivotted as a unit ninety degrees to place the battery in a normal upright position with the inserted container in an inverted pouring position. A vent hole is then established through the container, and the acide then pours by gravity simultaneously into all of the cells of the battery.    USE -   Filling dry batteries for vehicle, garden tractors.
Arrangement consists of an electrically insulating, porous, ceramic support (2) having internal gas channels (3), e.g., vertical air channels, and electrically interconnected fuel cells (4) on its external main faces. The cells have individual areas of 1-16 sq.cm. and are arranged as series-connected rows (5) of series-connected or parallel-connected cells (4).    The fuel cell arrangement pref. has (i) a ZrO2/CaO or MgAl2O3 support (2) of 1-2mm wall thickness; (ii) 0.05-0.5mm thick current terminals (6,7) of Ni or Ni/ZrO2; (iii) 0.05-0.5mm thick fuel electrodes of Ni/ZrO2; (iv) 0.1-0.5mm thick air electrodes of La(Sr)MnO3; (v) 0.2-0.5mm thick insulator layers of MgAl2O4 or sintered glass-ceramic; (vi) 0.05-0.3mm thick solid electrolytes of ZrO2/Y2O3; (vii) 0.05-0.3mm thick interconnectors (12) of La(Mg,Ca,Sr)CrO3; and (viii) additional conductor layers of Ni or Ni/ZrO2.    ADVANTAGE -   The design avoids large voltage differences within the cells and provides reduced power losses.
The battery appts. includes a number of plates in each stack. At least some of the plates include spaced apart, coplanar collector lugs. The collector lugs form parallel rows of lugs. Elongated collector straps electrically couple the lugs in each row and a weld element electrically couples the straps.    The weld element of each stack is electrically coupled to a weld element of an adjacent stack through the wall. The plates are lead-acid battery plates and include positive and negative plates respectively pasted with positive and negative paste material. A portion of each weld element is located intermediate the collector straps. Each plate includes a conductive grid with lugs extending from it.    ADVANTAGE -   Straps for connecting lugs provide excellent current collection and resistance to vibration induced breakage.
Temp. of catalyst layer in reaction tube is detected by thermometer, and flow rate of off-gas flowing through off-gas feed line is controlled by controlling flow rate control valve in off-gas discharge line branched from off-gas feed line so that detected temp. may be preset value. Amt. of combustion air fed by blower is controlled such that air-fuel ratio between amt. of off-gas detected by off-gas flow meter in off-gas feed line and amt. of combustion air detected by air flow meter in combustion air feed line may be given value.    ADVANTAGE -   No excess amt. of air is fed into burner.
Reforming reactor is used to convert reactive gas contg. hydrocarbon or alcohol into mixed gas contg. hydrogen by action of reforming catalyst. Reforming catalyst is held at inlet for reactive gas, and made to contact only part of reactive gas fed.    ADVANTAGE -   Oxidn. of reforming catalyst will not occur without incorporating hydrogen into fed reactive gas.    .D
Mol. ratio of principal elements of mixt. before synthesising the source powder is as follows; La:Ca:Cr=(1-x):x:(1-y). Values of x and y satisfy: x is 0-0.4; y is 0-0.05; y is less than or equal to x. The powder is baked within the hot press forming appts. to obtain sintered member.    ADVANTAGE -   Residual porosity is almost eliminated.
A fuel cell generator comprises a reformer to reform gas mainly contg. hydrogen form material has through reforming reaction and a fuel cell mainframe to create electric energy by reacting hydrogen gas in the reformed gas with reactive gas supplied from the outside, for heating the material gas in the reformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Even has leakage so small that there is no change in gas flow or system pressure, can be detected.
The car battery (14) is held within a closed plastic container (40). The base of this container (12) has L-shaped spring clips (22) formed from the side walls which bear against recesses (28) in the battery, holding it in place against various side ribs (36). The spring clips have slots at their free end (34) so that a screwdriver blade can be used to release the battery. The upper part of the container (42) consists of a lid which snaps over the base by a tongue-in-slot (44,46) connection, and a spring (50) at the top ensures a snug fit.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable.
The device has a solid electrolyte (1), an oxygen electrode (2), a fuel electrode (3), a separator plate (6) between adjacent fuel cells, with current collectors (12, 13) between a separator plate (6) and the opposite adjacent electrode to form an electrically conducting connection between adjacent fuel cells, and with elements for feeding and discharging gaseous media. The oxygen electrode (2) consists of SrO-doped Mn oxides with a Cr surface layer (4). The fuel electrode (3) consists of Ni/ZrO2 cermet with a Ni surface layer (5). The separator plate (6) is formed as a hollow body to feed, distribute and collect gaseous media. A constructional element of high resilience, which acts as a high-temp. spring, is provided between the separator plate (6) and the current collectors (12, 13) in the form of an intermediate layer (11) permeable to gas.    Pref. an Fe alloy coated with a protective alumina surface layer is used as the solid electrolyte (1) with yttria-doped bismuth oxide and/or as the separator plate (6). A catalyst (18), which accelerates the endothermic conversion reaction and the water-gas equilibrium, is used in the hollow space of the separator plate (6) on the fuel side. The fuel is methane, a hydrocarbon, H2 or CO.    ADVANTAGE -   The device provides a uniform distribution of the air and fuel gas to the electrochemically active surfaces, and prevents spurious currents in the electrodes. An electrode operating temp. which is as uniform as possible is also claimed, as are inexpensive mfr. and maintenance, and the rapid replacement of individual component parts.
A crosslinked gel comprises a polyaniline deriv. (I) and a liquid (II) (pref. 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone) which opt. swells, shrinks or hydrogen bonds with th crosslinked (I). Opt. (I) may be crosslinked partially through covalent bonds or substantially through either physical interactions or crystallisation.    A shaped article made from (I) and a method of making (I) are also claimed. Opt. the (I) so produced may be coated onto a substrate, or stretched or made electrically conductive, pref. by treatment with aq. protonic acid.    The gel pref. comprises 5-90 (partic. 5-30 and most partic. 20) wt.% (I). (II) is pref. either an emeraldine base or salt having the structure (A) where Y = 0-1, R1, R2, R3 and R4 = H, 1-6C alkyl, 1-6C alkoxy, SO3H, Rr-SO2 or RrCO2 and R5 and R6 = H, 1-6C alkyl, 1-6C alkoxy, Rr-SO2 or RrCO2 where Rr = 1-6C aryl or alkyl; or the structure (B) where y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as previously defined, and R7 and R8 = R5 and R6, and A = anionic species. Partic. either R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 = H; or R1 = methoxy or ethoxy and R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 = H.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The shaped articles can be fibres, films, coatings, batteries, fuel cells, electrodes, etc.. They exhibit shape memory.
Device includes reaction cylinder, and solar cell formed on outer peripheral surface of porous tubular body of reaction cylinder. In solar cell, optoelectrical conversion layer is sandwiched between two electrodes. Lower end of reacting cylinder is immersed into water, and upper end is connected to gas-collecting chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen or oxygen can be collected depending upon direction of optoelectrical conversion layer.
The portable battery charger is designed to operate without removing the charger from its base, and comprises two halves. The device has spaced apart sockets of the same lengths as the battery terminal of a vehicle engine compartment. A light indicator is used to indicate that the charger itself is charged.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For chargng battery without removing it from its position of use.
A sealed lead-acid secondary battery is disclosed wherein almost all the requisite electrolyte is absorbed in positive and negative electrodes and in absorptive separators. The positive electrodes comprise networks of a Pb-Ca-based grid alloy having a coating of Pb-Sb alloy on a part or on all of the surfaces of the networks of grid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a sealed and maintenance-free battery suitable for use in motor vehicles, electric vehicles, emergency power supplies, etc. The invented battery combines an improvement in the recoverability after overdischarging followed by standing with the suppression of hydrogen evolution
Fuel cell stack fuel cells (11) each including a porous plate anode (13) and cathode (14), interposed liq. electrolyte (15) and separator plate (1) between electrodes of adjacent cells. The separator plates are unified with the electrodes by forcing most of an electrolyte non-wettable material (I) (18,19), which is originally introduced into the interface as a sheet, into the pores of the respective electrodes.    A circumferentially complete barrier (23) that prevents flow of shunt currents onto and on an outer peripheral surface of the separator plate is formed by extruding the remainder of (I) out of the interface.    The separator plate and/or the electrode plate defining the interface has a bevelled edge at a region facing the interface and to define a recess which (partially) accommodates the barrier. The integral separator plate is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Undesirable shunt currents are avoided in a simple, low cost manner. Barrier (23) also prevents cell-to-cell migration of electrolyte at the edges of the integral separator.    .D
The test measures the battery output voltage to determine if the battery is sufficiently charged to enable a valid heavy current discharge test to be performed. If the battery is sufficiently charged a heavy current discharge test is performed which records the battery loaded voltage.    After a predetermined time the test is stopped and the battery recovery voltage, after a predetermined recovery time, is calculated. Using the data obtained from the tests a battery rating value is calculated.    ADVANTAGE -   Testing of heavy current batteries which are a low stake of change will not result in battery being left in weaker condition after heavy current testing.
A compsn. consists of titanium suboxide of the formula TinO2n-1, where n is at least 4, in particulate form as a Magneli phase. The particles have an aspect ratio of about 1, a dia. of at least 1 micron, and a surface area of less than 0.2 m2/g.    Method of producing the titanium suboxide particles comprises: a) heating the TiO2 at a temp. exceeding 1000 deg.C in the presence of a reducing agent for a time sufficient to form a Magneli phase, but minimise the formation of Ti4O7, and species contg. less oxygen, and b) annealing the reduced compsn. by exposing the material at a temp. of 1100-1300 deg. C in an inert atmos. contg. no nitrogen or oxygen, in the presence of 1-5% hydrogen for about 2-4 hours.    The invention pref. comprises an electrochemical cell including an electrolyte, with an electrode comprising substoichiometric titanium oxide particulate of the present invention, disposed in the electrolyte. The electrode pref. comprises the particulate dispersed in a non-electrically conducting matrix material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The particulate compsn. is partic. stable when immersed in electrolytes and is satisfactorily conductive, and therefore finds applications as electrodes and substrates for electrodes, including conductivity aids in corrosive environments. In particular, the particulate compsn. is for use in electrical storage batteries and fuel cells, corrosion resistant films, and large industrial metal-winning electro
A C-based compsn. contains a carbonisable or graphitisable binder, fibres which can be converted into C fibres, or C fibres; and C-based granules selected from carbonisable or graphitisable granules and carbonised or graphitised granules. Granules comprise 100 pts. wt. of grains 25-75 micron in average dia., 10-50 pts. wt. of grains 75-125 microns, and 100-150 pts. wt. of grains 125-175 microns in average dia..    A sheet C material comprises a carbonised or graphitised binder, C fibres, and carbonised or graphitised granules, said C-based granules composed of grains as above. The compsn. pref. contains 100 pts. wt. of the binder, 10-75 pts. of the (pre-)C-fibres, and 50-150 pts. wt. of C-based granules. The binder more pref. is phenolic resin, the (pre-)C-fibres are milled C-fibres, and C-based granules is graphite powder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For mfg. separators of fuel cells, which are dense and have high mechanical strength and electric conductivit
The labyrinth (26) is formed in the space between a casing cover (13) and top side to provide an outlet (28) for gas from each cell (17) into a duct (29), lying in the plane of the casing cover.    Right-angled bends (32) in all ducts ensure that displaced electrolyte cannot leak out of the vents in the top side, even when the accumulator is tilted through 90 deg., but is returned to the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   For car accumulator batteries, with leakproof design on all of its four sides, even under prolonged vibrations, and effective condensing any gas-entrained electrolyte.
The battery discharge load current control system for a motor vehicle electrical system which can disconnect the battery from an electrical load to prevent over-discharge of the battery. The electrical load can be a so-called parasitic load which is of the type that is normally permanently connected to the battery. The electrical load is disconnected from the battery after the elapse of certain time periods.    The system has appts. for counting ignition cycles and after a certain count is attained, it is considered that the motor vehicle has been delivered to a purchasing customer. Prior to attaining the count, the time period is controlled to be about 1 or 2 days. After the count is attained, the time period is increased to be about 20 to 30 days.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents over-discharge of battery.
A mobile atom (I) is chemically removed from a mobile atom contg. reactant molecule (II) using an atom pump membrane permeable to (I) but impermeable to (II) and having a removal reaction side (III) and receiving side (IV) for (I), an electricoconductive atom permeable first biasing means on the side (III) to control surface potential, (a) a similar second biasing means on receiving side (IV) and first and second power sources connected to the biasing.    Reactant molecules (II) are adsorbed on reaction side (III) followed by chemically reacting the adsorbed molecules to remove mobile atoms from the reactant and passing removed mobile atoms through the membrane to side (IV) where they are oxidised. A method of chemically removing H2 from a reactant to yield a dehydrogenation prod. is further claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrocarbons, NH3, H2O2 or hydrazine can be obtd. by process. Use of high temps. and pressures is avoided. Other organic cpds., e.g. alcohols, ketones, organo lithium cpds. etc., can also be obtd. Organic cpds. may also be dehydrogenated as a source of H2 for fuel cells, e.g. HCHO, COOH or MeOH can be dehydrogenated to CO2 and H2 which diffuses to the opposite side of a metal hydride membrane for oxidn. as part of H2/O2 fuel cell.    .
Combustion device includes combustion portion for heating catalyst layer and temperature detector whose electric resistance is varied depending upon temperature of combustion portion. Reformed gas produced in catalyst layer is fed to fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Combustion device is free from noise.
The device connects the starter lead of a car to the battery. A permanent integral knurled component (C) is free to revolve and can act as a nut and engage itself to the bolt affixed to the post of a post-type battery. The component (C) is mounted on a screw-clamp terminal (A) for receiving the starter lead. A grub-screw (G) secures a clamp-screw (E).    To attach either connector (positive or negative) to a post it is essential that the post has been previously fitted with a tightened bolt and nut, the bolt thread being the same as the threaded hole in the post.    ADVANTAGE -   Faster to connect or reconnect battery. Clean to handle, no handling of tight and greasy nuts. Simple for layman to operate. No tools required, e.g. spanners. No loose nuts and bolts lost or mislaid.
A hydrogen thermal electrochemical conversion cell comprises two spaced-apart solid electrodes (14,16) sandwiching an electrolyte (18) selectively porous to (H(-)), a H supply (34) to one electrode and means for supplying a Li-Na mixt. (42) to the other electrode which reacts with the H2 to create a chemical potential across the electrodes. The flow of H across the electrodes induces a current flow between them. Also claimed is an electrochemical conversion system comprising a cell as above with external circuit, means for thermally decomposing and sepg. a metal hydride into H2 and molten Li-Na, for directing the H2 to one electrode and for cooling and directing the molten metal to the other to give the reaction and current as above. Further claimed is a means of producing electricity comprising flowing H2 through a conversion cell as above so that H is reduced to H(-) at one electrode and reoxidised at the second with reaction with the liq. metal and with current appearing in the external circuit. Also claimed is a method of producing electricity as above with the hydride being thermally decomposed and sepd. at one temp. and the molten metal being cooled and re-reacted with the H which has passed through the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A hydrogen thermal electrochemical converter (claimed) is provided which is useful for converting heat into electrical energy in terrestrial, space or martian environments. The converter operates over a wider temp. range than previously and problems of pptn. of pure Li do not occur.
The assembly comprises a lid moulding (11) made with several integral filling tubes (12) which extend downwards into the cell compartments of the battery. Each tube has a plug (16) which closes its end. The plug and tube create a gallery (28) connected t the venting passage (13) int he lid. Each compartment communicates with its gallery by its plug. The assembly is sealed (26 and 27), ensuring that each gallery communicates with its cell compartment only through the connecting passage (21).    Gas must flow to reach the gallery through a porous flame arrester (22) in the connecting passageway. The connecting passage includes a combustion chamber (23) at the outer face of the flame arrester. A baffle arrangement (24 and 25) extends the gas flow path to the inner face of each flame arrester.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents combustion of battery gases in cell compartments as result of ignition of gases at outlet of vent passage.
In the CO modifier, modified gas with high content of CO, obtd. by steam modifying of hydrocarbon raw fuel, is made to pass through a reactor having a catalyst layer to modify the gas into gas with low CO content, and to supply the gas to a fuel cell. A cooling pipe to pass cooling water of the fuel cell, electric heater, and a number of heat transmitting nets, which cross the flow direction of the modified gas, are installed in the catalyst layer for elevating the temp. of the layer at start-up of the modifier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The CO modifier is used for a fuel cell. Temp. distribution in the catalyst layer can be made more even. Initiating time of the modifier can be shortened.    In an example, the cooling pipe (11) was installed in the catalyst layer (8). Electric heaters (14) were installed the flow direction of the modified gas. Heat transmitting nets (16) were installed at right angles to the direction of the heater (14). At start-up of the modifier, temp. of the catalyst layer (8) was elevated with the cooling water through the cooling pipe. At the same time, the layer was heated with the heater. Temp. of the layer was elevated at reduced temp. difference in temp. distribution.    .D
(JP4196059-A)   NOVELTY - The lead storage battery comprises a lead-antimony alloy grating, a positive electrode active material containing lead and 0.01-5% of tin element, preferably metallic tin or tin compound, and an electrolyte containing 0.01-5 mols/l of an alkali-metal ion.    USE - As secondary battery for supplying power to electronic devices and electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The lead storage battery has excellent durability and increased discharge capacity. Addition of alkali metal ions in electrolyte enhances storage stability of battery and restrains its self-discharging property.
A sheet forming slurry compsn. comprising: (a) 100 pts. by wt. of zirconia powder, (b) 16-30 pts. by wt. of an organic binder, calculated as solids, and (c) a solvent, the zirconia powder contg. 2-10 mol.% of yttria in solid soln. form and having a specific surface area of up to 12 m2/g as measured by the BET method and a mean particle size multiplied by the specific surface area of up to 3 micron.m2/g.    The zirconia powder has BET specific surface area of 3-12 m2/g, a mean particle size multiplied by specific surface of area of 1-3 micron.m2/g and a mean particle size of 0.05-0.5 micron. The solvent is present in such an amt. to give the compsn. a viscosity of 3000-20000 centipoise. The slurry compsn. is formed into a green sheet and is fired to give a sintered zirconia sheet shaped prod..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The slurry compsn. contains zirconia which can be formed into green sheets having improved flexibility, binder removal capability, and sintering capability. The sintered zirconia sheet shaped parts obtd. have improved compactness, gas barrier properties and surface smoothness
Air is guided into cavities (3) and through a large number of narrow channels (11), formed pref. by a via-hole-punching method, in the walls (12) of the ceramic support (2). The fuel cells (4) are bonded (5) to its outside in a three-layered structure of cathodes (6), solid electrolyte (7) and anodes (8).    To preclude contact with combustion gas (1), the support (2), bond (5) and insulation (10) are sealed. Cells are connected in series by an electrically conductive layer (9) which need not be gastight.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In high-temp. fuel cell batteries, rigidity is improved and sealing problems are reduced.
The fuel-cell construction combines several cells on a single ceramic support, which consists of anode, solid electrolyte and cathode with electrical serial or parallel connections between cells.    The construction comprises a support material (2) impermeable to gas except for certain parts of the walls (12) which are covered by fuel cells (4). The fuel cells are pre-assembled units which are attached to the support by a layer of an adhesive (5), pref. of constant thickness and a sinter process. The adhesive also acts as an electrical interconnection material (9) and consists pref. of the same material as the cathodes of the cells, i.e. LaZA(1-X)B03 in which A = Ca, Sr and B is a transition metal, or a mixed Ni0/Zr02 oxide or Ni/Zr02 mixt. In the interconnection region (9) the adhesive may be reinforced by an additional layer (13) of a metallic conductor e.g. Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The structure avoids degradation due to an adhesive layer with differential shrinkage from the other materials, e.g. interconnection material. An improved mechanical connection is the result as well as better hermeticity by being able to use impermeable material as support (2). The techniques needed to build the cells are less complicated.
(A) in a fuel cell having an anode, a solid electrolyte and a cathode-side air electrode, the novelty is that the air electrode (6) consists of at least two superposed layers comprising (i) a first max. 70 microns thick layer (16) of a porous cathode material, and (ii) a second at least 250 microns thick layer (17) of extremely dense and electrically conductive perovskite, this layer being structured to provide gaps (19) for gas passage.    (B) prodn. of an arrangement of fuel cells on a support involves (a) prefabricating fuel cells in which the first air electrode layer is screen printed and fired on the solid electrolyte; (b) preparing the ceramic support by applying a second air electrode layer, to be structured to form conductor lines, and opt. additional layers of insulating or interconnection material; and (c) co-sintering the fuel cels and the support so the first and second air electrode layers are contacted.    ADVANTAGE -   The air electrode has good catalytic and electrical properties.
An electrochemical fuel cell (10), incorporating a solid polymer ion exchange electrolyte membrane (12) between anode (20) and cathode (22), will tend to accumulate unwanted water at the cathode. By maintaining a negative vapour pressure gradient in the hydrogen-contg. gas supply on the anode (20) side of the cell, the accumulated water is drawn across the membrane (12) and absorbed as water vapour in the hydrogen-contg. gas between inlet and outlet.    Water may also be absorbed as vapour into the oxygen-contg. gas supply on the cathode (22) side of the cell by maintaining partial vapour pressure below saturation pressure of the water vapour. The pressure is maintained by imparting a pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved removal of reaction product water in electrochemical fuel cells, to avoid flooding electrode catalyst sites and reducing cell output power, also avoiding membrane deterioration.
Powdered mixt., and a ceramic prod. sintered at 1400-1500 deg.C, comprises(mol) 1 LaCr1-xMxO3(x = 0.03-0.3), 0.005-0.04 B2 and La2O3 to give a La2O3/B2O3 ratio of 1.1-3 and pref. of 1.4-2; M is Mg and/or Ca.    Powder mixt. is pref. prepd. via a precursor with the compsn. LaCr1-xMxO3.A, where A 35 wt.% of the cpd. and is volatile matter, which is prepd. by (i) adding excess NH4OH to a soln. contg. stoichiometric amts. of La and Cr, (ii) washing the pptd. hydroxides to remove the anions and form a slurry in a water/alchohol liq., (iii) adding a soln. to give a stoichiometric amt. of Mg or Ca and (iv) removing the water/alcohol liq. at super-critical conditions. The precursor is calcined at 650-1100 deg.C for 0.5-4 hr., deagglomerated and mixed with La2O3 and B2O3. Alcohol pref. contains 1-5C or is esp. isopropanol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the mfr. of monolithic solid oxide fuel cells. Doped lanthanum chromite compact is used as the interconnect and can be sintered to 94% density at 1400 deg.C in air whilst only producing small amts. of liq. phase with m.pts. at 1300 de
The device includes a float (2) which under the rising pressure of the battery water, displaces itself in the cylindrical body (1) and indicates the level of the water. The float directly indicates the water level by measuring the actual height in precise graduations marked on the translucent body of the apparatus. The float is guided by two pastilles (4,5), with the uppermost one being brightly coloured to indicate the level of water.    ADVAMTAGE - Battery life is increased and battery function is improved.
Cell has a setting diaphragm (2) made of solid polymer electrolyte in which a narrow path (1) for supplying water to the electrolyte is formed. The path is pref. formed of anticorrosive twisted yarns embedded at uniform intervals.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell performance is enhanced by increasing ionic conductivity and excluding burdensome control of water vapour in a reaction gas.
The battery (10) consists of a prismatic housing (11) composed of a block box (12) comprising all cell vessels (14) covered by a block cover (13) fixed to the block box (12), and outwardly sealing the cell vessels one to another and the housing. The block cover has deepened areas (23, 24) out of which extend connecting poles (15, 16) with their free ends to the height of the upper side of the cover. On each of its two long sides (25) the block cover has two bowl-shaped deepened formations which are arranged spaced apart symmetrically to the middle of the longitudinal extent of the battery (10).    The block cover is connected with two C-shaped bearer stirrups (28, 29) transversal to the longitudinal extent of the battery, the free end sections of which have rotary pins which insert into the bowl-shaped deepened formations of the block cover.    ADVANTAGE -   Easier to transport and manipulate in and out of its location in vehicle.
Support for a solid fuel cell is made from a composite material (I), and consists of (100 -A) mole-% MgO and A mole-% MgAl2O4, with A = 14-64. The cell has a surface with a cell component having inner and outer electrodes and an electrolyte of Y2O3-stabilised with ZrO2 (II).    Pref. (I) is obtd. by sintering material contg. (100 - x) mole-% MgO and X mole-% Al2O3, with X = 7-32.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) has coefft. of thermal expansion (value (9.5-11.5) x 10power(-6) degC) similar to the value (10.5 x 10power(-6) degC) of (II), which prevents (II) cracking at high operating temps., with loss of fuel, so that there is no redn. in the e.m.f. (I) has high thermal conductivity and a resistance of over 10power(5) ohm.cm. In addn., (I) is less prone to redn. than usual, since it is inert, and is cheap.
Method for operating a low temp. fuel cell, comprising solid polymer electrolyte, noble metal anode, CO contg. fuel gas, comprises (a) reacting the CO with a suitable O2-contg. gas in the ratio O2 to CO 0.5-3:1; (b) contacting the mixt. with a catalyst at 10-16 deg.C and a pressure of 500 psig to convert CO to CO2 and reduces the CO level in the fuel gas to 2-10 ppm; (c) feeding the substantially CO free fuel gas to the fuel cell.    Pref. O2-contg. gas is air or O2 used in the ratio 1-2:1 O2:CO. Pref. catalyst is selected from Pt, Rh and Ru supported on one from the group alumina, silica, silica gel, diatomaceous earth and clay. The metal is 0.01-5% by wt. of the support. Pref. catalyst is in a column with space velocity 1000-50000 ft.3 gas/hr./ft.3 catalyst. Pref. fuel cell is an acid fuel cell with a fluorinated cationic exchange membrane. Pref. fuel gas comprises H2, CO2 and CO and is a prod. of steam reformation of methanol or natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Method reduces the level of CO in the fuel gas reducing the poisoning of the catalyst.    .D
Method for rejuvenating a membrane or diaphragm having a metallic coating from a Pt-gp. metal, metal oxide, metal alloy and mixts. thereof from an electrochemcial cell comprises: (a) treating the membrane or diaphragm with an inorganic acid soln. of aqua regia at 35-70 deg.C so as to dissolve metallic particles; and (b) treating the membrane or diaphragm with a basic soln.    Pref. the base is NaOH pref. the membrane or diaphragm from (b) is also treated with an inorganic acid. Pref. after being treated with an inorganic acid the membrane or diaphragm from (b) has an electrode assembly applied thereto esp. a cathode. Pref. the cell is a chloroalkali cell. Pref. the coating is Pt and platinum oxide.    A method for rejuvenating a membrane or diaphragm having a metallic coating as specified above from an electrochemical cell and recovering metallic particles therefrom comprises: (i) treating the membrane or diaphragm as in (a) above, (ii) sepg. the acid soln. with dissolved particles from the diaphragm or membrane; (iii) filtering the acid soln; and (iv) recovering the metallic particles from the acid soln. is independently claimed, where pref. (iv) is by electrochemcial sepn. pref. the cell is a chloroalkali cell. Pref. the cell is a fuel cell pref. the cell is a water electrolyser. Pref. the particles recovered are Pt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used e.g. to improve the performance of a chloroalkali cell after a shutdown period by rejuvenating its membrane separator. It can treat e.g. membranes made of e.g. 'NAFION' (RTM) from cells having anodes of e.g. graphite coated with Pt-gp. metal, metal oxide, metal alloy and mixts. thereof and cathodes of e.g. C-paper, and having a catalytically active surface of e.g. Raney nickel e.g. for fuel cell
System comprises: a transformer 2 connected to an AC power supply 1; a rectifier 3 connected to the transformer 2; a battery 5 connected to a charging appts 4; a DC converter 6 connected to the battery 5; a transformer 7 connected to the DC converter 6; a rectifier 8 connected to the transformer 7; and an electrodialytic appts. 9 connected to the rectifier 8.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides pure H2 at a low power cost, by charging low cost power at night and using this charged power according to necessities.
NOVELTY - The hydrogen pole (2) contains materials having hydrogen ion conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity.    USE -   For solid electrolyte fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Concentration polarization in boundary surface is reduced due to the removal of water generated and raises industrial value.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows model diagram of boundary surface of hydrogen pole. (2) Hydrogen pole.
The appts. includes a ring-shaped body (1) which has a tubular projection (2) for joining the battery cable (3). The ring-shaped body (1) also has an interrupted branch (4) which defines adjacent extremities (5 and 6) in which the terminal can be fixed around the battery pole (10). The extremities show corresponding pairs of external coplanar radial prolongations (11, 12) which define respective spaces (13, 14).    The fixing mechanism consists of a lever-shaped locking device (8) set articularly to the ring-shaped body by a link pin (7). The lever (8) is angularly movable from an 'open' to a 'closed' position. When 'closed', the lever (8) compresses the projection (9) of the ring-shaped body so that it closes lightly around the battery pole (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Tools unnecessary for connection/disconnection and prevents jamming by verdigris.
The vent cap has a typically barrel-shaped, hollow vent cover which is inserted into a battery vent hole and a top flange portion which retains the vent cap from overinsertion into the vent hole. An aperture near the top of the vent cap communicates with the hollow interior of the vent cover and forms an exhaust path for discharge of gases from within the battery. A flame protection device e.g. a microporous disc, is disposed within the vent cover so that gases must pass through the disc in order to leave the battery through the aperture in the flange.    A splash guard may be provided in the vent cover to reduce electrolyte leakage into the exhaust path and onto the flame arrestor, inhibiting electrolyte leakage from the battery. A cup-shaped holder receives a disc-shaped flame arrestor. The flame arrestor may be sonically welded to the holder and the assembled holder and arrestor may be sonically welded to the vent cap, providing a leak free exhaust path from the battery while preventing flames from entering the battery.    USE -   Gas discharge control vent cap for automotive battery.
A thermal and electrical insulating plate is disposed at each end of a fuel cell stack adjacent to and in face-to-face relationship with endmost fuel cells at opposite ends of the stack. A pressure plate is disposed at each end of the stack outwardly of each of the insulating plates. Auxiliary cooling plate assemblies are disposed at each end of the stack and sandwiched between the respective insulating plate and pressure plate at each end of the stack.    The auxiliary cooling plate assemblies are operable to circulate coolant through in heat exchange relationship with the insulating plates. Temp-controlling coolant is concurrently delivered to the cooling plate assemblies in the power generating portion of the stack and to the auxiliary cooling plate assemblies. The inner and outer surfaces of the insulating plates are maintained at identical temps. by the coolant to minimise heat loss from the endmost fuel cells in the stack.    USE -   To maintain the proper operating temps. in the end cells of a fuel cell stack.
The device comprises a modifying pipe to convert hydrocarbon in hydrocarbon-contg. gas generated from treatment of anaerobic waste water into hydrogen; a fuel battery in which hydrogen delivered through the modifying pipe is introduced; and a fluidised bed combustion device to incinerate sludge generated resultant from treatment of anaerobic waste water. The modifying pipe is installed to the fluidised bed combustion device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sludge generated from treatment of anaerobic waste water is efficiently incinerated for disposal.    .D
Lanthanum chromite film prodn. comprises; 1) thermally spraying a raw material on a substrate forming a thermally sprayed film and; 2) heat treating the film to form the lanthanum chromite film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In prodn. of an interconnector for a solid electrolyte fuel cell formed on the surface of the fuel electrode or air electrode. An airtight, thin La chromite film is formed having good conductivity.    In an example, 120.0g La2O3 and 56.3g Cr2O3 were ball milled, slurried, dried and calcined at 1200 deg.C for 10 hrs. to form LaCrO3. The powder prod. was milled, slurried, spray-dried and granulated before thermally spraying onto an Al2O3 substrate to a thickness of 500 micron. The layer was then heat-treated at 1500 deg.C for 5 hrs to form an La chromite film of very low N2 permeation and a conductivity of 8.2 S/cm.    .D
The reforming unit comprises upper (7-1) and lower (7-2) plates in a housing (7A) with folded sides with the upper plates interfitting within the lower plate sides to close the unit. A plate structure (51) in the housing provides for distribution of the hydrocarbon received from an adjacent fuel cell, electrical contact and support between the upper and lower plates.    The flat central area of one surface (32-A) of a plate (32) with folded edges (32-C,32-D) form a shroud around the reforming unit housing on the side of the anode components. Escaping gasses are kept on the anode side and away from the cathode side, so that welding of the sides with the risk of warping is avoided.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be integrated into fuel cell stack to give uniform heat profile with maximum reforming action.
(JP4171672-A)      NOVELTY - The thickness of the separator arranged between the anode and cathode is 0.25 mm or less. The ratio of amount of anode active material per cell and amount of sulfuric acid in electrolyte is set as 0.55 or less. The alkali metal ions included in the electrolyte is 0.3 mols or more.    USE -   For lead storage battery used in motor vehicle, industrial consumer application machine.    ADVANTAGE -   Damage is reduced by reducing quantity of active material.
