(US5244754-A)      A battery charge indicator includes a housing with an internally contained chemical cathode and anode for generating an electrical current when interconnected through an external load. The cathode expands proportionally to the amount of electrical energy delivered to the battery.    The indicator comprises a mechanism for defining a compressible chamber for contg. a viscous gel which chamber has an outlet and is compressed on expansion of the cathode. A second mechanism is provided for defining a viewing channel of set shape which communicates with the outlet to receive a flow of gel in an amount corresponding to expansion of the cathode.    USE -   Indicating remaining battery life.    (JP6502275-W)      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 over the channel with spaced viewing apertures. The chamber is pref. defined between a polyamide cap having a flexible section and a disc on the cap, with the outlet centrally of the disc. The channel is pref. formed in a second disc mounted over the first and has a radial first section and circular second section 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.
(JP2581338-B2)      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.
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.
(DE4220171-C2)      Ion and electron conducting polymers with polar reactive gps. are prepared. A gaseous monomer, e.g. perfluoroethylene is led into a discharge chamber with an ion source without electrodes. The monomer dissociates and is partly ionised. The ions are accelerated by an ion source extraction system with energy of 20-200eV and directed against a substrate surface where polymerisation occurs. A second ion source aims such ion that form polar reactive gp. with energy of between 100eV and 10KeV and these are enclosed in the developing polymer layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ionically conducting thin films are prepd. for technical high value uses, e.g. polymer solar cell
(US7700813-N)      Planar photovoltaic concentrator module for producing an electrical signal from incident solar radiation includes an electrically insulating housing (12) with front wall (14) formed from one or more lenses (15), pref. plastic Fresnel lenses, which direct solar radiation on to a pair of solar cell assemblies (24) via a refractive optical element (28) in contact with the cell. Cell output terminals are connected to a planar conductor (30) and a conductive spacer (32).    ADVANTAGE -   Resistant to moisture and dirt, reduced temp. effect.
(JP3128004-B2)      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.
(DE4204867-C2)      Prodn. of thin ceramic plates out of fine powder, includes adding organic solvents and a binding agent to the powder using a film moulding technique, to produce a plastic film. The latter is thermally treated and sintered to a solid ceramic plate. At least one plastic film is placed on a planar ceramic base inside a ceramic ring whose height is at least the sum of the film thickness and the ceramic powder thickness. A ceramic plate is placed on the ring as a cover. The arrangement is then heat treated in a chamber or tunnel furance.    ADVANTAGE -   The process enables thin ceramic plates of high quality to be produced.
(FR2674685-A1)      A sec. electrochemical generator is claimed 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. A 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 achieved    (US5290644-A)      Electrochemical sec. cell has a liq. organic electrolyte. The cell is of prismatic or cylindrical type including at least one Li electrode, microporous film of polyolefin and positive electrode. The cell includes a film of crosslinked polymer adjacent to the positive electrode. The polymer film is moulded and crosslinked before assembly of the cell components. The crosslinked polymer is an ion conducting polymer and swells in the electrolyte to exert pressure on the Li electrode.    Pref. cloth is incorporated in the polymer film. Pref. polymer includes polyether having two terminal amine functions crosslinked by curing component including two epoxy functions.    ADVANTAGE -   Compression means are easier to implement than previous mechanical means and can accept larger changes in size during operation.
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.
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.
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.
(JP6507948-W)      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 thermooptical shutter converting light to heat or electricity, improves light admission while reducing heat loss.
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.
(US5254416-A)      An electron conductive high polymer, comprises a repeating unit of formula (I). In (I) X, and X', are independently a divalent linkage gp. e.g. -C(O)O-, -C(O)NR5-, -CH2O-, -(O)5(O)-, -C(O) or -C(O)CH2O-; R5 is H or 1-3C alkyl gp.; R1 and R1' are alkylene gp.; R2 is a cyclic ester derivative, acyclic ester derivative, a cyclic ether derivative or a sulphone derivative gp.; a,b and c are 0 or 1; Y is NR4-, -O-, -S-, -Te-, or -Se-, in which R4 is H, alkyl or aryl gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electron conductive high polymer is excellent in the charging and discharging repeating characteristics and useful as an antistatic material for plastic films and as electric conductive materials in the field of electric and electronic industries e.g. batteries, condensers, etc.    (JP2958576-B2)      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
(JP3083162-B2)      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.
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.
(JP2674317-B2)      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
(JP2786953-B2)      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
(JP2554205-B2)      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
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.
(DE4205210-C2)      A distributor, which forms a component of a solid oxide fuel cell and which has a porous substrate, includes a reinforcing material layer on the porous substrate. A conducting material layer is located on the reinforcing material layer. The porous substrate consists of a soft polyurethane foam without cell walls. The reinforcement material layer pref. consists of a yttrium stabilised zirconium oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   The distributor is mechanically strong and the effective electrode surface area is extended.    (US5354626-A)      The distributor for a solid oxide fuel cell comprises: (a) a porous base; (b) a reinforcing agent layer; and (c) a conductive agent layer.    Pref. (a) is soft polyurethane foam without cell walls, (b) is gamma-stabilised ZrO2 and (c) is (La,Sr) (Mn,Cr)O3. The thermal expansion coefft. at the distributor is pref. below 0.000011 cm/deg.C. The distributor is pref. a disc or rectangular shape.    ADVANTAGE -   High mechanical strength. Increased effective electrode area of the fuel cell.
(US5262250-A)      Cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte diaphragm with narrow path(s) for supplying water embedded in it.    Pref., the path is formed by anticorrosive twisted yarns. The diaphragm lies between the electrodes and the path is closer to the cathode or the anode w.r.t. the embodiment. Water is supplied in the form of vapour by a pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases ionic conductivity. Water vapour control in the reaction gas is unrequired.    (JP3107229-B2)      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.    (EP499593-B1)      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.
NOVELTY - The secondary battery comprises non-sintering type nickel anode and hydrogen-occlusion alloy cathode which is formed by applying paste containing hydrogen occlusion alloy powder, polyacrylate, carboxymethyl cellulose, electroconductive material powder and fluorine resin, on a punched metal with pore diameter of 1-5 mm and porosity of 45-70%.    USE - For electronic device.    ADVANTAGE - High volume nickel hydrogen secondary battery with high reliability, is obtained by incorporating alkali electrolyte in the container. The utilization factor of hydrogen-occlusion alloy cathode, is improved by applying the paste containing hydrogen occlusion alloy powder on punched metal with high porosity. The secondary battery with excellent charging and discharging cyclic characteristics is provided.
(US5154784-A)      An Li alloy electrochemical cell is produced by (A) casting onto (a) a surface of a polyglycol terephthalate or cellulose, (b) a slurry of an Li alloy powder in a soln. of a polyisobutylene binder in an organic solvent; (B) evaporating the solvent to produce a flexible tape adhering releasably to the surface, densifying the tape to increase its green strength and peeling the tape from the surface, and (C) laminating the tape with an Li salt electrolyte to form a green cell and evaporating the binder from the laminate below the m.pt. of the Li salt.    The solvent is pref. evaporated at room temp.. The binder is evaporated up to 300 deg.C. The tape is densified under a pressure of 350-700 kg/cm2 and is laminated under a pressure of 700-1400 kg/cm2. Similar procedures are used to produce an Li alloy/metal sulphide or Li-Al/Co sulphide electrochemical cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is not detrimentally affected by residues of the casting process; cells having a living surface up to and over 100 cm2 can be produced
(JP95038306-B2)      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.
(WO9219016-A1)      Photovoltaic array for use as a soalr 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 assembies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the othe 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.
(US5219681-A)      A Li cell consists of an anode, a cathode opposite the anode and a polymeric solid electrolyte compsn. between the anode and the cathode, the compsn. comprising (a) a block-graft copolymer consisting of block segments of a first monomer unit having a grafting chain consisting of polyoxyalkylene units of formula (I). In (I) Pn is a 1,4-phenylene; R1 is a H atom or methyl gp., R3 is an alkyl gp, aryl gp., acyl gp or silyl gp and n is a positive integer, (b) in ionic Li salt and (c) a poly(alkylene oxide) of formula in which R5 and R6 are H atom or 1-3C alkyl gp. R7 is H or methyl gp and m is not more than 45.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has excellent discharging and recharging properties.    (JP2544016-B2)      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 -(CH2C(H)(R2)O)nR3 (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 -(CH2C(R4)(M))- (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.
(US5246796-A)      Non-aq. electrolyte sec. cell comprises (a) a negative electrode; (b) a positive electrode and (c) a non-aq. electrolyte. One of the negative and positive electrodes contains a binding agent and an active-material carrier or active material. The binding agent is polyvinylidene fluoride. The ratio of the intensity of a 1st. peak near a diffraction angle of 17.7 deg. to the intensity of a 2nd. peak near a diffraction angle of 18.5 deg. in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtd. with the CuK alpha radiation for the negative and/or positive electrode contg. the binding agent is 0.3-0.6 (0.3-0.55). One electrode is formed by drying a slurry of the binding agent under controlled drying conditions to produce the intensity ratio. The positive electrode is formed of an electrode mX provided on a collector comprising LiMO2, where M is Co and N; as the active material and the binding agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has high capacity and excellent charge, discharge cycle characteristics, in addn. to features as low wt. and high energy density.    (JP3019421-B2)      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
(FR2669775-A1)      An electrochemical conversion method using a cell with a rechargeable electrode made of consumable powdered solid electroactive material is claimed. The electrode connects to a reservoir feeding a compartment 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 where the 1st is in the compartment and the 2nd is permanently in contact with the electrolyte 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.
(US5288566-A)      Sealed lead-acid storage battery has bipolar electrodes (11) comprising electroconductive foils with a reticular print grid pattern (14) to hold positive and negative active material (15) on opposite sides. The electrodes are stacked to alternate polarities, and high-porosity glass microfibre separators (12) are interposed between the electrodes.    Polyurethane plate load compensator is pref. provided to maintain the required pressure on the electrodes. The print pref. has relief crests on either side of the foil, mutually displaced by half a pitch to stiffen the structure. A peripheral sealing gasket is pref. fitted over a grid-free peripheral region (16) of the foils. The battery pref. produces a voltage of 4-500 V.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has low internal resistance by eliminating connections causing voltage drops, improved current density distribution, and reduced weight.
NOVELTY -
(DE4039211-C2)      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 periosp
(WO9316264-A1)      A flexible belt of PVC or polyurethane foam is partly exposed between the upper and lower plates of a sealed transparent plastic box. End rollers accommodate unexposed sections. A motor winds the belt between tensioning guides, exposing zones on the upper belt surface which absorb, reflect or transmit solar radiation as required.    The under surface provides decorative or advertising opportunities. Hot air trapped within the end casing yields energy to a heat recovery system. Several parallel boxes may be deployed to suit any roof opening.    ADVANTAGE -   Readily converted from one function to another
(US5139898-A)      A lithium-iodine cell comprises a metal housing in electrical contact with the iodine containing cathode. A lithium anode, insulated from the housing, is in electrical contact with the cathode.    A lead from the anode extends out of the housing via a rigid electrically insulating sleeve having one surface engaging the lead while the other suraface encloses the interface and is pressed into the lithium anode.    ADVANTAGE -   The construction is simple and resistant to failure caused by the iodine vapour.
(US5238519-A)      Thin film layer of dielectric material is laminated on to at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, to encapsulate it, in equipment having a horizontal rack (62) with vertically spaced rigid supports trays (64) receiving the solar panels. Via a hollow support member (72), air is withdrawn from trays to provide vacuum for lamination. The top surface of each tray has an o-ring seal. An oven (86) receives the rack to heat it for curing an adhesive bonding layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Economic handling method is provided.    (JP6510631-W)      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.
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.
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.
(US5130211-A)      Sec. electrochemical cell comprises (a) an anode contg. a material which can reversibly incorporate an alkali metal; (b) a cathode which can reversibly incorporate an alkali metal; (c) an alkali metal incorporated in (a) and/or (b); (d) an organic solvent as electrolyte; (e) a salt of (c); and (f) sequestering agent(s) to complex with the alkali gp. of the electrolyte salt. Anode comprises a carbonisation material having deg. of graphitisation more than 0.40.%    ADVANTAGE -   Exfoliation of anode upon the initial intercalation of lithium (or other alkali metal) is prevented.
(US5229624-A)      An electroconductive sheet comprises (1) a transparent resin sheet which has been unidirectionally stretched; (2) conductors in the sheet which are drawn into parallel relationship while the sheet was stretched; (3) a proportion less than all, of the conductors contacting others i.e. other of the same conductors; (4) gaps within the first conductors of about 20 Angstroms in size; and (5) connections across the gaps, which are sufficient in number to the gaps to provide an electric current flow between points spaced apart within the sheet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For a polymeric light-electric power converting sheet.    (EP592444-A1)      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 field (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.
(WO9206513-A)      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 between 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.
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.
(US5110370-A)      Photovoltaic device is made by firstly providing a photovoltaic cell which includes a bottom electrode layer (I), a photovoltaic body disposed on top of layer (I), a top electrode layer (II) disposed on top of the photovoltaic body and an electrically-conductive, current-collecting grid line (III), in electrical contact with layer (II). A layer (IV) of embossable, transparent, organic, polymeric, encapsulating material is disposed on top of layer (II). An embossing die, including at least one groove-forming element, is provided. The die is aligned with the photovoltaic cell so that the element of the die is in registry with at least part of the length of line (III) and in contact with layer (IV). The die and cell are then compressed so as to emboss a groove into layer (IV). Finally, the die is removed.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell so produced has a groove integral with the encapsulant layer, the groove being operable to direct incident illumination away from the grid line so as to decrease its shading effects.
(GB2248681-B)      A microwave space heating system which comprises a heat generator and means for circulating fluid through said generator in order to abstract heat therefrom for transfer to the space to be heated, said heat generator comprising a microwave source and a microwave absorber and transfer device, said device being at least partially constructed from a material which is permeable to microwaves and comprising a tortuous passageway formed by fins extending partially across a chamber through which said heat transfer fluid is passed the fins and/or walls of the chamber being coated with a microwave absorbing compound through which said heat transfer fluid is passed, the passageway including a plurality of surfaces which absorb the microwave energy and emit heat energy into the heat transfer fluid.
(JP6503921-W)      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+.    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 -   Used as an optical communications system.    (US5406410-A)      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).
(US5221453-A)      An improved cathode for an electrochemical cell is prepared by initially combining AgVO3 and V2O5 at a ratio fo 2:1 and then heating at 300-700 deg.C for 5-24 hours. The resulting silver vanadium oxide powder is combined with conductive material and a binder before shaping into the desired cathode. The cathode is used with a suitable electrolyte and a lithium metal anode.    ADVANTAGE -   The cells can deliver enhanced pulse voltage and are suitable for use in cardiac defibrillators.    (JP3115377-B2)      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.
(US5188768-A)      Solid form electrolyte comprises 1-50 wt.% ion exchanging layered cpd., 1-50 wt.% ionic material of formula MX, and at least 1 cpd. of (a) 0.5-20 wt.% cationic surfactant contg. polyalkylene oxide chains selected from 20-500 ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide units, (b) 0.5-20 wt.% cationic surfactant contg. polyalkylene oxide chains comprising 20-500 ethylene oxide and butylene oxide units, (c) 1-20 wt.% polyether cpd. obtd. by adding ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide to a polyamine cpd. in an amt. of 2-150 units of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide per active H of the polyamine cpd., and (d) 1-20 wt.% polyether cpd. obtd. by adding ethylene oxide and butylene oxide to polyamine cpd. in an amt. of 2-150 ethylene oxide and butylene oxide units per active H of the polyamine cpd.. In MX, M is a mono-, di- or tri-valent metallic ion, H or ammonium ion which moves in solid form electrolyte under an applied electric field and X is an anion of strong acid.    Pref., MX is e.g. Li(I), NaSCN or AlCl3. The ion exchanging layered cpd. is e.g. montmorillonite. The polyamine cpd. ie e.g. polyethyleneimine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for batteries, capacitors, sensors, display and recording devices, etc.. the electrolyte has high ionic conductivity and improved mouldability.    (JP96000885-B2)      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.