The detector monitors the reaction gas supplied to a fuel battery (1) and the pressure difference of gas at reaction gas inlet port and exit to fuel battery during running state. When the pressure difference is judged to be less than the set value compared to load of battery, then the battery is judged to be in abnormal condition.    ADVANTAGE -   Protects fuel battery from fuel gas insufficiency. Prevents damage to electrode. Enables fuel battery to be operated safely.
(JP2575529-B2)      The fuel battery has means to adjust the entrance pressure of the reaction gas (fuel gas and oxidising agent) depending on the battery running mode.    ADVANTAGE -   The volume of the inlet part manifold is increased, allowing life redn. to be prevented.
Demonstrator to display the action of a fuel cell has a pair of transparent electroltic cell tanks (1,2) a connecting tube (4) with an ion-permeable filter (3) between the cell tanks (1,2) an electrolyte liq. (4) in the tanks (1,2) and power supply (7) to apply voltage to an anode (5) and a cathode (6), and a demonstrating actuator moved by electricity generated in the fuel cell.    Electric power is supplied from the supply (7) to the electrodes (5,6) to generate hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water, then a demonstrating actuator is connected between the electrodes (5,6) to move the actuator for demonstration using the generated hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. Ion-permeable filter e.g. consists of glass, and the anode (5) e.g. consists of Pt. The electrolyte liq. in the anode side tank (1) is e.g. Na hydroxide aq. soln. and the electrolyte liq. in the cathode side tank (2) is e.g. sulphuric acid aq. soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Action of fuel cell is demonstrated to easily understand the function of the cell.
Fuel reformer comprises a double-pipe reaction tube comprising an inner tube and an outer tube accommodating reforming catalyst layers. The inside of the inner tube is divided into 2 sections. The upper section or the regeneration section has a plug tube and comprises a regeneration path and the lower section or the modification section comprises modifying catalyst layers filled with CO modifying the catalyst.    A regulating tube is pref. positioned in the centre of the modifying catalyst layers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in a fuel cell power generation system. The reformer has no CO modifying function, so that a CO modifier is eliminated or may be made smaller, and the fuel cell power generation system may be made simple and efficient.
In the protection system, an ejector (7) is disposed at tip of the quality improving steam feed pipe (11), quality improving steam is passed through the ejector, and fed into the quality improving vessel (2), and an O2 detector (23) is provided. Plant safety maintenance is executed based upon O2 detection value.    ADVANTAGE -   Safe and reliable protection system is provided.
A battery casing comprises a polypropylene box (12) and a polypropylene lid moulding (11) which are to be welded together to form cell compartments (13). The lid moulding includes a compartment venting passage (15) which terminates in an enlarged cylindrical region (15a) opening at an endface (11c). The venting passage communicates with each of the cell compartments.    An alternative arrangement has two venting passages which open at opposite faces and communicate with different cell compartments. Within the cylindrical region, a hollow tube moulded synthetic resin insert (16) has a bore (17) containing a porous ceramic or synthetic resin flame arrester (18).    USE -   Extinguishes flame from gases ignited outside battery.
The connector comprises a base portion for attachment to an electrical conductor and a contact portion for engaging a battery post. The contact portion has a first wall member with a first post receiving aperture, and a spaced second wall member with a corresponding second post receiving aperture in alignment with the first aperture for receiving a battery post therethrough.    The two apertures are each defined by an inner surface in the respective wall member. The first and second wall members are interconnected by devices for drawing the wall members together so as to clamp the connector to the battery post.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Good mechanical and electrical connection to, and easy and convenient connection and disconnection from battery post.
Fuel cell generation system with a fuel treatment device includes a reformer to reform original fuel for creating hydrogen fuel gas and a fuel cell for which hydrogen fuel gas obtd. by the treatment device is used as fuel. The device comprises a fuel flow meter, an air flow meter, a temp. gauge and a controller to drive an airflow adjustment valve.    ADVANTAGE -   The control method is simple and reliable.
Catalyst comprises partially stabilised zirconia carrier supporting at least one element selected from Rh and Ru. The partially stabilised zirconia carrier pref. contains a zirconia component and a yttrium oxide component, a MgO2 component or a cerium oxide component as a stabiliser for the zirconia component. The amt. of Rh and/or Ru is pref. 0.1-5% by wt., more pref. 0.3-3 wt.%, of the partially stabilised zirconia carrier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a catalyst for steam reforming of hydrocarbons. The catalyst has high catalyst activity, high heat resistance, high mechanical strength and long life. It has high catalytic activity even at temps. below 500 deg.C and can perform steam reforming with low steam:carbon ratio. It can be suitably utilised, for example, in a H2 prodn. plant for fuel cells and small sized H2 prodn. plant
Ceramic powder used in mfr, of sintered parts for fuel cells is web-chemically manufactured from an aqueous citrate soln., which is prepared by dissolution and intensive mixing of starting cpds., partic. nitrates in water and citric acid. The soln. is concentrated until it becomes unstirrable and is then subjected to azeotropic distillation by repeated mixing the soln. at boiling heat with toluol, so that it foams up. The foamed material is calcined below 500 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Homogeneous, high sintering activity.
Frames are formed of mouldable material which is electrically insulating at the intended operating voltage of the battery and is inert to the active materials of the battery, each frame defining separate active material support areas arranged in side-by-side relationship across the width of the frame. An electrically conductive grid is embedded in and supported by the frame to provide support for active material. Each frame includes portions forming divisions between adjacent active material support areas of the frame.    The frames are arranged in a side-by-side relationship in a direction normal to the width of the frame with the portions of each frame forming the divisions between adjacent active material support areas secured in a sealed relationship to the corresponding portions in adjacent frames to form partitions between adjacent cells of the battery. The grid is of a ternary lead-based alloy consisting essentially of lead, from about 0.02 to 0.04 percent of calcium and from about 0.3 to 0.5 percent tin, the percentages of calcium and tin being based upon the weight of the alloy.    USE -   Modular, multicell automotive SLI battery.
Device comprises a H2 storage alloy, a first control valve to reform material gas and supply generated H2 to a fuel cell, a second control valve to compress and supply part of generated H2 to the H2 storage alloy, a pressure redn. valve, a control means, and a heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliability can be improved. Both the fuel supply function for emergency and cooling facility backup function can be obtd.
Fuel reformer includes double-wall type reacting tube consisting of inner and outer tubes and accommodating reforming catalyst layer. Reforming catalyst layer is vertically divided into upper reforming section constituted by reforming catalyst layer and lower preheating section constituted by heat-conductive filler layer filled with heat conduction-promoting material.    ADVANTAGE -   Separate raw gas-preheater is unnecessary.
The reaction vessel (20) contains a material that releases hydrogen on contact with water in a highly exothermic reaction.    A hydrogen-containing gas is passed-through with generated heat removed by convection at a rate sufficient to maintain a temperature differential between inlet and outlet portion of a reaction vessel below a predetermined level. This includes cooling and recirculating some of the gas with water vapour added at a rate commensurate with that at which hydrogen is being consumed.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves temperature of and distribution in a metallic chemical hydride reactant bed.
A method for mfg. the fuel cell of a three-layer structure in which a fuel electrode and an air electrode face each other with a solid-state electrolyte between. Into a mould (4) made of the material capable of absorbing a predetermined solvent, the slurries, in which the powder of the solid-state electrolyte and the powders of the electrodes are mixed with the predetermined solvent respectively, are poured successively. Then, an electrolyte compact (5) and electrode compacts (6), (7) are formed respectively.    Solid-state electrolytic fuel cell, with no crack and no peeling, can be obtained easily and at a low price.
The battery comprises battery elements (10) with positive and negative pasted plate with separators sandwiched between. Each is placed in a plastics bag (20) with a vent for gases of formation and/or other gas pressures which may develop.    The elements are dipped into an encapsulating material such as rubber, removed and dried. Alternately, the elements may be soldered together and boxed in a lightweight casing, or after dipping, dipped again to form a second layer of encapsulation.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced weight of battery elements, removes need for thermoplastic containers.
An off-shore structure for storing hydrogen gas power comprises a device to mfr. hydrogen by electrolysis of sea water; a storage tank to store hydrogen gas; a platform moored on sea; a power generating plant to generate power by hydrogen gas, serving as fuel, fed from the storage tank; and a cable through which power generated by the plant is transmitted to target.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Quantities of hydrogen can be stored.
(JP4155772-A)      NOVELTY - Sulfate of alkali metal hydroxide or alkali earth metal hydroxide is made to dissolve in an electrolyte containing dilute sulfuric acid, at specific temperature for neutralization of the electrolyte and then charge recovery is carried out.    USE -   For manufacture of lead storage battery used in electronic vehicles, air conditioners etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The charge recovery is performed within short time due to the dissolving of sulfate of alkali metal or alkali earth metal in the electrolyte and hence installation of equalizing tank becomes unnecessary, thereby improving the manufacturing method of lead storage battery.
The prodn. of H2 comprises reacting natural gas (NG) and steam at 850 deg. C min. in definite vol. ratios and high velocities in colliding streams in an active catalyst zone of a special reactor. This consists of at least one cell, at least one beaker shaped component (BSC), openings or boreholes to admit the gases, and an annular space (CS) contg. the catalyst which is capable of being heated. The catalyst is suitably Ni impregnated on fibres or a mesh of wire and the heat required to sustain the endothermic, reforming reaction is provided by the hot gases exiting a fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for providing H2 for fuel cells, and the reactor design and catalyst arrangement ensure smooth reaction without wild variation in temp. or pressure, and no soot formation.
The battery (2) supplies the loads (V) via a relay (7,10) and toggle switch (3), the rest position of the toggle switch being N. The switch has two ganged contacts (4,12) and an indicator lamp (16). The winding of the relay passes through the normally closed contacts (8) of a second relay (9). When the switch is momentarily switched to I, the winding of relay (7) is activated via switch contact (4), contacts (10) are closed, and power is supplied to the loads (V). The toggle switch returns to the N position, but winding (7) continues to be energised via the lead (14) and switch contact (12).    Only when the switch is moved to position O do the contacts (10) open, disconnecting the loads. The external key-operated master switch controls the winding of the second relay. When the key contacts (17) are closed, the winding (9) is activated, contacts (8) open and the relay (7) is rendered completely inactive, thus isolating the loads. This master switch could be located in a car door or boot lid.    USE -   Switches off car radio etc. when vehicle is locked from outside.
The electrolyte used for driving electrolytic cells is treated to intensify the transport of the ion charge by passing it between electrodes forming a h.f. unipolar a.m. - e.m. field having a frequency between 10 to the power of 10 and 10 to the power of 13 Hz. The cell can be a fuel cell with a working temp. of about 1,000 deg. C.
Dissolved 02 is removed from a liq. stream using an electrochemical H2 pump (40) having an ion exchange membrane (50) with an H2 side having an electro-catalytic cathode (60) and a liq. side having an electro-catalytic anode (30), by: flowing the liq. on the anode side and an H2 stream on the cathode side; diffusing H2 through the membrane to form H+ ions at the anode; reacting dissolved oxidant with the H+ ions; and using the electrochemical H2 pump to transport excess H+ ions back to the H2 side. The electro-catalysts are Pt Grp. metals. The oxidant gas is 02, Cl2, F2 or Br2. The H2 stream is humidified as the dissolved oxidant is removed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in removal of dissolved 02 from water in spacecraft systems. The pump prevents excess H2 from dissolving in the liq., leaving the liq. stream gas-free.
Reformer is adapted to produce hydrogen to be fed to fuel cell by reforming hydrocarbon such as liquefied natural gas with steam, and includes first stage catalyst combustion section for burning first stage fuel fed from one end of vessel, second stage catalyst combustion section spaced apart from first stage combustion section, double-wall type reactor pipes vertically penetrating and erected in second stage catalyst combustion section and contg. reforming catalyst, and fuel feed pipe arranged parallel to reactor pipes and adapted to eject second stage fuel into space in direction orthogonal to axial direction.    Hydrocarbon is fed into reactor pipe, whereas exhaust gas from fuel cell is fed as first and second stage fuels. Hydrocarbon flowing inside outer pipe of double-wall reactor pipe is transferred in direction opposite to combustion gas in first and second stage catalyst combustion sections.    Reactor pipes are arranged in zigzag, and fuel feed pipe which has same dia. is arranged around reactor pipe at an angle of 60 deg. Distance between adjacent reactor pipe and fuel feed pipe and that of adjacent reactor pipes are set equal.    ADVANTAGE -   Second stage fuel from fuel feed pipe can be uniformly dispersed around each reactor pipe, so that second and first stage fuels can be well mixed.
An electrolytic cell contains (A) a solid electrode and (B) as counterelectrode a porous multilayer arrangement comprising (a) a gas permeable backing layer made of graphite paper, overlaid by (b) a C layer contg. a sufficiently high water repellant binder content to prevent water reaching (a) and (c) another C layer contg. less of the water repellant binder than (b).    Layers (b) and (c) are permeated with a finely divided catalyst and are impregnated with an aq. basic soln.. The cell contains a separator made of an insulating material, is contiguous with at least one of the electrodes and is impregnated with the aq. basic soln.. An electrochemical reaction is initiated by applying a direct potential between the electrodes.    Layer (Bb) pref. contains 25-35 wt.% binder and (Bc) 10-18wt.% binder. The electrodes and the separator are flat and the separator has a larger area than the electrodes. The separator consists of a ceramic material. The solid electrode contains Ag or Ni. The aq. soln. is a KOH soln.. The binder is PTFE, polypropylene or polyethylene. The catalyst is Pt or Pd.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a high response rate and allows application of higher displacement forces than previously.
The ceramic fuel cell carrier (1) has two channels for the process gases (4) flowing in one direction (arrow). Longitudinal (6) slits for the egress of these gases after reaction are cut into the walls of the carrier with a rotating circular disk sawblade or mill.    There are several disks per spindle so that a set of slits can be cut with one pass of the cutter, and overlapping slits can be cut simultaneously using a pair of cutters with interleaved sawblades. The sorter edges of the slits have champfered edges as a result of cutting and this assists the flow of gases through them.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple and quick operation while protecting material of carrier.
A electrochemical conversion using a cell with a rechargeable electrode made of consumable powdered solid electroactive material is claimed. The electrode connects to a reservoir (14) feeding a compartment (12) around the electrode and the feed of the electrode material into the compartment varies with the voltage tested locally in the compartment. The voltage is measured between the two probes (26, 27) where the 1st is in the compartment and the 2nd is permanently in contact with the electrolyte (9) around the electrode.    The 2nd probe may also be in the compartment and covered by an insulating sheath with holes, pref. in PVC, or with a microporous cover. The solid particles of consumable material are gravity fed, they may be particles, granules or cylinders.    USE -   The cell may be used to supply energy to transport vehicles or for other industrial applications where intermittent use is required. The automatic re-filling with electroactive material improves the ease of working; it may use metallic powders as the consumable material.
A positive Pb-acid battery electrode includes a conductive current collector and an active Pb material in contact with the collector. The active material has a porosity more than 55%, a surface area more than 4 m2/g, a power discharge more than 1 watt/cm2 and enhanced active material utilisation at current discharge levels more than 0.2A/cm2, pref. at least about 11% at a discharge current of 0.945A/cm2 and a cut-off voltage 0.5V. The electrode is pref. formed from a paste consisting of 20-97.5 wt.% of one or more basic Pb-sulphates, 2.5-25 wt.% of a persulphate salt, 0-75 wt.% of a conductive metal oxide other than Pb oxide and 0-55 wt.% of a Pb oxide, as solids and 10-30 wt.% of water based on the solids. In a further pref. embodiment, the paste contains 0.01-0.4 wt.% fibres.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High performance positive paste for making Pb-acid battery electrodes. The electrodes exhibit high porosity, high surface area, good strength and high power output.
Appts. comprises a nuclear fusion unit having an anode and cathode in heavy water, H-O fuel cell, and piping to collect deuterium produced from the cathode and feed to the cell.    USE -   For power plants.
NOVELTY - A thermoplastic synthetic resin made component (3) inserted into lower part of a tube (2) filled with lead powder (1). During ultrasonic bonding of tube and component, an ultrasonic oscillator oscillates the tube.    USE -   For lead storage battery in electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies cladding process since drying need not be performed before cladding plate with resin. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows clad type anode plate. (1) Lead powder; (2) Tube; (3) Resin made component.
NOVELTY - A purge gas supply pipe (27) is connected to a midway of a steam ejector (28) so that cathode gas exhausted out from a cathode (8) is supplied to the steam ejector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An electrolyte (4) is pinched between an anode (5) and a cathode (6) arranged inside a container stack (2). An anode gas (10) and a cathode gas (14) containing an oxidizing agent are supplied respectively to the anode (7) and the cathode (8) in the container.    USE -   In fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Performs purging of container with ejected cathode gas. Avoids usage of nitrogen as a purge gas. Reduces cost and power by using ejected cathode gas and by eliminating the need for nitrogen gas. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure indicates block diagram of a fuel battery. (2) Stack; (3) Container stack; (4) Electrolyte; (5,7) Anodes; (6,8) Cathodes; (10) Anode gas; (14) Cathode gas; (15) Exhausted cathode gas; (27) Purge gas supply pipe; (28) Steam ejector.
The separators working use weightlessness, for separating a mixture of water vapour and an inert gas, flowing through the ducts (1), the inner surface of which, consists of a cooled hydrophilic, fine pored diaphragm, at which the water vapour is condensed. The ducts run inside one or more separation water spaces (13), in which the condensed water vapour permeates. The separation water spaces are surrounded by a cooling liquid chamber (5), which by heat conduction across the cooling of the separation water spaces, allows the cooling of the diaphragm (7).    Respectively one individual duct through which the mixture flows, runs inside a water separation space. Several ducts through which the mixture flows, run inside a separation water space. The ducts through which the mixture flows, run inside a coarse porous carrying body, positioned in the water separation space.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Separators working under weightlessness for using diaphragm separation method. Compact as possible design with very low susceptibility to interference.
An electric storage battery comprising a substantially closed container, electrode elements and an electrolyte disposed within the container, has, into the open space within the container above the elements and electrolyte, a material inserted. This material in the form of closed cell foam particles approximately 1/4 inch in size and density 0.02-0.05 g/cm3 forms a floating layer which reduces evaporative water loss.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The addn. of the covering to a battery cell is useful in reducing water loss partic. in hot arid climates, without enhancing explosions of the combustible gases generated during battery operation, and nor will it act as a missile if an explosion does occur.
(JP4067703-A)      In an electric vehicle driven by an electric motor, a battery accumulator supplies electricity to the electric motor and a number of auxiliaries e.g. air conditioner defro ster. A generating unit generates electricity in order to charge the battery accumulator. A detector unit detects at least one of various running conditions of the vehicle.    A control unit supplies the electricity from the generating unit directly to the electric motor when the detected running condition indicates an overload condition, and gradually reduces the electricity supplied to the auxiliaries.    ADVANTAGE -   Smoother acceleration and slope climbing since power supplying accessories is not switched abruptly to motor. (First major country equivalent to JP4067703)
(JP2814706-B2)      The device has an ejector vacuum pump (41) which sucks original fuel and mixes it with steam. The fuel is then supplied to a modifier. The modifier performs steam reforming of the fuel and the steam is supplied to a hydrogen rich gas source. The vacuum pump is connected to several parallel arranged solenoid valves (40-48). A control unit (43) selects the number of valves to be opened, based on amount of load of fuel battery (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Quickens supply of steam to ejector vacuum pump through solenoid valve. Offers power generating device of high load response. Enhances hydrogen consumption in fuel battery. Simplifies structure, thereby simplifying maintenance.
The battery comprises a plurality of high temperature cells. At least one electrically conductive structural member in the battery is made of a composite material. The composite material comprises a layer of copper sandwiched between two layers of steel.    The steel is pref. resistant to sulphur attack and not easily oxidised. The cells may be arranged between two electrically conductive bus plates to form an array. Adjacent arrays are connected by at least one sheet of material connecting the upper bus plate of one array to the lower bus plate of an adjacent array.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for powering or starting vehicle using sodium/sulphur cells. Steel layers provide strength at high operating temps. while copper layer allows redn. in thickness owing to high conductivity. Reduced weight.
Modifier comprises the fuel modifying chamber and the fuel modifying reaction tube installed in the chamber to modify the fuel gas into CO,CO2,H2O and H2. The fuel modifier also comprises hydrogen sepg. film inside of the fuel modifying reaction tube.    Pref. the proton conductive type fuel cell comprises the fuel modifier at the side of up-stream of the fuel inlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the proton conductive type fuel cell. Pure hydrogen can be fed to the low temp. proton conductive type fuel cell. Max. working temp. and starting time of the cell can be reduced
The battery container (1) is provided with a cover (2) having sidewalls (2a) and a heat shielding case (3) having its upper end inserted into the gap between the sidewalls and those of the battery container. A space (B) between the battery container and the case (3) is isolated from the outside air so that air convection between the surroundings and the space (B) can be prevented. In this way the storage battery may be protected from high temperature ambient air.    Since the heat shielding case (3) is designed such that it can be secured to the battery container (1) to form a one piece unit, it is easier to fit and remove from its place of use.    USE -   Vehicle.
The circuit uses an oscillator (20) and a microprocessor (22) to which are connected a circuit which has connected in parallel impedances associated with each door. Each impedance is unique and is switched according to the door position, i.e., locked, superlocked, unlocked or ajar. An actuator (18) is provided for normal locking and a second actuator (24) for superlocking with diodes (D1, D2) switching the current to obtain the required mode of operation. A series of switches provide the circuit for initiating commands for each of the four positions of each door.    The resonant frequency of the oscillator changes according to the impedance value of the circuit of parallel impedances. The resonant frequency is passed to the microcompressor for comparison with a look-up table and initiation of action.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides circuit which communicates between switches and actuators with three wire wiring harness.
A battery housing (17) is internally divided by a number of integral walls that separate the width of the unit into compartments receiving a block of twelve cells (2). Each block has a base formed with a stepped profile by being supported on an angled cornice moulding (9). Cross members provide bridging to reinforce the structure.    Terminals on the cells are linked together by bridging contacts (19), interconnections being formed at the ends of each cell block.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Rigid battery structure withstanding vibration when installed e.g. on floor of motor vehicle.
Control and driver circuits, including a water capacitor/resonant cavity for the pron. of H2 contg. fuel gas as described in US Patent No. 4936961, in which a control circuit for a resonant cavity water capacitor cell utilised for the prodn. of H2 contg. fuel gas includes an isolation transformer including a ferromagnetic core and having one side of the water capacitor of the resonant cavity and the other side of the sec. coil connected to the other plate of the water capacitor to form a closed loop electronic circuit utilsing the dielectric properties of water as part of the electronic circuit and a prim. coil connected to a pulse generator.    ADVANTAGE -   The water capacitor becomes an electrically isolated cavity for the processing of water according to its dielectric resonance properties so that power consumption in the control and driving circuits is minimised when resonance occurs, and current demand is minimised as voltage is maximised in the gas prodn. mode of the water capacitor/fuel cell.
NOVELTY - A pressure loss regulator controls partition ratio of fuel gas to modification reaction fraction (12) and non- modification reaction fraction (13). The partition ratio of fuel gas is adjusted in each modification reaction area mutually so that distribution of predetermined amount of modification reaction of fuel gas in fuel gas passage way is obtained.    USE -   For fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains uniform temperature distribution over long period with stability by performing individual regulation of ratio of flow of fuel gas to both modification and non- modification reaction fractions. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional view of fuel battery. (12) Modification reaction fraction; (13) Non-modification reaction fraction.
Plant consists of several solar panels (1,2) mounted on platforms (6) supported on floats (3) in such a way that they are raised above the level of the water and waves and are easily accessible from the platforms, by having a hinge (12) and rope pull (13) system. The solar panels generate electricity which is used to operate an electrolytic water decomposition plant (19).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plant can adapt to various sea and weather conditions throughout the year.
A pair of electrodes, which face each other, is installed in a vacuum chamber. On one of the electrodes, a LaF3-x film formed by electron beam deposition is set. NF3 gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber and RF voltage is applied between the electrodes to generate discharge between the electrodes to inject NF3 gas into the LaF3-x film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for prepn. of solid electrolyte films for fuel cells. Durability and mechanical strength of the film can be improved. Dropping of power generation function of the fuel cell can be prevented.    In an example, as shown in Fig. 1, LaF3-x film (4), which was formed on a porous substrate by E.B. deposition, was set on one of the electrodes in the vacuum chamber (1). NF3 gas was introduced into the chamber, and deg. of vacuum in the chamber was adjusted to 10power(-3) Torr. Distance between the electrodes (2) and (3) was adjusted to 20mm, then RF voltage was applied between the electrodes to generate discharge between them. As a result, NF3 gas was injected into the LaF3-x film (4), and reacted with it to form an electrolyte.
The voltage monitoring and controlling device includes a circuit (11) to detect a disconnected battery condition or abnormal voltage surges while engine is running and device (1) having dual function to indicate normal or fault condition. The device also has circuit (7) for the prevention of voltage surges beyond a set value.    The device includes circuit to detect a disconnected faulty battery condition and provide visual and audible indication. The device of detecting a faulty disconnected battery comprises a voltage monitoring circuit that continually monitors the vehicle voltage supply and will result in operation of LED and external buzzer when fault is detected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For connection to motor vehicle battery. Prevents damage during jump starting.
Method, and associated plant, for the combined generation of electrical and mechanical energy from the oxidn. of fuel is claimed.    Method comprises prodn. of a gas contg. H2 by the endothermic reaction of hydrocarbon cpds.; burning part of this gas to produce a combustion gas; compression and heating of an O2-contg. gas and feeding it into the combustion stage(s). At least part of the H2-contg. gas produced in the endothermic reaction is, in the prodn. of electrical energy, fed as anode gas through a fuel cell system, from which an anode exhaust gas contg. a residue of H2 is used for producing a combustion gas of increased pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system enables the chemically compounded energy in a fuel to be converted into electrical and mechanical energy with an efficiency of at least 60% and possibly over 65%.
Fluid flow field plate (12) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is made of electrically conducting material and has multiple, continuous, open-faced, fluid flow channels (22) in a major surface (15). Each channel has a dedicated fluid inlet (24) and a dedicated fluid outlet (26) directly connected respectively to a fluid supply opening (25) and a fluid exhaust opening (27) defined in the surface and traverses a major central area of the surface in a number of passes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By employing continuous channels traversing the plate and an adjacent electrode surface in alternating long and short closely spaced passes, access of adequate fuel and oxidant gases to the entire anode and cathode surfaces is assured and water is readily removed from the channel as it is formed by the flow of oxidant gas before it can coalesce into large water droplets. (2/4)
A primary battery and a reserve battery are provided into a housing, the primary battery being no more than approximately equal electrical power to the reserve battery. The primary battery is connected to the electrical system of an automobile in a normal mode of operation, the electrical system including but not limited to a starter motor, a starter solenoid and an ignition switch.    The reserve battery is connected in parallel to the primary battery when desired to increase the total electrical battery power. The primary and reserve battery are charged together. Discharge of the reserve battery is prohibited during charging.    USE -   For providing constantly available reserve battery power.
(JP2714236-B2)      The fuel cell power generation plant, comprises reformer (2), reformer burner (2a), control apparatus (5), temperature detector (6), process fuel (101), reformer burner fuel exhaust gas (104), cathode (1a), anode (1b), etc. The plant detects pressure across anodic outlet line and hydrogen enriched gas generation line.    ADVANTAGE -   The plant avoids reverse flow if the high temperature combustion gas to an anode outlet line from the reformer burner.
Process comprises: (i) reacting toluene with an oxidising agent at an anode of a fuel cell comprising a cathode, a H-ion transmitting diaphragm, and anode contg. Pd, to obtain benzaldehyde and benzoic acid; and (ii) reacting at the cathode, the O with H+ ion having generated at the anode and having passed through the H-ion transmitting diaphragm, to obtain water.    Pref. the H-ion transmitting diaphragm comprises a Cl-contg. cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Easily provides benzaldehyde and benzoic acic from toluene; benzaldehyde is produced partic. at high selectivity
(JP4095341-A)      NOVELTY - Several cell units are laminated in a pressure container through bipolar plates (41-44). Paste containing a mixture of insulating powder and fluororesin powder is applied between the bipolar plates. The paste is heat-treated to obtain a porous body that is air permeable. This air permeable portion is formed at the periphery of each cell unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Ribs (71-74) are provided at the top and bottom walls of the pressure container so as to press the cell units together.    USE -   For high pressure nickel hydrogen battery used for motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   The air permeable portion formed at periphery of each cell unit is water repellent and does not allows electrolyte to pass through. Prevents variation of internal pressure. Contact resistance between the cell units is reduced. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the sectional view of the battery. (41-44) Bipolar plates; (71-74) Ribs.
A fuel cell is used, which consists of an anode including palladium, a hydrogen ion permeable membrane, and a cathode. At the anode, toluene is reacted with an oxidising agent to obtain benzaldehyde. The hydrogen ions, which are produced at the anode and passed through the hydrogen ion permeable membrane, are reacted with oxygen at the cathode to form water. The opening and closing of the cirucit of the fuel cell are repeated alternately.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to mfr. benzaldehyde through partial oxidn. of toluene using fuel cell. Benzaldehyde is an important industrial material as the intermediate for mfg. various chemical prods. such as medicine, agricultural chemicals, perfume, resin additive, etc. Benzaldehyde can be mfd. from toluene easily with good efficiency.
In an energy system for generating and storing hydrogen in alloy by electrodialysis of water by power generated by natural energy, e.g. wind force or hydraulic power, heat generated by electrodialysis of water is supplied to electrolysis tank, and used together with heat of fuel cell to dissipate hydrogen from the alloy.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy can be utilised efficiently.
The energy system comprises the step of electrolysing water by an electric power generated by a solar cell to generate H2; the step of storing the generated H2 in a H2 occluding alloy; and the step of discharging H2 from the H2 occluding alloy to use the discharged H2 as a fuel, whereby operating a fuel cell are comprised. An area for installation of the solar cell is set at 800 to 1700 times that of the fuel cell.    Pref. the H2 occluding alloy is represented by LaNi5 wherein La represents rare earth metals, Mg, Fe and Zr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric power generated on the basis of the solar energy can be utilised without wastefulness
Electric power generated from natural energy, is sent to an energy-consuming place in real time by the high-voltage DC transmission of electricity. When the generated electric power exceeds consumed electric power to produce excessive electric power, water is subjected to the low-voltage electrolysis to generate hydrogen and store the generated hydrogen in a hydrogen-occlusing alloy once and transport the occluded hydrogen to the energy-consuming place. The transported hydrogen is used to operate a fuel cell as a fuel to utilise electric power and heat generated by the operation of the fuel cell in the energy-consuming place.    Wind force energy, water power energy, subterranean heat energy, solar energy and the like are used as the natural energies singly or in combination.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the energy system the electric power generated on the basis of clean natural energies can be utilised without wastefulness.
The separator envelope comprises, adjacent its side edges, thickened edge portions whose thickness is greater than that of the walls constituting the faces of the envelope, the edge portions extending from the bottom of the envelope to its mouth and being of such a width that they cover the side edges of the plate when it is inserted in the separator.    Each thickened edge portion is formed by a side portion of the sheet which is folded onto itself for a width such as to cover the side edge of the respective plate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Starting motor vehicle. Reduces short-circuiting between plates.
Seal includes an inorganic material, pref. a glass esp. a silicate glass, which is tough at operating temps. and is fitted between parts which must be able to move relative to each other.    Pref. glasses are highly viscous alkali(ne earth) metal, B, Pb, Al and Li silicate glasses.    Glass has Bingham flow characteristics and has a viscosity at 1000 deg. C of 5000-50000 P. Pref. glasses are: (Na2O)0.15 (CaO)0.10 (SiO)0.75 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 1004 deg. C; (Na2O)0.20 (CaO)0.10 (Si)2)0.70 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 924 deg. C; (Na2O)0.20 (MgO)0.10 (SiO2)0.70 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 992 deg. C; (Na2O)0.20 (K2O)0.30 (SiO2)0.50 of viscosity 10 power 4 P at 1000 deg. C; and (K2O)0.10 (PbO)0.10 (SiO2)0.80 which has a viscosity of 10 power (4) P at 1000 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with an electrochemical or fuel cell (claimed). Reliable, durable seal is obtd.
System comprises (i) electrolysing water by the electric power generated on the basis of the natural energies to generate H2; (ii) storing the generated H2 in the H-occluding alloy; (iii) transporting the H-occluding alloy to the vicinity of the electric power-consuming place by the use of the marine transportation means; and (iv) releasing H2 from the hydrogen-occluding alloy at the vicinity of the energy-consuming place to operate the fuel cell with the released hydrogen as the fuel, whereby generating the electric power. Materials having an equilibrium H2 pressure of 1 atmos. pressure or less at 30 deg.C are used as the H-occluding alloy.    Pref. the wind force energy, the water power energy, the subterranean heat energy, the solar energy and the like are used as the natural energies singly or in combination.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the energy system the marine transportation of the hydrogen-occluding alloy can be improved in safety.
System comprises (i) electrolysing water by the electric power generated on the basis of the natural energies to generate H2; (ii) occluding the generated H2 in the H-occluding alloy; (iii) releasing H from the H-occluding alloy; and (iv) arranging the fuel cell with the released H as the fuel in the vicinity of the energy-consuming place to obtain the electric power. A dia. of a H2 transporting pipe from the water-electrolysis region to the H-occluding alloy region is set so as to be larger than that of a H2 transporting pipe from the H-occluding alloy region to the fuel cell region.    Pref. the wind force energy, the water power energy, the subterranean heat energy, the solar energy and the like are used as the natural energies.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the energy system the transportation of H2 can be efficiently conducted.
Appts. comprises aero-motor (windmill) with a hydraulic pump coupled to the shaft, a collecting device for transmitting hydraulic fluid from the aero-motor platform to the supporting structure of the platform and fluido-dynamic actuator(s) connected to the collecting device. Also DC generator is connected to the terminals of an electrolytic bath for generating hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is compressed by the fluido-dynamic actuator, and the oxygen may be compressed by a second actuator. Wind is the only energy source used, giving reduced operating costs.
Fuel cell comprises an alkali metal anode, CO2 or CO/CO2 cathode and a carbonate of the alkali metal as electrolyte, with an alkali metal ion-conducting barrier between anode and electrolyte. The cathode pref. includes an Au catalyst for CO2 redn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. at a site where C02 is plentiful, e.g. industrial plants or extra-terrestrial sites such as Mars or Venus. Cell is lightweight and provides high energy output.
The appts. comprises a reformer to convert a hydrocarbon fuel into H2 to be fed to the cell. Upon starting the reformer, N2 is flowed in a reforming processor in the reverse direction to the flowing direction of the gas during reforming.    USE -   For fuel cell power sources.
Appts. comprises an electromagnetic wave detector to detect an electromagnetic wave generated from the flame of a pilot burner to ignite a main burner to heat the interior of a reforming furnace.    USE -   For fuel cell power sources.
Appts. to reform fuel cell comprises a CO converter to convert CO in a reformed gas into H, and desulphuriser to remove a cpd. of S harmful to a catalyst charged in a reformer to produce the reformed gas.    USE -   For fuel cell power sources.
Cathode and anode exhaust gases are removed, and the cathode exhaust gas, at least partly, is inserted as an oxygen carrier, upon prodn. of the hydrogen from the carbon contg. insert. The prodn. of hydrogen results by the steam reforming of a carbon contg. insert, at least partly as under grate firing air with the heating of the steam reformation system.    The heating of the steam reforming results without pressure. The cathode exhaust gas can be expanded to give working power.    ADVANTAGE -   Oxygen of cathode exhaust gas resulting from operation of high temp. fuel cell is better utilised.
Chemical reactor comprises feed lines, reaction chambers (1) and outlet lines. Outlet lines comprises separate gas removal devices (3,3') in the form of ducts at the upper edge of the reaction chamber (1). The ducts have neglible cross-section in relation to the passage cross-section for the reaction chambers (1).    Reactor (1) is a metal/air battery where the anode is pref. of Al. The cathode is an air electrode in the form of an oxygen-reducing diaphragm. Reaction chamber (1) is composed of two identical frames with means for attachment of an air electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for reactions involving gas generation. Can be applied to interconnection of galvanic cells of the type using metal/air fuel cells. It enables fluid transfer through the reactor even with a high emission of gas in the reactor; alleviates problems of uneven liq. supply to the reactor with parallel inlets; and reduces problems of electrical short circuiting between the cells in electrochemical reactors. Work required to pump liq./gas mixt. through the reactors is reduced. Invention contributes towards preventing formation of local eddies or areas with minimal flow rate, reducing the possibility for clogging of the cells due to deposits of solid reaction prods.
Alkali metal hydroxide, hal and H2 are obtd. from an alkali halide analyte contg. a transition metal halide complex and an alkali metal hydroxide catholyte by: using solar energy to excite the complex and reduce a metal ion ligand and to oxidise halide to hal; recovering hal gas; recovering solar thermal energy from the analyte/complex; electrolysing the reduced complex to oxidise the metal ion ligand and produce H2 and alkali hydroxide; and using the solar thermal energy to evaporate water from the catholyte to produce steam and concd. alkali hydroxide soln..    ADVANTAGE -   Use of solar energy reduces electricity consumption in the overall process.
Reliability is increased by introducing energy accumulator (9), relay (11), acting as a memory, and switch (10). Switch (10) closes when the battery is disconnected. If the driver for any reason attempts to cut off all the electrics, capacitor (9) discharges into relay (11), operating contactor (5), which trips all the circuits.    USE -   In vehicle electrical systems, particularly in automobiles and buses. Bul.25/7.7.91.
Reliability increased by introducing energy accumulator (9), switch (10), relay (11), acting as a memory and diode (3). Switch (10) closes when the battery is removed. Relay (11) operates, energising winding (8) of contactor (5), provided contact (6) is closed. This protects the vehicle system should the battery be reconnected back to front.    USE -   In vehicle electrical systems, particularly in goods vehicles and buses. Bul.25/7.7.91.
Conversion reactor for CO is composed of a reactor, catalyst layer to covert CO rich gas to CO poor gas and electric heater, equipped parallel to the gas flow of which electric power density increases from the outlet to inlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reforming gas contg. poor CO gas is obtd. in a short time using this appts and is applicable to on-site fuel cell.    In an example; the reactor is composed of reactor vessel, catalyst layer and electric heater coil. CO rich reforming gas is supplied from inlet to catalyst layer in the reactor, heated by heater and converted to CO poor gas.
Power is generated in a fuel cell with CO2 fixing. At least one gas of CO, H2 or hydrocarbons is used, as fuel gas, and O2 is supplied to the anode to generate power with the fuel cell and to generate power with the exhaust-gas turbine. The steam turbine is operated with the exhaust-heat recovery boiler. Gas comprising CO2 made by removing steam from exhaust-gas, is electrolytically decomposed with DC of at least one of the fuel cell, solar cell, power generated by luminous energy and semiconductor cathode, and rectified current of night time excess power, to produce hydrocarbons and/or alcohols, and also O2 generated at the anode is combined with the O2 from the O2 generator, and supplied to the anode of the fuel cell.    Pref. fuel gas comprising CO and H2 made by gasifying coal with O2 is supplied to the cathode of the cell. O2 generated at the anode of the CO2 converter is used for the coal gasifying furnace, and the anode of the fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for power generation in combination of the fuel cell complex power generation system with the CO2 fixing converter. Efficiency of the fuel cell and the coal gasifier is improved. Release of CO2 outside the system may be reduced.
NOVELTY - The hanger tube (10) includes powdered raw material particles of different sizes. The amount of powdered particles of larger particle diameter increases towards the inner peripheral side of the hanger tube.    USE -   For solid electrolyte fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The amount of particles with larger diameter increases towards inner periphery of hanger tube, which improves gas permeability in the inner peripheral region. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows fragmentary sectional view of hanger tube. (10) Hanger tube.
Device includes an extinguishing detecting sensor, discriminator, switch and re-starting ordering unit. The discriminator receives an extinguishment signal from the sensor, outputs a detection signal upon detection of the extinguishing signal, and outputs a stop order upon detection of the extinguishment signal. A switch effects switching between starting and operation, and passes a detection signal from the discriminator on starting only. The re-starting ordering unit outputs a re-igniting order for the specific time period upon receipt of the detection signal from the switch.    ADVANTAGE -   Re-ignition by a worker may be eliminated.
NOVELTY - Carbon black powder is diluted with water and polytetrafluoroethylene is added to it. Then, the entire mixture is filtered and is subjected to back compression molding.    USE -   For gas diffusion electrode of phosphoric acid type fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves catalyst utilisation factor.
The battery is of the open type having a casing with an opening to allow escape of gas. At least two plates (2,3), respectively positive and negative, are immersed in a liq. acid electrolyte, and separated by a plate having high physical and chemical resistance to the acid.    The separator is based on a fibre glass compound using short, straight fibres of microscopic dia. The separator (4) is compressed between the plates till its thickness is reduced by between five and forty percent.    ADVANTAGE -   Has improved mechanical, giving improved cyclic charge/discharge performance.
A novel chloroaluminate molten salt having a wide electrochemical window comprising aluminium chloride and an organic chloride salt, each of mole fraction 0.33-0.67, with sufficient alkali metal chloride added to buffer the salts to Lewis acid-base neutrality, maintained by the latter additive. A method of obtaining a wide electrochemical window in chloroaluminate molten salts by adding a sufficient amt. of at least one alkali metal chloride thereto buffer the salts to Lewis acid-base neutrality is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a compsn. with an extraordinarily wide electrochemical window using salts molten at room temp. it is thus highly suitable as an electrolyte for rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. The wide electro-chemical window permits greater energy density i.e. high power long life batteries at reduced wt. The electrolyte can also be advantageously used in fuel cells, photoelectric cells and electroplating applications.
(JP2813040-B2)      The power supply has a fuel battery (1) in which fuel and oxidising agent are combined to perform combustion reaction of the fuel in an electrochemical manner so as to generate electrical energy. An output adjustment unit (2) is provided between the fuel battery and the arc process load. An output control circuit (7) is provided to drive the output adjustment unit. An impressed current unit control circuit (11) is connected to the output end of the fuel battery considering a signal s1 as input during the output adjustment unit process. The output Pr of the reference value setter (6) and the output control circuit for the arc process satisfies predetermined relation Pf&lt;Pr, where Pf is the output of an electricity generation capability detector (5) of the fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents overloading and durability reduction of battery.
Hydrocarbon fuel and steam are circulated through a catalyst layer filled in a reactor tube which is heated by burner. converter comprises stress-absorbing flexible layers which are placed in the catalyst layer in the longitudinal direction. it.    Stress-absorbing flexible layers made of ceramic fibre non-woven cloth are put in catalyst layer of porous alumina.    ADVANTAGE -   Used to convert hydrocarbon fuel into H2-contg. gas in fuel cell systems. Compressive stress developed in catalyst layer can be released by stress-absorbing flexible layers. The collapse of the catalyst layer can be prevented. A highly active catalyst with a larger number of micropores and reduced mechanical strength can be used.
An intercell partition has a section which is thicker than the remainder of the partition and is adapted to receive an intercell connector. The opening through the partition is located in the section and there is a mouth at each end of the opening. Each mouth confronts one of the adjacent compartments. An intercell connector comprises a number of electrically-conductive links each joining a pair of coplanar, opposite-polarity plates into a bipolar electrode in which a positive polarity plate of a first cell element in one cell compartment is connected directly to a negative polarity plate in a second cell element in an adjacent cell compartment.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents electrolyte communication between adjacent cells.
The accumulator pack (12) is rod shaped and is clipped to the bicycle frame (10) via coupling grips at each end. The fitting secures the pack by a twist action. Twisting the pack past the first grip point engages the contacts for the lights. No separate switch is required. The charger has a similar coupling fitting to secure the pack.    The coupling grips are fitted to the frame by steel bands tightened by a screw fitting (17). The accumulator pack has shaped ends to engage the coupling. The system can be fitted to any bicycle.    ADVANTAGE -   Rapid fitting; no dynamo required; low running costs.
End part seal appts. comprises flat plate-like gasket inserted between the ends of electrode boards to surround the marginal edge of a matrix between the electrode boards; the gasket composed of a laminate of unbaked Fe resin sheets of different elasticities.    Used for making fuel cells. (J60184769-A)
In the hydrogen mfg. appts. which employs excess power from a nuclear power plant or a steam power plant, a steam electrolysis appts. is provided to electrolyse the steam from a combustion means into H2 and O2. The H2 and O2 are utilised to heat the steam.    ADVANTAGE -   Even if steam generated from a heat source having rather low temp. were utilised, such steam would be utiliised as high temp. steam to produce H2.
A terminal has a bottom wall and at least one side wall, a nut insertion hole passing through a lateral direction and a bolt insertion hole communicating with the nut insertion hole. A nut is inserted through the nut insertion hole. A nut anti-slipping member protrudes from at least one of the bottom wall and the side wall of the terminal. The nut anti-slipping member has a nut insertion groove and occupying bottom end portions of a first opening end of the nut insertion hole.    The nut insertion hole and nut are formed into a square-pole-shape. The entire nut can pass upper parts of anti-slipping member when the nut is inserted in the nut insertion hole in a horizontal longitudinal position. A bottom part of the nut can pass the nut insertion groove when the nut is inserted in the nut insertion hole in a vertical longitudinal position.    USE -   Terminal for a lead storage battery. Used on a compact vehicle, e.g. a motorcycle.
Electrolyte is sintered compact of ZrO2, contg. 2.5-12 mol % solid soln. of Y2O3, up to 0.5 wt% total amt. of MgO, and CaO restricted, with up to 0.5% water absorptivity. Crystal phase at room temp. is cubic tetragonal or mixed phase.    USE -   Measuring oxygen content in molten material e.g. metal or Si-melt.
(JP4036957-A)   NOVELTY - The lead storage battery has an electrode group containing positive electrode board and negative electrode plate. The positive electrode board uses lead-antimony group alloy grating having antimony content of 4 weight% (wt.%) or less. The negative electrode plate uses lead-calcium group alloy grating subjected to punching process, containing 3 wt.% or less of barium.    USE - For motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The lead storage battery has excellent recoverability after over discharging.
(JP4034862-A)      A solid electrolyte fuel cell comprises an air positive electrode, a fuel negative electrode and an electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises a mixed ion conductive material of protons and perovskite-type double oxide ions of formula ABO3-alpha. A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Zr, V, Nb, Ta and/or W, the total mol.no. of Mg, Ca, Sr and B being greater than 0.5; B = Y, La, Pr, Nd, Pn, Sn, En, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and/or Yb; and alpha = 0.25-0.50.    The electrolyte, the fuel electrode and the air electrode are tape cast and sintered thin layers. The air electrode comprises a transition metal oxide, more pref. including nickel oxide. The fuel electrode comprises Ni (alloy). The mixed ion conductive material is BaSm0.9Y0.1O3-alpha, CaLa0.9-5Dy0.05O3-alpha or Sr0.5Ca0.5Ho0.9Er0.1O3-alpha.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in space and in civil applications. Provides a low cost fuel cell that generates a high output with long-term operation reliability even at operating temps. of 850 deg.C or below. (First major country equivalent to J04034862-A)
The supply system for an automobile uses a starter battery (2) coupled to the starter motor (3) and an on-board supply battery (5) supplying the on-board electrical loads. The connection between the starter battery and the onboard supply battery is interrupted when the latter battery would drain the charge from the starter battery.    Pref. the starter battery and the starter motor are separated from the remainder of the electrical supply network via a starter battery switch (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures starter battery has sufficient charge for operation of starter motor.
The battery membrane separates two strong oxidising electrolytes solutions. The membrane is improved oxidation-resistant, conductive, ion-selective and fabricated from an inert porous perfluorinated polymer sheet, of poly(tetrafluoroethylene), radiatively grafted with alpha-methylstyrene and adequately sulphonated. A minor quantity of a divinyl cpd. is pref. added to the alpha-methylstyrene to crosslink the grafted structure.    A battery includes a container, two electrodes sepd. by the membrane, and two electrolyte solns.. The membrane has resistivity between 0.1 and 10 ohms per square centimetre and is amenable to the passage of positive ions such as sodium while blocking negative ions and complexes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For utility load levelling, solar photovoltaic storage systems, and fuel cells. The membrane has high chemical stability.
(JP4028161-A)      NOVELTY - Positive electrode lattice is filled with a paste which includes lead powder having particle size of 10 microns. An oxidizing layer having thickness of 60% or more of particle size of lead powder, is formed. The paste coated on the positive electrode lattice is dried and is used as anode board.    USE -   For lead battery used in motor vehicle.    ADVANTAGE -   Shortens time required for manufacturing anode board by quickly drying paste coated on positive electrode lattice.
An acid-resistant transparent plastics container (1) has moulded in lifting handles (7). The individual plate (2) cells (3) have horizontal holes linked to vertical indicator passages (4) in one long wall.    Coloured balls (5) float freely on the electrolyte in the passages. Maximum (6) and minimum (11) electrolyte levels are marked on the container by coloured lines.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for automatobile batteries. Moulded-in handles aid portability and maintenance is aided by transparent container and float level indicators.
Plasticiser useful for enhancing the ionic conductivity of a solid polymer electrolyte is of formula R3C(OC2R4)nCN (I) where each R = H, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl or aralkyl; and n = 2-8. Also described is an amorphous ionically conductive macromolecular solid having improved ambient temp. ionic conductivity. Plasticiser comprises a solid soln. of at least one positively charged ionic species dissolved in a macromolecular material, and an effective amt. of the above plasticiser.    Macromolecular solid pref. comprises a (co)polymer having a polyether structure and having at least a portion of the ether O replaced with S or NR, where R includes a basic site(s) capable of associating with the positively charged ionic species, which has 2-10C atoms. Pref. it is of formula: --(X--C(R1)2C(R1)2--Y--C(R1)2C(R1)2)n-- (II) X and Y = O, S or NH, with at least 10% of all X and Y being O; and each R1 is the same of different and is H or 1-4C (un)satd. hydrocarbon radical opt. substd. with halide. Basic site comprises an ether or thioether linkage or a gp. -PO, -PO, -PO, -SbO, -SO, -SO, -AsO or -NHR", where R" = hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl having 1-10C atoms. No more than 95% of all X and Y are oxygen. Ionic species is Na, Li or K. Macromolecular solid may be a (co)polymer with several side chains having distal constituents of formula --X--Y-M+ (III) X = CF, CFCN, CFR, or CCNR or C6FaRb, where a = 1-4, b = 0-3 and a + b = 4. R = opt. substd. organic gp. Pref. the (co)polymer has a phosphazene, polyethylene or imine or siloxane backbone.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Plasticiser enhances ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes, and can be used in batteries, fuel cells and sensors. The plasticiser is not readily lost through vapourisation.
Bi-polar autoelectrolytic hydrogen generator has at least one voltaic cell comprising (a) a non-conductive air-impermeable tank with a stainless steel inner tank for contg. salt-water electrolyte, chosen from sea-water, brine, or aq. NaCl and a cover portion with a H outlet above the inner tank; (b) a 1st electrode located within the tank and consisting of the stainless steel inner tank lining and several pairs of stainless steel plates permanently affixed to the inner tank lining, in which the 1st electrode is provided with a (+) terminal located externally on the cover of the tank; and (c) a 2nd electrode consisting of several sets of Mg plates, several sets of Al plates, and several non-conductive permeable separators, in which each Mg plate is arranged between a pair of separators all adapted to be immersed in the electrolyte, and the 2nd electrode is provided with (-) terminals located externally on the cover of the tank; and further the generating system also comprises (d) a variable load resistor external to the cell which may be connected, at will, across the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the system to develop a voltage and a controlled current in the cell, inversely proportional to the resistance of the variable load resistor, thereby evolving hydrogen, autoelectrolytically and electrochemically from the electrolyte, on demand at the 1st and 2nd electrodes, in a vol. directly proportional to the current produced by the total surface area of the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   The autoelectrolytic H generator makes use of 30% of the total electric energy. @(5pp Dwg.No.2/2)@
Device comprises ion beam source to radiate ion beam focused at point in space, and work transferrer to pass through or close to point.    USE -   Ion beams applied to surfaces of vertical walls of box-type work. Productivity is improved. @(6pp Dwg.No 1/4)@
Device comprises ion beam source to radiate ion beam focused at point in space, and work transferrer to pass through or close to point.    USE -   Ion beams applied to surfaces of vertical walls of box-type work. Productivity is improved. @(6pp Dwg.No 1/4)@
Device comprises ion beam source to radiate ion beam focused at point in space, and work transferrer to pass through or close to point.    USE -   Ion beams applied to surfaces of vertical walls of box-type work. Productivity is improved. @(6pp Dwg.No 1/4)@
Battery comprises a cathode of alkaline metal, a separator of glass fibre, anodic liq. active substance and electrolyte. The anode is a carbonaceous porous material. The anodic liq. active substance contains 0.01-2.0 wt.% polyarylate and 0.01-2.0 wt.% PET.    The separator pref. contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 5-20 g/m2, as binder. The carbonaceous porous anode contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 1-10 wt.%, as binder.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has improved voltage delay phenomena. Prodn. efficiency of the battery may be improved. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/2)@
(JP4017268-A)      Battery comprises a cathode of alkaline metal, a separator of glass fibre, anodic liq. active substance and electrolyte. The anode is a carbonaceous porous material. The anodic liq. active substance contains 0.01-2.0 wt.% polyarylate and 0.01-2.0 wt.% PET.    The separator pref. contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 5-20 g/m2, as binder. The carbonaceous porous anode contains at least one of polyarylate or PET in an amt. of 1-10 wt.%, as binder.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has improved voltage delay phenomena. Prodn. efficiency of the battery may be improved.
A body member is formed from sheet metal comprising a clamp section for attachment to a terminal post of a storage battery and a base section for rigid connection to a battery cable. The clamp section is configured to extend around the battery post and has first and second ends such that drawing the ends together compresses the clamp section about the post to clamp the battery post connector to the battery post. The clamp section has an inner surface adapted to grip a battery post to inhibit angular rotation of the battery post connector about the battery post.    The inner surface has an elongated slot with an edge adapted to penetrate the battery post, the edge being oblique to the central axis of the battery post when the clamp section is clamped to the battery post. A coined pattern is disposed to extend about the battery post and configured to penetrate the battery post when the clamp section is clamped to the battery post. The first and second ends of the clamp section are drawn together to clamp and battery connector to a battery post.    USE -   Stamped metal battery post connector for automobile use.
Ceramic superconductor is made by coating a raw material substance capable of forming ceramic superconductor with a metal to provide a composite, pressing intermittently at a given length over the entire length at least twice, with interposed process annealing, to make the composite a given size composite wire material, followed by heat treating the wire material in O2-contg. atmos.    USE -   For making ceramic superconductors for use as a magnet wire, power cables, power storage links, and magnetic shields. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Ceramic is cemented by disposing a metal layer capable of melting at a service temp., and reacting with a gas in the atmos., to form a stable cpd., at the cementing part, followed by melting the metal layer to react with the gas in the atmos.    The metal layer is, pref., Al metal.    USE -   For components of high-temp. type fuel cells. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Proton conductors having structures comprising organic polymers are salts of (1) cpds. contg. substits. having H bond-networks in side chains and/or non-conjugated electron pair-contg. substits. and (2) acids.    Alternatively, proton conductors are of formula (-CX2-CX(R)-)n (I) or are crystals of cpds. (I) and at least one acid of H2SO4, H3PO4 and R''COOH (R'' is alkyl) or are of formula (-CX(R)-CX(R)-)n (II) or are crystals of cpds. (II) and at least one acid of H2SO4, H3PO4 and R''COOH (R'' is alkyl). In the formulae, X is F or H; R is COOH, CONH2, SO3H, NH2 or (CH2)m-R'; R' is at least one of COOH, CONH2, SO3H and NH2; n is at least 100 and m is 1-10.    The amt. of H2SO4 and H2PO4 contained in the proton conductors is pref. 1-4 to 1 unit monomer. The proton conductors do not contain water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for electrolytes for prim. and sec. batteries and fuel batteries, and sensors. The proton conductors conduct protons at low temp. and have good flexibility and mouldability. @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0
Optical disk having a resin substrate has a trench on the periphery when the resin substrates are adhered to each other. A groove or pit for tracking is formed on a side of a resin substrate. A 1st ceramics layer, a recording layer, 2nd ceramics layer and a reflection layer are laminated in order. The plates are adhered using epoxy gp. resin. A trench is formed at the periphery and a UV curing type resin is filled into the trench. The resin is cured and the periphery is cut.    ADVANTAGE -   No change of mechanical characteristics at higher temp.. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Two reagent containers (1, 3) are divided by movable boundary walls (2, 4) into spaces for unused and spent reagents respectively. Jointly driven pumps (9, 10) supply fresh reagents to the fuel cell (12) via a device (11) which adjusts their deg. of dissociation for optimal carrier mobility.    Charges are given up to electrodes (13, 14) by ion exchange through a membrane (15). The spent reagents are delivered to separate drain cocks (5, 8) for recycling.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for electrically propelled vehicles. Accumulator with large capacity can be produced cheaply in various shapes with extended life-time, constant power output, and current-peak smoothing capability. @(11pp Dwg.No.1/2)@
The appts. comprises a combined damper and retention device overlying the battery for reducing the amplitude of the distal ends oscillations and for retaining the battery in the tray. The damper and retention device comprises a rigid bracket having a first end secured to the distal end of the tray. A second end is secured to the body member at a second site above the first site to prevent pivotal movement of the bracket at the second site. A retainer section contiguously overlies the battery for holding the battery securely in the tray.    A device secures the retainer section to the tray so as to compress the battery between the tray and the section.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases battery life. @(33pp Dwg.No.1,2/7)@
Current collecting plates and edge plates constitute wall faces and its peripheries in contac tiwth the fuel electrode in the passage of the fuel gas and with the air electrode in the passage of the oxidising agent gas respectively. The plates are made of thin plate materials exhibiting high flexibility.    Since the edge plates of the thin plate material can bend easilyy in a direction in which the power generating components are laminated, even if the differences in level due to the variations of the current collecting plate, its support and the edge plate are produced upon manufacturing, the differences in level are eliminated by the bent of the plates. Thus, the contact of the plates with the power generating components can be uniform and local forces can be prevented from exerting on the power generating components.    ADVANTAGE -   Current collecting and edge plates are mfd. by press working, without requiring cutting and joining work by e.g. welding, thus residual stress caused by these works is not produced.
A fuel cell main body has cooling plates for absorbing heat generated in the cell, the plate being located between the cells, having a line for supplying a coolant through the cooling place. The fuel cell generation system comprises a reference voltage source for supplying a reference voltage, and a determining device comparing an output voltage of at least one cell located at an upper portion of the cell main body with the reference voltage and determining if any abnormal state occurs on the cooling line.    The determining device serves to compare an output voltage of at least one cell with the reference value. A cell characteristic of the cell and variation of a cell characteristic of cells composing the cell stack can be estimated.    USE -   Alarm and protection system for a cooling water supply to a fuel cell.
The generator has a pressure application water pool part (18) with built-in heater, which is piped between fuel batteries at cooling water flow line of closed loop. A two piece housing is bonded in heat transfer between pressure application proof part and steam generation part. A heat pipe (20) is connected between water pool part and steam generation part. A heat exchanger (17) is built inside the steam generation part.    ADVANTAGE -   Secures high heat conducting characteristics. Simplifies configuration of pipeline, thereby reducing heat loss. Improves heat recovery efficiency.
Machine has a movable table on a base, at least three burners, a glass tube, and a cam and a motor for driving the cam. When the glass tube is between the pinchers, the pinchers are driven by the cam to approach and separate from the glass tube.    ADVANTAGE -   Wt. of the moving part is reduced so that generation of vibration may be prevented. @(5pp Dwg.No.2/2)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
Lamp is used by forming Ti oxide film on internal surface of glass bulb with filament inside, and forming electrostatic coating of silica fine powder contg. 2-9 wt.% of Ti-yellow and ultramarine on Ti oxide film.    USE -   Light green colour on burning. @(4pp Dwg.No.1,2/4)@
The vehicle engine compartment is enclosed by a bonnet with a battery thermal control box adapted to be mounted in the engine compartment. The control box comprises a casing having a bottom panel, side walls and end walls. A cover closes the top of the casing with an air inlet at one of the end walls.    The surface of the bottom panel supports a battery in a spaced relation to the bottom panel, the support forming, in combination with the bottom of the battery, air flow paths between the bottom of the battery and the surface of the bottom panel. Air is blown into the air inlet for circulation through the flow paths across the bottom of the panel and upwardly in the spaces between the side walls and end walls of the battery.    USE -   For increasing the useful life of temp.-sensitive components beneath a vehicle bonnet. @(8pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The hydrogen storage alloy electrode is made by (i) holding a hydrogen storage alloy capable of occluding and releasing hydrogen reversibly on a conductor core body, to prepare an electride plate, (ii) exposing the electrode plate to a H2-atmos, and (iii) treating the plate in an atmos contg at least one of SO2, CO, CO2, and alkali mist-contg steam.    USE -   Used for metal hydrogen alkali batteries having excellent incipient activation characteristics. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The hydrogen storage alloy electrode is made by (i) holding a hydrogen storage alloy capable of occluding and releasing hydrogen reversibly on a conductor core body, to prepare an electride plate, (ii) exposing the electrode plate to a H2-atmos, and (iii) treating the plate in an atmos contg at least one of SO2, CO, CO2, and alkali mist-contg steam.    USE -   Used for metal hydrogen alkali batteries having excellent incipient activation characteristics. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The hydrogen storage alloy electrode is made by (i) holding a hydrogen storage alloy capable of occluding and releasing hydrogen reversibly on a conductor core body, to prepare an electride plate, (ii) exposing the electrode plate to a H2-atmos, and (iii) treating the plate in an atmos contg at least one of SO2, CO, CO2, and alkali mist-contg steam.    USE -   Used for metal hydrogen alkali batteries having excellent incipient activation characteristics. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Multiple fuel cells are juxtaposed with one another in the stack, each including a pair of plate-shaped anode and cathode electrodes that face one another. A quantity of liquid electrolyte is present at least between the electrodes. A separator plate is interposed between each two successive electrodes of adjacent ones of the fuel cells and is unified into an integral separator plate. Each integral separator plate is provided with a circumferentially complete barrier prevents flow of shunt currents onto and on an outer peripheral surface of the separator plate.    This barrier consists of electrolyte-nonwettable barrier members that are accommodated, prior to the formation of the integral separator plate, in corresponding edge recesses situated at the interfaces between the electrodes and the separator plate proper. Each barrier extends over the entire length of the associated marginal portion and is flush with the outer periphery of the integral separator plate. This barrier also prevents cell-to-cell migration of any electrolyte that may be present at the outer periphery of the integral separator plate while the latter is incorporated in the fuel cell stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids the flow of shunt currents at the periphery of a fuel cell stack. @(8pp Dwg.No.2/2)@
The composite material valve comprises a composite material of which matrix is a light metal, in which a reinforcement of the valve face part is a porous alumina having 60-80% vol. fraction.    USE -   Used for valves for internal combustion engines having improved wear resistance. @(7pp Dwg.No.0/11)
Electrolyte precursor contains alkali metal including Cs is substd. by NH4 to form a proton conductive solid electrolyte contg. pyroclore type oxide as bone component including Nb or Ta and W. In an example Cs2CO3, Nb2O5, and WO3 were mixed (1:1:2 by mol ratio), fired at 950 deg C for 48 hrs. to form CsNbWO6, ground to 1 micron, immersed in NH4NO3 at 195 deg C and ion exchanged to NH4 from Cs to form a solid electrolyte. @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0
Sheet comprises carrier film release layer, Cu foil circuit, and a layer of binding agent laminated to each other. At least one surface of the carrier film is coarse.    ADVANTAGE -   Good quality moulding can be achieved stably. @(3pp Dwg.No.1,2/2)
The device comprises a preheater for insulated core wires that are to be taken up by a take-up roller, and a means to fuse the core wires taken and guided by the take-up roller to be integrated with each other. Operation of the preheater starts before starting operation of the take-up roller, and operation of the preheater is stopped before stopping the take-up roller.    USE -   The heating device can be kept at a constant temp.. Good quality cable can be produced. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The appts. comprises a beam blanking plate to pass and block a charged beam, thus switching the beam on and off, after the beam is deflected, at least, in one direction by a static deflector.    USE -   For forming a fine pattern on a semiconductor wafer by an electron beam.