(JP96000884-B2)      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, A1 and H2 storage alloy for negative pole.
(DE4116375-C2)      A heat storage battery with a large vol. capacity includes plastic storage modules. At least one of the storage modules has a number of closeable flange openings through which heat exchangers can be connected. The longitudinal side of the storage modules have upper and lower flange openings, and the storage modules can be connected via flange tensioning rings so that the temp. over the battery is uniform through natural convection.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is simple and economical to produce.
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.
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.
(US5364715-A)      Electrochemical cell comprises alkaline electrolyte, cathode contg. MnO2 as active component, anode gel comprising Zn as active component, and a burnished brass current collector.    The cell contains less than 50 ppm Hg based on the wt. of cell. The Zn has a gel expansion of less than 25% after being discharged at 2.88 A for 161 mins. at 15% depth of discharge. Pref. the electrolyte is KOH.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell does not exhibit leakage of components after being partially discharged.    (US5395714-A)      The electrochemical cell comprises an alkaline electrolyte, a cathode comprising MnO2 as active component, and an anode gel composed of low expansion Zn which has a gel expansion below 25% after being discharged for 161 minutes to 15% depth of discharge at 2.88A, and a sealed container contg. the electrolyte, anode and cathode.    ADVANTAGE -   Hg-free. The cells do not leak under normal use and storage conditions.    (US5464709-A)      An electrochemical cell (A) comprises (a) an alkaline electrolyte, (b) a cathode contg MnO2 as active component and (c) an anode gel contg Zn as active component with (B) the cell contg less than 50, pref less than 2, esp less than 1 ppm H, referred to wt of cell and the Zn anode has a gel expansion below 25%, pref below 20%, esp below 15% after being charged for 161 min to 15% depth of discharge at 2.88 A.    Anode pref contains an (in)organic corrosion inhibitor, esp a polyethylene glycol or an In-contg cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For all known purposes. The cell does not exhibit leakage of cell components after discharge via an electrochemical reaction at 1.2 V and then stored at 21 deg C for 90 days. The cell is virtually free from Hg. An effective amount of electrochemical energy is provided.
(JP2782911-B2)      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.
(GB2246752-B)      A vehicle powered by solar or other electromagnetic radiation which has a segmental, parabolic mirror to be directed towards a source of electromagnetic radiation, and serving to focus the electromagnetic radiation onto means for converting the energy of the electromagnetic radiation to a form usable to propel the vehicle, the said parabolic mirror being composed of a parabolic shaped frame which supports individual, flat mirror elements.
(US5169736-A)      An electrochemical sec. cell having as the positive electrode an oxidic material with a spinel structure and a compsn. of formula MxMnyO2 where M is at least one metal cation from groups 2A, 4A, 5A, 4B, 5B, 6B or 7B. x has a value 0-0.6, Y is 1.4-2.0 and the ratio of y to z is 0.3-0.6. When a group 1a cation of formula A is taken up by the host the general formula becomes AqMxMnyO2. The value of q lies between 0-1.3. The recipient substance of the negative electrode is a carbon product formed by pyrolysis e.g. needle coke.    ADVANTAGE -   The materials have good chemical resistance and high cycling stability
(US7597227-N)      Peizonuclear battery generates output power from the piezoelectric voltage produced from radioactive decay particles interacting with a piezoelectric medium. Radioactive particle energy may directly create an acoustic wave in the piezoelectric medium or a moderator may be used to generate collision particles for interacting with the medium.    USE -   Portable battery is used to directly convert nuclear fission energy to electrical energy.
(JP2990725-B2)      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)
(EP487682-A1)      A solid state battery has one or more electrochemical cells each in the form of a folded laminate of a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a solid electrolyte material, 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 regions.    (JP5500880-W)      Solid state battery has electrochemical cell(s) each in the form of a folded laminate of a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a solid electrolyte material, an electrically non-conductive foraminous material layer being incorporated within the solid electrolyte in the fold region(s).    Negative electrode may be of Li (alloy) and the foraminous material may be polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   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).
(JP7501417-W)      Assembly comprises an anode; a cathode; an intervening ion exchange membrane; a first gasket layer between anode and membrane extending from the edge of the membrane in a direction away from the active portion of the anode; and a second gasket layer between cathode and membrane extending from the edge of the membrane 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.    (US5464700-A)      The membrane electrode assembly for electro-chemical fuel cells has a gasket material at the periphery of the ion exchange membrane instead of using the membrane itself as a gasket.    The gasket material is a non-hydrophilic thermoplastic elastomer, suitable for cold bonding or bonding by heat and pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane electrode assembly provides a seal between the electrically conductive separator plates or in the humidification section of a fuel cell with a gasket at the circumference of a water permeable membrane. The membrane is more economic than the use of the membrane itself as a gasket.
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.
(JP2955054-B2)      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 produced.
(US7700813-N)      Planar photovoltaic concentrator module for producing an electrical signal from incident solar radiation includes an electrically insulating housing (12) with front wall (14) formed from one or more lenses (15), pref. plastic Fresnel lenses, which direct solar radiation on to a pair of solar cell assemblies (24) via a refractive optical element (28) in contact with the cell. Cell output terminals are connected to a planar conductor (30) and a conductive spacer (32).    ADVANTAGE -   Resistant to moisture and dirt, reduced temp. effect.
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.
(JP2836275-B2)      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.
(JP2517799-B2)      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.
(US5318865-A)      The redox battery comprises an electrolytic cell including a flow electrolytic soln., an intermittent circulating electrolytic soln., a membrane and an electrolytic soln.-permeable porous electrode. A soln. of reducing V dissolved in a polar solvent is used as an active material on a negative electrode of a redox couple. An oxidising substance in a gaseous or electrolytic soln. state is used as an active material on the anode of the redox couple. The V soln. is pref. a soln. of V(II)/V(III), and the oxidising substance is O2 or air. The anode is a gas permeable carbon porous electrode contg. Pt or metal phthalocyanine as catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for an electric vehicle, or as a portable battery. High energy density, small size and high output.    (JP3163370-B2)      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.
(WO9407274-A1)      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 -   Useful in a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and electrode assembly. Higher water of hydration and lower ionic resistance is obtd.. 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.    (JP8501653-W)      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.
(JP3128004-B2)      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.
(JP95005394-B2)      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.
(JP2738988-B2)      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.
(US5273911-A)      Thin film solar cells are produced by initially passing flaky graphite between rollers and hardening the resulting sheet at above 1000 deg.C, pref. at above 3000 deg.C.    A thin active semiconductor layer is then deposited onto the graphite substrate while heating the substrate by high frequency induction. Adjacent solar cell sheets can be assembled together for greater mechanical strength.    ADVANTAGE -   The method provides a simple way of producing solar cells at reduced cost and enhanced reliability.    (US5344500-A)      A thin-film solar cell includes a polycrystalline silicon thin film serving as an active layer and a flaky graphite sheet substrate having a concavo-convex surface on which the polycrystalline silicon thin film is disposed.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cells are easily prepd. by improving the performance and reliability of solar cells and reducing prodn. costs.    (US5441577-A)      A thin film solar array has multiple thin film structures on a conducting substrate. Connecting wires pass through holes in the substrate and electrically and mechanically connect adjacent cells. Bends in the wire serve to hold it in position on the substrate.    Pref the substrate is aluminium or graphite. The individual solar cells can either overlap or be spaced apart.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for thin film solar cells. Stress in the structure is reduced giving increased productivity of a prod. with reduced curvature.
(DE4204867-C2)      Prodn. of thin ceramic plates out of fine powder, includes adding organic solvents and a binding agent to the powder using a film moulding technique, to produce a plastic film. The latter is thermally treated and sintered to a solid ceramic plate. At least one plastic film is placed on a planar ceramic base inside a ceramic ring whose height is at least the sum of the film thickness and the ceramic powder thickness. A ceramic plate is placed on the ring as a cover. The arrangement is then heat treated in a chamber or tunnel furance.    ADVANTAGE -   The process enables thin ceramic plates of high quality to be produced.
(US5215599-A)      Photovoltaic cell comprises layered extrinsic semiconductor having a neutral base layer sandwiched between doped layers of opposite conductivity, to form P-N junction; and means to apply an externally generated electric field to the semiconductor to enhance a depletion region formed around the PN junction. This extends into the base layer when photo radiation impinges on the semiconductor.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved solar cell used to more efficiently transform solar energy into electrical energy.    (JP5508267-W)      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 between 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.
(US5248347-A)      The solar cell comprises (a) 1st conductivity type semiconductor substrate, (b) a 1st conductivity-type crystalline layer and a 2nd type crystalline layer with a surface to receive incident light, successively formed on the substrate, (c) a comb-shaped electrode comprising grid finger electrodes and a bus on the surface of the 2nd type crystalline layer, and (d) a rear electrode on the substrate.    Each grid finger electrode comprises a 1st thin film portion formed directly on the surface of the 2nd type layer, a 2nd portion with a large cross-seciton compared to the 1st portion, and a 3rd portion electrically connecting the 1st and 2nd portions and narrower in width than the 1st portion. The comb-shaped electrode is Cu. The substrate is pref. n-type Si, the 1st type layer is n-type GaAs and the 2nd type layer is p-type GaAs. The 1st portion is 0.1 microns thick.    ADVANTAGE -   Deformation of the element due to thermal stresses applied by the electrode is prevented, and so cracking of the element is also prevented.    (DE4205733-C2)      Semiconductor device includes a n-Si-substrate (4) carrying a n-GaAs-layer (3) on which is a p-GaAs-layer (2). The back-face of the substrate (4) carries a back-face electrode (5) and a surface electrode (1) is arranged on the p-GaAs-layer (2).    The strip-shaped metal electrode (7,6), electrically connected to the surface of the semiconductor crystal is formed on a first section (11) spaced from a second surface section (12), the latter being designed so that it is deformed as the semiconductor device is deformed and its spacing from the surface can change while the shape and position of the first section (11) remains largely unchanged on the surface.    USE -   For GaAs solar cells.
(JP95035294-B2)      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.
(JP2956789-B2)      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
(JP2609956-B2)      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`
(JP3117737-B2)      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.
(US5316990-A)      A catalyst material is produced by activating a N4-chelate macrocyclic cpd. contg. a precious metal and supported on a high surface area carbon. Pref. the precious metal is platinum or iridium loaded at the rate of 0.1-10% by wt. of carbon support. The carbon having a surface area of 0-2000 (30-400) sq.m/g. The catalyst is activated by repeatedly applying a sweeping potential of 0.05-2.0 V so that the precious metal is in a zero oxidation state.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a fuel cell catalyst in cells based on phosphoric electrolytes. The catalyst has good activity and is resistant to deactivation.
(US5192334-A)      Producing a gas-tight mechanical connection between at least one prefabricated fuel cell and a ceramic fuel cell comprises applying a nickel layer by screen printing to the fuel cell support and laying the fuel cell on the nickel layer, then sintering the system under a slight mechanical pressure for one hr. at 400 deg.C in air and then at 1150 deg.C in N2.    Pref. a reinforcement layer of a perovskite is incluced on the cathode electrode to improve conductivity. The perovskite is pref. LaMnO3 or LaCrO3 and is applied by screen printing when applying the nickel layer and then joining the reinforcement layer and nickel layer to the cathode during sintering.    ADVANTAGE -   The nickel acts as a binder and does not form a molten phase and therefore cannot migrate into the support. Also, mechanical strains arising from differing thermal expansion are absorbed by plastic deformation of the binder which serves as an electrical conductor for carrying current from the cathode to other fuel cells.
(JP2947626-B2)      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.
(EP511718-A3)      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.
(US5279680-A)      Solar module is mfd. from outer panes of glass (14,24) with intermediate panes (14,16) bonded to top and bottom outer panes by laminated films or cast resin layers (12,22). Intermediate panes heat crack planes (28) running perpendicular to the module plane, the crack planes being produced by mechanical and/or thermal stressing, partic. edge stressing. A plastic layer (20) contains an array of polycrystalline solar cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy conversion. Improvement of aesthetic appearance without redn. of yield.    (JP6204543-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.
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.
NOVELTY - A gas separator (10) is arranged between gas diffusion electrodes of fuel battery. The electrode to which fuel gas is supplied comprises supply board with etched supply groove for circulating fuel gas, on surface. Oxidizing gas supply groove is formed by etching on supply board of second electrode. A cooling water supply board with groove is integrated in between, to contact the gas supply boards.    USE - For fuel batteries, especially solid polymer electrolyte film fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - The gas separator combines a fuel gas supply board and an oxidizing gas supply board on both sides of the cooling water board. The three boards can be processed separately and integrated. Thus, even if thin plate, the boards can be subdivided and minute etched supply grooves in the shape of arbitrary channels can be obtained. Thereby, the structure of the battery is miniaturized. A completely separate and uniform supply of fuel gas and oxidizing agent gas is enabled, and battery having high performance by improvement in collector efficiency is obtained. Control of heating value accompanied by electric power generation and stabilization of service condition, are attained.
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.
(JP5000802-A)      Hydrogen isotopes are sepd. using the isotope exchange reaction between water and hydrogen. Oxygen is moved electrochemically from the water (A) in which heavy isotopes are conc. to the hydrogen (B), in which light isotopes are conc..    Pref., hydrogen (B) in which light isotopes are conc. is used for electric power generation using fuel cells; water (A) in which heavy isotopes are concd. is electrolysed with the electric power generated. The reducing chemical which is given by oxidising hydrogen (B) is used to reduce water (A).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for tritium sepn., concn., or removal in fusion reactors or atomic fuel regenerating plants, or upgrading of heavy water in heavy water reactors. Hydrogen isotopes can be sepd. while generating electric power.    In an example, water (A) was supplied to the one side of a membrane (18) of an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte (18); hydrogen (B) was supplied to the other side. Oxygen was moved from hydrogen (B) to water (A) through membrane (18).
(EP509614-B1)      A solar cell comprising a Si substrate (1) of a first conductivity type, a first GaAs active layer (2) of a first conductivity type located on a front surface of the Si substrate (1), a second GaAs active layer (3) of a second conductivity type located on, and defining a pn junction with the first GaAs active layer (2), a first electrode structure (11) in contact with the back surface of the Si substrate (1), and a second electrode structure (6) in contact with the second GaAs active layer (3), characterised in that a non-conductive BN film (10) is formed on the back surface of the Si substrate (1), the first electrode structure (11) being in contact with the back surface of the Si substrate (1) via apertures in the BN film (10).
(JP2932211-B2)      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.
(US5256498-A)      A molten carbonate fuel cell comprises an alkali carbonate mixt. electrolyte impregnated in a porous electrolyte body, sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. The porous body contains filler particles, not more than 1 micron in size that retain the electrolyte and particles 5-100 microns that reinforce the body. The particle in each go. are different and both chosen from LiAlxOy, LiAlaOb, lithium zirconate and stabilised zirconia, where x is 4.5-5.5, y us 7.25-8.75, a is 0.89-1.11 and b is 1.80-2.20. Fuel gas is supplied to one electrode and oxidant gas to the other.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a long life time and electrolyte loss is reduced, preventing an increase in internal resistance of the electrolyte body and occurance of a gas crossover.
(JP2998217-B2)      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
(JP2820165-B2)      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
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.
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.
(US5418081-A)      An electroconductive LaCrO3 ceramic oxide film of perovskite structure is produced by melt spraying a raw material of the ceramic onto a substrate, and heat treating the melt-sprayed film. The sprayed film is uniformly heat treated in a furnace at at least 1200 deg. C. The obtd. film may be doped.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For interconnectors of solid oxide fuel cells (claimed). Electrical conductivity approx. equal to films produced by solid sintering.