The system comprises; a reformer in which hydrocarbon gas and steam are made to react to produce H2; a fuel cell proper which generates DC power through electrochemical reaction of H2 produced in the reformer and O2 separately supplied; and the DC-AC converter which converts DC generated in the fuel cell proper into AC power; The system also comprises a pressure changing equipment for changing gas pressure in the reformer.    The pressure changing equipment for changing pressure in the reformer is installed in the conventional type fuel cell power generating system. The pressure changing equipment is composed of compressors and pressure control valves.    @(7pp Dwg.No. 1/5)@
Appts. comprises: a generator section contg. cells; fresh fuel gas feed; oxidiser gas feed; spent fuel gas recirculation channels; and hot combustion exhaust gas exit channels.    The spent fuel recirculation channel passes from the generator to combine with fesh fuel feed at a circulation and mixing appts; a reformable fuel mixt. channel passes between the mixing appts. and a reforming chamber contg. a reformable material; and a portion of the hot combusted exhaust gas exit channel surrounds the reforming chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. allows more efficient heating of internal reforming material and controls spent fuel inclusion into the fresh fuel feed. @(8pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Plasma spray powder for use in mfr. of a fuel cell anode on a ceramic substrate, partic. of Y-stabilised Zr oxide, is mfd. from a mixture of 40-70 wt.% NiO and 60-30 wt.% ZrO2 with an additive, pref. isopropanol, which is homogenised by 4-48 hours wet milling and dried at 80 deg.C. The product is pre-calcined at about 1000 deg.C for 4 hours and coarsely comminuted by milling for 4 hours. After calcining at 1500-1600 deg.C for 1-4 hours the material is milled for 8 hours and sieved to give a powder in the size range 30-90 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   Powder is very adherent to the substrate. @(3pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Device comprises: a slip preventing ring with chain, a first expansible column with one end connected to the wheel of the ring and the other end fixed to the suspension mechanism of the car, a second expansible column with one end connected to the wheel of the ring and the other end fixed to the shaft housing of the driving wheel, and intermediate rollers attached to the wheel of the ring. Through expansion and contraction of the first and second expansible columns using hydraulic pressure, the slip preventing ring is set to service or is retracted swiftly.    The claim includes the case where the chain is replaced by some other slip preventing measure.    ADVANTAGE -   Slip preventing device for motor car can be used swiftly and easily when it is required during winter driving. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/3)
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Beam comprises passing a high-density electron beam having a relativistic velocity through semiconductor rings arranged with linearly equal spacings to produce a wave of compression and rarefaction of the electrons.    USE -   For generating microwaves. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Device includes an upright reforming pipe having a catalyst layer filled with granular reforming catalyst. The raw material is reformed into H2 rich gas, while being passed through the reforming pipe heated with heating medium. The granular catalyst comprises two types of catalyst having greater and smaller grain sizes arranged in upper and lower parts of the catalst layer, respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Pressure loss of raw material flowing through the catalyst layer may be prevented. @(3pp Dwg.No. 1/2)@
The electrode is made by wrapping a wire comprising W (alloy) or a member obtd. by dispersing oxide of metals except W on a core wire comprising a rod-shape member of W contg. La-oxide or Ce-oxide in such manner that the apex part of the core wire protrudes and is exposed a little, followed by forming a Re-layer on the superficial layer part of the wire, or ranging from the wire to the apex part of the core wire by plating or sputtering method.    USE -   Used for making long lasting electrodes for high-pressure Hg-lamps. @(4pp Dwg.No. 1-3/3)@
The electrode is made by wrapping a wire comprising W (alloy) or a member obtd. by dispersing oxide of metals except W on a core wire comprising a rod-shape member of W contg. La-oxide or Ce-oxide in such manner that the apex part of the core wire protrudes and is exposed a little, followed by forming a Re-layer on the superficial layer part of the wire, or ranging from the wire to the apex part of the core wire by plating or sputtering method.    USE -   Used for making long lasting electrodes for high-pressure Hg-lamps. @(4pp Dwg.No. 1-3/3)@
A terminal plate is placed on the one mould, and a press member made of resin having width wider than that of the terminal plate id idsposed on the terminal plate. When the other mould is mated with the one mould, a press pin prbtruded from the other mould is brought into contact with the press member. A mould is formed in a manner described above. By using the mould, injection moulding takes place to mould a terminal base.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Airtightness and reliability of a contact are improved. @(4pp Dwg.No. 2/7)@
Battery (6) is charged by constant current stage (5a, 5b) until a counter (2), counting pulses from an astable (1), reaches a predetermined count. Initial connection of a supply VS provides a pulse via capacitor (9) to reset pin (8) of counter (2), and diodes (21, 22) ensure that a temporoary disconnection and subsequent reconnection of the supply will not reset the counter (2) until it reaches the predetermined count, whereby charging can be suspended, e.g. overnight and restarted without altering the total recharging time. A load connected to terminals B P/us 2, B-1 can be energised via diode (26) from battery (6) or via diode (27) from supply V(s) when connected.    A monitoring circuit activates a bleeper (36) and turns off an output limiter transistor (34), when the battery has discharged to a certain voltage. The bleeper (36) is also operated when the counter (2) terminates charging and the load is OFF, in order to warn a user that the supply V(s) should be disconnected. The circuitry module may be incorporated with AA size cells in a PP3 sized housing or AA, C or D sized cells may be separately installed.    ADVANTAGE -   Produces both constant current Nicad recharge supply and isolated supply for maintaining moderate equipment operation through recharge. @(11pp Dwg.No.1/4)@
Sheet comprises a mixt. comprising high polymer elastic body, in which Li ion conductive solid electrolyte powder and/or Ag ion conductive electrolyte powder, and maleimide cpd. except bismaleimide cpd. are uniformly dispersed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid battery. Flexibility, stability at high temp., attachability with electrode active substance and charge-discharge cycle life of the electrolyte are improved.    In an example, 159.8 g of 4 mol/1000 g NaI aq. soln. and 129.4 of 1 mol/1000 g Na2WO4 aq. soln. were mixed. 200 g of 5 mol.1000 g AgNO3 aq. soln. was poured into the mixed soln. to obtain mixed pptes. of AgI and Ag2WO4. The pptes were dried at 70-90 deg.C in vacuum, pelletised with a press, heat-treated at 200-300 deg.C for 2-6 hrs. in inert gas and pulverised to obtain Ag6I4WO4 powder. 10 pts.wt. of SBS (JSR TR-2000 made by JAPS) was dissolved in toluene, then N-(m-methoxyphenyl)-maleimide was added in the soln. in amt. of 5 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of SBS to prepare the high polymer elastic material soln. The Ag6I4WO4 powder was kneaded with the elastic material soln. Polyester cloth was soaked in the prepd. mixt. and dried to make a solid electrolyte sheet. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Sheet comprises a mixt. comprising high polymer elastic body, in which Li ion conductive solid electrolyte powder and/or Ag ion conductive electrolyte powder, and maleimide cpd. except bismaleimide cpd. are uniformly dispersed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid battery. Flexibility, stability at high temp., attachability with electrode active substance and charge-discharge cycle life of the electrolyte are improved.    In an example, 159.8 g of 4 mol/1000 g NaI aq. soln. and 129.4 of 1 mol/1000 g Na2WO4 aq. soln. were mixed. 200 g of 5 mol.1000 g AgNO3 aq. soln. was poured into the mixed soln. to obtain mixed pptes. of AgI and Ag2WO4. The pptes were dried at 70-90 deg.C in vacuum, pelletised with a press, heat-treated at 200-300 deg.C for 2-6 hrs. in inert gas and pulverised to obtain Ag6I4WO4 powder. 10 pts.wt. of SBS (JSR TR-2000 made by JAPS) was dissolved in toluene, then N-(m-methoxyphenyl)-maleimide was added in the soln. in amt. of 5 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of SBS to prepare the high polymer elastic material soln. The Ag6I4WO4 powder was kneaded with the elastic material soln. Polyester cloth was soaked in the prepd. mixt. and dried to make a solid electrolyte sheet. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The device (10) includes a metallic connector (12) and a plastic lever (13) for insulating and protecting the connection. The connector is cut out of a metal sheet and folded. It presents a cylindrical loop (14) that engages the battery terminal. Two lateral vertical arms (16, 18) are attached to the loop.    The lever includes a body (20) with a fork (32) which has two teeth (34, 36). The fork pushes the two arms of the connector towards each other thus locking the connection.    ADVANTAGE -   Is simple and economical, having reduced number of components. Enables good protection of connector. @(6pp Dwg.No.1/3)@
The hot exhaust gas leaving the cathode (54) is released in the atmosphere to one part via an expansion turbine (70) driving a fresh air compressor (72, 73) and a heat exchanger plant (88), and to another part as circulating gas, via an air jet compressor (76) driven by the compressed fresh air, compressed to the inlet pressure of the cathode (54) and is led back to the cathode.    The expansion turbine (70) is coupled to an auxiliary motor drive (90) for the air compressor (72, 73). An auxiliary motor driven air compressor is provided for supplying the air jet compressor with compressed fresh air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell power plant avoiding costly cooling and reheating of cathode circulation gases. Air jet compressor has no moving parts. @(6pp Dwg.No.2/2)@
A tapered electrode(42) deposited on a support by (1) providing a porous ceramic support tube(10) having an open end and closed end(16), (2) marking at least one circumferential interior band (18') inside the tube, (3) evacuating air from the tube to provide a permeability gradient between the marked port (18') and unmarked port(20) of the tube and (4) applying a liq. dispersion of solid electrode particles to the outside surface of support tube(10). Liq. flows through the wall, forming a uniform coating(40) over unmarked support(20) and tapered coating(42) over marked port(18').    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the mfr. of solid oxide electrolyte, high temp. tubular fuel cells, and fuel cell generators employing a such cells. Machining, dust, and breakage problems are solved by taking advantage of the natural spreading angle in the permeability of the tube. Also breakage due to low strength at the joint between the tube and air electrode is prevented. @(6pp Dwg.No.1,2/18)@
Reformer includes a vertical reaction tube having a catalyst layer filled with granular reforming catalyst. Catalyst-supporting plates with a number of holes not permitting passage of reforming catalyst are provided in catalyst layer at many locations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Even when exterior load increases, reformed gas can be correspondingly fed. @(4pp Dwg.No./3)@
Zn-alkali cell includes an anode active substance comprising Zn-powder contg. 0.1-0.5 wt% In, 0.005-0.5 wt% Pb, 0.005-0.1 wt% Al, 0.005-0.1 wt% Bi, and upto 0.5 wt% Hg.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has an improved anode active substance. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Zn-alkali cell includes an anode active substance comprising Zn-powder contg. 0.1-0.5 wt% In, 0.005-0.5 wt% Pb, 0.005-0.1 wt% Al, 0.005-0.1 wt% Bi, and upto 0.5 wt% Hg.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has an improved anode active substance. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Zn-alkali cell includes an anode active substance comprising Zn-powder contg. 0.1-0.5 wt% In, 0.005-0.5 wt% Pb, 0.005-0.1 wt% Al, 0.005-0.1 wt% Bi, and upto 0.5 wt% Hg.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has an improved anode active substance. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
A CO2/H2O sorbent (I) comprises a support (II) impregnated with 6-40 wt.% of an insol. silver cpd. (III) plus 30-70% CO2 sorption promoter (IV) w.r.t. wt. of (II). Pref. (II) is Al2O3, magnesium as calcined diatomaceous earth, (III) is silver oxide or carbonate and (IV) is a carbonate of Cs, K or Na. (I) is obtd. by dissolving silver oxide or carbonate in a solvent e.g. aq. NH4OH or HNO3 and impregnating (II). Aq. solution of (IV) is then dissolved in the same solvent and (II) further impregnated followed by drying to obtain (I).    Alternatively (II) is impregnated with e.g. the iodide, sulphur or nitrate etc. of Ag followed by reacting with KOH or NaOH for conversion to an insol. Ag cpd..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are regenerable and removes CO2 plus H2O from gas streams at below 160 deg.C. (I) is reactivated and CO2 desorbed by heating at 160-220 deg.C. (I) has a life of more than 40 cycles against 20 for unsupported sorbents and does not need mixing with desiccant. (I) is esp. used in treating gases in fuel cell systems. @(7pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Control of a water electrolysis system is effected by regulating the prod. gas pressure at both prod. sides (H2,O2) to the same constant value by means of measurements of the liq. level and/or pressures in the entrained electrolyte sepn. devices.    Differential pressure regulation may be effected according to the measured liq. level difference and/or the measured pressure difference in the sepn. devices. The difference signal is pref. transmitted from a transmission member of one or both prod. gas pressure regulators for target value or actual value correction.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides stable and rapid regulation of the entire plant, even when the prod. gases are passed from the electrolyser into the gas space of electrolyte sepn. devices. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
Control of a H2-generating water electrolysis system is effected by regulating the electrolysis current in accordance with the withdrawn amt. and the pressure of one or both prod. gases (H2, O2).    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides stable and rapid regulation of the entire plant, even when the prod. gases are passed from the electrolyser into the gas space of an entrained electrolyte sepn. device. @(4pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
The vehicle storage battery has a construction with main and reserve battery units in a single housing and connected in parallel. A rotary switch is provided on the battery cover for movement between a normal position where the main and reserve units are simultaneously charged but only the main unit is permitted to discharge, and a backup position where the main and reserve units are charged and discharged in parallel.    The reserve unit is comprised of a group of cells located between two groups of main unit cells in a sandwich arrangement. A unique cover assembly incorporates negative and positive terminal bushings with internal connections for making the appropriate connections between the main and reserve unit terminal pins and the rotary switch.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For back up electrical power for motor vehicles. Easier access. Reduced contact surface corrosion. @(42pp Dwg.No.1/24)@
Flame resistant electric wire produced by (1) applying an insulation layer and an intermediate layer successively onto outside surface of an electric conductor, (2) winding a tape prepd. by applying flame resistant paint layer having a thickness of 1-200 microns and contg. 10-25 wt.% of aq. emulsion resin solid component, 30-50 wt.% of inorganic powder, 0.2-5 wt.% of red phosphorus, 1-10 wt.% of phosphoric acid ester, and 0.2-5 wt.% of inorganic fibre, around the electric conductor, and then (3) applying a flame resistant coating layer contg. 100 pts. wt. of polyolefin, 50-250 wt. parts of metal hydroxide and no halogen thereon.    The emulsion resin in the flame resistant paint is e.g. polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate-vinyl propionate copolymer, or vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer etc. The inorganic powder is e.g. Ca carbonate, Al oxide, Mg silicate, silica, Zn borate or clay.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric wire shows good flame resistant property, mechanical property, and formability, and generates no toxic halogen gas while burning. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Flame resistant electric wire produced by (1) applying an insulation layer and an intermediate layer successively onto outside surface of an electric conductor, (2) winding a tape prepd. by applying flame resistant paint layer having a thickness of 1-200 microns and contg. 10-25 wt.% of aq. emulsion resin solid component, 30-50 wt.% of inorganic powder, 0.2-5 wt.% of red phosphorus, 1-10 wt.% of phosphoric acid ester, and 0.2-5 wt.% of inorganic fibre, around the electric conductor, and then (3) applying a flame resistant coating layer contg. 100 pts. wt. of polyolefin, 50-250 wt. parts of metal hydroxide and no halogen thereon.    The emulsion resin in the flame resistant paint is e.g. polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate-vinyl propionate copolymer, or vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer etc. The inorganic powder is e.g. Ca carbonate, Al oxide, Mg silicate, silica, Zn borate or clay.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric wire shows good flame resistant property, mechanical property, and formability, and generates no toxic halogen gas while burning. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Flame resistant electric wire produced by (1) applying an insulation layer and an intermediate layer successively onto outside surface of an electric conductor, (2) winding a tape prepd. by applying flame resistant paint layer having a thickness of 1-200 microns and contg. 10-25 wt.% of aq. emulsion resin solid component, 30-50 wt.% of inorganic powder, 0.2-5 wt.% of red phosphorus, 1-10 wt.% of phosphoric acid ester, and 0.2-5 wt.% of inorganic fibre, around the electric conductor, and then (3) applying a flame resistant coating layer contg. 100 pts. wt. of polyolefin, 50-250 wt. parts of metal hydroxide and no halogen thereon.    The emulsion resin in the flame resistant paint is e.g. polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate-vinyl propionate copolymer, or vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer etc. The inorganic powder is e.g. Ca carbonate, Al oxide, Mg silicate, silica, Zn borate or clay.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric wire shows good flame resistant property, mechanical property, and formability, and generates no toxic halogen gas while burning. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
Flame resistant electric wire produced by (1) applying an insulation layer and an intermediate layer successively onto outside surface of an electric conductor, (2) winding a tape prepd. by applying flame resistant paint layer having a thickness of 1-200 microns and contg. 10-25 wt.% of aq. emulsion resin solid component, 30-50 wt.% of inorganic powder, 0.2-5 wt.% of red phosphorus, 1-10 wt.% of phosphoric acid ester, and 0.2-5 wt.% of inorganic fibre, around the electric conductor, and then (3) applying a flame resistant coating layer contg. 100 pts. wt. of polyolefin, 50-250 wt. parts of metal hydroxide and no halogen thereon.    The emulsion resin in the flame resistant paint is e.g. polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate-vinyl propionate copolymer, or vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer etc. The inorganic powder is e.g. Ca carbonate, Al oxide, Mg silicate, silica, Zn borate or clay.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electric wire shows good flame resistant property, mechanical property, and formability, and generates no toxic halogen gas while burning. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The organic electrolyte cell comprises cathode plate for which Al powder prepd. by the gas atomising method is used.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic electrolyte cell with improved high rate discharge performance and cycle life can be prepd. at reasonable cost.    In an example: alloy powder of 50 microns in particle size, consisting of 82 wt.% of Al, 3 wt.% of Li, 5 wt.% of B, 5 wt.% of Si, and 5 wt.% of Ga, was prepd. by the atomizing method for cathode material. 0.35 g of the powder was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type cathode plate. LiCoO2 was mixed with 5 wt.% of acetylene black and 2 wt.% of PTFE. 0.8 g of the mixture was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type anode plate. Using the cathode plate and anode plate, a button type organic electrolyte cell was prepd., as shown in Fig. 1. and 1 m LiCl04/PC was used for electrolyte of the cell. The cell was charged at current of 1 mA until terminal voltage reached 4.3 V, then discharged at various current values. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The organic electrolyte cell comprises cathode plate for which Al powder prepd. by the gas atomising method is used.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic electrolyte cell with improved high rate discharge performance and cycle life can be prepd. at reasonable cost.    In an example: alloy powder of 50 microns in particle size, consisting of 82 wt.% of Al, 3 wt.% of Li, 5 wt.% of B, 5 wt.% of Si, and 5 wt.% of Ga, was prepd. by the atomizing method for cathode material. 0.35 g of the powder was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type cathode plate. LiCoO2 was mixed with 5 wt.% of acetylene black and 2 wt.% of PTFE. 0.8 g of the mixture was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type anode plate. Using the cathode plate and anode plate, a button type organic electrolyte cell was prepd., as shown in Fig. 1. and 1 m LiCl04/PC was used for electrolyte of the cell. The cell was charged at current of 1 mA until terminal voltage reached 4.3 V, then discharged at various current values. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The organic electrolyte cell comprises cathode plate for which Al powder prepd. by the gas atomising method is used.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic electrolyte cell with improved high rate discharge performance and cycle life can be prepd. at reasonable cost.    In an example: alloy powder of 50 microns in particle size, consisting of 82 wt.% of Al, 3 wt.% of Li, 5 wt.% of B, 5 wt.% of Si, and 5 wt.% of Ga, was prepd. by the atomizing method for cathode material. 0.35 g of the powder was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type cathode plate. LiCoO2 was mixed with 5 wt.% of acetylene black and 2 wt.% of PTFE. 0.8 g of the mixture was wrapped with 325 mesh stainless steel net, and formed with press into a pocket type anode plate. Using the cathode plate and anode plate, a button type organic electrolyte cell was prepd., as shown in Fig. 1. and 1 m LiCl04/PC was used for electrolyte of the cell. The cell was charged at current of 1 mA until terminal voltage reached 4.3 V, then discharged at various current values. @(5pp Dwg.No.0/0)
The method involves using the non-hydrolysed residue obtd. from the hydrolysis of sphagnum top peat. The non-hydrolysed residue is held under natural conditions (of moist climate) in air for 1-6 months to form a biocenosis contg. microorganisms (antagonists of the phytopathogenic microflora, viz. micromyceta of the genus Trichoderma and Actinomycetes of the genus Streptomyces globisporus and ammonification bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Increased content of humus and enrichment of soil with antagonists of phytopathgenic microflora in agricultural practice. Typically, the beneficial effect on soil from the proposed fertiliser (measured by agrochemical properties) is confirmed by tests on microflora and plant growth. Bul. 48/30.12.91
Treatment comprises keeping the temp. of the sludge at 50-100 deg.C. and an alkaline pH to make organic substances soluble and anaerobically digesting the treated sludge at 20-60 deg.C at a neutral pH.    Pref. the sludge is made alkaline in a mixing tank and the temp. of the sludge kept at 50-100 deg.C in a tube-type alkali treating tank. After the alkali treatment, the sludge can be sepd to solid and liq. The sepd, solution is anaerobically digester at 20-60 deg.C. The anaerobic treatment can be carried out in an anaerobic digesting tank packed with supports.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic substances from several tens of microns to several tens of mm are made finer, and treated in spite of the quality variation of the sludge. By heating, the viscosity of the sludge becomes low and fluidity increased, so a stirring device can be driven smoothly and driving cost reduced. The pH is easily controlled. An anaerobic digesting device packed with supports can be used so that treatment efficiency is improved. An anaerobic digesting device with a smaller volume can be used.
Aerating system comprises air pass pipes having many small holes; the air pass pipes are disposed vertically in the compost fermenting tank and the top ends of the air pass pipes are supported with supporters.    USE -   For treating organic wastes.
(JP4324255-A)      NOVELTY - Emergency use bypass valves (41a,41b) which bypass the water vapor control valve in ordinary use to steam line for supplying water vapor to improver, are provided parallelly as the running component switching unit (38). The running component switching unit switches the running component automatically, corresponding to switching of fuel supply system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A switching unit, which on detecting failure generation of main fuel supply group that supplies fuel during ordinary use, switches to reserve fuel supply group which supplies fuel during emergency.    USE -   For switching fuel supply from main to reserve system, during failure caused due to disasters e.g. earthquake.    ADVANTAGE -   Even when failure is generated in a fuel supply system according to disaster, stoppage of generator ability does not need to be performed. Modification running is performed conveniently. Switching running to a heterogeneous fuel can be performed smoothly and reliably, with identical service condition being maintained. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows schematic view of fuel supply switching system. (38) Switching unit; (41a,41b) Bypass valves.
Material consists of a layer cpd, with a perovskite structure which is substd, with an element or alloy with high affinity with H or in which such an element or alloy is dissolved as a solid soln.    The layer cpd. is pref. an oxide superconductor with a perovskite structure and the element with high affinity with H pref. consists principally of at least one of gps. IVa and Va elements.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material obtd, absorbs and releases a large vol. of H2 at temps, and pressures close to the atmospheric condition.    In an example, powders of Y2O3, BaCO3, CuO, and TiO were weighed in an atomic ratio of Y : Ba : Cu : Ti of 1 : 2 : 2.97 : 0.03, mixed thoroughly, calcined in the air at 860 deg.C for 24 hrs., and milled. The calcined powder obtd. was formed under pressure and sintered in O2 at 890 deg.C for 20 hrs. to obtain a porous prod, of YBa2Cu2. 97TiO.0307-8.
Each arm incorporates a device for fixing it in position and a blade which is turned in the field surface direction inclined away from the traction direction. As a result of pull the blade turns the mass in the surface layer so that the wet mass comes up to the surface.    The arms and the turning tools are sprung so that bending occurs with the blade root near to the fixture point to protect the remaining structure against overload.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To turn freshly cut peat so that the underlying wet layer comes to the surface for drying out. (To be reissued in later week based on complete specification)
Prodn. is by citric acid productive fermentation of potato starch waste, followed by extraction of citric acid, dehydration of the residue and mixing with animal faeces.    Potato waste by-produced in the prodn. of starch is fermented for the prodn. of citric acid. Citric acid is extracted and the waste is dehydrated and mixed with faeces of cattle, fowls and/or pigs to give odourless fertiliser. The residual citric acid deodorises bad smell of faeces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fertiliser deodorised by the residual citric acid in the waste is useful for domestic gardens and golf courses.    In an example, potatoes were used for the prodn. of starch and the by-produced waste was further fermented for the prodn. of citric acid. The citric acid was extracted with water and the resultant residue was dehydrated. The dehydrated waste was mixed with faeces of animals at ratios of 1-5:1, pref. 3:1 to give the aimed fertiliser.
The device comprises a microorganism processing means, and a means to condense discharged sludge from the microorganism processing means. Each means is composed of a tank main body, an external pressure filter module, and a diffuser.    USE -   Subject materials are not increased by addition of chemicals.
The unit comprises an electrolytic cell contg. an electrolyte dissolving CO2; a primary anode of porous Pt group metal; a proton conductive solid electrolyte having a cathode placed in the electrolyte and made of porous metal which acts as the catalyst for CO2 electrolytic redn. a secondary anode placed in the electrolyte to face the cathode; and a means placed in the electrolytic cell to emit ultrasonic vibration into the electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit yields CH4 and CH3OH while preventing cathode degradation caused by the accumulation of reaction product and while preventing the decrease of CO2 concn. in the vicinity of cathode due to the ultrasonic vibration of electrolyte.
Bed limit has a first transverse bridge equipped with devices for spreading material in a first heap layer, a second transverse bridge which can travel along the length of the bed and which is equipped with displaceable devices for turning the material over to form progressively further heap layers and a device for collecting and conveying material from the last heap layer.    The novelty is that (i) the first bridge can travel above or below the second bridge along the length of the bed and its devices are loaded from a conveyor running along the bed; (ii) the second bridge devices discharge material, via a second conveyor running along the second bridge onto the first conveyor; (iii) the first bridge devices are also used to spread the further heap layers in the travel direction of the first conveyor behind the second bridge devices; and (iv) the first conveyor also acts as the device for collecting and conveying material from the last heap layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The first layer spreading device of both units can also be used for turning over the material so that variable turn-over times can be used for the layers, e.g. the first layer may be left for three weeks and then turned over each week
A process is claimed for the prodn. of methylidene gp-contg. alpha, omega-unsatd. oligomers (I) of alpha, omega-diolefins, (II) by liq-phase reaction of (II) at 150-350 deg.C in the presence of organo-Al cpds. of formula AlX3 or AlX2H as catalyst (III); X = 1-30C aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbyl.    Also claimed are oligomers of formula (I) pref. obtd. from diolefins (II) by the above process. R1, R' = H, alkyl, aralkyl or cycloalkyl; x = 1 or 3-25; y = x or x + 2; n = 0-99; total number of C atoms in the chain is given by sigma Ck = (x + 4) (n + 2) - (n + 1).    More specifically, (II) are 5C or 7-30C diolefins, opt. substd. with alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or cycloalkyl (except on the terminal double bonds) and opt. also contg. in-chain double bonds; concn. of (III) is 0.1-10 mol. % w.r.t. (II) reaction is carried out in bulk or in inert solvent, and the mol. wt. of (I) is controlled by means of hydrogen or olefins with only one terminal C=C gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process enables the prodn. of mainly linear high-mol. wt. hydrocarbons contg. reactive double bonds (I), with more than 70% of the prod. in the oligomer range (n = 3-20). (I) are useful as intermediates for the prodn. of adhesives and lacquers etc. e.g. by hydrocyanation and hydroformylation followed by oxidn. or hydrogenation.
An alkane isomerisation catalyst for isomerisation of 4-7C hydrocarbons comprises a Gp. VIII metal and beta zeolite. The catalyst is been calcined in a steam/air mixt. at elevated temp. after impregnation with the Gp. VIII metal.    Pref. the Gp. VIII metal is Pt. The catalyst contains 0.05-5, pref. 0.1-2.5 wt.% Pt. The beta zeolite has a silica:alumina ratio of 15 to 100.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for isomerisation of 4-7C paraffins to increase their octane rating. Catalyst has high activity, high selectivity for high octane liq. prod. and is S tolerant.    In an example, a calcined catalyst comprising 0.3 wt.% Pt on beta zeolite gave 97.5 LV% yield with RON 79.7 for O ppm. S loading and 95.3 LV% yield with RON 79.7 for 234 ppm. S loading. This compared to 95.3 LV% yield with RON 79.9 for O ppm. S loading and 86.5 LV% yield with RON 80.2 for 234 ppm. S loading for a comparative 0.3 wt.% Pt on mordenite.
Zones of outburst susceptibility are established and holes are drilled into these zones. Solid absorbents of high capacity (e.g. activated carbon, zeolite 5A, etc.) are introduced into the holes. The absorbents are placed in a waterproof shell and the holes are sealed. Methane becomes distributed between the strata and the sorbent, favouring the sorbent.    ADVANTAGE -   Costs of treatment are reduced and the duration of preventative treatment is reduced. Bul.4/30.1.92
Animals, partic. pigs, are housed in a barn having a standing area for them and which is connected to a dung-collection chamber. On the bottom of the latter is a layer of flushing liq. with which air is brought into intimate contact, typically by spraying. An air-discharge and supply system can be included, typically with feed pipes and a space round them connected to an extraction system. A sprayer system can be mounted in the space, and a heat-exchanger can also be incorporated, connected to a storage tank for the flushing liq. adjacent to the barn.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents emission of ammonia and reduces amt. of dung produced
Sewage water is treated in a nitrifying tank, a denitrifying tank and a sedimentation tank. Saddle type ceramics are placed as the fixed support of bacteria in the nitrifying tank and denitrifying tank, 02 rich air is fed from an 02 rich air producing device in the nitrifying tank to control ORP and to nitrify, N2 rich air is fed from the 02 rich air producing device in the denitrifying tank to control ORP and to denitrify. The bacteria in the water are aggregated and sedimented in the sedimentation tank and then the water is treated by 03.    The saddle type ceramics are pref. produced from blast furnace water granulated slag used as the main raw material. N2 rich air is fed in the denitrifying tank and an 03 contacting tank of the 03 treating device, in which amorphous material of Fe is packed.    ADVANTAGE -   Ammonia nitrogen in raw city water is removed perfectly in a treating time 1/2-1/3 that of a conventional treatment and treating time by 03 is reduced to 1/3-1/4 that of a conventional treatment and precursors of trihalomethane and bad smells are finally removed from treated water.
Increase of bacteria capable of oxidising reducible S-contg. compounds obtained from activated sludge for treating sewage or industrial waste water comprises adding soluble Ca contg. cpd. to the waste water, feeding the waste water into an aeration tank contg. activated sludge and keeping ORP in the aeration tank at a value obtd. from free reaction energy variation of the reducible S-contg. cpds.    To biologically treat waste water contg. reducible S-contg. cpds. in high efficiency, water soluble Ca-contg. cpd. is added to the waste water, the waste water fed into the aeration tank contg. the bacteria which are absorbed and fixed on insol. CaSO4 particles formed from SO4(2-) formed by oxidising the reducible S-contg. cpds. by the bacteria and Ca(2+) to improve sedimenting property of the bacteria and the concn. of the bacteria in the aeration tank is kept high. The ORP in the aeration tank is kept and controlled at a value obtd. from free reaction energy variation of the oxidn. and decomposition of the reducible S-contg. cpds.    ADVANTAGE -   Increase of bacteria is promoted. As the concn. of the bacteria are kept high in a biochemical reaction tank, waste water contg. reducible S-contg. cpds. is treated with high efficiency.
Increase of bacteria obtd. from activated sludge for treating sewage or industrial waste water comprises adding soluble Ca contg. cpd. to the waste water, feeding the waste water in an aeration tank and keeping ORP in the aeration tank at a value obtd. from free reaction energy variation of the reducible S-contg. cpds. and aromatic organic cpds.    ADVANTAGE -   Increase of the bacteria is promoted. As the concn. of the bacteria are kept high in a biochemical reaction tank, waste water contg. reducible S-contg. cpds. and aromatic organic cpds. with -SO3H gps. is treated efficiently.
In treatment of organic waste water by an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket process, Ca contg. cpd. is added to a reactor to form CaCO3. By reacting Ca with CO2 generated during methane fermentation and pellet-like granular sludge is formed from CaCO3 used as the support by adsorbing methane bacteria.    Fe contg. salt can be added to the reactor to form FeS by reacting Fe with S formed from SO42- by sulphate reducing bacteria, and pellet-like granular sludge is formed from FeS used as support by adsorbing methane bacteria.    ADVANTAGE -   Granular sludge is formed in a short time by adding Ca2+, or Fe2+ and SO42- to waste water.
System comprises (a) a fermentation bath to generate methane gas by heating acid contg. C, (b) high temp. bath to produce H2 and CO by heat treatment of the methane gas obtd. in the fermentation bath with solar heat, and (c) a fuel cell for which H2 formed in the high temp. bath is used as fuel.    The system pref. also comprises a solar cell which is connected in parallel with the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   H2 produced by decomposition of CH4 may be used for power supply at night. No CO2 is generated, and leakage of CH4 into the air is prevented.
Garbage from apartments in a house is crushed and collected to be stored. The stored garbage is solid/liq. sepd. water content adjusting agent is added and fermentation fungus is added. Obtd. matter is heated and aerated, and obtd. matter is sec. fermented using heat generated in a prim. fermentation process.    USE -   Garbage can be processed to compost to be reused.
Garbage from apartments is crushed and collected to be stored, the stored garbage is solid/liq. sepd. Water content adjusting agent is added. Fermentation fungus is added. Obtd. matter is heated and aerated, and processed matter is agitated and discharged.    USE -   Garbage is processed to be compost for reuse.
A liq. agricultural functional-material-activating mother liq. is composed of conc. aq. soln. of soil microorganisms contg. soil microorganisms and their metabolic prod. at a high concn., pref. aq. soln. contg. a gp. of soil microorganisms activated by dissolving, in water, highly matured compost together with effective mineral components that activate soil microorganisms contained in the compost and then by allowing the soln. to bioreact.    It is also composed of aq. soln. of minerals extracted from multiple types of rock-forming minerals, pref. aq. soln. composed of granite as its essential component and prepd. by dissolving, in an acid aq. soln., a mixt. of powders at least two types of rocks to allow dissolution of effective mineral components contained in the rock(s), and thereby activates the function(s) of (an) agriculture-use functional material(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The agricultural-use functional-material- activating mother liq. is useful for the comprehensive management and improvement of the soil. The mother liq. is applicable by spraying and is easy to handle.
Pig excrement is collected in a pit beneath the breeding shed which is connected via a fan to a chimney. Fresh excrement is filtered to remove suspended matter e.g. hairs and vegetable fibre and is then subjected to anaerobic fermentation, producing a concentrated stable liquid which is free from pathogens, deodorised and high in nitrates. Part of this liq. is recycled to the pit and mixed with fresh excrement where it neutralises ammonia, sulphides and amines. A second part of the stabilised liq. is sprayed into the chimney where it cleans and deodorises the gases produced. Evaporation also takes place using the heat generated by the pigs. Repeated recycling produces a concentrated liq. which enables more solids to be removed by the filter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treatment of organic material partic. pig excrement. Cost effective as heat sources for evaporation are provided by the aerobic fermentation and from the heat generated from the pigs themselves. Low volume produced, reducing transport costs. Final prod. is deodorised.
The gas-tight sealing for a shaft passing through the side wall (1) of a closed container (2), such as for manure or a biogas vessel to produce biogas, has an inner limit wall (12) towards the vessel side wall with an opening (26) to take an oil-filled protective tube (13) to contain the agitator drive shaft (14) within it and held by a gas-tight ball bearing (21) within its passage (22). The half ball bearing sections are held by cup-shaped holding rings (23,24) to give a gas seal but allow horizontal and vertical swing movements. The holding rings pref. have a ring-shaped sealing surface at the ball bearing surface and at the wall of the swivel body with a gas seal at the opening (26).    The oil-filled protective tube (13) is covered by a flexible rubber hose (35) fixed as a gas seal at the opening (26) at one end while the other end is in a gas tight seal with a bush (36) at a gap from the inner wall (12) which is sufficient to allow for the swing movement of the shaft (14) and covering tube (13). Half-shells (31) are round the protective tube (13), within the arm and outside the vessel (2), to give reinforcement from above and below. The inner wall (12) of the swivel body is angled against the inner surface of the side wall (1) of the vessel (2), when it is round, of the order of 22 deg. and/or in a downwards direction of an angle (alpha) of 22 deg.    ADVANTAGE -   The shaft mounting can be removed, and allows the agitator to be positioned at will within the contents of the vessel for a thorough action in all the matter held.
The process is conducted in bio-reactor, consisting of three vertical cylindrical vessels of volumes 50,100 and 250 cu,m (corresp. to three stages of the process) provided with heating jackets and mixing devices and filled with wood shavings to 2/3 of the vol. Manure is supplied into the lower part of 1st stage vessel and moves upwards at rate 0.4 m/s, passing through the layer of wood shavings with adsorbed hydrolytic microorganisms (e.g. Clostridium, Butyrivibrio etc.) and undergoing biodegradation, then moves to settling zone where it is sepd. from suspended particles and flows into the lower part of 2nd stage vessel. The duration of 1st stage is up to 1 day, temp. 37-40 deg.C and pH 7-7.5.    Sec. stage operates in similar regime but uses acid forming bacteria, e.g. Syntrophomonas, Desulphovibrio etc. Duration of stage is 2 days, temp. 40-45 deg.C and pH 6.0-6.5. Substrate passes then the the lower part of 3rd stage vessel.    At the 3rd stage substrate undergoes methane fermentation in the presence of methane-producing bacteria (e.g. Methanobrevibacter, M. ruminatium etc.), at temp. 54-56 deg.C and pH 8-9. Substrate is collected from the upper zone of 3rd vessel, acidified to pH 6.0, and coagulated with 10% iron perchlorate. Biomass is collected, filtered and dried at 120 deg.C to moisture content 8%. It contains (in wt.%): protein 31.2, fat 3.3, cellulose 11.8 and vitamin B 12 44 mg/kg. Biogas is utilised as a fuel and filtrate as a fertiliser.    Tests show that the proposed method reduces fermentation time by 5-7 times, increases protein content and reduces cellulose content of biomass, increases biomass yield by 3-4 times and biogas yield by 3 times, improves biomass value as feed additive and eliminates its contaimination with the initial microflora.    USE -   As a method in the prodn. of feed additive, biogas and fertiliser from animal excrements. Bul.1/7.1.9
A foamable resin compsn. contg. an organic foaming agent and a capsule foaming agent contg. a volatile hydrocarbon enclosed is coated on a base material, and heated so that the foamable resin compsn. is foamed. Then, the foam surface is embossed so that smoothness of the base material at its interface with the foaming layer is kept.    Specifically the organic foaming agent is OBSH (oxybisbenzenesulphonylhydrazide) type foaming agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wallpaper, ceiling materials, etc. Mat, high-grade appearance is good. The foaming layer is highly resistant to applied force. Fine convex, concave patterns are aesthetically prep
Refrigerating unit having high and low temp. circuits has a compressor discharging a non-azeotropic mixt. refrigerant comprising: (a0 Ar or N2; (b) a hdyrocarbon making (a) liquidise; and (c) a refrigerant selected from hydrochlorofluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon which makes (b) liquidise. The refrigerant mixt. is sealed into the low temp. side circuit.    Pref. (a) is Ar, (b) is CH4, (c) is a mixt. of dichlorofluoromethane, difluoromethane and pentafluororethane, and (e) is trifluoromethane and/or hexafluoromethane. Pref. amts. of (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are 3-13 wt. %, 3-13 wt. % of methane, 0-32 wt. % of dichlorofluoromethane, wt. % of tetrafluoromethane, 13-53 wt. % and 10-36 wt. % of (e).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for storing organisms such as blood and preserving bodies. A super low temp. of -150 deg.C can be obtd. by thermal exchangers in the process; the ozone layer is not destroyed by the refrigerant components; and preservation of the organisms can be stabilised for long periods. Refrigerating ability is imporved and an oil sludge is prevented together with oil deterioration.
In order to ensure adequate ventilation air reaching the interior of the composting container, in the upper edge area of the side walls are small ventilation holes which have a max. dia. or width of approximately 2.5 mm. Such holes are sufficiently small as to inhibit the incursion of files and other insects.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To compost domestic and garden organic waste with access to the rotting matter being prevented for rats, mice and other rodents, flies and other insects.
Waste from a selected sector of an existing, unlined landfill is composted at a remote site. The empty sector is lined. Contiguous sectors of the landfill are sequentially composted and the empty sectors lined. The composted material may be returned to the lined landfill.    Pref. composting is effected by aeration, moistening and mixing. The resulting compost may either be returned to the newly-lined landfill, or removed for use as a fertiliser. If desired, fresh garbage may be introduced to the composting plant together with the material from the landfill. Non-biodegradable material is pref. removed from both the fresh garbage and landfill material before introduction to the composting plant. This removed material may be separately incinerated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method lines the base of existing, unlined landfills to prevent escape of leachate into surrounding areas and contamination of water supplies
Method and appts. for gathering natural gas by using dumped carbon dioxide as a heat generating source comprises (a) injecting carbon dioxide gas or liquefied carbon dioxide gas into layers of hydrate of natural gas present in the ground of the sea bottom or in a permafrost region of a cold district under conditions in which the carbon dioxide will form a gas hydrate to produce sensible and latent heat; and in which (b) the heat dissociates the natural gas from the hydrate releasing it to be recovered.    ADVANTAGE -   (1) Dumped carbon dioxide is fixed in the ground as gas hydrate of CO2, and natural gas dissociated from hydrate of natural gas can be gathered; (2) natural gas can be gathered by (1) and the costs of dumping CO2 are decreased over previous methods; and (3) latent heat generated during conversion of dumped CO2 to gas hydrate of CO2 can be utilised, being more economical than using the sensible heat of seawater only.
Semi-continuous process for treating municipal sludges removes heavy metals, reduces volatile suspended solids and destroys indicator bacteria. Process comprises (a) adding 1-3g S per l to the sludge and allowing S oxidising thiobacitli from the sludge to protiferate aerobically in the sludge with agitation, to a pH of 1.5-2.5; (b) removing about 90% of the acid sludge and recovering the solubilised heavy metals; (c) adding about 90% fresh sludge to the remaining acid sludge and (d) repeating (a)-(c). The thiobacitli are adapted when the same time is required for two successive acidification steps.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process economically removes Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn so that the sludge can be disposed of as land fill, by incineration or oceanic dumping or used as fertiliser
Accelerating the release of a blowing agent from a plastics foam structure comprises perforating the foam to form a perforating the foam to form a multiplicity of channels (30) extending from the surface. The foam is produced by extrusion with a flammable blowing agent.    ADVANTAGE -   The channels enhance the release of an environmentally acceptable hydrocarbon blowing agent to increase the flame retardancy of the foam.    .D
The fermentation unit for producing methane from organic waste materials form domestic, livestock and plant sources, consists of a fermentation chamber (1) connected to a heater for the biomass, a gas holder (3), a loader and unloader for the biomass, and a thermal accumulator (4).    The biomass loader/unloader is in the form of a mixer comprising an auger (7) which is located in the fermentation chamber on a vertical driven shaft (5) and enclosed in a casing (6). The shaft is also equipped with vanes (10) and crust breakers (11). The vanes (10) are spiral in shape.    The unit is operated in a continuous mode the biomass is loaded via a port (13) and discharged through a pipe (15), with the methane given off as the material is heated and mixed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In agriculture. More effective operation is obtd. Bul.3/23.1.92
Fermented organic compost is prepd. by fermenting composting material contg. extn. residue from tea, pref. Oolong tea, pref. by more than 50 vol.%, under aerobic conditions.    Prepn. of the fermented organic compost comprises fermenting tea residue material with the addn. of fermentation adjuvant and microorganisms to the composting material while turning at proper intervals for a preferred period of 15-60 days.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fermented organic compost contg. tea extn. residue, which has the proper C/N ratio and stable water content, is prepd. for a shorter period of time than that required to prepare ordinary compost, e.g. compost of dead leaves, rice straw, rapeseed oil, soybean il, fish waste, etc.. The new tea extn. residue compost has excellent fertilising effects on the growth of plant, improving effects on physical/chemical properties of the soil, microorganism-phase-improving effects, etc., contributing to the sound growth of plant.    In an example, extn. residue of Oolong tea (water content: 61 wt.%) (500 vol. pts.), rice bran (20), and lime perphosphate (17 wt.% (5) were homogeneously mixed, then piled up in the form of fishpaste cheese at a height of ca. 50cm in a shaded place, and then left. After 2 days, initial turning was performed with the temp. falling as low as 68 deg.C.. The mixt. was then left. In another 2 days, second turning was exercised as the temp. dropped to 64 deg.C.. The mixt. was left. Turning and leaving was repeated at 2-3 day intervals to allow for aerobic fermentation until a total of seven turnings had been completed, when temp. rise was no longer noted. At this point, the fish-paste-cheese-like mixt. piled up was spread to make it thinner at a height of ca. 20cm and then dried up to 34 wt.% moisture.
Compsn. for precision parts and tools for their assembling processes contains 5-95 wt.% of one or a mixt. of cpds. of formula R1(X)R2 (I) having a viscosity at 20 deg.C of 0.5-10 cp and 5-95 wt.% of one or a mixt. of nonionic surfactants of an average HLB of 4-15 and has a viscosity at 40 deg.C of 0.5-20 cp. (R1 = 1-8C linear/branched hydrocarbon residue; X = -CR3R4-, -COO-, -CO-, -O- or -NR1- (R2 = 3-18C linear/branched hydrocarbon residue; R3 and R4 = H or 1-18C linear/branched hydrocarbon residue). The compsn. pref. contains 5-50 wt.% water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. has high detergency and good rinsibility and is safe to environment, without freons used.    In an example, the compsn. is effective against fats and oils, machine oils, cutting oils, greases, liq. crystals and rosin type fluxes. Available nonionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkyl fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters and polyoxyalkylene alkyl amines. pol
Prodn. comprises (a) grinding the waste tyre to particles below a predetermined size, (b) mixing the obtd. ground particles with an alkali metal salt of a predetermined amt. so that the alkali metal salt is adhered on them, (c) heating the alkali metal salt adhered ground particles in a burning furnace in presence of an inactive gas at 600-700 deg.C to produce a carbide, and (d) washing and drying the obtd. carbide to remove the alkali metal salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Active C can be produced from a waste tyre at a low cost. The waste tyre can be effectively reused and the prodn. is simple and has high heat efficiency. The by-produced liq. prod. can be reused as a fu
The chamber has a lower travelling-grate stoker (5) moving from rear to front of the chamber. The front wall (2) has a coal feed port (7) with a spreader (6) to scatter coal onto the stoker, and a chute (11) discharges into the chamber above the stoker and has a rotary valve (13) to feed rubber scrap sequentially onto an ash zone formed by burned coal on the stoker.    The chute pref. extends through a sidewall and discharges into the chamber within 40-80% of the distance from front to rear wall. The rotary valve pref. operates with airtight sealing between feed and discharge sides. The spreader pref. casts large blocks farther into the chamber to form a uniform thickness of coal on the stoker.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for firing a boiler, provides effective utilisation of metal-contg. rubber scrap such as used tyres and tyre mfg. waste, molten metal being solidified in the ash zone so that it does not bind directly to the grate and cause clogging.
A pumpable aq. slurry of sewage sludge is produced by (1) dewatering sewage sludge to produce an aq. slurry (I) of solids content 10-25 wt.%; (2) pretreating (I) to improve its slurrying characteristics; and (3) mixing the pretreated (I) with, (i) a nonionic water-soluble alkoxylated alkylphenol additive, and (ii) sewage sludge-contg. material and/or solid carbonaceous fuel-contg. material to increase the solids loading, at ambient temp. to 204 deg.C., to produce a pumpable aq. slurry (II) of solids content 30-65 wt.%.    Step (1) may comprise heating, centrifuging, filtering and/or hydrocloning. Step (2) may comprise one or a combination of (a) heating at 38-482 deg.C for 1-120 min at 1-5 atmos.; (b) heating at 93-315.5 deg.C in absence of air for 1-120 min at a pressure at or above the vapour pressure of water (c) heating and mixing at ambient to 110 deg.C and a shear rate of at least 30 per minute for 0.1-180 min.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Slurry (II) may be introduced into a partial oxidation gas generator for prodn. of synthesis gas, reducing gas or fuel gas; alternatively (II) may be burned by complete combustion in a furnace, boiler or incinerator. These uses are non-polluting; an environmentally acceptable way of disposing of sewage sludge is thus provided
Odour emissions from compost heaps in an enclosed building are minimised by an exhaust device carried on a mobile bridge spanning the compost heaps and mounted on a trolley running on rails. Suction devices are connected to a ring main which is connected to a bio-filter on the bridge.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced suction flow-rate compared with previous arrangements.ps
A wall is located fixedly or removably in a composting container to assist in sepg. earthworms from finished compost. The wall is e.g. of metal, plastic or wood and divides a container into two compartments such that when compost is one is ready the earthworms will be able to migrate into new material placed in the other.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies and minimises the labour involved in sepg. worms from finished compost.
Oxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons comprises contacting a feed material (I) comprising methane and a free oxygen-contg. gas with a solid contact material (A) comprising (i) cobalt, (ii) at least one Gp. IA metal, (iii) silicon, and (iv) oxygen.    Oxidative dehydrogenation of feed organic cpds. (II) comprising at least one satd. 2-7C hydrocarbon to produce organic cpds. comprising unsatd. hydrocarbons, comprises contacting the feed and a free oxygen-contg. gas with a solid contact material (A) as above.    In the wider disclosure, other reactions catalysed by (A) are the oxidative methylation of toluene in presence of methane to ethyl benzene and styrene, the oxidative conversion of toluene to stilbene, the oxidative methylation of acetonitrile to acrylonitrile, and oxidative methylation of other hydrocarbons.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (A) provides high conversions and high selectivities to desired prods.; it has long catalyst life. (I) is, e.g., natural gas; methane may be converted to ethane and ethy
Conversion of methane to unconverted methane, hydrogen and Co in a fluidised bed/spouted bed reaction zone comprises adding sufficient Ni contg. steam reforming catalyst so that the unconverted methane is held at not more than a 250, (pref. 100) deg.F approach to equlibrium.    Steam reforming-partial oxidn. is carried out in the presence of 02, non-catalytic heat carrying solids and catalytic solids. Pref. the loading of Ni-contg. catalyst is at least 0.01 (0.2) wt.% based on total bed solids. The pref. reaction temp. and pressure are 1650 deg.F and 10-50 atmos. Pref. the reaction zone is a fluidized bed and the heat carrying solids comprise Al203 stabilised with a rare earth element or its oxide.    A fluid-bed reactor was charged with fused Al203 and a Ni catalyst supported on an La-Al203 support. Amt. of Ni was 0.025-0.03 wt.%. Feed was introduced contg. methane, steam, oxygen, CO2 and N2. The average bed temp. was 1700 deg.F and the pressure was 360 psia over 15 days. Little deactivation was observed and total solids attrition and agglomeration were minimal. On-line analysis showed 80-95% conversion with the outlet stream contg. H2 and Co (molar ratio H2/Co = 1.9-2.0), steam, Co2 and N2. Less than 5 vol.% of methane was present.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used for the prodn. of synthesis gas from lower alkanes, e.g. contg. 1-4C carbon atoms whilst eliminating particle growth at high temps. Min. Ni concn. in the reactor is achieved while providing economic conversion levels. The unconverted feed-methane as prod. gas is usually less than 5% based on total level of hydrocarbon/methane fed to the reactor
Methane is fermented by a device composed of a means to extract slurry of mixt. of condensed sludge and garbage, and a digesting tank to digest extracted liq. obtd. by the extracting means.    USE -   Methane gas can be generated effciently
Purificn. comprises introducing a 2-7C hydrocarbon as a reducing agent into exhaust gases and decomposing N oxides by contacting the exhaust gases into which the hydrocarbon has been introduced with a catalyst comprising a metal-contg. zeolite contg. at least one of Cu, Mn, Co, Fe, Ni, Cr, and V whose valences as oxides may be changed relatively easily.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the purificn. of exhaust gases from diesel engines and gasoline engines. N oxides may be decomposed efficiently in an oxidative atmos. at low temps.    In an example, Cu-contg. A type zeolite was prepd. by obtaining a gel with a compsn. of Al/Si of 1.0 and Cu/Si of 0.5 by mixing specific amts. of Cu nitrate, Na aluminate, water glass, and NaOH in an ice bath and reacting the gel hydrothermally at a constant temp. of 85deg.C for 6 hours. The Cu-contg. zeolite was washed with water, dried, formed into tablets, crushed into 15-24 meshes, and standardised in a He stream. A mixt. of an exhaust gas, ethane as a reducing agent, and He was contacted with the obtd. Cu-contg. zeolite
An exhausted gas purificn. device, contg. an exhausted gas purificn. material made of a porous ceramics having porosity of 20-90%, is provided in the middle of an exhausted gas channel. A liq. hydrocarbon is added to the exhausted gas at a spot upstream of the exhausted gas purificn. material. The temp. of the exhausted gas is kept at 200-500 deg.C in the exhausted gas purificn. device so that the nitrogen oxides in the gas are reduced and removed using the liq. hydrocarbon as a reducing agent.    Pref. the liq. hydrocarbon is a light oil used and the temp. of the exhausted gas in the device is kept at 300-500 deg.C. The amt. of liq. hydrocarbon to be added to the exhausted gas, expressed in terms of a ratio (the wt. of the liq. hydrocarbon/the wt. of the nitrogen oxides in the gas) is pref. 0.2-3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   NOx level in the exhausted gas can be efficiently reduced at a relatively low temp. of below 500 deg.C. Even though the purificn. material (filter) does not support a catalyst, the removal of NOx can be carried out at a high efficiency. By supporting a catalyst on the material, the treatment temp. can be further lowered
To prepare animal waste prods. by sepn of the fluid components, the manure is held in a closed vessel (1) and forms (CH4) gas. Fluid is extracted by centrifugal action and resultant solid material dried to remove any residual liq present. Pref. water extracted by centrifugal action is vaporised, condensed and returned to the water supply system. Vapour heats released during condensn is returned to the vaporising stage. H2SO4 acid is added to the steam during vaporising to ppte any NH3 present. Vaporising is in within an under pressure and the CH4 produced is used as process energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Contact with manure is as little as possible, and is processed on site into a usable fertiliser, etc. The recovered water can be returned directly to the natural water supply.    .D
A compsn. comprises (per litre of soln.) 100-250g formate, 50-150g nitrite, 30-100g hexamethylenetetramine and 50-250g of a mixt. of alkali(ne earth) or ammonium salts of an aq. fatty acid mixt. from technical oxidn. of paraffins and contg. 20-24% Cl, 10-14% C2, 2-3% C3, 1.5-2.5% C4, 1-2% C5 and less than 1% C6 carboxylic acids.    Pref. the nitrite, formate and carboxylic acid salts are in the form of the Na salt. Pref., the fatty acid mixt. obtd. by oxidn. of paraffins is first neutralised to pH 7-7.5 with NaOH, the resulting oily layer of odour carriers is mechanically removed, the aq. soln. is adjusted to pH 9.5-10 with NaOH, evaporated to a salt content of 40-45% and neutralised with HCl to give a mixt. with a pH of 8.5 +/- 0.5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsns. exhibits better wetting of the green fodder and improved formation of silage in comparison to previous agents. The prod. has no corrosive or aggressive action, prevents unwanted fermentation, and is fully acceptable to the animals. The soln. being used in an amt. of 5-10 litres per tonne of green fodder
Mixt. of municipal waste and sewage sludge is biodegraded in a compartmented horizontally mounted rotating cylindrical digester drum (20) the output from which is screened into organic and inorganic fractions, with the organic fraction being deposited in a curing area, with process gases emanating from the drum and curing area being recovered and reused in the digester process.    Pref. municipal solid waste is delivered to the enclosed facility at tipping area, mixed with stored sewage sludge and fed into a multistage digester drum which is divided into a series of treatment compartments and rotated to effect movement of the sludge/waste mix through the compartments to an output where it is screened and segregated into organic and inorganic fractions. The organic fraction is introduced into curing channels where it is periodically turned to complete its treatment.    An aeration system circulates air at controlled rate, temp., and humidity, through the digester counter the material flow therein, and to the curing channels for dispersion through the organic fraction, with the process gas venting from the digester being controlled to maintain optimum conditions for effective microbial digestion therein. Emanations and process gases from the tipping area, digester and curing channels are recovered and recycled through the digester and curing channels.    USE -   /ADVTANTAGE - In the treatment of both municipal solid waste and sewage sluge. Treats both municipal waste and sewage sludge to produce a high quality compost and sanitised non-compostable residue without generation of harmful emissions of gases, heavy metal laden ash or leachates.
A system for composting faeces and treating urine comprises a composting holder within a base and with a faeces inlet from a receiver in a housing on the base, a compost outlet and a liquid drainage passage. The holder is suppplied with air and water for composting. A urine-treatment unit in the base has an inlet from a receiver in the housing, aerobic nitrifyng bacteria on a substrate, and a treated liquid outlet. A storage vessel in the base receives the treated liq. and drainage from the holder. The system pref. includes a solar panel generating electricity to operate a ventilating fan and mounted pivotably on the system roof so that it can turn to face the sun. The base pref. has at least three adjustable support pads so that it can be levelled.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g, for use at construction sites, allows separate treatment so that odour can be reduced and faeces can compost much more rapidly, and can readily be disassembled and assembled for transportation.
A gas is produced by forming a pyramidal or conical stable mound of non-toxic waste on a surface site on a natural and/or synthetic base impervious to gases and liquids with at least some of the waste compressed into bales. A liq. and gas impermeable coating or covering is applied to the mound sides and liq. or gas is distributed within the mould.    Any liq. leaching from the mould is collected and removed, and combustible gas generated in the mould is removed for storage or to a combustor driving an electrical generator. Conditions in the mould are monitored and used to control inflow of material which is e.g. water, sewage, slurry, shale, clay, concrete, air or other gases. Bales may be wrapped with plastic sheeting or may comprise rubbish in plastic sacks. The mould may have a core of used vehicle tyres.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits disposal of household rubbish, sewage and other non-toxic waste while producing a useful prod..
Process comprises (a) providing a mixt. of particulate automotive tyres and polymeric waste; (b) charging said mixt. into a reaction vessel; (c) contacting said mixt. with hydrogen or a mixt. of hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide; and (d) heating said reaction mixt. for sufficient time to convert said mixt. to liq. hydrocarbon materials having b.pt. below 1000 deg.F.    The polymeric waste is pref. fed to the reaction vessel as particles or melted polymer. The polymeric waste is pref. selected from polystyrene, polypropylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butylene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and polyamides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting scrap automotive tyres and polymeric waste to an oil feedstock. A high quality synthetic crude oil may be obtd. which can be sepd. by fractionation into gasoline, diesel fuel and gas oils suitable as a feedstock for a catalytic cracker. The process is suitable for conversion of all types of automotive tyres and a wide range of plastic waste feedstoc
Method comprises (a) charging municipal waste into a reaction vessel; (b) contacting waste with hydrogen or a mixt. of hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide; and (c) heating reaction mixt. to 350-450 deg.C for sufficient time to convert organic materials in the municipal waste to liq. hydrocarbon materials having b.pt. below 1000 deg.F.    The municipal waste is pref. fed to the reaction vessel as particles or melted polymer. Polymeric waste in the muncipal waste is pref. selected from polystyrene, polypropylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butylene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and polyamides. During the contacting step the gas atmos. is pref. maintained at 500-5000 psig. more pref. 750-3000 psig.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting municipal waste contg. polymeric material to an oil feedstock. A high quality synthetic crude oil may be obtd. which can be sepd. by fractionation into gasoline, diesel fuel and gas oils suitable as a feedstock for a catalytic cracker. The process is suitable for conversion of a wide range of plastics. The presence of cellulosic or proteinaceous waste materials in the municipal waste does not inhibit the process. Extraneous organic material such as garbage, wood waste, grass clippings, etc. in the municipal waste are converted to a premium synthetic crude oil in high yie
Particulate lignocellulosic material is decomposed in successive aerobic and anaerobic environments to produce an organically-enriched liq..    The material is moistened and fed into an upper zone along a feed path which extends downwardly into a lower zone. An oxygen-contg. gas is flowed, countercurrently to the feed path, into the upper zone to create the aerobic environment, in which biodelignification of the material occurs. The biodelignified material is allowed to descend into the lower zone, where liq. is supplied, in a flow countercurrent to the feed path, as to submerge the biodelignified material. An aerobic environment is thus created in which the submerged material is digested and soluble organic matter is produced. The soluble organic material is dissolved in the liq., which is removed from the lower zone.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lignocellulosic material, partic. agricultural residues such as straw and bagasse, are converted into prods. which are readily transformable into feedstuffs, fuels and soil improvers, such as single cell protein, biogas and lignocellulosic sludge. Hot air is also produced.
The fabricator comprises a substrate former (15), channels (2) also containing the worms, a vibrated sieve (20), a humidifier and a collector for the humus (23), and conveyors for the substrate humus and worms. To increase productivity, a thermostat and a container (1) for humus processing supplement shutters on the mobile channels, which have bottom ports and are stacked, while guides (5) for carriages (4) with moving bottom boxes and loader and offload channels (13,14) are also provided.    Drives (6,7,19) rope (8), holes (10,12), roller (9), niche (11), electric motor (16), with reduction gearing (17), worm dispenser (18), humus (21) and worm (22) feeders and collector (24), elevator (25), shell (26) and head (27) and holder (28) with loader arm (29), supplement humus receiver (30). The humus with the worms falls into a box on the carriage which is then moved to its extreme right-hand position, into channel (14). The sieve separates the worms from the humus, the latter of which is then bagged.    ADVANTAGE -   The design maintains favourable temperature and humidity. Bul.1/7.1.91
Element comprises an O ion conductive solid electrolyte chip made of stabilised zirconia and pair of Pt electrodes formed on both sides of the electrolyte chip, having a mean surface roughness of 1.5-2.4 microns.    USE -   For testing city gases, esp. propanol gas. (J59108953-A
Garbage is extruded from a die in a moulder. The extruded material is cut and moulded into pellets. The pellets are dried in a drier to a pref. water content. The dried pellets are used in a distn. tube as a porous carbonised material.    USE -   Garbage can be processed to form fuel, adsorbent or drying agent.
Preparation of hydrocarbon(s) (I) having 2 or more C atoms comprises oxidative coupling reaction of methane (II) in multistage reactor at 500-1500 deg.C with supplying oxygen (III) contg. gas (IV) to the reactor stepwise to maintain constant molar ratio of (II)/(III).    Li/MgO catalyst (JP01153649), LiNO3/MgO (JP2225425), Li/NiO catalyst (JP2225426) is used as pref. catalyst. Pref. molar ratio of (II)/(III) is above 3.0, in each stage in the reactor, molar ratio of (II)/(III) is held to constant value above 3.0.    ADVANTAGE -   Ethylene and/or ethane is obtd. in higher yield (38%) and selectively than prior art (at most 24%)
A process for the prodn. of isoparaffins having 4-7 C atoms per molecule from synthesis gas is claimed, comprising: (a) synthesis of a heavy paraffins-contg. hydrocarbon mixt. over a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; (b) conversion of at least part of the heavy paraffins-contg. hydrocarbon mixt. over a bi-functional isomerisation/hydrocracking catalyst under isomerisation/hydrocracking conditions; (c) sepn. of normal paraffins from at least part of the iosparaffins-contg. prod. of step (b); (d) recycling at least part of the normal paraffins to step (b) and withdrawing C4-C7 isoparaffins as a prod. from the process. Hydrocarbon mixts. produced by the above method are also claimed.    The catalyst in (a) pref. comprises cobalt, pref. 3-60 pbw cobalt and 0.1-100 pbw of at least one other metal selected from zirconium, titanium, rhenium, ruthenium and chromium, per 100 pbw silica, alumina, silica-alumina and/or titania. Step (a) is pref. carried out at 125-350 deg. C, 5-100 bar. The catalyst in (b) pref. comprises zeolite and a catalytically active metal component, pref. comprising at least one metal from Gp. VIB, VIIB or VIII, pref. at least one of Mo, W, Re, Fe, Ni, Co, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt. The zeolite pref. has pore dia. 0.5-1.0 nm and silica:alumina ratio 5-200; it is pref. zeolite Y, zeolite beta, mordenite or ZSM-20. Step (b) is pref. carried out at 250-450 deg. C, 5-50 bar, 0.2-20 kg hydrocarbon feed/kg of catalyst per hr and 1-50 hydrogen/hydrocarbon feed molar ratio. In (c) at least part of the effluent of (b) is pref. contacted with a separatory molecular sieve capable of adsorbing normal hydrocarbons. The sieve pref. has pore dia 0.3-0.8 nm, more pref. 0.4-0.6 nm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a process for the prodn. of C4-C7 isoparaffins in high yield from synthesis gas. Such isoparaffins have particular use in gasoline blending.
To decompose waste organic matter, into a compost, the    material is delivered from a fixed charging point to the centre    of a surface to form a conical pile. The material delivery round    the centre point forms a spiral laying pattern through the    movement of the conveyor. The material is taken from the sides    for laying so that it is always riper.    ADVANTAGE -   The spiral structure of the compost stack gives    an automated and semi-continuous operation without effecting the    increase in the mean oxygen content without smell as only    relatively cool compost material is moved. The material at the    edge zone is at 60-80 deg.C for heat and activity. A relatively    high compost pile can be developed in a small space.
Inbred corn seed designated PHN73 having ATCC accession no. 75205 is claimed. A corn plant produced by the seed is also claimed as is a tissue culture of the plant, sucgh as of the following plant parts; embryos, protoplasts, meristematic cells and pollen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The seed can be utilised for human food, livestock feed and as a raw material in industry. Industrial uses of corn are mainly as corn stach and corn flour. Applicns. include in the paper and textile industries, in adhesives, building materials, foundary binders, laundry starches, explosives, oil-well muds and for other mining applicns.. Stalks and husks are also made into paper and wallboard and cobs are used for fuel and to make charcoal. PHN73 show superior characteristics and provides an acceptable male parental line in crosses for producing first generation F1 corn hybrids.
Inbred corn seed designated PHN82 has ATCC accession no. 75254.    Corn plant produced by the seed is also described as a tissue culture comprising regenerate cells of plant, namely meristemiatic tissue, anthers, leaves, embryos, protoplastis and pollen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Seed can be used for human food, livestock feed and as a raw material in industry. Industrial uses of corn are mainly as corn starch and corn flour. Applications include in the paper and textile industries, in adhesives, building materials, foundry binders, laundry starches, explosives, oil-well muds and for other mining applicns.. Stalks and husks are also made into paper and wallboard and cobs are used for fuel and to make charcoal. PYN82's high yielding ability combined with good draught tolerance and distribution of kernel size make it most useful as a female parent. It can be used as a male parent but it is marginal because of its light pollen yeild.    In an example, the traits and characteristics of inbred corn line PHN82 were compared to PHV78, which is an important inbred that would be used in the area that PHN82 would be used and would cross well with some of the same inbred lines. The results of data collected over 4 years of research testing show that the 2 lines differ significantly for a number of trouts. PHN82 oofers some key advantages over PHV78 in that it has an 11.6% higher yield than PHV78, fewer barren plants, better early stand establishment, better grain quality with higher test weight and fewer brittle stalks PHN82 is earlier flowering and is a shorter plant. PHN82 had greater resistance to common rust and was more resistant to ear mould than PHV78. Both PHN82 and PHV78 can be used as males in the prodn. of corn hybrids but PHN82 also makes a very good female while PHV78 is not an acceptable female.