(EP507420-B1)      A method of manufacturing a solar cell having a GaAs active layer (2,3) comprising a first conductivity type GaAs layer (2) and a second conductivity type GaAs layer (3) on a GaAs buffer layer (12) to which an impurity of the first conductivity type is applied in high concentration and a Si substrate (1), wherein one or more cracks are generated in said GaAs active layer (2,3) during the growth of said GaAs active layer; which method comprises the following steps of: forming one or more recesses in said buffer layer (12) which recesses are in the form of mesa grooves (13,14) having wedge-shaped notched parts (15) at the side edges of the buffer layer to the mesa grooves, or in the form of pinholes (17) of a predetermined configuration, by the successive steps of forming said GaAs buffer layer (12) and etching said GaAs buffer layer, and growing said GaAs active layers (2,3) preferentially on said GaAs buffer layer by selective deposition while said Si substrate (1) is exposed by said one or more recesses and while generating a corresponding one or more cracks (16) extending in a crystallographic direction of said GaAs active layers (2,3) from said one or more recesses.
(JP2989279-B2)      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.
(JP2699659-B2)      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.
(JP2867707-B2)      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.
(US5213910-A)      Fuel cell comprises (a) plate-shaped stud electrolyte cell element with series of recesses; and (b) gas supply part to supply electric power generating gas to the fuel cell element.    Gas supply part has a series of electric power generating gas ducts which open to recesses so that streams of electric power initially impinge perpendicularly against electrodes of fuel cell element exposed in the recesses, turning the initial flow direction of the streams and cause flow along surfaces of the electrodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolyte fuel cell with uniform temp. distribution. Electric power generating efficiency is improved. Many types of fuel may be used.
(US5219801-A)      A borosilicate glass compsn. has a coefficient of linear expansion of 64.0-70.0 x10 power (-7) deg.C. The compsn. comprises (in mole %), 57-77 of SiO2, 0-8.5 % A1203, 4.6-23.0 % B2O3, 0-1.5 % Li2O, 2-7.5 % Na2O, 2-7.5 % K2O, 0.7-2.0 % CeO2, 0-0.3 % Sb203, 0-0.3 % AS2O3, 0-2.0 % TiO2, 0-2.0 % F2 and one or more of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO and PbO in a total amt of 0-7 mole %. The total amt. of SiO2, Al2O3 and B2O3 is 81-91 mole % and of Li2O, Na2O and K2O is 7.6-10.6 mole %.    Also claimed is a similar compsn. of use as a protective cover for a gallium arsenide solar cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a protective cover for solar cells used in satellites. The glass has a required radiation stability and light transmission. The liquidus temps. are sufficiently low w.r.t. melt viscosity allowing mfr of thin glass sheets.    (JP3158221-B2)      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
(JP2674317-B2)      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
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
(JP3142587-B2)      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
(US5158840-A)      The separator for an Na-S battery comprises a solid electrolyte, a glass seal composed at 18-23 mol.% Na2 0,3-7 mol.% Cs2O and the balance B2O3, and a porous support plate. The glass bonds and seals the electrolyte to the suport plate. The solid electrolyte is beta-aluminia and the suport plate is graphite or fused titania.    ADVANTAGE -   The glass allows prodn,. of very high power density batteries.    (JP2558035-B2)      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.
(JP4306126-A)      Device comprises a glass coating layer of a thickness of 3mm or less which is thermally curved without being loaded, and a ceramic screen printed pattern provided on the side to be directed to a solar battery layer.    USE -   Solar cover is durable for a long period of usage.    (DE4105396-C2)      Solar cover for vehicle sliding roof, sliding-lifting roof, etc. has a metallic support layer (13), a solar cell layer (14) and a glass cover layer (15), shaped to corresp. with the vehicle contour. The glass layer is not prestressed and is less than 3 mm thick. On the side facing the solar cell layer, it has a screen printed ceramic pattern (22) to prevent a view of the structural parts under the glass. A transparent adhesive film (16) can be inserted between the metallic layer and the solar cell layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Low cost. Undesirable view of structure prevented over the long term.
(US7685759-N)      All-ceramic molten carbonate fuel cell has a compsn. including a multivalent metal oxide or oxygenate e.g. alkali metal, transition metal oxygenate.    The electrodes are sepd. by an electronically conductive interconnect, each of these comprising ceramic compsns.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell exhibits stability in the fuel gas and oxidising environments. Presents reduced sealing and expansion problems in fabrication, has improved long-term corrosion resistance.
(JP7176318-A)      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.    tw
(US5252409-A)      Fuel cell consists of plate-like cells, stacked one next to the other, each cell consisting of a solid electrolyte layer (1) of ZrO2 in solid soln. with 3 mol.% Y2O3, with a LaMnO3 oxygen electrode (2) on one face and a Ni-ZrO2 cermet fuel electrode (3) on the other side. Conductive separator (4) with ridges (4a) forms an intra-flow passage (f1) for cooperation with one electrode. First and second plate members (9,10) form either a cell insertion opening (11) or inter-cell flow passage opening (14) and communication openings (15,16).    ADVANTAGE -   Easy assembly, protected against thermal distortion.    (JP2966548-B2)      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.
(DE4205210-C2)      A distributor, which forms a component of a solid oxide fuel cell and which has a porous substrate, includes a reinforcing material layer on the porous substrate. A conducting material layer is located on the reinforcing material layer. The porous substrate consists of a soft polyurethane foam without cell walls. The reinforcement material layer pref. consists of a yttrium stabilised zirconium oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   The distributor is mechanically strong and the effective electrode surface area is extended.    (US5354626-A)      The distributor for a solid oxide fuel cell comprises: (a) a porous base; (b) a reinforcing agent layer; and (c) a conductive agent layer.    Pref. (a) is soft polyurethane foam without cell walls, (b) is gamma-stabilised ZrO2 and (c) is (La,Sr) (Mn,Cr)O3. The thermal expansion coefft. at the distributor is pref. below 0.000011 cm/deg.C. The distributor is pref. a disc or rectangular shape.    ADVANTAGE -   High mechanical strength. Increased effective electrode area of the fuel cell.
(EP499934-A1)      The fuel-cell construction combines several cells on a single ceramic support, which consist 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 untis which are attached to the support by a layer of an adhesive (5), pref. of constant thickness, and a sinterprocess. 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. LaxA(11-x)BO3 in which A = Ca, Sr and B is a transition metal, or a mixed NiO/ZrO2 oxide or Ni/ZrO2 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.
(US5409550-A)      A solar cell module having an aperture concentrator and primary photoactive area. The light energy along the principal axis of the concentrator is concentrated on the primary photoactive area. A secondary photoactive area is irradiated by light propagated in different directions.    Pref. the concentrator is a Fresnel lens and the photoactive area is silicon in gallium arsenide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cells. A reasonable output is obtained even if the cell is not correctly aligned with the sun.
(US5262250-A)      Cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte diaphragm with narrow path(s) for supplying water embedded in it.    Pref., the path is formed by anticorrosive twisted yarns. The diaphragm lies between the electrodes and the path is closer to the cathode or the anode w.r.t. the embodiment. Water is supplied in the form of vapour by a pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases ionic conductivity. Water vapour control in the reaction gas is unrequired.    (JP3107229-B2)      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.    (EP499593-B1)      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.
(JP94088762-B2)      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 over-heater can be uniformly heated.
(DE4201571-C2)      Prodn. of a solar cell with a layer structure with holes, partially permeable to light is claimed. A substrate is covered with a photo-sensitive layer (3,13), so that the edges (4a,14b) of the electrode layer (4,14) are completely covered by the edge regions (3a,13b,5a) of the layer (3,13) and/or the electrically insulating layer (5,15).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is easier and inexpensive to produce.
(JP2576684-B2)      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
(US5397657-A)      The electrical conductivity of a thermal sprayed interconnector for solid electrolyte fuel cells is increased by thermal spraying a raw material comprising La chromite on the surface of a fuel or air electrode, and heat treating the sprayed film at at least 1250 deg.C.    The conductivity is increased by 100% or more to at least 6 s/cm. Pref. the raw material comprises one doping metal oxide selected from CuO and ZnO.    ADVANTAGE -   The film is thin and airtight, and can withstand high temp. corrosion.    (JP2719049-B2)      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
(JP2752242-B2)      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.
(JP2898737-B2)      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.
(EP495534-A3)      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. pl
(WO9219016-A1)      Photovoltaic array for use as a soalr 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 assembies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the othe 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.
(US1297-H)      A hydrazine detector has a light source with a power supply and connected with a sensor having an optical fibre (28) coated (31) with polyethyleneoxide and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde, a light detector, and an alarm indicating change in light transmitted by the fibre in response to a predetermined hydrazine level.    The fibre is pref. coated to a depth of less than 1 micron with the coating having a similar refractive index to the fibre. The coating material is pref. a 1x10power-4 M 4-nitrobenzaldehyde soln. in 1 wt.% polyethyleneoxide and 99% methylene chloride. The source is pref. a tungsten-halogen light.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For detecting air-borne hydrazine at extremely low concn. Can be worn or carried by an individual and has high sensitivity for greater safety.
(DE4040688-C2)      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.
(JP2968326-B2)      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.
(JP3069743-B2)      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.
(FR2669775-A1)      An electrochemical conversion method using a cell with a rechargeable electrode made of consumable powdered solid electroactive material is claimed. The electrode connects to a reservoir feeding a compartment 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 where the 1st is in the compartment and the 2nd is permanently in contact with the electrolyte 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.
(US5403751-A)      A solar cell is produced by applying an insulating layer onto a silicon wafer and forming laterally spaced openings to expose the wafer surface. Crystal growth is performed at the openings to cause lateral expansion over the insulating layer until the silicon regions collide with each other. At least the exposed part of the insulating layer is removed and a resin embedded in the gaps. An electrode secured by adhesive resin covers the monocrystalline silicon regions. Finally the monocrystalline silicon regions are sepd. from the silicon wafer and a counter electrode attached to the monocrystalline silicon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To produce solar cells. Thin cells with high photoelectric conversion efficiency can be produced.
(JP2719039-B2)      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.
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)
(DE4203419-C2)      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.
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.
(US5254481-A)      Method comprises (a) arranging Si single crystals having regulated crystal orientation on a metal substrate at desired intervals, (b) forming a metal-Si intermediate layer between the substrate and single crystals by heating, (c) oxidising the exposed surface portions of the substrate, and (d) selective epitaxial crystal growth using the Si crystals as seed crystals. The single crystals are produced by selective epitaxial growth in spaced apart fine openings in an insulating layer formed on an Si wafer, etching the insulating layer away, and sepg. the crystals from the wafer by ultrasonic vibration.    ADVANTAGE -   High quality, lower cost solar cells are obtd.. Regular orientation of the crystals.    (DE4138121-C2)      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.
(WO9208249-A1)      Terminal connection has conductive terminal strip (14) protruding from a rear wall of the solar cell having hole (20) which corresp. 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 between the solar cell and a sealed cable connector.    (EP506942-A1)      Terminal connection has conductive terminal strip (14) protruding from a rear wall of the solar cell having hole (20) which corresp. with a hole (30) in an insulating member secured to the rear wall. A nut (40) captures the stirp 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 between the solar cell and a sealed cable connector.
(US5238519-A)      Thin film layer of dielectric material is laminated on to at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, to encapsulate it, in equipment having a horizontal rack (62) with vertically spaced rigid supports trays (64) receiving the solar panels. Via a hollow support member (72), air is withdrawn from trays to provide vacuum for lamination. The top surface of each tray has an o-ring seal. An oven (86) receives the rack to heat it for curing an adhesive bonding layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Economic handling method is provided.    (JP6510631-W)      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.
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)
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)
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.
(US5248345-A)      The device comprises amorphous Si based solar cells each on the light receiving side of a common transparent substrate, and an amorphous semiconductor layer between a transparent electrode and a metal electrode. The solar cells are interconnected in a series or series-parallel fashion by means of the electrodes. The metal electrode comprises a 0.2-0.8 microns thick metal film composed of (from the amorphous semiconductor layer side) layers of Al, an additive metal for Al bronze and Cu, deposited by sputtering. The additive is Fe, Mn or esp. Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar cells, photosensors etc. Easy soldering of lead wires and high operating reliability.    (EP482511-B1)      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.
(JP2526723-B2)      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.
(JP2813435-B2)      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.    r
(DE4033129-A)      The switch has a mechanically displaces 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) wiht 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.    (EP481335-A3)      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.
(US5419979-A)      A metal/air cell for reactions involving gas generation includes a reaction chamber (1) in which gas is generated from liq. electrolyte; feed line for feeding liq. electrolyte into reaction chamber (1); outlet for removing liq. electrolyte from the reaction chamber (1).    There are also gas removal devices (3) consisting of through-going holes at an upper edge of the reaction chamber (1) which provides gas removal from the liq. electrolyte. The through-going holes allow gas to be conducted through them, and are narrow enough to minimize liq. transport through the through-holes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Metal/air cell for reactions involving gas generation from a liq. electrolyte. It finds application in a galvanic system of the type using Al/air fuel cells. By assembling (interconnecting) the cell, a practical duct system is created for transport and distribution of electrolyte and simultaneous gas sepn. It enables fluid transport through the reactor even with a high emission of gas in the reactor. It alleviates problems of uneven supply of liq. to the reactor with parallel inlets. It alleviates problems of uneven supply of liq. to the reactor with parallel inlets. It reduces the problems of electrical short circuiting between the cells in electrochemical reactors. Work required to pump liq./gas mixt. through the reactor is reduced substantially. Liq. phase could be transported through the reactor in homogeneous and controlled manner. Possibility of local gas pockets and uneven gas flow rate in the reactors due to gas pockets is minimized. Very effective and simple sepn. of hydrogen gas produced in the galvanic cell is achieved. Cell efficiency is improved.
(US5118362-A)      In a method of forming ohmic contacts on solar cells, a compsn. of Al metal particles and a glass frit in a liq. vehicle is applied to a surface of a Si substrate, contg. a P-N junction on the opposite surface, and the substrate fired in a non-oxidising atmos. to alloy the Al with the Si. A second compsn. of Ag and Ni particles and glass frit in a liq. vehicle is applied to overlap the Al edges and is fired in O2-contg. environment to fuse the Ag and Ni particles to the substrate and the alloyed Al.    ADVANTAGE -   Solderable, low-resistance contact.    (JP5502556-W)      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 -   Useful esp. 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.
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)
(JP3108079-B2)      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.
(JP2692346-B2)      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.
(JP92079971-B)      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. (J04055308-A)
(JP92078565-B)      Prodn. of 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 placed.    USE -   For making solar cells. (J04055307-A)
(JP3066381-B2)      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.
(JP2712766-B2)      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.
(EP478010-A3)      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.    .D    (EP478010-B1)      Process for producing a continuous web of an electrically insulated metallic substrate for a solar cell a printed circuit board or an IC board, comprising the steps of depositing an insulation layer of non-monocrystalline material of Si(1-x-y)CyNx:H (wherein x is 0.1 to 0.9, O &lt; y &lt; 0.1, and x + Y up to 1) or Si(1-x-y) CyOx:H (wherein x and y are as defined above) on a continuous web of a metallic substrate by plasma CVD method or sputtering method, and depositing a back electrode on the insulation layer by sputtering method or vapor deposition method.
(JP2725079-B2)      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..
(US5248348-A)      The amorphous Si solar cell comprises a substrate, a 1st electrode, 1st conductive film, a thinner 1st intrinsic film, a thicker 2nd intrinsic film, a 2nd conductive film of a different conductivity type than the 1st conductive film and a 2nd electrode.    The 2nd intrinsic film is formed by (a) depositing a semiconductor film contg. 20 wt.% or less of bound H and/or bound deuterium (D) to a thickness of 10 to 1000 Angstroms, then (b) modifying the film by exposing (i) to a discharge atmos. contg. a non-film-depositing reactive gas, (ii) to monovalent ions or (iii) to atomic H or D, and repeating (a) and (b) several times. Pref. a 3rd thinner intrinsic film is formed between the 2nd intrinsic film and 2nd conductive film. The reactive gas is at least one of H2, D2, HF, F2, NF3 or CF4.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable, excellent photovoltaic characteristics.
(JP94094196-B2)      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 brittleness 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 separator of fuel cell, metal-plating bath, anticorrosive heater, anticorrosive heat-resistant machines, etc.
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.
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.