Prepn. of CO, H2, and one or more (un)satd. higher mol. wt. hydrocarbons comprises contacting methane and free O2 with a gaseous H2S catalyst, for pyrolytic oxidn. of methane and catalyst regeneration.    Prepn. of CO, H2, and one or more (un)satd. higher mol. wt. hydrocarbons comprises contacting methane and free O2 with a gaseous halogen other than fluorine, for pyrolytic oxidn. of methane and formation of hydrogen halide.    Prepn. of aromatic hydrocarbons contg. alkyl and/or vinyl substits, (un)atd. aliphatic hydrocarbons, CO and H2, comprises simultaneously contacting methane, benzene and/or alkyl benzenes, and free O2 with gaseous H2S or S-vapour, for pyrolytic oxidn. of methane and H2S formation.    The methane source is pref. natural gas, the free O2 source is pref. air and the (un)satd. hydrocarbons pref. include C2+ halogenated hydrocarbons.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used esp. for conversion of methane from natural gas sources or from biological anaerobic fermentation into, e.g. ethane, ethylene, propylene, acetylene and benzene, which are commercially important feedstocks for petrochemicals and polymers. Alkyl benzenes, styrene monomer and xylenes may also be obtd. Conversion of methane at the well site importantly gives prods. which are less expensive and dangerous to transport. The process is simple, economical, operates without formation of undesirable by-prods. such as solid graphite or soot and without prodn. of a destructive CO2-generating flame. As a result substantial savings are obtd. over prior processes.
Aersol compsn. providing a stable yet non-permanent foam comprises (a) a propellant (pref. a liq. hydrocarbon at 5-40 wt. %) (b) water; (c) a water-insol. polymer (pref. an acrylic polymer at 1-25 wt. %); (d) an anionic surfactant (pref. at 1-15 wt. %); (e) a stabiliser which stabilises the foam produced on discharge from the aerosol container yet allows the foam to become unstable and collapse on exposure to water (pref. a higher fatty alcohol, fatty monoglyceride, amine, higher alkyl hydroxyalkyl carbamate and/or alkylamino-propyl sulphonic acid at 0.05-10 wt. %; and (f) a solvent solvating stabiliser (e), pref. at 3-15 wt. %. The compsn. can opt. also contain a (fluorescent) pigment, an associative thickener, a foam booster, an aerosol can corrosion inhibitor and/or a thickener.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. can be used as a temporary ground marker in the construction industry, e.g, for marking lines for the replacement of sewage or electrical lines. It remains stable for 90 days or more if undisturbed (claimed), does not require additional appts. to induce foam formation after discharge from a pressurised container and is stable to temps. of 80-130 deg. F during processing and storage.
The bio-reactor contains cylindrical body (1) separated by inner cylinder (2) into central (3) and ring (4) chambers, heat exchanger (5) inside cylinder (2), pipe sockets (6), (7) and (8) for raw input, biomass output, and biogas outlet, respectively; pollutant-separator (9) and hydro valve (10). The hydro-valve is in the form of U-shaped pipe with ends in the two chambers; its higher end is in chamber (3), and lower one in chamber (4). Sensor (11) of biogas is in chamber (4) and it is connected to a system of control. The heat exchanger (5) is with pipe sockets (12) and (13) for input and output of heat-carrier. The air released from heat carrier is collected in (14) and removed through pipe (15). The body (1) has conic bottom for the collection of mineral ingredients and screw closer (16). The outlet (7) is with hydro closer (17). The energy for mixing is reduced due to the coordination of biogas release and biomass mixing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the processing of organic side prods. in agriculture; for high quality organic fertilisers and biogas; reduced energy spent on mixing. Bul.46/15.12.91    .D
Carbon monoxide and propylene are produced from propane and carbon dioxide, using one or more catalysts selected from chromium oxide, zinc oxide, galium oxide or alumina supporting palladium catalyst, and propane as a reducing agent.    The reaction temp. is 300 - 850 deg. C (pref. 400 - 800 deg. C.) The amt. of the propane to be used for the carbon dioxide (in molar ratio of carbon dioxide to propane) is 0.05 - 25, (pref. 0.1 - 20).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Carbon dioxide which has been regarded as one of the main factors of warming earth, can be converted into carbon monoxide which is a useful raw material for various organic cpds. By using propane as the reducing agent for the carbon dioxide, the carbon monoxide and propylene can be produced economically advantageously.
80 pts. wt. of (CMS) a byprod. concentrate of lysine fermentation applied to 20 pts. wt. of a preswollen perlite substrate, finds use as a combined inorganic and organic fertiliser, and soil conditioner. The mixt. is homogenised by shearing stress free comminution in a revolving drum.
Organic waste is chopped and mixed, then carried by conveyors to the composting vessel. The vessel is divided into compartments and the conveying system can be moved to fill one compartment at a time. Each compartment can be fed with air from a duct in its base, covered by a grating. An automatic controller governs ventilation and humidification of the compost compartments, according to the material and temp. within. Matured material is sieved to provide a fine finished product. Coarse material may be recycled to the start of the process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prodn. of compost on an industrial scale from organic waste, such as vegetable material, muds from a water treatment station, or industrial, agricultural or domestic organic wastes. Handling of the material is minimised, and the time, temp. and humidity of treatment are controlled, to assure optimum prod.-quality.
A cracking catalyst contg. (a) 20-95% by wt. of at least one matrix, (b) 1-60% by wt. of at least one Zeolite Y of faujarite structure, and (c) 0.01-30% by wt.% of at least one MFI Zeolite (H form) synthesised in a F medium, with the formula    Hx(+)(Si(96-x)AlxO192)    where x = 0.64-2.4, F = 0.01-2% (by wt.) N adsorption capacity (at 77K) under a pressure P/PS = 0.19 greater than 0.08 cm3 (liq.)/g.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst compsn. is useful in the cracking of heavy 'crudes' to give C3 and C4 hydrocarbons more partic. propylene and isobutane. The latter is used mainly in alkylation units to produce high octane petrol: there is a demand for propylene in certain developing countries. The addn. of the Zeolite MFI component imparts good selectivity in the cracking of heavy hydrocarbon molecules to give C3/C4 cpds. and good resistance to rigorous conditions of partial pressure of water vapour and temps. existing in an industrial re-generator.
A process for the tretment of natural and synthesis gas and liq. hydrocarbons. This is carried out either separation, purification or dehydration-functioning on cycles of thermal adsorption/desorption using a zeolite.    The gases or liqs. contain unsaturated hydrocarbons or cpds. capable of thermal generation of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The adsorbent is a zeolite agglomerated with Kaolin.    Pref. zeolites are those of type 'A' and 'X'. Type A are used when adsorption is limited to small molecules: thus 5A is pref. for sepn. of normal/iso paraffins or desulphuration, and 3A for dehydration of gases and organic liqs. Type X (notably 13X) have large pore dia.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The main applications are in the desulphurisation of natural gases contg. CO2 and mercaptans, synthesis gas to remove olefins from cuts to separate n- from iso-paraffins and the dehydration and removal of olefins from gas oils. In partic., dehydration of styrene is an important use. The use of kaolin as binder imparts a much greater resistance to ageing (by coke formation) of the zeolites than has been found with other clay prodts. Longer cycle times in thermal swing adsorption processes are obtd.
Fuel granules produced from liq. manure (A) as known have a solids compsn. wt.% (pref.) (a) 0.86-45 (0.8-40) liq. manure dry substance, (b) 83.74-43 (74.4-38) coal dust and (c) 5.4-2 (4.8-2) quicklime and (B) contain up to 10 (up to 20) wt.% residual water, (C) have a spherical grain size 0-7 mm, a fines content up to 1% and (D) have been produced by a single step process in a granulator.    The granules are pref. produced by (a) forming a mixt. of 0.8-2.5 kg liq. manure contg. 1.5-12 dry solids, 2.0-2.6 kg lignite contg. 10-20% water and 0.10-0.20 kg quicklime into spherical granules contg. 37-48% water and having quasi-dry, pourable consistency and (b) air drying the granules for 60-100 hr to a residual moisture content of 20-10%. Hard coal dust, wood meal or other solid C contg. material can be used instead of lignite dust.    ADVANTAGE -   The granules can be produced without a large expenditure in equipment and energy; the granules have a satisfactory compsn. and good properties and are esp. suitable for burning in fluidised beds.
Process comprises mixing antimony bearing material with tin oxide powder; forming the sensor by deposition of the slurry onto a substrate, and drying and sintering the slurry. The antimony bearing material is sufficient to render the sensor's sensitivity to the gases H2, CO, or CH4, independent of the O2 concentration in the range PO2 10power-4 atmosphere.    A method of making a tin oxide gas sensor of resistivity that at a measuring temperature increases with concentration of the measured gas, comprises: calcining the tin oxide in air above 1400 degrees Celcius, or a similar treatment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The measured resistance, or other electrical property, of a sample of tin (IV) oxide (snO2) can be used as a gas sensor as this property is dependent on the concentration of gas in the surrounding medium. The resistivity of a tin oxide gas sensor at a measuring temperature increases with increase in concentration of at least one gas to be measured by inducing non-stoichiometry in the tin oxi
Bio material is input into and after treatment is withdrawn from the treatment chamber through opening(s) with a sluice (6,103), which prevents air penetration of the system, and the system during operation is filled with satd. steam, which steam is circulated in the system through the circulation conduit and the treatment chamber, and in addn., a part of the steam, which corresp. to the moisture expelled from the bio material is drained and condensed, so (a) the steam through indirect heat transmission from a heat carrier (9) at the inlet (2,102) in the treatment chamber is held at at least 260 deg.C, slightly above the treatment temp.; and (b) gases escaping from the material are collected and burned for heating of the heat carrier. Pref. particles that are sepd. from the biomaterial are collected in a particle separator (12) in the circulation conduit (7), connectable to the device (10) for combustion of sepd. material for heating of the heat carrier (9).    ADVANTAGE -   Achieves roasting at about 260 deg.C.
Compsns. comprises 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) and one of 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a), 1-chloro-1,1-difluroethane (HCFC-142b), dimethyl ether (DME), perflurocyclobutane (FC-318), n-butane, isobutane and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea).    Specifically claimed is a combination of HFC-134 with each of the other listed cpds. e.g. a compsn. comprising 92 wt.% HFC-134 and 8 wt.% HFC-152a which has a b. pt. of 10 deg. C when the pressure is adjusted to 46 psia. A compsn. comprising 74 wt.% HFC-134 and 26 wt.% DME has a b.pt. of 0 deg. C when the pressure is adjusted to 28 psia..    USE -   Useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and blowing agents for polymer foams. Azoetrope-type mixts. of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or of FC-C318 and HFC-227ea are used as fire extinguishants.n
(JP4262370-A)   NOVELTY - An electricity generation section (1) is divided into electricity generation portions (1-1,1-2). The fuel supply line (22) is divided into sections (22-1-22-3) corresponding to electricity generation portions and a valve is provided to each divided section. A controller controls the supply of fuel gas, oxidizing agent and number of electricity generation portions for generating electricity based on power demanded by load.    USE - Fuel battery in co-generation system.    ADVANTAGE - Electricity generation efficiency is increased and quantity of used fuel is reduced.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the systematic diagram of fuel battery. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Electricity generation section (1)    Electricity generation portions (1-1,1-2)    Fuel supply line (22)    Fuel supply sections (22-1-22-3)
Bio-collector consists of a hollow panel, exposed to solar radiation, contg. a partition wall, separating the panel into an exposed bio-reactor and a lower, unirradiated enzyme reactor. The enzyme reactor has an inlet opening for substrate and an outlet for used material. The bio-reactor has an outlet for H2 and the enzyme reactor is connected to a heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Economic arrangement, allowing use of organic substances.
The material is sepd. in a first sieving process (1) into a fine fraction contg. most of the organic components and a coarse fraction contg. the re-usable components. The coarse fraction is moistened and undergoes a second sieving process (2) in which a moist paper fibre fraction is sepd. The moist fibre fraction is mixed with the fine fraction and the obtd. mixt. is composted. Re-usable components, e.g. glass, plastic, etc., are sorted from the coarse fraction before the second seiving process.    The moistening is by means of a water bath, by spraying, or by mixing with a substance having a high water content. The high moisture content substance may be a seepage water, animal slurry or sludge whose nutrient content is advantageous to the composting process. The moistening may take place during the first or second sieving process, and may be carried out in regions of the first seiving process containing sieves of different mesh sizes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the prepn. of e.g. municipal waste for composting. The suitability of the fine fraction for composting is improved by increasing its moisture content and the vol. of coarse material to be disposed of is reduced by removing its paper content.
Propane is removed from a mixed liquid hydrocarbon stream (I) by (a) flowing to a de-ethaniser; (b) separating an ethane gas mixture (II) from (I); (c) mixing (II) with a butane and heavier hydrocarbon stream (III) to form a combined stream (IV); (d) cooling (IV) and flowing it to a reflux accumulator where vapour and liquid (V) are separating; (e) flowing (V) to the de-ethaniser as reflux, and accumulating a hydrocarbon mixture (VI) at the bottom of the de-ethaniser; (f) flowing (VI) to a depropaniser; and (g) separating propane from (VI), and flowing the bottoms from the depropaniser to the reflux accumulator as stream (III), for reflux to the de-ethaniser for providing the necessary cooling for recovering propane as a specification product.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is esp. a natural gas liquids stream. Propane is recovered at substantially ambient temp. and with high recovery efficiency.    .D
Power generation using algae as fuel is new. Also described are fuels comprising algae.    Power is pref. generated in (a) a boiler and steam turbine or (b) in an I.C. (esp. diesel) engine. Algae used are chemically and physically unaltered.    Fuel algae are sepd. from a nutrient soln.; used directly to generate useful work, waste heat and CO2, and the heat and/or CO2 are supplied to the nutrient soln. to promote algal growth. Pref. single-cell green algae (esp. Chlorella pyrenoidosa which grows rapidly in a nutrient soln. exposed to sunlight) are used and are sepd. from the soln. by filtration and then dried.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Algae are useful in both stationary and mobile engines and represent a cheap, renewable plant-based energy source, which is environmentally neutral since waste CO2 and heat can be used to promote growth of more alga
Animal bedding material is made of irregularly shaped pieces of cardboard with feathered edges which are formed by tearing or shearing esp. by a rotating mechanical head with projecting teeth. Pref. the pieces are crimped. Pref. dust is removed during the manufacture.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Horse bedding material. Biodegradable and can be used, once filled with excreta, as a compost or mulch pref. with wood chips.
A cracking catalyst for hydrocarbon charges contg. an MTW zeolite, a zeolite Y (faujasite structure), and a matrix is claimed. The catalyst is composed of:- a) 20-95% (30-85) by wt. of at least one matrix. b) 1-60% by wt. (4-50) of at least one zeolite Y of faujasite structure and c) 0.01-30% (0.05-20) by wt. of an MTW zeolite (H form) synthesised in a F medium and having the approx. formula (I) where x = 0.07-3.5 and having a F content of 0.01-2% by wt. and an N adsorption capacity (at 77K and pressure P/P5 = 0.19) greater than 0.08 cm3(liq)/g. The prepn. and use of the catalyst are also claimed.    The matrix is selected from Al2O3, SiO2, MgO, a clay, TiO2, ZrO2, combination of at least two of these cpds., and a coupling of Al2O3/B2O3. The zeolite Y is an ultra-stabilised form USY either in the partially exchanged form with metallic cation selected from alkaline earths and/or rare earths of at no. 57-71 or in the H form.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is partic. suited to the cracking of heavy petroleum fractions to give 3-4C cpds., specifically propylene and isobutane: the latter is useful in alkylation units having C3-C4 olefin-contg. cuts, giving high octane petrols. There is a significant demand for propylene in developing countries.
The system for making compost from pig manure consists of a pit (1) in which the raw manure is chopped and pumped, a container (5) in which it is mixed by a stirrer (6) with paper and sawdust, a screen (15), fed by a pipe (13), to separate solids and liquids, and a stack (20) made from the solid material, which is then covered with turf and ventilated, while sensors allow its temp. to be measured. Once the material in the stack reaches the necessary temp. it will make a compost which is rich in oligo-elements and free of germs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system can be used to make compost from various animal and vegetable waste products obtained from industry. Gives reduced odours, producing compost which is environmentally harmless.
Processing of manure, liq. manure and/or Kjeldahl-N-contg. waste water comprises subjecting the material to nitrification in an aerated nitrification reactor contg. activated sludge rich in nitrifying bacteria and opt. adding acid neutralising chemicals to the nitrification reactor and to a denitrification step in a high rate recirculation denitrification reactor contg. a very compact biomass capable of converting nitrate to N2 gas and to which an organic substrate obtd. in the denitrification step in the nitrification reactor is added. The influent to be treated is to obtain an optimum nitrification and denitrification on the basis of the following factor(s): the incoming N2 load; the information from a specified respiration meter; the O2 concn. in the nitrification reactor; the pH value in the nitrification reactor being maintained at 6-8.5; the amt. of air required; the residence time; the temp. in the nitrification and denitrification reactors being maintained below 40 deg.C; the concn. of oxidised N2 in the influent for the recirculation denitrification reactor is below 0 and 4g N/l; the concn. of oxidised N2 in the nitrification reactor in the sludge/liquid mixt. is 0-4g N/l; the concn. of the C source in the effluent from the recirculation denitrification reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By placing the separation step upstream of the discharge line denitrification reactor the organic matter will be removed before passing through the reactor, so that no ammonium or soluble organic substances will be formed there. By using two different types of denitrification reactors it is possible to add the feed at the influent of the recirculation denitrification reactor and it is possible to use the organic material in the feed as a C source for the denitrification process
Membrane comprises (a) a supporting film of a fluorine-contg. polyimide resin of formula (I) where R1 is divalent aromatic, alicyclic or aliphatic hydrocarbon, or a divalent gp. consisting of hydrocarbon gps. e.g. gps.(i)-(iii) bonded to each other by the divalent gp.; and (b) a thin film of an elastomeric polymer formed on (a).    Also claimed are: (1) prepn. of the described membranes by coating a supporting material with the resin of formula (I), and with a solvent compatible with H2O; dipping the material in a further solvent in which the resin is insol. but compatible with the first solvent and H2O; dipping the material in H2O to form a supporting film having an anisotropic structure; and forming a thin elastomeric polymer film on the supporting film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for the sepn. of CO2 and CH4 to concentrate CH4, while allowing CO2 to pass, or for removing steam from oil. The membrane has high gas permeability and selectivity, as well as good heat and chemical resistances and mechanical strength.    .D
Rotating mixer reactor for the anaerobic fermentation of household waste consisting of a cylinder, mounted on bearings and rotating about its horizontal axis, immersed in a bath of liq. The cylinder is rotated in alternate directions and paddles fixed on the inner wall homogenise the contents. The alternative rotation prevents the formation of filaments on the paddles. Supply and evacuation of material and evolved gases from the reactor is via hoses which alternately coil and uncoil during rotation. A valve prevents blocking of the gas discharge tubes. Weighers monitor the contents and the cylinder is immersed in a liquid bath which compensates for the load on the bearings and allows the temp. to be controlled.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treatment of waste by fermentation. Low cost as reactor shell does not need to support either its own weight or that of the contents. Bearings only act as guides and not as supports. Accurate measurements of contents during fermentation. Good control of temp.
Refrigerant compsns. comprising: (1) 10-90 wt.% of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a), difluoromethane (HFC-32), propane or mixts. (2) 1-50 wt.% of a 1-3C hydrofluorocarbon, a 1-3C fluorocarbon, an inorganic cpd. or mixts. of b.pt. -90 to -50 deg.C. (3) 1-50 wt.% of a 1-3C hydrofluorocarbon other than HFC-143a, of b.pt. -50 to -10 deg.C.    The compsns. have a vapour pressure equiv. to that of chlorodifluoromethane and the b.pts. are at atmospheric pressure. A method for producing refrigeration by condensing the refrigerant compsns. and then evaporating them in the vicinity of a body to be cooled.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsns. are useful for refrigeration, air-conditioning and in heat pumps and the relative amts. of the components can be selected to provide non-flammable compsns. The compsns. have zero ozone depletion potential and low toxicity; only small changes in properties are found in substantial liq. or vapour loss
Bioreactor system includes a bioreactor vessel rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis and also rotatable about a vertical shaft. An interlock between the horizontal axis and vertical shaft exactly limits the vessel rotation to one rotation about the horizontal axis for each traverse of the bioreactor around a circular path about the vertical shaft. Fluids are introduced into and removed from the vessel via a flexible, multilumen conduit fixed on the horizontal axis at the opposite end of the vessel from the vertical shaft. A control limits the rate of rotation of the shaft to encourage internal mixing in the vessel. This occurs preferentially over any centrifugal effects.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bioreactor has numerous commercial applications including the prodn. of food items, e.g. cheese, flavourings, beverages and artificial sweeteners; the digestion of waste; and mineral recovery. The construction eliminates the need for seals and internal mixers
Air is supplied to waste water to apply an aerobic process to it, while exhaust discharged from the aerobic process is supplied to a layer of garbage to compost it.    USE -   Waste water and garbage can be processed simultaneously.
Ammonia water is flowed through an aeration tank, an aggregation tank, a filtering tank and an active C adsorbing tower to remove impurities so that concns. of impurities are reduced to regulation values. The oxidn.-redn. potential of treated water in the active C adsorbing tower is measured and the amt. of air introduced is controlled so that the oxidn.-redn. potential is over 40 mV.    ADVANTAGE -   Generation of H2S in the active C adsorbing step is prevented.    In an example, ammonia water sepd. from a mixed soln. of the ammonia water and tar generated on the prodn. of coke by dry distn. of coal in a coke oven is stored in a tank and then sent by a pump to an ammonia water stripper, where NH3 is sepd. The sepd. NH3 is sent to a pipe of coke oven gas. The treated water is sent to a pH adjusting tank, where H2SO4 is added to neutralise the water, and the water is stored in a tank by a pump. The water is sent by a pump to an aeration tank, where phenols and NH3 are removed by aerobic bacteria. Increased bacteria are sedimented in a sedimentation tank and in an aggregation tank by adding flocculant. Treated water is filtered using a filtering device by using a pump and flowed through an active C adsorbing tower to adsorb colouring substances in the treated water
Biological drying of clarified sludge to a humus-like substrate (I) involves (a) mechanical dewatering; (b) aerobic microbial predigestion; and (c) aerobic redigestion for several weeks. The novel features are that drying is carried out in batches and/or continuously by adding opt. pretreated recycled matter as conditioning agent (II); and (b) circulating the new, untreated sludge with (II).    (II) may be pref. treated with thickener, absorbent, enzymes, bacteria, solvent aid (surfactant) and/or membrane effectors; esp. 0.05-1.5 (wt.)% alginate, bentonite and/or montmorillonite; and/or 0.05-1500 ppm hydrolytic enzymes and/or selected bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for recultivation purposes and for chemical, physical and/or biological decontamination of clarified sludge and/or contaminated soil. The organic dry substance (ODS) content is reduced much more than usual and the sludge is decontaminated
Solids in suspension are sepd from an aq effluent in three stages. Firstly the liq is brought into contact with a dielectric material, holding the opposite charge to that of the solids in suspension, in order to neutralise them. Neutralised solids are then pptd. Finally, the aq. phase is decanted from the pptd muds.    The dielectric material used may be polypropylene, which can hold a negative charge, formed into high surface area packing structures. Pptn. of solids takes place in a pressurised vessel at about 6bars. Air is dissolved in the water before precipitation, reducing its density, and increasing the difference in density between liq and solid, and the speed of pptn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treatment of aqueous effluents to reduce suspended solids, and BOD and COD. Ammonia cpds are converted to nitrates and nitrites. Slurry waste from pig farms is converted to a fertiliser which can be used without pollution. Domestic or industrial waste waters can also be treated. A cheap, effective method, which can operate batch wise or continuously with varying degrees of automation.
Organic waste is dried and then, by being heated to a conversion temp. between 200-600 deg.C is carbonised. Gaseous reaction prods. are thus produced which partly liquefy on cooling, with a residue of solids. Before the low-temp. carbonisation, the material substance undergoes a preparation in which the entrained air is removed so that the oxygen content of the atmos. during carbonisation is below 0.5%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As much useful material as possible is obtd. and the method is partic. suitable for continuous or quasi-continuous handling of the materia
Method consists of: (a) prodn. (5) of a material mixt. with optimal properties for a bio-reaction process, i.e. a moisture content of about 60% by weight (8), a pH value of 6.5 to 7, a C/N content ratio of about 30:1 by mixing with urea (9), and a bulk density of 600 to 800 kg/m3, and the material is impregnated with bacteriological material by recycling and is preheated to about 70 deg.C, (b) the material is coarsely pelletised in a screw press (12) and is passed into the bio-reaction process (18) in well aerated stackable pallets (16), (c) the material is heated in the bio-reaction process (18) until it starts to generate its own heat, and the process is maintained in optimal conditions by automatic climate control, i.e. about 65 deg.C with controlled air humidity and oxygen supply, so that a thermal dewatering of about 20% by weight takes place in 2 to 3 days, and then a mesophilic rotting phase at about 30 deg.C takes place, again with a thermal de-watering of about 20% in 6-10 days. After 8-13 days therefore, a prod. is produced which has 20-25% moisture and is fully composted and stable and which contaminates neither air nor ground water and can be used not only as a humus fertiliser but also as a biological soil improver.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in disposing of mixts. of urine and faeces, sewage sludge, etc. and also for conditioning quick-growing raw materials and edible fungi. Complete bacteriological breakdown is achieved using accelerated compositing in a simple system.
2C Hydrocarbons are prepd. from methane at 530-900 deg.C and less than 0.1 MPa using a catalyst (I) comprising Pb2+ and Ce3+, or Ce4+ or Pb2+ and Pr3+ and/or Nd3+ on Al2O3. The process is carried out in two zones with addn. of O2 between the first and second zone.    (I) contains 1-5 wt.% Pr/Nd-mixt. and 15-25 wt.% Pb on eta- or gamma-Al2O3, or 1-7% Ce and 10-30 wt.% Pb on partially crystalline Al2O3.    ADVANTAGE -   High yields of ethylene can be obt
Prodn. of styrenic foam comprises: (a) heating an alkenyl aromatic resin and an added plasticising material in an extruder to produce a molten resin mixt.; (b) injecting into the molten resin mixt. a blowing agent comprising at least one 4-5 C alkane, CO2 and a halogenated ethane, selected from 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and mixts. of these, the halogenated ethane comprises less than 70 wt.% of total blowing agent wt., to produce an extrusion mass at a temp. and under pressure sufficient to prevent foaming or the extrusion mass; and (c) extruding the extrusion mass through a die into a zone having a temp. and pressure sufficient to permit expansion of the extrusion mass to produce the foam.    The alkenyl aromatic resin is polystyrene, impact polystyrene or mixts. of these.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process eliminates ethyl chloride from styrenic foam prodn. methods while limiting the use of the halogenated ethane to minimum amt. suitable to produce closed cell foams with good insulative proper+
Compost handling machine is on a carriage movable along a composting bay, and operates to agitate the compost by a drum rotated by a hydraulic motor located inside the drum.    Spaced support arms which mount the drum are solid, and along the outside of one arm run hydraulic pipes running to and from the drum drive motor via cover plates over a slot in the arm.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost cannot enter the drum.
An organic fertiliser is prepd. by fermenting a mixt. of porous carbonised material, partic. soft charcoal having pH 6.0-8.0, plant residues (e.g, insol residue of soy bean, partic. pressed fruit and coffee residues) and agicultural porous residue (eg., corncob), partic. contg. 30-50% water, with thermophilic bacteria (e.g, B.subtilis, Actinomycetes), partic. at 65-85 deg. C then at lower temps. to live them in porous materials.    Various porous agricultural, plant residues and marine prods. having 30-50% water content are fermented at 65-85 deg. C and followed by further fermentation at 40-50 deg. C for 1-3 days with thermophilic microorganisms (e.g, B.subtilis, Thermoactinomyces) grown in porous materials.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An alkaline fertiliser for better culture with less insect pests and pathogenic microorganisms.    In an example, a mixt. of materials contg. 35 vol. % of soft charcoal (pH 7.2), 20 vol. % of insol. residue of soy bean, 28 vol. % of corncob, 7 vol. % pressed residue of apple and sea algae, respectively, 3 vol. % of rice bran were fermented with B. subtilis and Thermospora at 70-80 deg. C for 16 hrs., then at 40-50 deg. C to give the desired fertiliser
Agriculture material comprises an aged mixt. of organic wastes e.g. agricultural wastes, stockbreeding wastes and waste water treated sludge with soil microbes activating catalyst comprising silicate powders made of minerals and e.g. mixed minerals and diatomaceous earth.    USE -   Used for fertilisers
Soils, sludges and/or other solids contaminated with xenobiotics (oil or chemicals) are decontaminated by treatment with lignin-degrading fungi and a hemicellulosic substrate for the fungi. The substrate is opt. pretreated by one or more of semi-sterilisation, pasteurisation, aerobic fermentation, anaerobic fermentation and compression. Biological soil treatment in silty soils and dewatered contaminated sludges from soil washing facilities are possible by working in the fungi and substrate. Mn(2+) and/or Fe(2+) is added before and/or during the decontamination process. The decontamination is effected in installations opt. operated under aerobic and/or anaerobic conditions.    In an example, chopped wheat straw is compressed into pellets, which are moistened, inoculated with oyster fungi (Pleurotus spp.), and stored in bags in a humid atmos. for 1.5-3 weeks so that the pellets are colonised by fungal mycelium. The pellets are mixed with contaminated soil in a chopping machine, and the mixt. is composted in heap
In the biotechnological treatment of substances contg. suspended solids, the substances are stored in a tank and then biologically treated in an aerobic or anaerobic process having one or more stages, and are finally subjected to a post-clarification process. There is no sepn. into thin and thick phases before or between the biological treatment stages. Part of the treated substance is recirculated from the inlet of the post-clarifier to the storage tank, where it is mixed with the raw untreated substance. The remainder of the treated substance is then post-clarified, and no sludge is recirculated from the post-clarification process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for the treatment of agricultural wastes, which are difficult to handle because of their high content of suspended material. An effective, economical and stable biological procedure for treating such substances is provided
In a procedure for separate treatment and disposal of mixts. of solid and liq. organic waste, the mixt. (RM) is mechanically sepd. (SEP) into liq. phase (L1) with a low and finely divided solid matter content, and a solid phase (S1) with a low moisture content. The liq. phase then undergoes an anaerobic fermentation process (AAF) with evolution of biogas (BG) and prodn. of a further liq. phase (L2), while the solid phase undergoes an aerobic fermentation process (C) in which compost, fertiliser or animal fodder is formed. The residual solid material (S3) in the biogas and/or the liq. phase (L2) is removed by chemical means (CF) and is recirculated before the gas is burnt or the liq. phase (L3) is admitted to a sewage plant (KKA) or a further cleaning process (ST). The carbon dioxide in the biogas is absorbed in the original mixt. (RM) and/or in one of the liq. phases (L1), while at the same time its pH value is reduced. The deposited material produced (S3) by chemical precipitation (CF) or flocculation in one of the liq. phases is, if necessary after thickening, added to the solid phase, and/or pref. the initial mixt..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the sepn. and treatment of mixts. of solid and liq. wastes, e.g., pig slurry, etc.. The disadvantages of using engine exhaust gas for pH redn. in the intermediate fermentation stages, i.e., consumption of valuable fuel and the unnecessary heating of the COs content of the biogas, are avoide
Catalyst includes heat-resistive fibres, with iron catalyst coated onto fibres.    ADVANTAGE -   Reaction temp. at which methane gas is decomposed into carbon and hydrogen is reduced to not more than 1000 deg. C compared to 1,260 deg. C conventional catayl
An organic fertiliser is mfd. from a waste contg. organic materials. The moisture content of the waste is adjusted. The waste is sheared and kneaded under an elevated pressure at a temp. of 40-90 deg.C by pressurisation and friction.    The pressure is eventually released and the treated mixt. is subsequently pulverised by contact with air. The processed mixt. is left to ferment by thermophilic microorganisms at a temp. greater than 40 deg.C for more than 5 hrs.. Between 5 and 60% w/w of the processed mixt. is recycled for mixing with incoming raw waste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method produces an organic fertiliser from livestock excrement, e.g. pig-, chicken- or cattle-manure, from sewage disposal sludge or mixts. of these with cellulose-contg. organic materials, e.g. grasses, hulls, straws, woodchips, etc.. The conversion into fertiliser occurs in a short time without the emission of bad odourse th
Adapting a waste prod. contg. at least one propylene polymer material for conversion to compost at an accelerated rate comprises post-use treatment by exposing the waste-prod. to high energy ionising radiation in an oxidising atmos.    Also claimed is a method of composting a waste prod. and an irradiated waste prod. and compost humus obtd. by the method. Pref. the exposure of the prod. to radiation is effected with a radiation dose of at least 1 megarad. The method of composting waste prod. comprises exposing the waste prod. in an oxidising atmos. to radiation as specified and exposing the irradiated prod. to attack by microorganisms in the presence of moisture and an O2-contg. gas. The polypropylene polymer material is present as one or more fibrous or film layers or is in moulded form.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is esp. adaptable for composting waste prods. such as diapers to give a useful compost humu
Compost drum comprises axially rotated cylinders with a drum opening with a closable cover, in the middle of the cylinder. The cylinder ends are each covered with an end plate which has a gas junction box with radial segmented shafts for gas pipes. The pipes have openings which align with openings in the drum as it rotates. A hollow axle is attached to the centre of the end plate. The axle has slits in its upper region. A sealed bush round the axle has holes that connect with the gas pipes as the cylinder rotates. passing through a multi continuous soft ceramic element which is concentric with the central portion and supports a biological treatment film. A sludge outlet is provided at the bottom of the central portion, and a treated water outlet is provided low down on the sidewall of the tank, and provided with water guiding baffles above and to both sides of the outlet inside the tank so that treated water is taken only from the tank bottom.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In treatment of small to medium quantities of water e.g. from one family and medium to small businesses. Soft ceramic material provides a bacterial film capable of realising smooth alterations of bacterial generations such that different microorganisms propagate at different rates and take off from the ceramic gradually whereas conventional plastics contacting medium tends to shed a mass of bacterial layer at one time due to formation of anaerobic bacterials zones, with consequent redn. in efficiency of treatment.