(US5212023-A)      Dissipating heat comprises (s) positioning temp. equalising part opposite anode of electrochemically active structure of fuel cell(s), to receive generated heat; (b) dissipating first part of heat transferred to the part indirectly to airflow via heat exchange elements; (c) dissipating second part of heat; and (d) passing flow of heated air to the anode.    Pref. a flow of oxygen is also supplied having at most a three fold excess with airflow.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for battery of solid electrolyte fuel cells. Thermal stresses are reduced. Costs are min.    (JP3098813-B2)      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.
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..
(JP96003142-B2)      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.
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.
(US5143800-A)      An electrochemical apparatus comprising (a) to (g) is new. (a) is a fresh gaseous feed fuel inlet. (b) is a gaseous feed oxidant inlet. (c) is a gaseous spent fuel recirculation channel. (d) is a separate, hot combusted exhaust gas exit channel. (e) is a combustion chamber. (f) is a generator chamber located between the combustion chamber and a reforming chamber and contains a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each cell has an exterior fuel electrode and an interior fuel electrode. (g) is a reforming chamber contg. a reforming material. (c) passes from (b) to combine with (a) at a circulation and mixing apparatus. A reformable fuel mixture channel connects the circulation and mixing apparatus and (g). (g) is connected to (f), wherein a portion of the hot combusted exhaust gas exit channel surrounds (g). (a) has a by-pass channel into (c). The by-pass channel has valving to control fresh feed fuel flow to (c).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrochemical apparatus allows more efficient heating of internal reforming material and controls spent fuel inclusion into the fresh feed fuel.    (JP2965273-B2)      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.
(US5137835-A)      Chalcopyrite solar cell is made having a p-conductive copper gallium diselenide layer, as an absorber, and having an n-conductive window layer. Firstly, a first electrode layer is produced on an electrically insulating substrate. A semiconductor layer (I) of a chalcopyrite material selected from copper gallium diselenide and copper aluminium diselenide is produced having a first conductivity type. Layer (I) is treated with an aq. soln. that contains metal ions in which a semiconductor material of an opposite, second conductivity type is produced by an ion exchange in an upper layer region and a heterojunction occurs between one layer region forming the copper gallium diselenide absorber layer, and the other region forming a window layer. Finally, a second electrode layer is produced on the surface of layer (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   cell structure is obtd. having a good lattice matching and the disadvantages of using elements of cadmium and indium are eliminated.
(DE4120359-C2)      A process for producing an electro-chemical cell with numerous laminar plates comprising a diaphragm with electrode layers on each side, includes forming an electrically conducting sepg. well which separates the area between two laminar plates into anode and cathode chambers. The plates have an electrode layer consisting of a sintered metal layer. A sintered metal layer, metal powder or metal oxide powder as applied at the electrically conducting unit between the electrode layer and the sepg. well. Sintering takes place in an oxidising atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and economical.
(JP2526387-B2)      A fuel cell comprises heat pipe (8) having heat dissipation part (12B) enclosing electricity generating section (10) in a heat insulation receptacle. A heat pipe (12) has an endogenic part (12A) approaching part (12B) and encloses section (10) and heat pipe (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Heat generated by the cell can be dissipated to control and maintain the temp. fracturing of the cell due to rapid variations in temp. can be prevented.
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.
(JP2884102-B2)      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.
(JP3026013-B2)      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)@
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.
(US5091018-A)      Solar cell array comprises a solar energy collector and a number of solar cell units. A first gp. of cells is made of GaAs and a second gp. of cells is made of GaSb, each stacked relative to and physically separate from a corresp GaAs cell. GaAs cells have a multiple layer at the surface of different materials forming an anti-reflective crating passing wavelengths longer than those absorbed gy GaAs, with a layer which reflects free electrons towards a p-n junction on the GaAs cell. GaSb cells have a p-type diffusion layer and radiation recovering layer, with a metallised lower surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased energy conversion efficiency for satellite photovoltaic device.    (US5123968-A)      An array of tandem solar cell units in a housing comprises (a) rows and columns of discrete solar cell units including an upper cell having a first pair of terminals, a lower cell mounted in optical alignment with and beneath a corresp. upper cell, the lower cell having a second pair of terminals; (b) a support member of electrically insulating, thermally conducting material, anchored to the housing, and contacting and having an aperture optically aligned with, the upper and lower cells, for transmission of solar energy between the upper cell to the lower cell; (c) electrical conductors carried by member (b) which provide electrical current paths between the upper and lower surfaces of the upper and lower cells, and the first and second pairs of terminals; (d) a solar energy concentrating element associated with each solar cell unit; and (e) a first anti-reflective material on an upper surface of an upper cell, and a second anti-reflective material between the lower surface of the upper cell and the upper surface of the lower cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Incident sunlight is converted to electric power with high energy conversion efficiency.
(US5294580-A)      High capacity noble metal alloyed catalyst is mfd. by dispersing a high surface area support into a liquid and adding a soln. of a noble metal cpd.; pref. of Pt or Pd, and then precipitating, the noble metal on the support as oxide, hydroxide or complex. Catalytic activity is adjusted by adjusting temp. and/or pH and soluble alloying metal cpd. is added and pptd. to adsorb on to the support, which is calcined to form an alloyed catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple, environmentally sound process.    (JP6505668-W)      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 soluble 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 is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High and predictable loadings are obtainable, with reduced waste, eg. in t    he prepn. of fuel cell catalysts.
(JP2858583-B2)      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.
(US5114803-A)      The fuel cell has a porous electrode joined to a solid electrolyte film. The pore dia. of the electrode in contact with the film is smaller than the surface portion of the electrode located on the side opposite to the interface. The pore dia. pref. increases stepwise. Ratio of pore dia. in the two portions is 1:5 to 1:100, pref. 1:10 to 1:30. Ratio of porosity between the two portions is 20:40 to 25:30. The electrode is made of large particles (10-100 microns) filled with smaller particles (0.1-1 micron) in portion in contact with the film.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved diffusion of gas, increasing output power.
(JP2770541-B2)      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.
The appts. mixes an inert gas with a process gas having a first gas (such as natural gas) and steam to obtain a gas mixture. The dew point and the pressure of the gas mixture are measured, and the partial pressure of water vapour in the gas mixture is calculated based on the measured dew point and pressure.    Based on the calculated partial pressure and the flow rates of the first gas and the inert gas, the flow rate of water of water vapour in the process gas is calculated and is used to control the flow rate of steam.    USE -   In fuel cell generating system.    (JP2646788-B2)      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.
(JP2718017-B2)      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..
(JP2538380-B2)       A fused carbonate type fuel cell is disclosed. Anode and cathode both consist of nickel system porous board. An electrolyte board (7) made of lithium aluminate hold an electrolyte consisting of lithium carbonate, potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate and tungstic acid alkali salt. A laminate sheet of electrolyte sheets (3,5) and holding sheets of specific surface areas (15-25 m2 /g (4) and 7-13 m2/g (6) are disposed between the anode (1) and the cathode (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fused carbonate type fuel cell designed for operating temps. of 500-700C. The electrodes have long life and electrolyte wetting is improved. Reduction reaction area is increased.
(EP465026-A3)      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)@    (US5344499-A)      Electric device utilise's hydrogenated amorphous silicon, comprises a hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer; a chemically inactive layer which is formed on the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer only by immersing the hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer in water and then drying it under light irradiation, and is composed of hydrogenated amorphous silicon and SiOx and also is 50-300 A in thickness and an electrode layer which is formed on the chemically inactive layer by a vacuum deposition method.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is useful in the construction of photoelectric devices e.g. solar cells or photosensors. The device prevents electromigration of electrode metal as well as allowing a greater freedom for choosing a material for the collector electrode.    (EP465026-B1)      A method of manufacturing a photo-electric device including a hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer, comprising the steps of: washing the surface of said hydrogenated amorphous silicon surface in water and forming a chemically inactive layer thereon by drying said hydrogenated amorphous silicon surface under infrared irradiation in an oxygen containing atmosphere; and forming an electrode layer on said chemically inactive layer.
(US5091358-A)      Prepn. of a regenerable CO2/H2O sorbent comprises (a) prepg. an aq. soln. of a silver cpd. dissolved in a solvent; (b) impregnating a support with the cpd. to form an impregnated support; (c) reacting the silver cpd. in the support with an alkali metal cpd. and converting silver cpd. to an insol. silver cpd.; (d) washing the impregnated support; (e) prepg. an aq. soln. of a CO2 sorption promoter, dissolved in a solvent, comprising alkali metal salt with a pH of at least 11; (f) also impregnating the support in the aq. soln. of CO2 sorption promoter; and (g) drying the further impregnated support.    Pref. alkali metals are cpds. Temp. for heating of support is pref. 80-100 deg.C. Pref. wt. of silver cpd. is 20-40 wt.% and activation temp. is pref. below 245 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For improved absorption/desorption cyclical life.    (US5174974-A)      Removal of CO2 and H2O from gaseous stream comprises contacting the stream with a CO2 and H2O sorbent, so sorption occurs. Sorbent is obtd. by (i) prepg. an aq. soln. of an Ag cpd.; (ii) impregnating a support with the aq. soln. to form an impregnated support; (iii) reacting the Ag cpd. with an alkali metal cpd.; (iv) washing the impregnated support; (v) prepg. an aq. soln. of a CO2 sorption promoter which has pH of at least 11; (vi) further impregnating the support with aq. soln. of CO2 sorption promoter then drying; and (vii) converting the insol. Ag cpd. to Ag oxide.    /    ADVANTAGE -   Sorbent exhibits absorption/desorption cyclical life of greater than 40 cycles, retains structural integrity and maintains consistent CO2 adsorption/desorption capabilities beyond 50 cycles. No need for mixing a dessicant with the sorbent or using 2 sorbents when adsorbing CO2 and H2O
(US5087534-A)      Gas recirculating electrode for use in batteries has a central membrane (10) separating the anode compartment (12) from the cathode compartment (14) and composed of a material permeable to ions and solvent but not to gas. Anode and cathode are both H ion reacting electrodes, the upper edges (22, 28) of which are connected to a gas chamber (32) contg. H2 gas from the cathode, which passes to the anode to be available for anode reactions.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved power density and efficiency. @(7pp)@    (ZA9103988-A)      An electrode appts. for an electrochemical cell, comprises; (a) an ion-permeable membrane sepg. anode compartment and cathode compartment; (b) hydrogen cathode and anode, in respective compartments and in contact with membrane, each comprising a porous hydrophobic catalytic structure which permits the passage of H2 both along and perpendicular to the longitudinal surface of the electrode and having an external portion extending outside of the electrode compartment and exposing the edge surface of the electrode; and (c) a gas chamber connected to the external portions of the electrodes and providing for transfer of gas from the cathode directly to the anode.    Hydrogen gas generated at the cathode passes through the cathode and along length to edge surface, into gas chamber and then to edge surface of the anode and along and through length of anode. Thus, hydrogen gas from cathode is recirculated to replenish hydrogen consumed at anode during operation of the electrochemical cell
(JP2675174-B2)      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.
(JP3020984-B2)      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)
(US5176758-A)      The photovoltaic device includes a power generating sheet that has an electrically conductive substrate and a number of layers of semiconductive alloy material adhered onto a substrate to form at least one photovoltaic cell. An electrically conductive electrode is adhered to the top layer, i.e. top surface, of the semiconductive alloy material.    A number of apertures pass through the power generating sheet to let a portion of light to pass therethrough. The power generating sheet is lamintated to an optically transparent material such as, for example, glass or platic. It is desirable that the apertures are sized to diffract most of the light that passes therethrough, thereby scattering the light and forming an optically transmissive device.    USE -   On car roofs and arthitectural glass.
(DE4134167-C2)      With a certain position of the rotor blades, the position of the guide blades of the guide device is varied. The intensity of the time fluctuations of a measured value for bearing oscillations, determined during operation of the water turbine, is calculated dependent upon guide blade position. The guide blades are set to a position, in which the intensity fluctuations of the measured value are at a minimum.    The fluctuation intensity is calculated in a set frequency range. This is limited downwards by a high-pass filter. Calculation is by effective value formation. Optimisation is repeated at set periods.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Optimisation of operational parameters of water turbine. Automatic, quicker, simpler process.
(US5222833-A)      The gate is formed with a door for closing the port through which the water may flow. The door has a window in an upper portion which is closed by a rotatable shutter. The shutter opens before the door, allowing a flow of water through the window, which reduces the drag on the door. The door is then able to open more rapidly. A gravitational closure causes the shutter and door to close.    The gravitational closure is formed by a counter weight on the shutter. The chambers have an upper portion of a rectangular configuration with a larger volume to increase the volume of air flowing through the system and a lower portion of a cylindrical configuration to reduce the hydraulic losses due to vortices during water inflow and outflow.    USE -   Gravittaional window shutter in a water gate for a system for harnessig power from current flow or tidal movement in a body of water.    (EP604432-B1)      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.
(US5279680-A)      Solar module is mfd. from outer panes of glass (14,24) with intermediate panes (14,16) bonded to top and bottom outer panes by laminated films or cast resin layers (12,22). Intermediate panes heat crack planes (28) running perpendicular to the module plane, the crack planes being produced by mechanical and/or thermal stressing, partic. edge stressing. A plastic layer (20) contains an array of polycrystalline solar cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy conversion. Improvement of aesthetic appearance without redn. of yield.    (JP6204543-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.
(DE4112834-C2)      A solar cell (1) on a larger base (2) tracks the sun using optical elements to concentrate the sun's light into a moving spot. The bottom of the solar cell has a magnet (6) and the top of the base has several detectors which produce a magnetic field when exposed to the light spot. Pref. the detectors are in the form of a photocell matrix.    Pref. the photocells have pn junctions acting as solar cells and fitted with coils to produce the magnetic field. The photocells are pref. phototransistors which connect their coils to a supply when exposed to the light spot. Pref. the main solar cell floats on a fluid (5) above the base which is curved so that the concentrated rays always impinge vertically onto its surface.    ADVANTAGE -   No moving parts and no drive motor in the tracking system.
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.
(US5252139-A)      The panel structure suitable has an electrically insulating transparent support substrate. Photosensitive elements are constituted by thin layers stacked on a first face of the substrate and have an opaque electrically conducting layer. Openings are formed through this opaque layer in order to allow a portion of the light received by the structure to traverse the photosensitive elements.    An electrically insulating transparent potting layer covering the same photoactive conversion elements and over the top, a protecting plate. This plate may be curved. In this case, the potting layer will be constituted by an adhesive sheet.    USE -   For forming photovoltaic device.
(EP591568-A1)      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 personnel. Enables initiations and simulations to be carried out related to patient condition.
(DE4108904-A)      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 fo 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 intemediate 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.    (EP504766-B1)      Vertical electrical synchronous machine of a large diameter, especially hydraulic generators, whose stator lamination bundle is fastened at various parts of the circumference by guide rails, being held onto the parting stator walls by separate press segments, whereby the stator lamination bundle is braced over lower and upper press segments by slugs which are arranged separately from the guide rail, featuring one lower gliding ring (4) and two upper gliding rings (4) lead in one guide ring (5) each and arranged between the bottom and the upper press segments (2 and 3 respectively) and the stator parting wall, whereby the upper press segment (2) is attached to the outer stator wall (14) through an additional number of fastening screws (8) with one sliding washer (9) each, the guide rails (10) being designed in the form of a dovetail with wide, laterally parallel guide surfaces (11) and with a defined radial extending joint (12) being arranged in a cold state between the stator lamination bundle (1) and the guide rail (10).
(US5433679-A)      The exercise treadmill includes a device for lubricating the endless belt treadmill components. In each embodiment, a lubricant is applied to either the inner surface of the treadmill belt or to the treadmill support deck, thereby reducing the treadmill belt to support deck friction.    The applied lubricants can be either solid aerosol or liquid in form, and can be dispersed as a function of treadmill operating time, treadmill belt distance traversed or in response to a measured parameter indicative of belt to deck friction. Additionally, the treadmill may be lubricated to reduce belt to deck friction.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises need for periodic service caused by treadmill belt to support deck friction.
(US5259891-A)      The integrated solar battery includes a number of solar batteries serially connected. An upper electrode of one of a pair of adjacent solar batteries and a lower electrode of the other solar battery are connected via a lead wire. A groove of the boundary of the adjacent solar batteries is filled with an insulative material to a thickness sufficient to cover edge portions of the adjacent solar batteries.    A conductive material is arranged so as to connect an upper portion of the insulative material and the upper electrode of one of the adjacent solar batteries. The lead wire is arranged over the insulative material along the groove portion of the boundary of the adjacent solar batteries so as to be connected to the conductive material. The lead wire is connected to the lower electrode of the other solar battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short circuit between adjacent cells; improved module efficiency due to reduced shadowing.
(US5165278-A)      The system provides real-time auxiliary energy input control based on the instantaneous difference betweeen the actual operator work rate and the intended work rate. It includes a stationary bicycle frame having a pedal and crank assembly mechanically coupled to an output shaft.    A clutch-connected, double-ended electric motor can be used to provide the rotational torque necessary to bring the output shaft up to a desired speed, if desired, prior to the onset of a physical output test. It can also control the intended work rate to a level of zero operator work rate input. A flywheel is also mounted on the motor output shaft. The flywheel manually operates in conjunction with an electromagnetic magnet/coil eddy current braking system to apply a retarding force to the driveshaft of the bicycle ergometer on a time-variable basis.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduce limitation on work input necessary to operate device and, at the same time, accommplishes increase in relative amount of isotonic exercise provided by operation of system.
(DE4112730-C2)      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.
(US5254179-A)      The photovoltaic device comprises a transparent, electrically insulating substrate, photoelectric conversion elements using thin-layer technology, disposed as a stack on the substrate. The photoelectric conversion elements comprising a layer of material forming an opaque electrode traversed by cuts or openings, exhibiting a groove shape which is elongate in a transverse direction of the cell and forming between them bands of material which are oriented in the direction of the photogenerated current lines.    A reinforced insulation of the cuts by a protective shoulder between layers may be provided. The invention    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Eg for vehicle roof, boat roof or building window, door or veranda. Permits partial-transparency solar cells or modules to be obtained. Reduces risk of short circuits between layers.    (EP500451-B1)      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.
(EP499806-A1)      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. (7pp Dwg.No.2/3)    (EP499806-B1)      A turbine arrangement, in the case of which centrifugal pumps, more particularly submersible motor pumps, operated as turbines constitute the turbine assemblies, the impellers of the centrifugal pumps have a specific speed of rotation (Nq) greater than 150 min-1 and the turbine assemblies are arranged within a pipe system connecting a collecting pool and a discharge pool, characterised in that that the turbine assemblies (5-7) are arranged in passages (2-4) connecting the pools (1 and 8) together, in that the intake openings (-11) arranged in the collecting pools (1) of the passages (2-4) are arranged at different levels, in that the turbine assemblies (5-7) are provided with a brake device and in that a device (13) adapted to measure the liquid level above the intake openings (9-11) controls the operation of the turbine assemblies (5-7).
(GB2252367-B)      A power turbine installation for use in a current of water such as a river comprising a floating support held against movement with the current, a turbine rotor mounted with respect to the support and moveable between a position where it is fully immersed in the water and a position where it is at least partially above the water surface, the rotor being moveable in response to current rate such that the rotor tends to lift out of the water as the current increases.
(DE4102031-C2)      The method of increasing mental efficiency involves applying a physical load to at least 1/6 of the person's musculature in the range of about 50 to 60 per cent of the physical load at the threshold between the aerobic and anaerobic regions.    Loading of the brain is commenced after a preliminary period necessary for the at least approximate adaptation of the circulation to the applied load. At the end of the preliminary period at least one load dependent parameter for circulation intensity, pref. pulse rate, is measured. For simple and complex thought processes the physical load is held in a higher and lower load region respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method enables mental efficiency to be increased without applying thought influencing techniques.
(US5167786-A)      The wave-power collection appts. includes a pilaster device located extending to protrude for a preselected distance above the high water line. A float is trackingly mounted for movement along the pilaster in response to tidal and wave motion. A generator is mounted on the pilaster, for generating current from the movement of the float. An electrolysis device is electrically connected to the generator and in liquid communication with the water. The electrolysis device generates hydrogen and oxygen utilizing the current generated. The electrolysis device includes at least two opposingly charged electrodes.    A gas separator is mounted on the pilaster and is generally disposed between the electrodes, for separating oxygen and hydrogen gases produced by electrolysis. A compressor is mounted on the pilaster for compressing at least hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is stored using at least a portion of the float, with the storage device being in fluid communication with the output of the compressor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing hydrogen and/or oxygen partic. suited for oceanic installation. Alt. converts sea water into potable water. Efficient, economical, captures and stores large volume of gas. Easily assembleld and installed at sea.
(WO9212564-A1)      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.    (EP521118-A1)      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 maybe provided to ensure that the electrical appts. is not switched off during change of rider.    USE -   For operating TV, video recroder stereo system, etc. to encourage physical exercise.
(WO9219016-A1)      Photovoltaic array for use as a soalr 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 assembies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the othe 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.
(DE4142566-A)      The appts. tests a multiplexer separating an input string into 2k outputs. A test pulse string generator and a pulse error measuring device, using the generator clock frequency divided down to 1/2k, generate a same pattern first 2k-1 bit period M-sequence and respectively shift it m-bits and p-bits to obtain a second M-sequence.    Test and reference pulse strings of the desired mark ratio are logically derived from the respective M-sequence pairs. A mismatch detector compares reference and demultiplexer output strings on a bitwise basis to satisfy p = (m+v(2N-1))/2k, where m, p, k, N are positive integers and V is a desired integer.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple construction. Avoids need for large capacity memory to store desired mark ratio reference string.    (DE4142566-C2)      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.
(US5308300-A)      The step load is varied and controlled during the training so as to impart the optimum exercise load to the exerciser. The machine includes a frame, a plate for mounting various parts at a lower portion of the frame, a pair of crankarms each pivotally mounted by a pivot shaft on the plate and having a step member mounted on its one end movable up and down through a predetermined angle.    An eddy current load device is rotated by the swinging movement of the pair of crank arms and individual data of the exerciser is input. The pulse value of the exerciser is measured. A detector detects the rotation frequency of the load device and a processor extracts a control signal and a display displays predetermined data extracted by the processor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A step-type training machine in which the exerciser trains using a predetermined load while detecting the pulse of the exerciser. Target heart rate is set so exercise can be aerobically effective and exercise load maintains target heart rate.
(US5131954-A)      Method comprises (a) providing an insulating substrate, a bottom electrode, a semiconductor with 1st side electrically communicating with the bottom and a top electrode electrically communicating with the 2nd side, (b) etching parts of both electrode materials and semiconductor body to provide grooves to define cells, (c) defining a contact pad area associated with each cell, each pad coextensive with only a minor portion of one groove, (d) etching top electrode and semiconductor in each contact pad area to expose bottom electrode material, (e) vacuum depositing a contact member on each exposed portion. laterally spaced from the semiconductor body, (f) depositing insulating material on exposed substrate in each groove, and (g) dispersing an electroconductive interconnect in contact with the contact member of a 1st cell and top electrode of an adjacent cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Small contact area provides increased active cell area and hence high photo conversion.
(US5238519-A)      Thin film layer of dielectric material is laminated on to at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, to encapsulate it, in equipment having a horizontal rack (62) with vertically spaced rigid supports trays (64) receiving the solar panels. Via a hollow support member (72), air is withdrawn from trays to provide vacuum for lamination. The top surface of each tray has an o-ring seal. An oven (86) receives the rack to heat it for curing an adhesive bonding layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Economic handling method is provided.    (JP6510631-W)      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.
(US5273608-A)      A method is provided for mfg. an encapsulated flexible photovoltaic device comprising unwinding a portion of a roll of adhesive material under tension and placing a thin photovoltaic device on the unwound portion such that is supported. Portions of rolls of flexible back and front encapsulant are unwound under tension and interleaved to provide a layered structure on the order front encapsulant, photovoltaic device, adhesive, and back encapsulant.    The layered structure is rolled up under tension such as to flex the photovoltaic device and provide a tightly wound roll. The roll is heated for a sufficient time to activate the adhesive.    USE -   For continuous photovoltaic laminate mfr.
(US5248345-A)      The device comprises amorphous Si based solar cells each on the light receiving side of a common transparent substrate, and an amorphous semiconductor layer between a transparent electrode and a metal electrode. The solar cells are interconnected in a series or series-parallel fashion by means of the electrodes. The metal electrode comprises a 0.2-0.8 microns thick metal film composed of (from the amorphous semiconductor layer side) layers of Al, an additive metal for Al bronze and Cu, deposited by sputtering. The additive is Fe, Mn or esp. Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar cells, photosensors etc. Easy soldering of lead wires and high operating reliability.    (EP482511-B1)      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.
(US5147468-A)      The device includes (a) a high temp. resistant electrically insulating substrate and (b) photovoltaic elements on the substrate and connected to each other in series and comprising (i) 1st low resistivity semiconductor layers spaced apart at a set interval, (ii) 2nd semiconductor layers selectively disposed on the 1st layers, so that part of the respective 1st layer is not covered by the corresponding 2nd layer, and each 2nd layer only contacting the respective 1st layer, each 2nd layer including a photovoltaic junction, and (iii) electrodes on respective 2nd layers each contacting a 1st layer adjacent the 1st layer corresponding to the 2nd layer on which the respective electrode is disposed. An insulating layer is disposed between adjacent 1st layers, and including an opening at one of the 1st layers where an electrode contacts the layer. A 2nd insulating layer is disposed beside respective 2nd layers.    ADVANTAGE -   High conversion efficiency. Characteristics are not degraded with light exposure.    (DE4122845-C2)      The photovoltaic semiconductor device has a number of photovoltaic elements connected in series on a substrate (1), each element having a first semiconductor layer (3a) of polycrystalline silicium which is formed in sections to have a low resistance on a high-temp.-resistant, insulating substrate and serves as a first electrode.    Each of the elements has also a second semiconductor layer (5) formed selectively on the first layer and having a polycrystalline silicium layer and also a semiconductor junction. It is formed so that a part of the first layer is exposed and so that the second layer can be out of contact with the first layer of the next element. There is on the second layer a second electrode (7) in contact with the first layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for solar energy installation. The effectiveness of the energy conversion is increased.
(EP478010-A3)      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.    .D    (EP478010-B1)      Process for producing a continuous web of an electrically insulated metallic substrate for a solar cell a printed circuit board or an IC board, comprising the steps of depositing an insulation layer of non-monocrystalline material of Si(1-x-y)CyNx:H (wherein x is 0.1 to 0.9, O &lt; y &lt; 0.1, and x + Y up to 1) or Si(1-x-y) CyOx:H (wherein x and y are as defined above) on a continuous web of a metallic substrate by plasma CVD method or sputtering method, and depositing a back electrode on the insulation layer by sputtering method or vapor deposition method.
(DE4026165-C)      A noise damping wall for roads (A) consists of a laminate of 2 glass panes with a plastic interlayer, pref. made of an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer of polyvinylbutyral with (B) a solar cell arrangement (SCA) placed onto the side of (A) facing solar radiation, after (A) has been fitted. A cover glass plate is fitted on the SCA on the side facing solar radiation. The SCA is enclosed by at least 1 transparent compound film of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer or polyvinylbutyral, which completely fills the remaining space between (A) and the cover glass plate. The SC are at least partly amorphous SC, which are partially transparent.    The SCA pref. contains polycrystalline SC. The cover glass plate consists of an organic glass, which has been chemically or thermally prestressed.    ADVANTAGE -   A simply constructed, at least partially transparent wall having good safety and noise damping properties and which is highly suitable for the prodn. of energy.
(US5336933-A)      The device has a turbine (24) that includes a number of axially extending cup like sails (20) mounted on a freely rotating hub (22). A fluid mover (28) in the form of a fan or blower, as would be used when the fluid medium is air or a water pump when the fluid medium is water, tangentially directs a flow of fluid under high velocity onto the turbine sails.    This induces rotation and creates an unconfined vortex around the device (10). A power generator produces electrical energy from the rotation of the rotor which revolves due to the combined impingement of the fluid mover (28) and intensified regenerated circular fluid movement created by the artificially created unconfined vortex.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fluid-augmented free-vortex power generating device that is driven by either prevailing winds or water.
(US5141479-A)      The drive arrangement for a treadmill includes an electrical motor having a stator winding and an armature winding connected in series with each other and in parallel with a rectified power source. The rectified power source has both a DC component and an AC component. The series connected 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 of the type normally used with DC motor drives can be used 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. Other features include the use of a speed measuring device mounted adjacent a rotating shaft of the motor to provide direct feedback of motor speed to the speed control circuitry.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient and quiet operation. Compact.    (GB2246522-B)      A drive arrangement for an exercise treadmill having a frame and an endless belt mounted within the frame, comprising electric drive means for driving the endless belt to provide a moving exercise surface, means for receiving electrical power from an AC power source, and rectifier means for rectifying the Ac power to provide a rectified source of power for the electric drive means, said rectified power source having a DC component and an AC component, wherein said electric drive means comprises a universal electric motor which produces torque for driving the endless belt from both the AC component and the DC component of said electric power source and which has serially connected stator and armature windings so as to prevent degradation at the performance of the drive means by the AC component of the rectified power source.
(US5091018-A)      Solar cell array comprises a solar energy collector and a number of solar cell units. A first gp. of cells is made of GaAs and a second gp. of cells is made of GaSb, each stacked relative to and physically separate from a corresp GaAs cell. GaAs cells have a multiple layer at the surface of different materials forming an anti-reflective crating passing wavelengths longer than those absorbed gy GaAs, with a layer which reflects free electrons towards a p-n junction on the GaAs cell. GaSb cells have a p-type diffusion layer and radiation recovering layer, with a metallised lower surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased energy conversion efficiency for satellite photovoltaic device.    (US5123968-A)      An array of tandem solar cell units in a housing comprises (a) rows and columns of discrete solar cell units including an upper cell having a first pair of terminals, a lower cell mounted in optical alignment with and beneath a corresp. upper cell, the lower cell having a second pair of terminals; (b) a support member of electrically insulating, thermally conducting material, anchored to the housing, and contacting and having an aperture optically aligned with, the upper and lower cells, for transmission of solar energy between the upper cell to the lower cell; (c) electrical conductors carried by member (b) which provide electrical current paths between the upper and lower surfaces of the upper and lower cells, and the first and second pairs of terminals; (d) a solar energy concentrating element associated with each solar cell unit; and (e) a first anti-reflective material on an upper surface of an upper cell, and a second anti-reflective material between the lower surface of the upper cell and the upper surface of the lower cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Incident sunlight is converted to electric power with high energy conversion efficiency.
(US5145481-A)      A ski exercise machine includes side-by-side, wheeled foot skate assemblies positioned on three tracks, a centre track and two outer tracks. Movable arm poles are operably connected to the centre track and extend generally upwardly and outwardly from between the skate assemblies.    The foot skates are attached to an adjustable resistance belt system and the arm poles are rotated about an adjustable resistance system.    ADVANTAGE -   The ski exercise machine is ergonomically designed for aesthetic appearance as well as function and utility in exercising.
(US5289999-A)      A support has an upper planar surface with a recess having parallel flanges along its edges on which the solar cell element is supported. The second lamination is coplanar with the upper surface, the solar element being firmly connected to the support by the second lamination.    The support comprises two mats with a rigid foam profile inserted in between, and connecting ducts that run perpendicularly to the planes of the mats. The profile is connected to the mats by a synthetic resin applied in the flowable state to the outside of the first mat and aspirated by a vacuum through the first mat, through the connecting ducts and through the second mat to impart smooth surfaces to the mats and, hence, the support.    USE -   Frameless encapsulated solar cell (solar laminate) on supports.    (JP7007170-A)      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)@
(US5924287-A)      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.