Conversion of CH4 to higher hydrocarbons comprise contacting a mixt. of CH4, a gaseous oxidant (I) and a gaseous promoter (II) with solid La2O3 at 700-1200 deg.C. (II) is a halogen or a halogen cpd.    Nonacidic solids other than La2O3 may be used. Pref., (i) is O2 or a N oxide, esp. N2O. (II) is Cl2, Br2, HCl, HBr or an aliphatic chloride or bromide. The temp. is pref. 800-1000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process gives high yields, e.g. CH4 conversions of 5.7-24.6% with selectivities of 6.8-41.2% for ethylene, 7.1-22.1% for C2 hydrocarbons and 24.2-57.0% for C2+ hydrocarbons
High molecular wt. copolymers (I) (molecular wt. at least 50,000-90,000) of alpha-olefins (II) and a starch polymer (III) are degraded by reaction with a lignin-degrading organism (IV). (IV) is Streptomyces viridosporus T7A, S.badius 252, S.setonii 75Vi2, S.chromofuscus A2, A6, A8 or A20, S.diastaticus A3, S.rochei A4 or A10, S.cyaneus A7 or MT 813, or S.flavoriens 28, Thermomonospora mesophila and Actinomadura sp. MT809.    Pref. (I) are polypropylene or linear low density polyethylene (esp. of molecular wt. 160,000-160,000) pref. contg. 3-12% (III) and pref. also a transition metal pro-oxidant. Pref. (IV) are S. viridosporus T7A, S.badius 552 and S.setonii 75Vi2. Alternative (IV) are fungi, esp. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Fusarium moniliforme 279, F. nivale 5080, F.oxysporum f sp pini 2380, F.roseium `Crookwell' 1080 or `Sambucinum' 1180, F tricinctum 179 and Coriolus versicolor.    ADVANTAGE -   The method allows the biodegradation of starch-contg. alpha-olefin polymers (e.g. those already biodegradable to a deg.), esp. linear low density polyethylene, to be effected relatively rapidly (to CO2), so that these may be disposed of in landfills, etc
Liquefied natural gas is flowed in a first distilling device for sepg. a high b.pt. component having a condenser and a boiler. Methane and mixt. fluid consisting of a component having a b.pt. lower than that of methane are taken out from the top part of the first distilling device. The mixt. fluid is flowed in a second distilling device for sepg. a low b.pt. component having a condenser and a boiler. Liq. in the bottom part of the second distilling device is recovered as high purity methane. Bottom liq. in the first distilling device is flowed through the condenser of the one distilling device to vaporise the bottom liq. using the condenser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Utra high purity methane is recovered with high efficiency and reduced cost
Waste paper is charged in furnace having a carbonising chamber closed in a heating chamber, and it is heated at more than 300 deg. C. for 5 - 6 hours in an oxygen-reduced atmos. to form coal material.    USE -   Good quality coal material can be produced at low cost
Process comprises (a) adjusting the compsn. of waste by adding a CaO source, an Fe2O3 source, and an SiO2 source to give a compsn. having (CaO + Fe2O3)/(SiO2 + Al2O3) wt. ratio of 0.10-0.50; (b) melting the thus obtd. waste; (c) cooling the molten prod. to obtain a slug; and (d) heat-treating the slag at 900-1300 deg.C for 0.1-3.0 hours.    Pref. the cooled slag is size-reduced and classified, and heat treated as in (d).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides coloured slag from sludges produced from construction, sewage, city garbage, coal ash and industrial waste
Prodn. of soil conditioner by i) boiling garbage after chopping it to make broth; ii) sepg. the liq. in the broth, iii) obtaining a culture base by adding a soln. prepd. by ferment-decomposing protein with malt or yeast, thereby ferment-decomposing protein in the broth into amino acids, and iv) adding a soil microbe culture fluid to the culture base obtd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Soil conditioner, organic fertiliser or animal feed can be produced from garbage at very low cost without pollution
Hydrocarbons are prepd. by contacting an H-contg. moiety (I) with a catalytically active support (II) on which is deposited a carbonaceous material (III). (III) is obtd. by decomposing methane in the presence of (II) at temp. below 600 deg.C.    The decomposition is pref. carried out at 200-550 deg.C. (II) contains a catalytically active material selected from one or more metal or metal cpd. from Gp. VII and/or Gp. VIII, pref. Ru, Ir, Re, Ni, Co or Pt, partic. Ru or Co., pref. in an amt. 0.1-30 wt.%, partic. 0.5-15 wt.% and one or more refractory oxides, crystalline (metallo)silicates and/or metallophosphates, pref. silica, alumina or silica-alumina. Gp. IA oxide, magnesia, zirconia or titania are included as promoter, pref. in an amt. 0.1-10 times amt. of catalytically active material. The contacting is carried out at ambient to 150 deg.C pref. to 100 deg.C using H contg. at least 70 vol.% molecular H, and is a refinery stream. The adsorbed carbonaceous material also includes lower alkenes pref. ethylene and/or propylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process provides methane conversion at low temps. and relatively mild conditions, giving high yields of prods., partic. lower hydrocarbons e.g. propane and butane. Hydrocarbons are used e.g. as chemical feedstocks.
Waste water from an industrial laundry is filtered by tangential microfiltration, to produce a filtrate which can be recycled and reused for washing. The concentrate produced during filtration is recycled through the filter in a closed loop until it reaches a concn. high enough to be burnt as a fuel.    Waste water may be prefiltered to remove fibres and large particles before microfiltration. Microfiltration takes place at 40-70degC, through a sintered ceramic filter, notably of alumina. Alternatively, at the lower temperatures an organic filter may be used. The speed of circulation of effluent at the filter is 4-10m/s.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treatment of water and detergent which has been used for washing industrial cloths used for cleaning machines, or overalls. The water can contain oils, particles, ink, fibres and is blackened. Recycling water and detergent reduces costs, especially if the concentrate is also used as a fuel. Excess filtrate complies with pollution control regulations for effluent disposal
Prodn. of distillate hydrocarbons for prepn. of petrochemical feedstocks comprises hydrogenating a slurry of (A) a major portion of petroleum residues and (B) a minor proportion of polymeric solid carbonaceous waste prods. and coal under heat and pressure sufficient coal is present to ensure recovery of a major portion of the hydrocarbon content of the slurry as volatile hydrocarbons in the C5 to 525 deg. C range. An expendable iron catlyst added to the slurry.    (A) forms at lesat 60 wt.% of the slurry. The waste prods. form at least 25 wt.%. The coal is in an amt. of at least 10 wt.% of the scrap, but there is less coal than scrap. The waste prods. comprise rubber or synthetic plastic resins, esp. polystyrene. (A) is tar sands bitumen.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste materials such as tyres and packaging scrap and refining wastes are utilised in an oil upgrading proces
A system provides primary treatment of human body waste by allowing sedimentation and commencement of digestion of the solids. The partially clarified effluent pref. passes into a final container where further reduction of suspended solids occurs and clarified effluent is then passed into the soil or other medium for purification. Toilet pans are e.g. mounted above suitable containers in which solids can settle, and are flushed by pouring water down a funnel arrangement which simulates a flushing cistern and provides a water trap seal.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides efficient and safe treatment, and does not require electric power or a pressurised water supply
Sewage sludge (I) contg. substantial amts. of bacterial pathogens is stabilised as follows: (a) (I) is uniformly mixed in a pug mill with an additive (II) (fluidised bed combustion residue (FBCR) and/or fly ash) in an amt. sufficient to cause a substantial exothermic reaction with the sludge (I); and (b) the mixt. is stored at a suitable time/temp to allow the pathogens to be killed by the heat generated.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is environmentally safe, economical and reliable, and effectively solidifies and/or detoxifies sewage sludge using waste materials as additives. The prod. is useful as an easily stored, handled and delivered fertiliser free of pathogenic organisms, and as a landfill material for municipal waste dumps and land for development.
A mixed gas which contains air or inert gas and organic vapour is introduced into a gas sepn. membrane module by reducing the pressure on the back side of the module using a sucking means which is placed in the module, so that the organic vapour is sepd. from the mixed gas.    Pref. the mixed gas is cooled with a cooling means, passed through a dust filter, then introduced into a gas sepg. membrane module. The mixed gas is sucked by ventilator and vacuum pump placed in the exhaust piping of the module. The temp. difference between the front and back sides of the module is minimised within 1 deg.C so that a higher gas permeability is obtd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to separate organic vapour e.g. n-butane from mixed gas. Gas permeability of the membrane module can be increased by placing the sucking means on the back side of the module
Appts includes (1) a horizontal or slighly inclined and rotatably supported drum on base table (11), rotating mechanism to rotate entire drum around drum axis, (111) spiral projection formed on inner wall of drum, (IV) heater provided above one end of drum (V) exhaust opening above the other end of drum (VI) raw material feed opening and extracting opening at one end of drum; and (VII) air intake opening at appropriate position of drum.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic waste can be converted to fermenting compost in short time.
Composite materials, such as plasters, resins, bitumens, hydraulic binders, glass fibres, etc. are prepd. by the recycling of domestic refuse.    The refuse is received and then shredded. It passes through a magnetic field to eliminate metallic particles, and is ground in a hammer mill. The mixt. is then treated with a mineral in a decontaminator. It undergoes a second grinding, to form a powder. The prod. is then stored in bins, silos, or transporters. The minerals used are conventional, non-toxic, and not dangerous. They may have insecticidal, antiseptic, bacteriological, water-retaining, curing, binding, and plasticising properties. Typically, the mineral is quicklime or calcium carbonate, and this is incorporated using conventional equipment.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. is stable and inert, does not cause pollution of the environment and groundwater, and is re-introduced into the domestic or international econom
In composting system a crane-mounted transport and mixing head performs the loading, turning and mixing of the material to be treated, and (1) consists of an electro-hydraulic grab with two spreading rollers (2) which are driven by the grab motor (1) and can be switched on and off as required, or (2) a rotating grab drum; (3) provides a greatly increased oxygen uptake by continuously turning the material; (4) incorporates a means (4) for dosing the material with substances which promote the composting process, such as nutrients, enzymes or hydrogen peroxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in composting waste material e.g, from households, food industries and agriculture and contaminated soil. Existing composting systems provide a restricted ability to influence the living conditions of the composting microbiological flora, have a limited volume and an extended processing time, and tend to form lumps in the composting material. Under this system the process space can be as large as may be required, and the material is turned on a continuous basis so that lumps are broken up and the access of oxygen to the material is greatly increased. The composting process is thereby greatly accelerated.
In the composting esp. of organic waste (e.g. domestic or similar waste) by microbial decomposition in a closed container supplied with oxygen, the novelty is that a mixt. of pure oxygen and waste air is supplied to the rotting waste and the CO2 and water content is sepd. from the waste air emitted from the waste. Pref. the emitted waste air is completely recycled to the rotting waste.    Pref. the vol. ratio of recirculated waste air to supplied pure oxygen is 30-80:1, esp. 50:1. The amount of circulated air is pref. such that the container air volume recirculates two to ten (pref. two) times per hr. The CO2 is pref. removed from the waste air by a water jet pump in which a CO2-removing additive e.g. Ca(OH)2 or CaO, is added to the water.    ADVANTAGE -   The amt. of gas to be passed through the waste is reduced so that lower power blowers can be used and blower operating costs are reduced. Low oxygen consumption and good CO2 flush-out are achieved
A plant for thermic redn. of refuse uses a low temp. (300 - 700 degs C.) distn. reactor. The plant treats soil contaminated with organic or inorganic substances, contaminated wood, oil, slurry and a plastics of all types, as distinct from household refuse. Contaminants include heavy metals, inorganic substances containing HC1 or CN-.    The novelty lies in the treatment and sepn. of the distn. prods. and of the larger, solid materials, from fine dust or gaseous material. The relatively low temp. distn. is carried out mainly without oxygen. The process ensures that:- a) liq. fine particles and dry waste prods are burnt. b) dust is removed from the smoke and trapped in the melted slag. c) heavy metal oxides are sepd from the smoke for further recycling. d) the molten slag after cooling can be used for building material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides an economical means of handling contaminated waste which is of low heat value. Ensures extensive redn. of organic and inorganic contaminants in the residues which can then be safely deposited. Oxides of heavy metals are recoverable for further recycling.    .Deri
The drum is for composting organic, animal and plant waste prods., and the broken-down material is placed in the hollow prism through the open hatches. The drum is then rotated extremely slowly by a gear motor at a speed of 0.1 - 0.5 rev/min. so that the compost is correctly mixed. A blower and ventilation slots provide for the input of air oxygen. In 24 hours, the temp. rises to 60 - 75 deg. C. due to the rotting process, so that pathogenic germs, worm eggs and salmonella are all killed. Per day, the drum is rotated 10 - 20 revolutions, until the rotting process is completed, and the temp. has dropped below 40 deg. C. The compost is then unloaded from the drug.    ADVANTAGE -   For the prodn. of organic compost
A system for enhancing chemical reactions comprises (A) contacting a reactant with a stable, non-soluble, porous, electronically non-conductive solid (reaction enhancer) in a fluidic medium to form a reaction mixt. of low ionic strength; (B) electrifying the mixt. to enhance the chemical reaction; and (C) collecting the reaction prods.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system enhances chemical reactions, such as oxidation, reduction, dehalogenation and decomposition and for organic reactants, enhances hydrogenation, substitution, elimination and decomposition. High temp., high ionic strength and high electric field environments are unnecessary. Electron transfer is an opt. reaction sta
The device comprises a number of screw conveyors disposed at the bottom of a tank, feed pipes for supplying air to the conveyors, and blades over the conveyors for preventing arch phenomenon.    USE -   Pref. fermentation can be achieved. Arch phenomenon is prevented
Catalytic cracking of a carbonaceous, esp-tar-contg. charge, having starting and end bpts. of 50-220 deg.C. is carried out in the presence of a catalyst contg. approx. 25-99 (pref. 40-95) wt.% of a matrix and approx. 1-75 (pref. 5-60) wt.% of a zeolite Y having a faujasite structure and contg. less than 10% rare earth oxides.    The zeolite Y pref contains less than 6% rare earth oxides. The matrix is SiO2, Al2O3, SiO2-Al2O3, SiO2-MgO or clay. Process temp. is 400-800 deg.C. wt. analytical ratio of catalyst to charge is 3-15.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used to crack naphthenic cpds. and paraffin-rich fractions to produce 3-4C cpds
Black liquor obtd. from a sulphate pulping process is heated to evolve offgases contg. organic sulphides such as dimethyl sulphide (ii) H2S is generated from the offgases and is (iii) used in the sulphate pulping process.    Heating in (i) is at 190-290 deg.C for 1-60 mins. Dimethyl sulphide formed in (i) is reduced in a hydroconverter to CH4 and H2S. The H2S is sepd. by absorption in white liquor and the liquor used in sulphate pulping. CH4 sepd. is used for fuel in a lime reburning kiln. Part of H2S is converted elemental sulphur for supply to stage (i).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sulphidity of white liquor is increased and controlled leading to mfr. of Kraft pulp with higher viscosity. H2S produced can be used to increase pulping yields by 10-12% w.r.t. fibre prodn. CH4 obtd. is a fuel. Sulphur emissions are lower. Concn. black liquor from (i) can be used to form Na2C03 melts for use in the pulp
Appts. for producing compost by aerobic thermophilic (high temp.) and mesophilic (moderate temp.) fermentation of organic refuse in an elongated cylindrical digester tube. Air is introduced throughout the digester tube by means of slotted air ducts to produce aerobic activity and the gases generated are exhausted through the loading end. A counter-current of air is passed through the unit to provide optimum air distribution and continuous fermentation throughout the biomass. An auger type feed unit is used to grind and mix the waste material infeed and agitation of the material is achieved by rotating the digester tube.    USE -   The invention provides an alternative to direct landfill and incineration methods of waste disposal. A composed prod. of reduced toxicity is obtd. for use as a fertiliser or subsequent disposal in a landfill site. The process may be operated inexpensively with a high deg. of composting efficiency.
The proposed method comprises conversion of a mixt. of CO2 and H2, at 260-290 deg.C, in the presence of catalyst contg. (in wt.%): Ni or Co 2-9 and balance carbon fibre, as catalyst support. The carbon fibre is prepd. from cellulose hydrate and consists of 99.99 wt.% of carbon. Its specific surface is 600-1500 sq.m. per g and total vol. of pores is 1.0-5.0 cc/g.    Tests show that use of the proposed method increases CO conversion up to 99% and selectivity per methane to 100%. The process productivity is up to 0.20 g/CH4/g of catalyst/h.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In methane synthesis from CO and H2, in carbo- and petrochemical industry. The method has increased selectivity and increases degree of CO conversion. Bul.38/15.10.91
Gas sensor comprises a sensor element held with a ceramic carrier having a heating resistance to heat the element, and voltage-dividing resistances to divide a voltage to be applied to the resistance.    Used for propane gas sensors or O-gas sensors. (J60142241-A)
Engine includes high temp. hydrogen gas generator, high temp. hydrogen gas line, turbine and combustion chamber. Hydrogen permeation-preventing layer made of ceramics is formed on at least surface of metal mother material of turbine blades.    ADVANTAGE -   Brittleness with hydrogen can be prevented
Prepn. of fertiliser comprises adding CaO powder and H3PO4 to chicken droppings.    Amount of CaO added is 5-25 (pref. 10-20)g per 100g of undried chicken droppings. Chicken droppings to which CaO is added are hydrated and fermented, and when heated produces a large quantity of ammonia gas. In order to maintain nitrogen content included in the ammonia gas, H3PO4 is further added. H3PO4 produces ammonium phosphates by reacting with the ammonia gas. Amount of H3PO4 added is 0.1-2.5 (pref. 0.3-1.5)g per 100g of chicken droppings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fertiliser using chicken droppings. Unwanted chicken droppings can be effectively used as organic-synthetic fertiliser.    In an example, to prepare the fertiliser, (1) 10kg of chicken droppings having 75% of water content were measured; (2) 1.5kg of CaO powder were added to chicken droppings and mixed; (3) H3PO4 soln. was added, in which 50cc of 85% H3PO4 was diluted by 450cc of water, to chicken droppings to disperse H3PO4 evenly; (4) chicken droppings were heated at 80 deg.C or more to ferment them, causing ammonia gas from chicken droppings to react with H3PO4 to produce ammonium phosphates; and (5) chicken droppings were diced until water content reaches 20% in a drier. Fertiliser obtd. was a rough sandy powder which is easily handled without granulation. Bad smell did not occur and loss of nitrogen content in chicken droppings was avoided
In a heated rectangular fermenter for recovering biogas from animal slurry, a wall standing on the floor of the fermenter and extending from one end wall but stopping short of the opposite end wall, reverses the flow of the slurry. The slurry inlet is on one side of this wall, and the outlet on the other, both being near the floor of the fermenter and close to the end wall. The flow of the slurry passes through three heating zones with heating elements and which act as pre-fermenting zone, principal fermenting zone and post-fermenting zone. These zones are kept at 30-39 deg.C and below the heating elements are pneumatic conveying nozzles. The heating and pneumatic pressure may be provided from the energy in the recovered gas. The height of the wall is 1/3 to 2/3 of the height of the fermenter, and it is covered at a distance above the liq. surface with a strong foil dome which acts as a gas storage vessel. The edges of this dome are attached to the fermenter walls below the liq. level, and has a gas outlet at its highest point.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in recovering biogas from animal slurry, farmyard manure etc. Ensures a thorough fermentation process, uses little energy, and can be installed so as to provide little physical obstruction. It is economic to produce, is not sensitive to disturbances, and has very long useful life
Equipment consists of at least two containers (1), each having a lower discharge point (2) and an upper filling opening, and a conveyor system (7). The conveyor system includes a lower collecting conveyor (8) serving all of the outlets (2), a rising conveyor (12) at the end of this collecting conveyor, and an upper distributer (15) with outlets (17) corresponding to the container filling openings. Each discharge point (2) has a receiprocating floor operated by a hydraulic cylinder (4) and provided with hollow ridges which have outlet openings and are connected to a supply piping system. The collecting conveyor has a trough containing a centre-less screw (9), and an inlet provided with a waste material grinder (21).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for composting waste material according to given parameters. Allows the composting conditions to be more flexibly established in spite of the given required paramenters, and each stage of the process can be separately operated and adjusted
A device for treating a liq. which tends to foam uses a gas to release a gaseous component from the liq.. The liq. (A) flows downwards over at least one tray in a column (2) through which the gas passes upwards. At least one foam-sepg. duct section, through which the released gas is made to flow, is provided in the column above the trays. This duct extends upwards from an intermediate floor, and its upper end is directed in a tangential direction and is located near the wall of the column. A U-shaped return pipe for the liq. produced by the foam separator leads from above the intermediate floor to a point above one of the trays, and pref. above the uppermost tray. The hydrostatic pressure difference in the long arm of this return pipe is greater than the pressure difference across the duct section.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the treatment of foaming liqs., and esp. for stripping or rectification of animal slurry, and partic. anaerobically fermented animal slurry, in order to release ammonia. Foam is effectively destroyed at little expense
Container (1) has transparent outer wall (2) and opaque internal wall (3), forming flow channels (14) for air. A wire basket (6) is fitted inside the container, with spacers (7) to maintain it at a distance from the internal wall. Inlet orifices (12) are provided at the top of the container and exhaust orifices (13) near the bottom. A fan (8) driven by solar cells (9) can augment natural air circulation. The container is positioned in the open air.    ADVANTAGE -   Composting without external energy source.
The peat is collected from the prodn. bog, and laid in strings in the bog direction, then to be moved to stacks. Movement is effected by a mobile work machine with a belt elevator.    Movement to the stacks is in the longitudinal direction of the strings, using the work machine moving along each string with its elevator pivotally arranged. The pivoting of the elevator is restricted, and during string movement it is held in the direction of the machine path, so that it either moves peat from in front of the machine or from behind it. It is only pivoted when the peat is moved at the bog end to the stack, or when the strings are combined in the field. Peat movement to the stack can be either when the machine moves in the stack direction or when it moves away from it.    ADVANTAGE -   For stacking fresh peat which has just been raised from a bog
Biological redn. of sulphate and/or formation of sulphide in an aq. medium is retarded by addn. of an organic halogen cpd. to the medium.    A halogen-contg. mercaptan or disulphide is used, pref. a Cl-contg. mercaptan, and partic. p-chlorobenzyl mercaptan. The amt. of halogen cpd. is 0.1-50 mg (1-15mg)/1 of aq. medium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Anaerobic purification of waste water contg. sulphate, with addn. of 0.01-100 mg of organic halogen cpd., w.r.t. l of water, is claimed. Sulphide formation is suppressed, and prodn. of CH4 is increased. The biogas is of better quality. Corrosion of drains by sulphide, and development of a stench in sludge storage tanks and settling tanks, are avoided.    In an example, an industrial waste water contg. 1 g/l of sulphate was treated in an anaerobic fermenter, with residence time 4 h, to give biogas. During 1 week, 250 mg/l of sulphide was formed, and 6 l/day of gas was obtd.. After addn. of 10 mg/l of a mixt. of halogen cpds., mainly p-chlorobenzyl mercaptan, sulphide formation fell to zero, and biogas prodn. rose to 20 l/day. After addn. of the mercaptan stopped, sulphide formation gradually rose to 50 mg/l, with gas prodn. remaining at 20 l/
Tube is formed by welding ends of tubular bodies of a cast alloy comprising (by wt.) 0.3-0.5% C, up to 2.0% Si, up to 2.0% Mn, up to 0.03% P, up to 0.03% S, 30.0-40.0% Cr, 40.0-50.0% Ni, 0.02-0.6% Al, up to 0.08% N, 0.3-1.8% Nb, 0.02-0.5% Ti and balance Fe, using a welding rod comprising (by wt.) 0.45-0.55% C, 0.3-1.5% Si, 0.5-2.5% Mn, 23-27% Cr, 33-50% Ni, 0.3-1.0% Nb, 0.05-0.15% Ti, 0.02-0.2% Al and balance Fe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for welding cracking tubes for mfg. ethylene in petrochemical industry, improving creep fracture strength of the weld zone of the
Fertiliser comprises an enzyme decomposed prod. obtd. by protein enzyme decomposition of corn steep liquor to inactivate the enzyme and fertiliser salt. The fertiliser also contains at least 500 (at least 100) ppm sodium benzoate, and its pH 4.0-4.5. Two fertiliser is filtered to remove any pptes.    Protein decomposition enzyme pref. is Bioblase PN-4' (RTM) 'Acid Protease' (RTM), etc. Fertiliser salts are urea, K phosphates and Ca chloride in amt. 10-100 pts.wt. per 10 of decomposed corn steep liquor (CSL). Amt. of water for dissolving is at least 20 pts.wt. per 10 of the fertiliser salt depending on the compsn. CSL concn. is pref. diluted 1-10 times. Amt. of enzyme added is 0.1-2 wt.% per the basic material. Decomposition temp. is 40-60 deg.C. Time of decomposition is 6-48 hrs.. Inactivation is by heating at 80 deg.C for 5 min.. For reducing pH to below 3.0 acids are used and further treatment is conducted at 50 deg.C for 30 min.    ADVANTAGE -   The fertiliser contains no harmful substances to inhibit the growth of the agricultural products. Filtration was reduced compared with using the alkali decomposition prod. of corn steep liquor yet gives more organic nitrogen in the filtr
The source material includes domestic animal excrement mixed with farina lees, beer cake, bean curd refuse or opt. saw dust. Fermentation is conducted, and the mixt. is dried, powdered, pelletised and continuously solidified.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly efficient manure making is done economical
A new delivery and agitation device for composting systems enables the capacity and area of the system to be optimally used, and its size and throughput can be adjusted to the required capacity. The device consists of a conveyor having a layout which is triangular in cross-section and is mounted on a carriage which travels on rails. The dimensions and throughput of the conveyors are adjustable. The conveyor is in the form of an adjustable frame on which a conveyor belt is supported. This belt is provided with ridges (9) and rubber fingers (10) in order to loosen, mix and convey the composting material. The support frame is in the form of two parallel triangles, each having a rigid side (27) and second and third sides each consisting of a rigid section (28, 29) and a hydraulic cylinder (14, 15). The conveyor belt rollers (8, 8', 8") connect the corners of the two parallel triangles. All of the hydraulic cylinders are of the same size and type, and move in such a way that the length of the belt is not varied.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In composting systems for converting organic waste, agriculture, cattle husbandry, parks and gardens. Provides efficient use of the available composting system capacity and allows fractionated composting to be carried out. The sizes of the device and of the system are flexible, so that the capacity of the system can be increased or reduced at little cost, while at the same time allowing access to all phases of the composting process. The time periods required for the process are also reduced.
Composting bin, comprises a rotatable housing having at least two of its flat sidewalls relatively angled and parallel to the rotation axis, so that the contents are agitated as the bin is rotated.    Pref. the bin has handles at both ends, those (34) at one end being offset w.r.t. those at the other end.    ADVANTAGE -   Absence of internal baffles reduces cost
Solid organic waste material is successively treated by biological hydrolysis (2) and an anaerobic fermentation (4) with at least part of the material issuing from the hydrolysis treatment treated (5) with at least a microorganism belonging to the rumen flora of ruminants.    Pref. prior to hydrolysis, the waste is mechanically reduced in size, sieved and diluted with liq. derived from the anaerobic fermentation; the solid material from the hyudrolysis is treated with the rumen flora microorganisms (5) after dilution with liq. from the anaerobic fermentation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the treatment of fruit, vegetable, garden and catering waste, etc., in the prodn. of compost or soil conditioner, or for a redn. in bulk. Process produces a higher yield of biogas, a lower yield of residual solids and has a higher degree of degradation of the waste in a shorter time than in prior processes
Liquid manure is subjected to sedimentation in a sedimentation tank to form a thick slurry phase having a high dry matter content and a primary phase (7), free of the coarse solid matter content of the liquid manure. The aq. phase after filtration can be discharged as aq. phase with high N-content or passed to a second treatment stage where it is mixed with an aq. soln. or suspension of a flocculent and subjected to sedimentation to provide a sec. thick slurry phase with high dry matter content, which can be returned to the first treatment step to be united with the slurry phase formed thereon, and an aq. phase which can be discharged as an aq. phase with moderate N-content, or may be passed to a third treatment stage and subjected to ion exchange with a cation exchanger to provide an aq. phase with low N-content.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the treatment of liq. manure from livestock such as pigs, hens, cows and horses. Provides an aq. phase in which the N-content can be selected to reduce environmental pollution in that, when the risk of surface run off and sub-soil wash out is high, the N-content can be made low, but when the risk is low, the aq. phase can be taken after only the first or second treatment stage with a higher N-content.
An animal bedding comprises granules of compressed dry fibrous vegetable material which has been treated with alkali, e.g. conc. aq. caustic soda.    The granules pref. comprise crumbled pellets and the vegetable material comprises straw. The granulated material may additionally contain a fungicide, a disinfectant, an enzyme which promotes decomposition of the bedding after use and/or a minor proportion of feed grain.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bedding material can be used alone or in combination with other forms of bedding. It is esp. suitable for poultry (claimed) and for animals housed in intensive rearing establishments. It is also suitable for pigs, horses, cattle, zoo animals, dogs and cats. The bedding can be made from straw, a readily available waste agricultural material. The addn. of alkali facilitates the inactivation or destruction of contaminants, thus reducing the risk that weed seeds and plant disease organisms will survive in the litter. The waste litter is therefore suitable for use as compost; it may also be used as a feed additive, e.g. for ruminants. The absorptive properties of the litter are improved by the presence of alkali. Ammoniacal cpds. are not broken down and there is no observable release of ammonia. When a minor amt. of feed grain is incorporated into the bedding, this promotes mixing of the litter due to the animals scratching for more food. The bedding material is convenient to handle and does not block the slats in slatted-floor house
Rapid analysis of biogas to control effluent plant using methane fermentation. Three detectors are located on the gas outlet of a reactor to measure gas flow, methane and carbon dioxide levels, and hydrogen concn. The signals are fed immediately to an automatic controller or used to set off an alarm.    This allows an immediate response to changes in effluent load, reactor temperature, effluent compsn. or other factors which effect reactor performance.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treatment of industrial waste. Immediate results monitoring state of reactor as opposed to traditional methods of determining C.O., pH and alkalinit
A method for enhancing the biodegradation of biodegradable organic and lipophilic wastes comprises applying liposomes to an organic waste site in which the liposomes supply essential nutrients for microbial growth while concomitantly modifying the polarity and wettability of the waste and increasing its availability for enhanced microbial interaction with it.    Also claimed is a method of cleaning a site contaminated with the biodegradable wastes and a compsn. for enhancing the biodegradation.    Pref. the organic waste is selected from crude and refined hydrocarbons (esp. crude oil, gasoline etc.) or oil spill on water, contaminated soil, metal or plastic surface fouled with the waste, grease, synthetic or natural lipids or chlorinated hydrocarbon. Pref. the compsn. comprises a combination of organic waste consuming microorganisms and the liposomes as specified.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for enhanced recovery and/or biodegradation of hydrocarbons, including the clean-up of hazardous hydrocarbon wastes. The method enables enhanced biodegradation of oil from an underground source and for removal of deposited heavy hydrocarbonacous materials from well bores and tubing strings and for readily cleaning up sites contaminated with hydrocarbons both on land and at sea which can be carried out efficiently without effecting the ecology and at relatively low cost
Catalysts comprise a zeolite contg. (i) Mn, (ii) Co and Pd, or (iii) Co and Ag. Zeolite is pref. ZSM-5. The metals may be introduced by impregnation or ion exchange. Pref. molar ratios are: (i) MnO/Al2O3 = 0.25-2; (ii) CoO/Al2O3 = 0.25-2, PdO/Al2O3 = 0.06-0.8, (PdO+CoO)/Al2O3 = 0.25-2.8; and (iii) CoO/Al2O3 = 0.6-1.45, Ag2O/Al2O3 = 0.05-1.45, (Ag2O+CoO)/Al2O3 = 0.6-5.5 Extra hydrocarbon may be added to the exhaust gas in an amt. of 50 ppm - 1%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High NOx conversions, even when the main hydrocarbon component is CH4, which has poor reducing properties (see also JA63-283727 and 1-130735%.
A continuous process for the prepn. of fertilisers from animals waste comprises (a) anaerobic biological fermentation of waste for a period sufficient to reduce the BOD5 value from 300-2000, (b) treating aq. suspension of (a) at 20-70 deg.C with HNO3 up to pH of 1 to 2 for 30-60 minutes to obtain a ratio of available P2O5/total P2O5 in suspension of from 87% to 97%, (c) treating the aq. suspension (b) with calcium hydroxide to obtain a pH of 6.5-7, and SAR index of lower than 6, with the addition of 100 to 100,000 ppm of H2O2 either before, during of after the treatment.    Pref. (b) is carried out at lower than 50 deg. C and (c) the H2O2 is added before treatment of suspension with Ca(OH)2 in sufficient quantities to reduced fecal streptococci to lower than 2MPN/100 ml and mycetes lower than 100 MPN/ml or (b) is carried out at higher than 50 deg.C and (c) the H2O2 is added after treatment with Ca(OH)2 at room temp. to obtain a suspension having rH of 30-32.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is continuous and is extremely versatile in that it allows the treatment and recovery of animal waste of any origin and consistency e.g. mixtures of excrements, urine feed residues, trough wastes, washing water for animal rearing, in particular of hogs, and litter residues. All the steps are integrated with each other and necessary for obtg. a fertiliser in an aq. suspension which is perfectly preservable, substantially without any unpleasant odours, pathogenous agents and mycetes, and which is non-toxic and does not pollute the environment, in particular agricultural cultivatio
Removal comprises contacting the gas with a Co-contg. zeolite catalyst. Hydrocarbon content of the exhaust gas is maintained at 0.1-2%, or further hydrocarbon is added to the exhaust gas before contact with the catalyst. Zeolite is pref. ZSM-5. The catalyst has a CoO/Al2O3 molar ratio of 0.2-2.5. The added hydrocarbon is CH4 (-rich hydrocarbon) gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High NOx conversions, despite the poor reducing properties of CH4
N2 contg. fuel e.g, coal (14) is fluid-bed combusted at 700-900 deg. C in a combustion chamber (12) fed with O2 contg. combustion fuel and fluidising gases (18) and typically lime (16) to remove any SO2 formed. Resulting flue gases contg. entrained solids are discharged (20) and fed e.g, to a cyclone (22). Sepd. cleaned flue gases are fed (30) to a convection section (32) typically contg. a superheater (34) and heat exchange surfaces (36) then discharged (28). A hydrogen radical furnishing additive (40) e.g CH4, MeOH or oil etc., is fed ito the conduit (3) connecting cyclone and convection sections to promote redn. of N2O to N2 in the flue gas. Flue gas temp. in conduit (30) is controlled e.g. by upstream heat exchangers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Air pollution by N2O is abated. Fluid-bed combustion may be atmospheric, pressurised circulating or bubbling type. System is retrofitted to existing fluid-beds. Amts. of N2O removed are 50-90%. There is no interference with primary combustion. Additive may be injected in alternative positions (42 or 44). Only small increase in flue gas temp. is needed for N2O destruction by hydrogen radicalrf
Processing of manure is characterised in that the manure is sepd. in the livestock house into a urine and a faeces fraction. The livestock house has a controlled ventilation, the ventilation air being used for predrying the manure to a dry solids content of more than 30 wt.% in the faeces fraction. The air discharged from the livestock house exchanges heat by means of a heat exchanger with the fresh air supplied.    The urine may be further treated in order to prevent NH3 emission when used for cleaning the livestock house, spreading on the field and upon concn. This treatment may comprise aerobic purificn., opt. preceded by a fermentation step. Further treatment may comprise evapn. of the urine stream to a concentrate. The evapn. is pref. carried out at 30-100 deg.C, utilising mechanical vapour recompression. The evaporated water is condensed to a condensate stream. The faeces are pref. dried to a dry solids content of 80-95 wt.% using a recirculation dryer.    ADVANTAGE -   NH3 emission and stench are considerably reduced. The energy consumption of the process is much lower than that of conventional methods
A process for conditioning organic suspensions comprises keeping beta-glucanase prepns. or beta-glucanase-contg. mixed enzyme prepns. in intimate contact with salts of aminopolycarboxylic acids for 0.5-72 hrs. at pH 4.0-10 and 0-30 deg.C and then adding this mixt. discontinuously, intermittently or continuously to the organic suspension which is to be conditioned and which has already been warmed to 25-60 deg.C and is constantly stirred and/or aerated. The treatment time for this is 0.5-20 hrs..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the enzymatic conditioning of organic suspensions, pref. of clarified slurry and liq. manure. The effectiveness of the conditioning process is increased esp. with respect to saving the expensive pptn. and floccing agents. The organic dry substances are retained in the suspension so that in the dehydrated condition they are esp. suitable for subsequent burning, or for use as humus fertilisers in agriculture. The dehydrating capacity is considerably increased. Natural dehydrating processes can be used with large amts. of the suspensi
Mfr. of an organic fertiliser comprises: (a) treating disintegrated organic material (DOM), including a protein component and to which a preservative has been added, with at least two different proteolytic enzymes to produce a digestion prod. in which the protein component has been degraded to provide free aminoacids; and (b) adjusting the pH of the digested prod. to a pH of less than 6 or greater than 8 if necessary.    Also claimed is an organic foliar fertiliser contg. a preservative and a protein component which comprises the prod. of proteolytic enzyme digestion of a protein-contg. organic material and at least 45wt.% of the protein component is in the form of free aminoacids and the fertiliser is at pH less than 6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prior art organic fertilisers predominantly contain partially digested matter such as long chain peptides which require further digestion by leaf or soil bacteria before they can be assimilated by the plant for growth. The present fertiliser delivers nutrients directly to the plant in an assimilable form. The fertiliser may be formulated for application as a foliar spray, as a liq. concentrate or in a solid form
Mixt. comprises: (i) 2-20 wt.% isobutene (R-600a); (ii) 21-51 wt.% chlorodifluoroethane (R-1426); and (iii) 41-71 wt.% chlorodifluoromethane (R-22).    Pref. compsns. include (i) 6-10 wt.% (R600a), (ii) 21-35 wt.% (R-142b) and (iii) 57-71 wt.% (R-22), 3-18 wt.% (R-600a), (ii) 26-46 wt.% (R-142b) and (iii) 46-66 wt.% (R-22); and (i) 6-10 wt.% (R-600a), (ii) 34-36 wt.% (R-142b) and (iii) 54-58 wt.% (R-22).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as substitute for R12 and provides an acceptable level of cooling in medium and high temp. applications where R-12 is in use, e.g. coolers and air conditioners, operating at evaporating temp. of 25 deg.F and higher i.e. automobile air conditioners. It also mixes well with compressor oils and thus provide adequate lubrication. The mixt. has an ozone depletion factor of 0.05
Organic fertiliser is prepd. by enzymatic degradation of boiled skipjack head extracts free from oily material, followed by filtration and condensation.    Pref. the heads of skipjacks are boiled, and solid mass and oily material are isolated. The resultant soln. is degraded with proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes at 50-60 deg.C for 0.5-3 hrs., then the mixt. is heated to 95 deg.C or over. The degraded mixt. is filtered and the filtrate is conc. or dried up opt. with desalting to give the aimed fertiliser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An organic fertiliser enriched with aminoacids, peptides nucleic acids and protei
The object is to continuously treat the wastes into oils usable as fuel oils, etc. During conveying of the thermoplastic plastic wastes, except Cl-contg. wastes, they are heated to melt and then dry distilled. Before heating an oil may be added to the waste. To dry distil them, a dry distilling tube having a heater to heat a heating pipe to melt the waste carried in a conveyor set in the heating pipe is used.    USE -   For wastes treating faciliti
Largely uncrosslinked polyolefin foam (I) with gel content not above 20% is claimed, contg. (a) a polyolefin moulding material and (b) a blowing agent contg. at least 20 wt.% propane. Also claimed is a polymer compsn. (I) (as above) under a pressure of at least 300 p.s.i., which can be extruded and expanded under atmos. pressure.    Also claimed is a process for the prodn. of closed-cell, uncrosslinked foam (I), by heating and melting (a), adding (b) under pressure to form an expandable melt and extruding the melt into a lower-pressure zone to give expanded foam.    (I) also contains (c) a permeability regulator to reduce the rate of permeability of propane and thus prevent the foam collapsing, pref. a partial ester of long-chain fatty acid with polyols, higher alkylamine, fatty acid amide and/or unstad. carboxylic acid copolymer, esp. pref. glycerol monostearate and/or distearate; (b) contains at least 50 (pref. at least 90) wt.% propane; (I) is in the form of film 0.397 mm-1.27 cm thick, or sheet 2.54-15.24 cm thick; (a) is poly-propylene or -ethylene (PP or PE); (I) contains 1-15 wt.% propane and 85-99 wt.% (a); pref., the melt is mixed with 0.1-2 wt.% (c) (w.r.t. amt. of melt), then liq. propane is added at 1000-4000 p.s.i., and the mixt. is cooled to a suitable temp. for blowing (107-110 deg.C).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention enables the prodn. of stable, expanded polyolefin foam using a non-CFC blowing agent which escapes relatively quickly without the foam collapsing; the foam requires no `ageing' or stripping to remove the highly inflammable blowing agent (contrast prior-art systems).
In the prodn. of a Ni/Cr2O3-Al2O3 catalyst (I), the novel features are as follows. Na aluminate soln. (II) is prepd. by heating Al2O3 with a large surface area for 12-20 hrs. in air at 723-773 K, dissolving this in 40-50% aq. NaOH soln. with stirring at 453-473 K and purifying the resultant (II) by anion exchange. It contains 100-250 g/l Al (calculated as Al2O3) and 150-400 g/l NaOH. HNO3-Ni nitrate-Cr nitrate soln. (III) is added to pH 5-6, with stirring at 353 +/- 5K. (III) contains 5-20% of the total amt. of Ni in (I) and the Ni/Cr molar ratio is (2.5-3):1. The suspension is stirred for at least 1 hr., at 353 +/- 5K, then (III) is added to pH 3-4. Soda soln. is added to this support suspension in 1 hr. at 343-373 K, followed by a soln. (IV) contg. Cr nitrate and Ni nitrate until the suspension is neutral and the catalyst contains 45-65% Ni, 15-30% Cr2O3 and 10-35% Al2O3. The ppte. is washed, dried, tabletted, reduced and stabilised in the usual way.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is suitable for many hydrogenation reactions, pref. for ring hydrogenation of aromatics and conversion of CO to CH4. Uniform, constant and better hydrogenation is obtd. with less (I) than usual and (I) has high mechanical strength, low bulk density and high activity. Before redn., cylindrical mouldings of (I) have a bursting pressure of 20-30 MPa (claimed)
An anaerobic composting apparatus consisting of an elongate container with an inlet compartment at one end and an outlet compartment at the other. The inlet and outlet have removable closures and at least one anaerobic chamber is disposed between the inlet and outlet compartments. Each partition has a movable portion which is adjustable between open and closed. In the open position organic waste matter passes between the compartments and in the closed position, organic waste matter is contained in the individual compartments.    Means are provided to move the movable portion of the partition between the open and closed positions together with means for moving organic waste matter between compartments when the partitions are in the open position.    ADVANTAGE -   It is well known that decomposition by anaerobic microorganisms is more rapid than decomposition by aerobic micro organisms. A number of so-called 'anaerobic' composting devices have been marketed but these devices have invariably introduced air at some stage to retard anaerobic decomposition. The present invention provides an apparatus in which new organic waste matter may be added and decomposed matter may be removed without introducing air into organic waste matter which is decomposing anaerobically. The apparatus as described produces beneficial results but the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter is enhanced if the matter is turned periodically. To achieve this, means are provided to support the container at each end for rotation about a longitudinal axis
The portable methane presence signaller, for better reliability, incorporates opto-pair unit (14), switching transistor (15) and a button (16). One end of the latter is connected to the collector and the other to the base of the second controlled element (10). The output of the power supply source is connected to the input of the opto-pair unit (14). The device operates in four modes: in the first mode it measures the concn. of the methane; in the second mode signals the excess of 2% methane content threshold; the third mode signals the discharge condition of the accumulator battery of the power source (9), and the forth mode is protection mode against the deep discharge of the accumulator battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mine automation, e.g. for automatic monitoring of potential abrupt methane danger occurrence in mine works, for improvement safety conditions and improvement of efficiency of mining and self-propelled equipment. Exclusion of deep discharge of the power source. Bul.34/15.9.91
Two open ended cylinders (3) are fitted in the tank on fixed shafts (2) and have square-toothed longitudinal, radial blades (4) on their outer surfaces. Helical strips (5) with rough outer surfaces are fitted in the cylinders (3), with turns coming towards each other. The outer horizontal blades (4) of the shafts (2) are a clearance fit, relative similar horizontal blades (6), which are attached to sides of the tank and are longitudinally displaced relative the blades (4).    Fermenting material is charged under pressure through nozzles on blades (4) of the cylinders (3), which then rotate on their fixed shafts (2). The material in the cylinders is displaced along the latter in the same direction. The conveyed mass passes through the gaps between the cylinders (3), blades (4) and those secured to walls of the tank and fragments of crust are effectively broken up into fine pieces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For anaerobic treatment of industrial, municipal effluent and of livestock manure, with more effective breaking up of crust, more effective mixing of liq. and increased yield of gas. Bul.33/7.9.91
A process for producing a fertiliser comprises mixing an organic sludge with a sawdust, pre-maturing the mixt. to become 55-60% of water content, aerotropism-fermenting it in the fermentor at 60-65 deg.C, and natural-maturing it for 6-7 days. The organic sludge is obtd. by treating an organic waste water in the prodn. of seasonings by the activated sludge method.    USE -   Used in the prodn. of fertilisers using organic slu
Prepn. of humus precursor comprises agitating vegetable-originated organic material contg. fine powdery lignin, fine powdery silicate originating from andesite, and aq. soln. of phenol type metabolite contg. free phenol gp. The resultant material is stored in a vessel for a predetermined period. Fluidised humus precursor is obtd. by agitating the precursor obtd. under pressure of 2 atmospheres or higher at 45 deg.C or higher, whereby oxidases including the phenol oxidase is activated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The humus precursor shows strong anti-bacterial activity to bacteria other than soil bacteria
Conversion involves: (A) contacting a solid (I) comprising at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal with a reducing agent (II) and a halogen-contg. species (III) under oxidant-free conditions, and (B) discontinuing (A) and contacting (I) with the hydrocarbon and an oxidant (IV) to obtain the prod.    (I) further includes at least one alkali or alkaline metal or cpd., pref. KCl and/or NaCl, with KCl in an amt. up to 50 wt.%, with the metal oxide being MnO2. (II) is a hydrocarbon, pref. methanol, H2 or CO. (I) is contacted with (III) in two or more discrete stages, with (III) pref. an organohalide partic. organochloride. (IV) comprises anoxidant-contg. gas. Contacting in (B) is discontinued for a time sufficient to allow most or all of the residual carbon to be burnt off by (IV). The vol.:vol. ratio of hydrocarbon:oxidant-contg. gas is 1:1 to 100:1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used partic. for conversion of methane into ethane and ethene. Catalysts have improved stability with high selectivity and yields.
The residues are first subjected to flocculation with cationic surfactants of fatty nitrogen deriv. type or with condensation prods. of formaldehyde and dicyandiamine, which is added continuously by a metering pump. Decantation, flotation, filtration and centrifuging results in a liquid phase and a sludge or mud. The liquid is subjected to repeated treatment with the same flocculants with or without additives and partly recycled to adjust its concn. and finally passed through biological filters. The sludges are combined, mixed with prunings from olive or other trees, or cereal straw to produce compost by a fermentation process
Process for controlling the air flow amt. of aeration air during the composting of organic waste and/or clarifier sludge is claimed. The material to be composted flows through a closed reaction container from an inlet opening to an outlet opening in counterflow to the aeration air. The O2 content of the air leaving the reaction container is monitored continuously and the air flow amt. starting from a min. value is raised to a max. value until the measured O2 content of the outlet air has dropped to a min. value, increased and then reduced again. The min. value of the air flow amt. is chosen such that the O2 content of the exit air has begun to fall w.r.t. the O2 content of the inlet air, and the air flow amt. between the minimum value and the maximum value is controlled as a monotonously reducing function of the measured O2 content.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows close control of the amt. of air flow to that which corresponds most closely to the value required at all stages of the process to give optimum composting of organic waste and/or clarifier sludge
Manure or similar organically contaminated liquid is biologically treated in a vessel (1), divided by a ring shaped wall (2) into two chambers (3,4). Manure is fed from pipes (6) at the base up through a central pipe (5) to branch pipes (8) into the chambers. Large numbers of pivoting plates (11) are provided in both chambers, in the form of screens which can pivot about axes at an angle to the angle of rotation of the stirring mechanism and are immersed in the manure transverse to flow on rotation.    ADVANTAGE -   Usable both with anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms and adaptable.
A process for biotechnological treatment of domestic and industrial organic waste to recover useful components comprises a combination of mechanical, thermal, chemical and biological treatments.    In a 1st stage the organic waste, opt. after a sorting procedure, is mechanically comminuted to a slurry-like consistency and enzymes or microorganisms are introduced to biodecompose the organic material. During the biological treatment the conditions (water content, pH, ion concn., temp., etc.) are maintained at the optimum level to give the desired breaking down of the organic material. After the biological treatment, the mixt. is subjected to solid-liq. sepn., e.g. by sedimentation or filtration, and opt. after adding a flocculating agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The combined process allows a higher deg. of processing and recovery of useful materials than is possible with prior art processes such as biogas prodn. and compos
Prepn. of multi-metallic catalysts, the active phase comprising two metals A and B belonging to gps. VIII and IB, on a porous support, is carried out in four stages: (1) at last one part of the support is impregnated with at least one precursor of the metal A; (2) activation is effected in a neutral or oxidising atmos. at 120-180 deg. C; (3) the support is then impregnated with at lest one precursor of metal B; and (4) activation is carried out in a neutral or oxidising atmos. at 120-800 deg. C. The activation at the second step is followed by a treatment in a reducing medium at 0-800 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The multi-metallic catalysts are frequently used in refining petrochemical and fine chemical industries, and combustion or post-combustion processes. They usually have a better selectivity than mono-metallic catalysts and are more stable partic. at high temps. When used in post-combustion applications (such as conversion of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines) metal A is Pr or Pd and metal B is Pr, Pd or Rh (B is different from A)
A vehicle has a drum (1) on a loading platform for mixing garbage with aerobic microorganisms and air. Vehicle engine exhaust heat can pref. be delivered to a peripheral space (H) of the drum.    Pref. the rotary drive system of the drum is connected to the vehicle engine and air sucked from the periphery fo the engine can be supplied to the upper part of the drum. An agitation/conveying screw (5) may be formed on the inside surface of the drum, and there may be an air extraction vent in the drum closure lid. The bacteria used may be thermophilic alone or these mixed with mesophilic bacteria.    ADVANTAGE -   Can provide rapid fermentation in 2-5 hrs. and save on space, energy and resources.
Liq. manure is solidified, e.g. by heating. Syneresis is brought about by irradiating the gel with microwaves. The microwaves are interrupted periodically with a frequency in the range of sound waves, or the amplitude of the microwaves is modulated with a frequency in the range of sound waves.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy consumption is reduced. A dry prod. is obtd.    In an example, 100 pts. wt. of sieved liq. manure straight from the stalls was mixed with 8 pts. of urea and 15 pts. of 33% HCHO soln. The mixt. was brought to pH 3 with H2SO4, and gelled in 1 h. The gel was passed at 2 cm/sec. through a tube coupled to a microwave generator. An aq. liq., and a crumbly, sprinklable compsn. left the tube.
To recover usable gas from the gas developed in a rubbish dump, in large municipal plants and the like, the gas is caught and cleaned and sepd., The first part of the sepd. gas is fed directly to a unit which uses it as a source of energy. The second part, after heating pref. together with the heat released from the energy consumed by the first part of the gas, is returned to the interior of the dump. Pref. the volume of heated and recirculating gas, as the second part, is larger than the first part, with a volume ratio according to the active gas supply, the gas permeability and the gas pore zone of the dump. The gas is returned to the dump at different points, with feeds which can be opened and closed. The feed switching action is determined by local temp. differences in the dump. Gas extn. (7) and delivery (8) probes are pref. in groups at the dump, each connected to gas channels (12,22). The gas channel (22) to the delivery probes (8) is charge with part of the exhaust gas taken out (7) and treated. Before the second gas part is passed to the delivery probes (8), it is passed through a heat exchanger (16) for heating. The gas delivery probes (8) reach as far as the base of the dump, while the extn. probes (7) are mostly at the upper level of the dump.
The fully-automatic composting system comprises a container with scraper floor and shaftless auger conveyors driven independently of each other, forming organic waste into high value humus.    Means are included for filling, mixing, ventilating, watering and emptying, also for adding new material. The augers and scraper floor can form a circulatory system, the hydraulically-driven floor moving to and fro in the horizontal direction so as to return the lowermost layer of waste material into the augers.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact, mobile, and carries out all operations in a closed system.
Methane tank consists of a vertical cylindrical body (1) with a conical bottom (2) and a thermally insulated cover (3) which can be made of glass-wool. Tangentially arranged nozzles (4-6) are fixed on the bottom conical part and are connected to the waste water supply pressure pipe.    The charge (9) filling the drum (8) is fixed in the body upper part on the welded on brackets (7). The packing consists of Rashig rings made of compressed basalt fibre. The purified water collection tank is mounted over the drum. The methane tank body is sealed by the lid (11) having the biogas outlet connecting pipe (12). The bottom has the active sludge removal pipe (13). Tubular heat exchangers are placed on the tank body maintaining the temp. of 50-55 deg.C. The packing charge is located in the network drum and occupies 25% of the tank volume.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Tank is used for anaerobic purification of waste water. Bio-gas output is increased. Bul.30/15.8.91
A 1:0.15-0.5 mixt. of peat and conc. liquid waste from lysine production is composted. The proportions used ensure the optimal temp. regime during the ripening stage and best properties of the product. The liquid waste contains residual molasses, maize extract, bran and mineral salts, waste of nutrient media used in biosyntheses, and low concentrations of lysine, vitamin A, B, D etc., and is normally discharged into the drainage system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Bioorganic fertiliser is prepd. more efficiently. Agrochemical value of the fertiliser is increased. Industrial waste is utilised. Use of the proposed fertiliser instead of the standard peat-manure mixt. increases the mean yield of maize grown for silaging, from 37.5 to 38.2-45.1 tonne/ha. Bul.29/7.8.91
An effluent purifier is composed of a mould aeration tank, treating waste water in the presence of pellets formed from cultured mould in the effluent and a posterior process after a solid-liq. separator, and an excess sludge tank.    USE -   For prompt and easy dewatering of excess sludge treatment due to thicker sludge obtd. by this process.
Chicken manure is reacted with conc. H2SO4 at wt. ratios of 100:7-20 and the reaction mixt. is then neutralised with 8-24 pts. wt. of Ca silicate. The neutralised mixt. is fermented with conventional microorganisms opt. in the presence of natural rubber serous fluid having solid component of 70% and isolated from natural latex during the prodn. of natural rubber up to 13-40 pts. wt..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Use of poultry manure and industrial waste for soil conditioner.    In an example in a four m3 tank, 200kg of chicken manure contg. 60% solid component and 11kg of 98% H2SO4 were placed. The reaction mixt. is stirred for 15 min. with 20kg of Ca silicate. The neutralised mixt. is then fermented with the subcultured microorganisms at 70 deg.C. for 70 hrs., about 40 deg.C. for 500-600 hrs., and in an open tank for 45 day
The digester is a vertical cylindrical vessel with diameter larger than its height. The vessel is heated by a hot plate in its base. The bulk of the vessel is occupied by vertical sheets of cloth, arranged as concentric hexagons, separated by regular intervals. Effluent is introduced to the vessel via vertical ducts which open between sheets. They are supported on a rotating frame, allowing homogenous introduction of material throughout the vessel. Purified liquid is removed from about 30cm below the surface, beneath the level of any floating material, and above the sheets of cloth.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A fixed bed reactor for anaerobic digestion and purification of liquid effluents containing a maximum of 4-5% dry matter. The bed supporting the bacteria cannot become blocked, or form clear passageways. Efficiency is increased, in terms of kgs of COD destroyed per cubic meter of digester per day, due to maximum contact between bacteria and effluent.
A process for expressing enhanced extracellular B-glucosidase (I) in a filamentous fungus (FF) is new and comprises expressing fungal DNA encoding enhanced (I) in FF which has been transformed with an expression vector.    Also new are: (a) transformants having enhanced (I) expression; (b) a fungal cellulase compsn. derived from FF which is enriched with recombinant (I); (c) a process for expressing cellulases but not (I) in FF by expressing fungal cellulase DNA in a recombinant FF host; (d) transformants which express cellulases but not (I), produced by (c); (e) a fungal cellulase compsn. derived from FF which comprises all cellulases except (I); (f) a process for expressing altered extracellular (I) in FF; (g) transformants expressing altered (I); (h) a fungal cellulase compsn. derived from FF which is recombinant altered (I); (i) a detergent compsn. comprising surfactant and at least 0.0001 wt. % of any of the above cellulase compns.; (j) a nucleotide sequence of a bg1I gene, the entire sequence or a portion may be labelled and used as a probe (sequence in specification); and (k) a method for producing cellooligosaccharides comprising contacting cellulose-containing materials with a cellulose compsn. free of (I) at a pH of 4.5-8.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The rate and amount of degradation of cellulose to glucose is enhanced using the recombinant cellulase compsn. This compsn. may be used to degrade cellulosics in feedstock, biomas and sludge; transformants or the compsn. are added to yeast (esp. Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccharomyces pombe) and biomass, and cultured. Purified (I) maybe used in food additives to enhance the flavour and aroma of foods, or a detergents. The probes may be used to identify (I) genes in FF.
Enhanced completeness of fermentation of organic waste and lower power intake are due to the tank for preliminary treatment of the starting material. It features a vertical corrugated partition to isolate two chambers, each connected to the cavity of the housing by pipes and pumps. The inner chamber acts as raw material accumulator and preheater, while the outer chamber collects the fermented biomass and provides its heat exchange with the raw material. Each of the housing compartments is fitted with a bubbling unit in the lower part, and connected by a separate pipe with a valve linked to the biogas feeder.    The organic waste from the collector channel (15) of the unit holding animals passes the trap screen (16) and the connnector (17) in a volume corresp. to a single charge for gravity flow to the inner chamber (9) of the reactor set (6). The pump (11) transfers the load to the housing (1) until the marked level is reached. The raw material is then preheated to the fermentation temp. using elements built-in in the partitions (4). At the same time, a similar amount of fermented biomass is discharged into the outer chamber (8) for the preliminary treatment, while continuously receiving the warm and fermented biomass.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of heat of the fermented mass for increasing the temp. of the starting raw material reduces power intake. Bul.37/7.10.91
Domestic refuse and manure, and sewage sludge, are processed by heating and forcing through a pipe under pressure, using a hydraulic ram and magnetic balls. The heat is derived from turbine exhaust gases. The heat and pressure cause rapid fermentation, while the poisonous materials such as heavy metals are extracted during passage through the pipe, remaining behind in the filling of a catalytic unit, which consists of calcinated oxide pellets. Saturated catalyst segments are relieved of the oxide components, so that the basic material reappear and can be used again.    ADVANTAGE -   No emission of odour or poisonous materials.
In an appts. for treating animal excreta, there is, on the bottom of a container, a layer of particles, not more than 15 mm thick, of an organic material which can act as support for organism(s) developed from the manure and able to break down the manure; this layer is at least 30 cm high. Opt., the appts. has means for turning the layer of organic material, and means for heat recovery and/or aeration.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. is a manure with at least 40% dry matter, resulting in a large redn. in vol. Excreta and/or liq. manure can be added over a long period without increase in vol. Prodn. of NH3 is reduced. Liq. manure is processed on the farm to a saleable dry manure prod.
Activated sludge contg. a variety kinds of microorganisms is cultured under a N-source limited condition and turbidity of the cultured soln. is measured at wavelength of 660 nm to estimate PHB amt. in the activated sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   Operation of culturing tank and the control system can most be controlled.    In a jar with effective vol. of 2 l, 1 l of glucose cultured sludge adjusting MLSS concn. to 2500 mg/l and artificial medium comprising 17.08 g/l of CH3COONa, 1.00 g/l of MgSO4.7H2O, 15.00 mg/l of FeSO.7H2O, 77.00 mg/l of Na2PO, and 72 ml of soln. contg. elements in slight amounts were charged and the soln. was cultured at 30 deg.C at pH of 6.8-7.2 stirring at 500 r.p.m. so that the culture was carried out aerobically. By comparing the absorbance change with time and PHB concentration change with time, it was assumed that there was correlation between the absorbance and the PHB concn. so that the absorbance was used as monitoring means of PHB concn.
Combustion exhaust is contacted with catalyst in the presence of an organic cpd.. The catalyst consists of gamma-alumina or silica-alumina support loaded with transition metal catalyst.    Pref. the transition metal catalyst includes Cu, V, Mn, Co, Mo, Ni, Fe, La, or Cr. The combustion exhaust contains at least 0.5% O2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   NOx can be removed from diesel engine exhaust or petrol engine exhaust which is discharged under fuel lean condition and contains excess O2.    In an example, catalyst granules 10-20 mesh pass through consist of gamma-alumina support loaded with 5-7 wt.% Ni and La were filled in a 10 mm dia. stainless steel tube; a gas contg. 0.1 vol.% NO, 10 vol.% O2, and 6.7 vol.% H2O was passed through the tube at SV = 4800 hr -1 while adding propane 4-5 times of NO concn. to the gas; 98% NO was removed at 500 deg.C.
A styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer is dispersed in an aq. solvent and allowed to react with 2.5-150 mol.% (w.r.t maleic anhydride gp.) of a cpd. with 2-4 active hydroxy gps. in a mol. to give resin particles. The resin particles are impregnated with a volatile foaming agent and a bromophenyl allyl ether.    The bromophenyl allyl ether is pref. 2,4,6-tribromophenyl allyl ether, tetrabromo bisphenol A (or S) allyl ether or pentabromophenyl allyl ether. The styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer contains 2-25 wt.% maleic anhydride. The aq. solvent comprises H2O and a dispersing agent, e.g. Ca pyrophosphate accompanied by Na dodecyl benzene sulphonate. The cpd. with 2-4 active hydroxy gps. is, e.g. 1,4-butane diol or bisphenol-A. The volatile foaming agent is, e.g. propane or butane.    USE -   /ADVNATAGE - The flame resistant resin particles are used for preparing a metal-foaming resin laminate. It has a high flame resistance and adhesive power with metals.    In an example, a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer (1600g) was dispersed in 2800g of H2O contg. dispersing agents and allowed to react with 8G of 1,4-butane diol and 24g of tribromophenyl allyl ether, fed with 176g of butane, heated to 100 deg. C allowed to stand 7 hrs. and cooled to give flame resistant resin particles. The resin particles had a flame resistance of 1.1 sec. by the JISA-9511 measuring method and an adhesive power with a stainless steel of 2.15 kg/cm
Autothermal steam reforming process for prodn. of synthesis gases (I) from a hydrocarbon stream (II) comprises: (A) introducing a mixed feedstream (III) comprising steam, a major amt. of (II) and an oxidant (IV) into an exothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to produce a reformed gas (a) contg. less than 2.0 vol. % residual hydrocarbon which is withdrawn from the zone, (B) forming a mixed feedstream (V) comprising a minor amt. (II) and steam and introducing (V) to an endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to produce a reformed gas (b) contg. less than 10.0 vol. % residual hydrocarbon which is withdrawn from the zone, (C) combining (a) and (b) and cooling the mixt. by passing it in indirect heat exchange with the feedstream (V) within the endothermic zone to provide heat required for the reforming and (D) recovering the cooled gases (a) and (b) as (I). (I) is used in the prodn. of ammonia and methanol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The heat of conversion is entirely obtd. from the exothermic reforming step. The synthesis gases, contg. H2 and N2 and H2 and C oxides, are used in the prodn. of ammonia and methanol respectively
The aerator has a rotor (18) with blades (22), a hollow shaft (7) with longitudinal openings (8) for air supply and an outer pipe (3) placed coaxially to the shaft, and outer housing (13) with outlet openings (17), upper and lower screens (14,15), and turning bush (12). Output is increased by increasing the high pressure rotating jets action zone, and also by increasing the aerator operation life. The rotor is made as a wheel with conical core (19) whose generatrix has a double curve, with central and radial openings (20,21) for air suction, and S-shaped blades (22). The outer housing with the upper screen is connected in the centre to the turning bush which is fitted on the outer pipe. The radial openings of the conical core are in the upper part.    When drive (1) is switched on the hollow shaft (7) with rotor (18) is switched on and air flows to the blades (22) zone through pipe (5), openings (8), shaft (7) and central and radial openings. The air bubbles and water form a water-air mixt. which due to the centrifugal force is supplied to the housing (13) and then through openings (17) flows to the periphery as reactive rotating jets. The housing begins to rotate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For dissolving gas in liq., esp. for dissolving oxygen in drainage water for biological cleaning. Bul.29/7.8.91