(DE4220171-C2)      Ion and electron conducting polymers with polar reactive gps. are prepared. A gaseous monomer, e.g. perfluoroethylene is led into a discharge chamber with an ion source without electrodes. The monomer dissociates and is partly ionised. The ions are accelerated by an ion source extraction system with energy of 20-200eV and directed against a substrate surface where polymerisation occurs. A second ion source aims such ion that form polar reactive gp. with energy of between 100eV and 10KeV and these are enclosed in the developing polymer layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ionically conducting thin films are prepd. for technical high value uses, e.g. polymer solar cell
(US7700813-N)      Planar photovoltaic concentrator module for producing an electrical signal from incident solar radiation includes an electrically insulating housing (12) with front wall (14) formed from one or more lenses (15), pref. plastic Fresnel lenses, which direct solar radiation on to a pair of solar cell assemblies (24) via a refractive optical element (28) in contact with the cell. Cell output terminals are connected to a planar conductor (30) and a conductive spacer (32).    ADVANTAGE -   Resistant to moisture and dirt, reduced temp. effect.
(DE4203050-C2)      An electric motor system, consisting of several individual motors (8) arranged in a housing (7). The motors are individually switchable electrically and are connected with a common driveshaft (1) across gearing. The individual motors are designed as small DC motors distributed concentrically around the driven shaft (1), in several circles and respectively at the circle circumference. The motors are arranged fixed in the housing (7).    The individual motors are connected to the driven shaft discs (9) across gearing and a common driven element (5). The gearing engages at different radii to the driven element (5). The gearing can take several forms, e.g. spur gears, a worm drive or a friction drive. The DC motors can be replaced by small compressed air motors (49).    ADVANTAGE -   Achieves large outputs and torques, also part power output with high efficiency.
(US5176758-A)      The photovoltaic device includes a power generating sheet that has an electrically conductive substrate and a number of layers of semiconductive alloy material adhered onto a substrate to form at least one photovoltaic cell. An electrically conductive electrode is adhered to the top layer, i.e. top surface, of the semiconductive alloy material.    A number of apertures pass through the power generating sheet to let a portion of light to pass therethrough. The power generating sheet is lamintated to an optically transparent material such as, for example, glass or platic. It is desirable that the apertures are sized to diffract most of the light that passes therethrough, thereby scattering the light and forming an optically transmissive device.    USE -   On car roofs and arthitectural glass.
(EP539535-A1)      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.
(US5279680-A)      Solar module is mfd. from outer panes of glass (14,24) with intermediate panes (14,16) bonded to top and bottom outer panes by laminated films or cast resin layers (12,22). Intermediate panes heat crack planes (28) running perpendicular to the module plane, the crack planes being produced by mechanical and/or thermal stressing, partic. edge stressing. A plastic layer (20) contains an array of polycrystalline solar cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy conversion. Improvement of aesthetic appearance without redn. of yield.    (JP6204543-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.
(DE4112834-C2)      A solar cell (1) on a larger base (2) tracks the sun using optical elements to concentrate the sun's light into a moving spot. The bottom of the solar cell has a magnet (6) and the top of the base has several detectors which produce a magnetic field when exposed to the light spot. Pref. the detectors are in the form of a photocell matrix.    Pref. the photocells have pn junctions acting as solar cells and fitted with coils to produce the magnetic field. The photocells are pref. phototransistors which connect their coils to a supply when exposed to the light spot. Pref. the main solar cell floats on a fluid (5) above the base which is curved so that the concentrated rays always impinge vertically onto its surface.    ADVANTAGE -   No moving parts and no drive motor in the tracking system.
(DE4219000-A)      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 parbolic 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.    (US7712812-N)      A reflector includes a number of concave conic sectional surfaces of rotation arranged about a common axis, each comprising a reflective surface element. Each element is defined in a set manner by its spacing in an axial direction to the front of a parabolic reference dish that has a vertex spaced apart from the target plane by a distance equal to its focal length, to produce uniform flux concentrations in the range of about 75 to 300 suns.    Pref., three to five spherical concentric reflective surface elements are employed, each of equal reflective surface area and each element having a curvature equal to one half the focal length of the reference dish. The specularity of the reflective elements is deliberately degraded in a set manner to achieve a desired moderate flux intensity and evenness of distribution over the target plane.    ADVANTAGE -   Concentrates uniform flux on target without requirement of receiver element or secondary concentrator. Accounts for real world optical errors and sun shade effects.
(US5252139-A)      The panel structure suitable has an electrically insulating transparent support substrate. Photosensitive elements are constituted by thin layers stacked on a first face of the substrate and have an opaque electrically conducting layer. Openings are formed through this opaque layer in order to allow a portion of the light received by the structure to traverse the photosensitive elements.    An electrically insulating transparent potting layer covering the same photoactive conversion elements and over the top, a protecting plate. This plate may be curved. In this case, the potting layer will be constituted by an adhesive sheet.    USE -   For forming photovoltaic device.
(US5279679-A)      Multilayered photovoltaic element e.g. for solar cells consists of a substrate (101), 500-5000 Angstrom thick, with a surface pattern causing irregular reflection; a bottom cell (120) with an i-type semiconductor layer (104) layer having a band gap within 1.3-1.45 eV, 1000-3000 Angstrom thick; a second cell (121) with i-type semiconductor layer (114) having a band gap of 1.45-1.60 eV, the layer consisting of a Si Ge-contg. amorphous material; and a third cell (122) with an i-type semiconductor layer with a band gap of 1.6-2.2 eV, 500-2000 Angstrom thick. A transparent electrode (106) provides a light incident surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High reliability and conversion efficiency after long periods.
(US5203170-A)      The Stirling engine generating system has a Stirling engine driven by solar heat which is used as a heat input source for the engine, a generator driven by the Stirling engine, a temp. sensor detecting the temp. of an operational gas enclosed in an operational space of the engine, and an operational gas tank communication with the operational space via a pair of conduits. One way valves, interposed in the corresp. conduits so as to invert the flow direction of the operational gas in each conduit, are opened and closed.    A field magnet control device adjusts the rotational speed of the generator. A temp. regulator controls the opening and closing action of the opening and closing valves to vary the operational gas pressure in the operational space in response to a detected signal of the temp. sensor and to control the field magnet control device.    ADVANTAGE -   Maintains high efficiency independent of engine power range.    (JP3018550-B2)      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.
(US5259891-A)      The integrated solar battery includes a number of solar batteries serially connected. An upper electrode of one of a pair of adjacent solar batteries and a lower electrode of the other solar battery are connected via a lead wire. A groove of the boundary of the adjacent solar batteries is filled with an insulative material to a thickness sufficient to cover edge portions of the adjacent solar batteries.    A conductive material is arranged so as to connect an upper portion of the insulative material and the upper electrode of one of the adjacent solar batteries. The lead wire is arranged over the insulative material along the groove portion of the boundary of the adjacent solar batteries so as to be connected to the conductive material. The lead wire is connected to the lower electrode of the other solar battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short circuit between adjacent cells; improved module efficiency due to reduced shadowing.
(DE4112730-C2)      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.
(US5254179-A)      The photovoltaic device comprises a transparent, electrically insulating substrate, photoelectric conversion elements using thin-layer technology, disposed as a stack on the substrate. The photoelectric conversion elements comprising a layer of material forming an opaque electrode traversed by cuts or openings, exhibiting a groove shape which is elongate in a transverse direction of the cell and forming between them bands of material which are oriented in the direction of the photogenerated current lines.    A reinforced insulation of the cuts by a protective shoulder between layers may be provided. The invention    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Eg for vehicle roof, boat roof or building window, door or veranda. Permits partial-transparency solar cells or modules to be obtained. Reduces risk of short circuits between layers.    (EP500451-B1)      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.
(US5409550-A)      A solar cell module having an aperture concentrator and primary photoactive area. The light energy along the principal axis of the concentrator is concentrated on the primary photoactive area. A secondary photoactive area is irradiated by light propagated in different directions.    Pref. the concentrator is a Fresnel lens and the photoactive area is silicon in gallium arsenide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cells. A reasonable output is obtained even if the cell is not correctly aligned with the sun.
(EP563242-A1)      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 wind vane 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.
(GB2252341-B)      A fence incorporating rotational elements being revolving shafts with blades or stationary shafts with revolving blades being secured in any part, in any size and in any number to the fence and with the principal force causing the rotational elements to revolve being that of the wind, thus allowing the wind to pass through the rotational elements.
(DE4101637-C2)      The folder has hinged elements linked in series whcih open/closed in concertina fashion round two axes running along parallel edges of the elements. A hinged joint (3) is worked into both ends of a pair of hinges (2a, b) at short intervals from the end to serve as fixer tabs (4).    The hinge length between the hinged joints is determined by the distance between the hinge axes. Pref. ball-action, snappers are fitted to the hinges (2a, b) and ball bearings are fitted to the respectiv hinge axes so the ball can snap into these when the elements are closed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Shelving, solar panels on satellites etc. Sturdy, easy-running construction.
(US5167786-A)      The wave-power collection appts. includes a pilaster device located extending to protrude for a preselected distance above the high water line. A float is trackingly mounted for movement along the pilaster in response to tidal and wave motion. A generator is mounted on the pilaster, for generating current from the movement of the float. An electrolysis device is electrically connected to the generator and in liquid communication with the water. The electrolysis device generates hydrogen and oxygen utilizing the current generated. The electrolysis device includes at least two opposingly charged electrodes.    A gas separator is mounted on the pilaster and is generally disposed between the electrodes, for separating oxygen and hydrogen gases produced by electrolysis. A compressor is mounted on the pilaster for compressing at least hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is stored using at least a portion of the float, with the storage device being in fluid communication with the output of the compressor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing hydrogen and/or oxygen partic. suited for oceanic installation. Alt. converts sea water into potable water. Efficient, economical, captures and stores large volume of gas. Easily assembleld and installed at sea.
(WO9219016-A1)      Photovoltaic array for use as a soalr 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 assembies (14) directly supported by structural members of the grid and closing the upper side of the grid, all the othe 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.
(DE4142565-A)      A supporting structure for solar cells is 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 together for coupling to a regulating system. The rows (20a-20d) can also form column, 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). Make use of open area to use sunlight usually wasted and sometime, not wanted.
(DE4142566-A)      The appts. tests a multiplexer separating an input string into 2k outputs. A test pulse string generator and a pulse error measuring device, using the generator clock frequency divided down to 1/2k, generate a same pattern first 2k-1 bit period M-sequence and respectively shift it m-bits and p-bits to obtain a second M-sequence.    Test and reference pulse strings of the desired mark ratio are logically derived from the respective M-sequence pairs. A mismatch detector compares reference and demultiplexer output strings on a bitwise basis to satisfy p = (m+v(2N-1))/2k, where m, p, k, N are positive integers and V is a desired integer.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple construction. Avoids need for large capacity memory to store desired mark ratio reference string.    (DE4142566-C2)      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.
(US5140856-A)      The rotor is carried on a horizontal shaft in a generator nacelle which is rotatable about a vertical yaw axis atop a supporting tower. The process includes locking the nacelle to the two independently of the presence of any mechanism for driving the nacelle about the yaw axis relative to the tower.    While the nacelle is locked to the tower, the value of a phenomenon the magnitude of which is indicative of unbalance of the rotor is measured. The locking step includes releasably yet securely connecting between the nacelle and the tower a rigid member.    USE -   Process for in situ balancing of a wind turbine rotor as a component of a wind-powered generator.
(EP559638-A1)      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.    (EP559638-B1)      Apparatus for collection and concentration of electromagnetic radiation comprising a primary reflector (25) having a reflective surface which is fixed, having a substantially longitudinal axis (26) parallel to the longitudinal extension of the surface which is open to one side to allow the radiation to enter from that one side and to be reflected generally toward the longitudinal axis (26), a secondary reflector (35) mounted coaxial to the axis 926) and having an external relative surface (38) characterised in that the external reflective surface (38) of the secondary reflector (35) is generally conical so as to converge from a wider end surrounding the axis (26) toward a narrower end and is shaped and arranged so as to reflect radiation from the primary reflector (25) in a direction substantially parallel to the axis (26), and a third reflector (36) having a concave reflective surface mounted so as to receive the radiation from the second reflector (35) and shaped to converge the radiation by reflection toward a focus (58) for collection.
(DE4039945-C2)      The solar cell module described has a number of solar cells connected in series (11 to 15) and a number of diodes (21 to 5) connected in series, directly adjacent and running parallel to one another. The cells and also the diodes are formed using the thin layer technique on a common substrate (2) and all have the same sequence of layers - a front, transparent electrode layer (7) facing the incident light, a photosensitive layer (8) and a rear electrode layer (9) facing away from the substrate. There is a first continuous electrode layer region (7a) which is common to the outermost solar cell and the outermost diode on one side of the diodes and cells and almost a second continuous electrode layer region (76) on the other side. The cells and the diodes are separated by a trench (10).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for solar energy techniques. A very compact arrangement of cells and diodes.
(US5213626-A)      The transparent pane for vehicles has a transparent outer layer and a solar laminate lying flat against the inside of this outer layer. An active part of the solar laminate comprises a first subsection located in an outer edge area of the pane. The first subsection being formed of a crystalline semiconductor material and a second subsection. The second subsection is formed of an amorphous semiconductor material.    The whole area of the transparent outer layer that is free of crystalline semiconductor material has solar cells whose active part is formed of amorphous semiconductor material placed beneath it. Solar cells with crystalline semiconductor material and solar cells with amorphous semiconductor material are each interconnected into separate gps. in a manner that the voltage supplied by the gps. is at least approximately equal.    USE -   Transparent cover for vehicle sliding or lifting roof.    (JP3031768-B2)      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.
(US5191225-A)      The wave power apparatus (10) includes a chamber (10) which may be constructed over a coastal gully (12) so that waves (14) 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 Wells type biplane turbine (34) in the duct drives a generator (36).    The turbine compries two turbine discs (45) 0.5m apart, each defining a hub, aerofoil section straight blades (80) and an outer ring (56). The ring 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 might have a kinetic energy of at least 1 MJ when rotating at 1650 rpm.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates torque transmission problems between flywheel and turbine.    (JP6093953-A)      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.
(US5176552-A)      The luminous float includes a float body, a resistance plate and a light-emitting device. The light emitting device emits 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 connecting element. 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.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Beacons for e.g. fisheries and ocean constructions, easily maintained, generates electricity when sea is calm, no battery required.
(US5131954-A)      Method comprises (a) providing an insulating substrate, a bottom electrode, a semiconductor with 1st side electrically communicating with the bottom and a top electrode electrically communicating with the 2nd side, (b) etching parts of both electrode materials and semiconductor body to provide grooves to define cells, (c) defining a contact pad area associated with each cell, each pad coextensive with only a minor portion of one groove, (d) etching top electrode and semiconductor in each contact pad area to expose bottom electrode material, (e) vacuum depositing a contact member on each exposed portion. laterally spaced from the semiconductor body, (f) depositing insulating material on exposed substrate in each groove, and (g) dispersing an electroconductive interconnect in contact with the contact member of a 1st cell and top electrode of an adjacent cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Small contact area provides increased active cell area and hence high photo conversion.
(US5186013-A)      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.
(US5238519-A)      Thin film layer of dielectric material is laminated on to at least one exposed surface of a solar panel, to encapsulate it, in equipment having a horizontal rack (62) with vertically spaced rigid supports trays (64) receiving the solar panels. Via a hollow support member (72), air is withdrawn from trays to provide vacuum for lamination. The top surface of each tray has an o-ring seal. An oven (86) receives the rack to heat it for curing an adhesive bonding layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Economic handling method is provided.    (JP6510631-W)      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.
(US5366341-A)      The fluid pump capable of raising fluid comprises a conduit in the form of a helix of tubing to provide a closed path. A support includes a shaft for rotationally supporting the helix for rotary motion about its longitudinal axis. One or more additional helices are superimposed on the helix. An inlet is defined by an open end of semi-circular coil on one end of the helix for scooping fluid on rotation of the helix.    Each helix has an inlet spaced radially about the shaft. An outlet on the other end of the helix, is aligned with the shaft. There is a rotary coupling and seal on the shaft, and a ratchet rotates the shaft intermittently in one direction only.    ADVANTAGE -   Pump can be powered by valve motion or other slow power sources.
(US5273608-A)      A method is provided for mfg. an encapsulated flexible photovoltaic device comprising unwinding a portion of a roll of adhesive material under tension and placing a thin photovoltaic device on the unwound portion such that is supported. Portions of rolls of flexible back and front encapsulant are unwound under tension and interleaved to provide a layered structure on the order front encapsulant, photovoltaic device, adhesive, and back encapsulant.    The layered structure is rolled up under tension such as to flex the photovoltaic device and provide a tightly wound roll. The roll is heated for a sufficient time to activate the adhesive.    USE -   For continuous photovoltaic laminate mfr.
(US5248345-A)      The device comprises amorphous Si based solar cells each on the light receiving side of a common transparent substrate, and an amorphous semiconductor layer between a transparent electrode and a metal electrode. The solar cells are interconnected in a series or series-parallel fashion by means of the electrodes. The metal electrode comprises a 0.2-0.8 microns thick metal film composed of (from the amorphous semiconductor layer side) layers of Al, an additive metal for Al bronze and Cu, deposited by sputtering. The additive is Fe, Mn or esp. Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar cells, photosensors etc. Easy soldering of lead wires and high operating reliability.    (EP482511-B1)      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.
(US5147468-A)      The device includes (a) a high temp. resistant electrically insulating substrate and (b) photovoltaic elements on the substrate and connected to each other in series and comprising (i) 1st low resistivity semiconductor layers spaced apart at a set interval, (ii) 2nd semiconductor layers selectively disposed on the 1st layers, so that part of the respective 1st layer is not covered by the corresponding 2nd layer, and each 2nd layer only contacting the respective 1st layer, each 2nd layer including a photovoltaic junction, and (iii) electrodes on respective 2nd layers each contacting a 1st layer adjacent the 1st layer corresponding to the 2nd layer on which the respective electrode is disposed. An insulating layer is disposed between adjacent 1st layers, and including an opening at one of the 1st layers where an electrode contacts the layer. A 2nd insulating layer is disposed beside respective 2nd layers.    ADVANTAGE -   High conversion efficiency. Characteristics are not degraded with light exposure.    (DE4122845-C2)      The photovoltaic semiconductor device has a number of photovoltaic elements connected in series on a substrate (1), each element having a first semiconductor layer (3a) of polycrystalline silicium which is formed in sections to have a low resistance on a high-temp.-resistant, insulating substrate and serves as a first electrode.    Each of the elements has also a second semiconductor layer (5) formed selectively on the first layer and having a polycrystalline silicium layer and also a semiconductor junction. It is formed so that a part of the first layer is exposed and so that the second layer can be out of contact with the first layer of the next element. There is on the second layer a second electrode (7) in contact with the first layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for solar energy installation. The effectiveness of the energy conversion is increased.
(US5110370-A)      Photovoltaic device is made by firstly providing a photovoltaic cell which includes a bottom electrode layer (I), a photovoltaic body disposed on top of layer (I), a top electrode layer (II) disposed on top of the photovoltaic body and an electrically-conductive, current-collecting grid line (III), in electrical contact with layer (II). A layer (IV) of embossable, transparent, organic, polymeric, encapsulating material is disposed on top of layer (II). An embossing die, including at least one groove-forming element, is provided. The die is aligned with the photovoltaic cell so that the element of the die is in registry with at least part of the length of line (III) and in contact with layer (IV). The die and cell are then compressed so as to emboss a groove into layer (IV). Finally, the die is removed.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell so produced has a groove integral with the encapsulant layer, the groove being operable to direct incident illumination away from the grid line so as to decrease its shading effects.
(US5118961-A)      The fluid driven turbine generator comprises a housing with a fluid inlet and outlet to allow fluid flow to and from the turbine generator. A rotor is provided in the housing and has an circumferential roughened surface, driven by the fluid being applied to the fluid inlet and roughened surface.    A electric generator produces electricity and includes a core element and a magnetic element, with one of the elements stationary relative the housing and the other element secured to and spinning with the rotor. The rotor comprises a receptacle shaped portion and one of the elements is secured to the receptacle shaped portion.    ADVANTAGE -   Electricity is available at no cost on sites such as oil platforms at sea. Turbine generators may also be operated at no cost at pressure reduction stations for natural gas pipelines. Such stations are typically located in metropolitan areas where gas pressure is released from a higher pressure for transportation in the pipeline to a lower pressure for business or residual use.
(EP478010-A3)      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.    .D    (EP478010-B1)      Process for producing a continuous web of an electrically insulated metallic substrate for a solar cell a printed circuit board or an IC board, comprising the steps of depositing an insulation layer of non-monocrystalline material of Si(1-x-y)CyNx:H (wherein x is 0.1 to 0.9, O &lt; y &lt; 0.1, and x + Y up to 1) or Si(1-x-y) CyOx:H (wherein x and y are as defined above) on a continuous web of a metallic substrate by plasma CVD method or sputtering method, and depositing a back electrode on the insulation layer by sputtering method or vapor deposition method.
(WO9210555-A1)      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 n + m is at least 9; RE = metal at the rare earth series in the = 3 oxidation state; L = mono-or polydentate ligand, opt,-coordinated; 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. further substd. with substits and an opt. counterion D.    The neodymium chelate of 9-hydroxy-1-phenalenone is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Novel fluroescent 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 in irradiated with sunlight. The chelates can also be used for liquid and solid state lasers, phosphors and wavelength shifters for optical communication.
(GB2247925-B)      A device for generating electricity from sea waves, the device comprising a wheel mounted on a body for rotation about a vertical axis, the body having a conical upper surface extending upwardly towards said vertical axis, a plurality of blades mounted on said wheel and extending substantially radially therefrom so as to be positioned above said conical upper surface, each blade being mounted for limited pivotal movement about a respective axis extending from the wheel parallel to said conical upper surface, an electric generator, and connecting means including a flywheel for transmitting drive from said wheel to said electric generator, the arrangement being such that sea waves passing over said conical upper surface, act on said blades to rotate said wheel and drive said generator.
(DE4026165-C)      A noise damping wall for roads (A) consists of a laminate of 2 glass panes with a plastic interlayer, pref. made of an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer of polyvinylbutyral with (B) a solar cell arrangement (SCA) placed onto the side of (A) facing solar radiation, after (A) has been fitted. A cover glass plate is fitted on the SCA on the side facing solar radiation. The SCA is enclosed by at least 1 transparent compound film of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer or polyvinylbutyral, which completely fills the remaining space between (A) and the cover glass plate. The SC are at least partly amorphous SC, which are partially transparent.    The SCA pref. contains polycrystalline SC. The cover glass plate consists of an organic glass, which has been chemically or thermally prestressed.    ADVANTAGE -   A simply constructed, at least partially transparent wall having good safety and noise damping properties and which is highly suitable for the prodn. of energy.
(DE4124795-C2)      A solar module which is covered by transparent material (1), such as glass and which has a structured surface with peaks (2), having solar cells (3) underneath.    The structure consists of repeated grooves with a prismatic section, designed for non-tracking and non-concentrating systems.    The module is aligned diagonally, approximately in a north-south direction.The suns direct rays are absorbed optimally and the vertically running channels are ket clean by rainwater.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Terrestrial solar power installations. Reflection for perpendicular incidence of sun's rays is reduced.
(JP3084039-B2)      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 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.
(US5091018-A)      Solar cell array comprises a solar energy collector and a number of solar cell units. A first gp. of cells is made of GaAs and a second gp. of cells is made of GaSb, each stacked relative to and physically separate from a corresp GaAs cell. GaAs cells have a multiple layer at the surface of different materials forming an anti-reflective crating passing wavelengths longer than those absorbed gy GaAs, with a layer which reflects free electrons towards a p-n junction on the GaAs cell. GaSb cells have a p-type diffusion layer and radiation recovering layer, with a metallised lower surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased energy conversion efficiency for satellite photovoltaic device.    (US5123968-A)      An array of tandem solar cell units in a housing comprises (a) rows and columns of discrete solar cell units including an upper cell having a first pair of terminals, a lower cell mounted in optical alignment with and beneath a corresp. upper cell, the lower cell having a second pair of terminals; (b) a support member of electrically insulating, thermally conducting material, anchored to the housing, and contacting and having an aperture optically aligned with, the upper and lower cells, for transmission of solar energy between the upper cell to the lower cell; (c) electrical conductors carried by member (b) which provide electrical current paths between the upper and lower surfaces of the upper and lower cells, and the first and second pairs of terminals; (d) a solar energy concentrating element associated with each solar cell unit; and (e) a first anti-reflective material on an upper surface of an upper cell, and a second anti-reflective material between the lower surface of the upper cell and the upper surface of the lower cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Incident sunlight is converted to electric power with high energy conversion efficiency.
(US5121600-A)      The system includes a furnace using a fluidised bed combustor which burns the agricultural waste in an efficient manner. Two air flow loops pass through the furnace. In a first air flow loop, combustion air is formed into the furnace at two points. At the first point, fluidising air is introduced into the bottom of the fluid bed combustor to fluidise the particles within the fluid bed, typically alumina-silica sand. At the second point, combustion air is directed into the furnace above the fluid bed to provide a balanced draft in the furnace facilitating efficient combustion.    The furnace includes a radiant heat exchanger connected to the turbine as discussed below. Gases exiting the furnace pass through a convective heat exchanger, used to preheat the air passing through the radiant heat exchanger within the furnace, and then to a cyclone which removes ash from the combustion gases. The clean combustion gases pass from the cyclone through an air preheater used to heat both the air injected into the fluid bed and the air injected above the fluid bed. The cleaned combustion gases are exhausted from the system as gases after passing through an air preheater.    USE -   For generating electricity.
(US5924287-A)      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.
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.
(DE4119839-C2)      The electrode cell, esp. for gas forming and gas consuming electrolytic processes, includes using a housing with anodic and cathodic current distribution, as well as a fluidised electrode consisting of a powdery material with granules of up to 500 microns in dia. The fluidized electrode has a current distributor, which has a capillary structure over its edge region. The mean dia. of the powder granules is 10-100 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is efficient and reliable.
(JP3169975-B2)      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.
(JP3149453-B2)      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.
(BE1004688-A3)      A bipolar electrode comprises two electrically coupled parallel metal plates supporting an anode and a cathode, respectively. Electrical coupling is achieved by an electroconductive 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 electrode.    (US5266176-A)      A bipolar electrode for a series-type electrolyser has an electrically conductive coupling member (3) between two parallel metal plates (1,2), respectively carrying an anode (4) and a cathode (5). The member is a solid mass and the plates are held in close contact with and under pressure against it.    The mass is under a pressure of 1000-3000 MPa at its flow temp. and heat can be applied to the mass independently of heat released during electrolysis. The mass may be e.g. of metal or of thermoplastic polymer contg. metal particles or carbon fibres and may be heated by a pipe coil or by the Joule effect. A metal mass is e.g. of lead or lead alloy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for mfr. of Na chlorate soln. by electrolysis of aqueous NaCl, combined low electrical resistance, simplified construction allowing fast andeasy assemlby and disassembly, and effective escape of gas migrating to the interior of the electrode.
(DE4115941-A)      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 filter cap is provided. Each cell has a 2V 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.
(EP529550-A1)      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.
(EP511719-B1)      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.
(US5245267-A)      The double voltage alternator circuit has two alternators. Each associated with one of two batteries connected in series, and two alternator excitation current control circuits each of which receives a d.c. voltage from an auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with the corresponding alternator. Also has a single warning lamp connected between that terminal of a first one of the batteries which is not directly connected in series to the other battery and either auxiliary battery associated as in (a) or (b).    The auxiliary rectifier bridge (a) associated with that other battery, through an avalanche diode which enables current to pass through the lamp when the voltage at its terminals is greater than a predetermined value. The auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with the first battery (b), through a uni-directional circuit element such as a diode which prevents current from flowing between the two auxiliary rectifier bridges.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   for double voltage motor vehicle electrical circuit. Enables fault indication in double voltage circuit to be given using single lamp. Avoids increasing complexity or cost of circuits significantly.
(US36102-E)      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.
(JP2820165-B2)      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
(GB2254205-B)      Apparatus for charging a vehicle starter battery in-situ in a vehicle, comprising a handle part containing charge storing means connected to a pair of sockets which are spaced apart form one another by the same distance as the terminals of the battery it is required to charge, and a base part connectible to a mains supply and incorporating a converter for converting the mains voltage to a voltage for charging the charge storing means in the handle part, the output of the converter being connected to plug terminals which are spaced from one another by a distance equal to that of the socket spacing, whereby the handle part can be charged by placing it on the base part so that the plug terminals engage in the sockets, and the vehicle battery can then be charged by removing the charged-up handle part from the base part and placing the handle part on to the battery so that the sockets engage the battery terminals for discharge of the charge stored in the handle part into the battery.
(JP3142587-B2)      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
(DE4107616-C2)      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.
(JP7176318-A)      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.    tw
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.
(JP4270165-A)      Sintered compact of zirconia is made by moulding a slurry compsn. comprising zirconia powder, an organic binder and a solvent into a sheet, and firing the sheet. The zirconia powder contains 2-10 mol.% yttria, and has a specific surface area of BET process of 12 m2/g, and a prod. of mean particle size and the specific surface area of 3 microns m2/g.    USE -   Used for electronic machine components, sensors, fuel cells and razors    (US5292693-A)      A sheet-forming slurry compsn. comprises zirconia powder, an organic binder and a solvent. The zirconia powder contains 2-10 mol.% of yttria in solid soln. form and has a specific surface area of 5-10 m2/g as ;measured by BET method and a mean particle size multiplied by the specific surface area of up to 3 micron m.m2/g. The organic binder is present in an amt. of 16-30 pts.wt. per 100 pts. of zirconia powder.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. has improved flexibility, binder removal capability, sinterability, and dimensional stability which is fired into a sintered part having improved denseness, gas barrier property, and surface smoothness.
(EP499934-A1)      The fuel-cell construction combines several cells on a single ceramic support, which consist 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 untis which are attached to the support by a layer of an adhesive (5), pref. of constant thickness, and a sinterprocess. 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. LaxA(11-x)BO3 in which A = Ca, Sr and B is a transition metal, or a mixed NiO/ZrO2 oxide or Ni/ZrO2 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.
(US5262250-A)      Cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte diaphragm with narrow path(s) for supplying water embedded in it.    Pref., the path is formed by anticorrosive twisted yarns. The diaphragm lies between the electrodes and the path is closer to the cathode or the anode w.r.t. the embodiment. Water is supplied in the form of vapour by a pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases ionic conductivity. Water vapour control in the reaction gas is unrequired.    (JP3107229-B2)      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.    (EP499593-B1)      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.
(JP2576684-B2)      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
(US5397657-A)      The electrical conductivity of a thermal sprayed interconnector for solid electrolyte fuel cells is increased by thermal spraying a raw material comprising La chromite on the surface of a fuel or air electrode, and heat treating the sprayed film at at least 1250 deg.C.    The conductivity is increased by 100% or more to at least 6 s/cm. Pref. the raw material comprises one doping metal oxide selected from CuO and ZnO.    ADVANTAGE -   The film is thin and airtight, and can withstand high temp. corrosion.    (JP2719049-B2)      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
(US5175062-A)      The appts. includes fuel cells arranged in a stack. A reforming unit for use in reforming hydrocarbon fuel to produce hydrogen fuel gas for the fuel cells is disposed in the stack between two fuel cells. It includes a housing having an inlet for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and an outlet for outputting the hydrogen fuel gas. The housing also has a first surface facing the first fuel cell and a second surface facing the second cell.    The first fuel cell includes opposing anode side rails situated on the side of the first surface of the housing. The second fuel cell includes two cathode side rails situated on the side of the second surface of the housing. The reforming unit further includes a plate having opposing two surfaces for integrating the reforming unit with the fuel cells. The second surface of the housing abuts the first surface of the plate and the anode side rails abut opposite edges of the second surface of the housing.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides uniform heat profile while realising maximum reforming action.    (EP497332-B1)      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.
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.
(JP2752242-B2)      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.
(ZA9205136-A)      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.
(US5183419-A)      The battery post connector comprises a base portion for attachment to an electrical conductor and a contact for engaging a battery post. The contact comprises a first wall having a first aperture for receiving a battery post, the first aperture being in a first plane.    A second wall has a second aperture for receiving a battery post, the second aperture being in a second plane. The second wall member is spaced from the first wall member with the first and second apertures aligned for receiving a battery post. The first and second wall members are drawn to clamp the battery post connector to a battery post. The first and second planes being in nonparallel disposition when the first wall member is drawn toward the second wall member to clamp the battery post connector to a battery post.    USE -   Stamped metal battery post connector for automotive use.
(EP495534-A3)      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. pl
(US5202195-A)      A reaction vessel contains a quantity of a material that releases hydrogen on contact with water in a highly exothermic reaction. A hydrogen-containing gaseous medium is passed through the material quantity under conditions resulting in removal of heat from the material quantity by convection at a heat removal rate sufficient to maintain a temp. differential between an inlet portion and an outlet portion of the reaction vessel below a predetermined level.    This includes recirculating a portion of the gaseous medium from the outlet portion to the inlet portion and cooling at least the recirculated portion. Water vapour is added to the recirculated gaseous medium portion at a rate commensurate with that at which hydrogen is being consumed in the fuel cell device for such added water vapour to exothermically react with the solid material. The remainder of the gaseous medium is supplied from the outlet portion to the fuel cell device.    USE -   Arrangement for replenishing hydrogen consumed in a fuel cell device.    (JP6504158-W)      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.
(US5270133-A)      A battery element comprises a plate stack having a top, bottom and sides, made from one or more plates pasted with positive paste material. One or more plates are pasted with negative paste material, with separators located between the plates, acid electrolyte for the stack, and a polymeric bag enclosing at least the bottom and sides of the stack.    A coating of encapsulatig material envelops the bag with a liquid, the encapsulating material having been applied by the process of covering the outer surface of the bag with a liquid, air-curable, solvent-containing, acid-resistant polymer selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber and synthetic resin encapsulating material and allowing the encapsulating material to harden. A vent allows gases generated within the stack to be vented.    USE -   Multicell lead acid type caseless battery, providing reduced weight eg for vehicle application.
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.
(DE4040405-C2)      The discharge protection circuit for a vehicle consumer-located current battery switches the consumer load into electrical connection with the battery, isolating the consumer load from the battery. Discharging of the current battery can be prevented by actuating an electrical disconnection unit.    A in/out control switch is provided inside the vehicle (I) and is manually actuated. It is designed as a auto-reset rocker-switch with a neutral, stable central position (N), an unstable `switch-in' position (I) and an unstable `switch-off' position (O).    USE -   Vehicle battery discharge protection device.
(JP3069743-B2)      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.
(FR2669775-A1)      An electrochemical conversion method using a cell with a rechargeable electrode made of consumable powdered solid electroactive material is claimed. The electrode connects to a reservoir feeding a compartment 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 where the 1st is in the compartment and the 2nd is permanently in contact with the electrolyte 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.
(US5302476-A)      The anode of a Pb-acid battery is mfd. by (a) mixing basic Pb sulphate or Pb oxide with a persulphate salt, (b) adding water to form a paste, (c) applying to a conductive support, and (d) forming the pasted support into an electrode contg. active lead material having a porosity of 55-70% and a surface area of at least 4 m2/g, and has sufficient strength to maintain its structure when assembled in the battery.    The electrode has a power discharge of at least 1 W/cm2, and enhanced active material utilisation at current discharge levels above 0.2 A/cm2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for automotive batteries. High performance and power output.    (EP607138-B1)      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.
(US5250091-A)      Appts. for separating a gas-water vapour mixture has a cooling liquid space for circulation of a cooling liquid, at least one duct arranged in the cooling liquid space and a separation water space arranged adjacent the duct.    The walls of the duct are made of a permeable membrane os that water condensed from the gas as it flows through the duct can permeate into the separation water space. The ducts inside which mixt. of water vapour and insert gas flows, and interior surface formed by cooled hydrophilic five-posed membrane, extend inside separation water spaces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Separator which operates in weightless or zero gravity conditoins is used in fixed fuel cells installations, installed behind fuel cells, to reduce water vapour proportion corrsp. to charge in hydrogen.
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)    (JP3163622-B2)      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)
(EP558524-A1)      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.    (JP6502738-W)      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.
(US5212025-A)      The battery container has a battery cover having side walls so that a gap is formed between the side walls of the container and the side walls of the cover. The upper end portion of a bottomed heat-shielding case is inserted into this gap so that the heat-shielding case is detachably attached to the battery contain rand covers the container and forms a space between the container and the base. The space between the container and case is closed to air outside the case and air convection between the outside air and the air inside the space can be prevented thus increasing the heat-shielding effect for protecting the storage battery from high temperatures.    Additionally, the heat-shielding case is designed to be attached securely to the battery container (1) to make one body therewith, making it easier to mount and dismount them in an automobile engine compartment.    USE -   For vehicles.
(US5212024-A)      A circulating-flow channel is formed by a spacing of the cells from one another within each row, through which a fluid can flow. The circulating-flow channels are all fluidically connected to an inlet channel which tapers in the flow direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the box bottom, and to an outlet channel which expands in the flow direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the box lid.    To secure the individual cells, the side walls are provided, in the vicinity of the box bottom, with step-type ledges on which the cells are arranged in a vertically staggered manner in the vicinity of their bottom side edges. The slope of the ledges corresponds in magnitude and direction to the taper of the inlet channel on the bottom side. The width of a step of the ledge corresponds to the depth of the housing of a cell, plus the corresponding clearance of the circulating-flow channel.    USE -   Battery box for a number of electrochemical cells which are arranged in rows one behind the other.
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.
(JP2889668-B2)      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.
(EP484295-B2)      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.
(JP2526723-B2)      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.
(JP2813435-B2)      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.    r
(US5419979-A)      A metal/air cell for reactions involving gas generation includes a reaction chamber (1) in which gas is generated from liq. electrolyte; feed line for feeding liq. electrolyte into reaction chamber (1); outlet for removing liq. electrolyte from the reaction chamber (1).    There are also gas removal devices (3) consisting of through-going holes at an upper edge of the reaction chamber (1) which provides gas removal from the liq. electrolyte. The through-going holes allow gas to be conducted through them, and are narrow enough to minimize liq. transport through the through-holes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Metal/air cell for reactions involving gas generation from a liq. electrolyte. It finds application in a galvanic system of the type using Al/air fuel cells. By assembling (interconnecting) the cell, a practical duct system is created for transport and distribution of electrolyte and simultaneous gas sepn. It enables fluid transport through the reactor even with a high emission of gas in the reactor. It alleviates problems of uneven supply of liq. to the reactor with parallel inlets. It alleviates problems of uneven supply of liq. to the reactor with parallel inlets. It reduces the problems of electrical short circuiting between the cells in electrochemical reactors. Work required to pump liq./gas mixt. through the reactor is reduced substantially. Liq. phase could be transported through the reactor in homogeneous and controlled manner. Possibility of local gas pockets and uneven gas flow rate in the reactors due to gas pockets is minimized. Very effective and simple sepn. of hydrogen gas produced in the galvanic cell is achieved. Cell efficiency is improved.
(ZA9104590-A)      Disclosed are both an appts. and method for the radiation-augmented electrolytic prodn. of alkali metal hydroxide, molecular halogen, and hydrogen.    Reduction of electrical energy requirements is achieved by using radiation to activate photo-sensitive metallic hexahalide ions, which reduces the electrolysis electrode potential. By using radiation-augmented electrolysis, the conventional halogen oxidn. reaction is replaced by oxidn. of a metallic hexahalide, which occurs at a lower overvoltage and smaller reversible cell potential. Radiant energy thus replaced electrical energy for the prodn. of alkali metal hydroxide, molecular halogen, and hydrogen. Since the action of radiation on the oxidised form of the metallic hexahalide, in the presence of a conc. halide ion, leads to the production of free halogen gas, the net products are not modified by use of the metallic hexahalide, but the energy requirement of the process is reduced.    (US5186794-A)      Solar energy is deposited using (a) solar photolytic energy to excite a transition metal halide complex in a soln. with an alkali halide, photochemically reducing a metal-ion ligand to lower oxidn. state and oxidising halide ions to molecular halogen; and (b) solar energy to heat the soln..    Process comprises continuously removing molecular halogen during the photolytic reaction. Alkali halide soln. comprises an analyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For radiation augmented electrolytic prodn. of alkali metal hydroxide, molecular halogen, and H2 with reduced electrical energy requirements
(JP3108079-B2)      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.
(JP2692346-B2)      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.
(JP2712766-B2)      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.
(US5106708-A)      Bipolar battery, partic. Pb acid battery, has side by side arrangement of bipolar electrodes (42) with positive (44) and negative (46) portions. A link (48) joins the respective current collecting borders (49,53) with non-conductive bars (56,56') secured to it near the borders and similar bars (58,58') on the opposite face. Each set of bars are spaced apart by gaps into which sealant (70) is injected by inserting nozzles through holes in the battery cover and through apertures in the inter cell links.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte-tight partition between adjacent cell compartments.
(DE4029677-C2)      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.
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.
NOVELTY - The composition contains AxB(1-x) CyD(1-y)Op where A and B are elements chosen out from Sr, Ba, Ca, V and Zr. C and D are elements chosen from Sm, La, Eu, Nd, Y and Yb. Proton conductivity oxide is chosen. x, y and p satisfies predetermined relation.    USE -   For fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses non-ceramic material as construction material of main body of battery. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure represents characteristic view showing conductometry result of proton conductor electrolyte in fuel battery.
(DE4028242-C2)      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.
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.
(US5102751-A)      An amorphous ionically conductive macrmolecular solid with improved ambient temperature ionic conductivity comprises a solid sol of at least one positively charged ionic species dissolved in a macromolecular material together with a plasticiser compound of formula R3C(OC2R4)nCN where n is 2-8 and R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl or aralkyl. Pref. n is 2, 3 or 4.    ADVANTAGE -   The plasticiser is not readily lost by vaporisation and serves to enhance the ionic conductivity. It can be used e.g. in batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors or sensors.
(JP2985229-B2)      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.
(US5086860-A)      The motor vehicle includes a body member in part defining an engine compartment and a tray secured to, and cantilevered from, the body member for supporting an electric storage battery in the compartment. The tray has a mounting end engaging the body member at a first site and a distal end opposite the mounting end which is susceptible to vertical oscillations different from the body member when the vehicle is in motion. A combined damper and retention devide overlies the battery for reducing the amplitude of the distal end's 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 rigidly secured to the body member at a second site above the first site and a retainer section intermediate said first and second ends. The retainer section is rigidly coupled to the second end such as to suppress vertical movement of the first end of the bracket relative to the second end and contiguously overlies the battery for holding the battery securely in the tray, and for securing the retainer section to the tray so as to compress the battery between the tray and the section.    USE -   For vehicle with electric storage battery. @(6pp)@
(US5378247-A)      A fuel gas and an oxidant gas are led to a fuel electrode and air electrode through different flow paths, for forming current collectors edge plates in contact with the fuel electrode and air electrode. A die and an outer frame are placed for surrounding of the die on a press head.    A thin plate is placed on the die and then a soft plate. The soft plate pressed and thus the thin plate is formed into a given shape. A total of three plates consist of an interconnector for separating the different flow paths, the edge plates being laminated and the outer contour portion jointed by a seal weld.    USE -   Mfr. of a separator disposed between laminates of single cells having a fuel electrode, an electrolyte layer and an air electrode.
(JP2990366-B2)      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.
(US5143800-A)      An electrochemical apparatus comprising (a) to (g) is new. (a) is a fresh gaseous feed fuel inlet. (b) is a gaseous feed oxidant inlet. (c) is a gaseous spent fuel recirculation channel. (d) is a separate, hot combusted exhaust gas exit channel. (e) is a combustion chamber. (f) is a generator chamber located between the combustion chamber and a reforming chamber and contains a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each cell has an exterior fuel electrode and an interior fuel electrode. (g) is a reforming chamber contg. a reforming material. (c) passes from (b) to combine with (a) at a circulation and mixing apparatus. A reformable fuel mixture channel connects the circulation and mixing apparatus and (g). (g) is connected to (f), wherein a portion of the hot combusted exhaust gas exit channel surrounds (g). (a) has a by-pass channel into (c). The by-pass channel has valving to control fresh feed fuel flow to (c).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrochemical apparatus allows more efficient heating of internal reforming material and controls spent fuel inclusion into the fresh feed fuel.    (JP2965273-B2)      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.
(EP466528-B1)      A rapid connection device (10) for an accumulator battery terminal, of the type comprising a clip (12) at least partially surrounding the barrel of the terminal, and means for locking the clip on the terminal, characterised in that the clip is a piece of sheet metal cut out and bent in the shape of a resiliently compressible squeezing device, comprising a portion (14) in the shape of an open annular loop which cooperates with the shaft of the terminal, the ends of the said loop being extended by two limbs (16, 18) substantially parallel to the axis of the loop, closure thereof being ensured by a clamping lever (13) articulated on the clip (12) about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the loop, and an active part (32) of the said lever cooperates with the limbs to bring them closer to one another and hence bring about a reduction in the size of the annular loop, by resilient deformation of the latter.
(US5091358-A)      Prepn. of a regenerable CO2/H2O sorbent comprises (a) prepg. an aq. soln. of a silver cpd. dissolved in a solvent; (b) impregnating a support with the cpd. to form an impregnated support; (c) reacting the silver cpd. in the support with an alkali metal cpd. and converting silver cpd. to an insol. silver cpd.; (d) washing the impregnated support; (e) prepg. an aq. soln. of a CO2 sorption promoter, dissolved in a solvent, comprising alkali metal salt with a pH of at least 11; (f) also impregnating the support in the aq. soln. of CO2 sorption promoter; and (g) drying the further impregnated support.    Pref. alkali metals are cpds. Temp. for heating of support is pref. 80-100 deg.C. Pref. wt. of silver cpd. is 20-40 wt.% and activation temp. is pref. below 245 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For improved absorption/desorption cyclical life.    (US5174974-A)      Removal of CO2 and H2O from gaseous stream comprises contacting the stream with a CO2 and H2O sorbent, so sorption occurs. Sorbent is obtd. by (i) prepg. an aq. soln. of an Ag cpd.; (ii) impregnating a support with the aq. soln. to form an impregnated support; (iii) reacting the Ag cpd. with an alkali metal cpd.; (iv) washing the impregnated support; (v) prepg. an aq. soln. of a CO2 sorption promoter which has pH of at least 11; (vi) further impregnating the support with aq. soln. of CO2 sorption promoter then drying; and (vii) converting the insol. Ag cpd. to Ag oxide.    /    ADVANTAGE -   Sorbent exhibits absorption/desorption cyclical life of greater than 40 cycles, retains structural integrity and maintains consistent CO2 adsorption/desorption capabilities beyond 50 cycles. No need for mixing a dessicant with the sorbent or using 2 sorbents when adsorbing CO2 and H2O
(JP2972261-B2)      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.
(JP3020984-B2)      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)
(JP95083878-B2)      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.
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.
(JP95042186-B2)      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.
(JP2509099-B2)      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.
(JP2509098-B2)      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.
(JP2868137-B2)      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.
(JP4350471-A)      In a freezing device, a refrigerant circuit on the low temp. side is filled with a non-azeotrope refrigerant consisting of dichlorofluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, trifluoromethane, carbon tetrafluoride, methane, and Ar.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A superlow temp. of (-) 150 deg.C can be provided without using fluorcarbon and liq. N2    (US5265443-A)      The refrigerant unit comprises a high temp. side refrigerant circuit and a low temp. side refrigerant circuit for forming an independent refrigerant closed-circuit which exhibits a refrigerating effect by that a refrigerant discharged from a compressor is condensed and then is evapd., and an evaporator of the high temp. side refrigerant circuit and a condenser of the low temp. side refrigerant circuit form a thermal exchanger, where a non-azeotropic mixt. refrigerant comprising (a) an inorganic refrigerant consisting of argon and, (b) a hydrocarbon which makes (a) component liquidize, and (c) refrigerant(s) from hydrochlorofluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon, which makes (b) component liquidize, is sealed into the low temp. side refrigerant circuit.    Pref. (b) component of the non-azeotropic mixt. refrigerant is methane.    USE -   Refrigerating units are mfd. using the refrigerant.
(US5415496-A)      Unlined landfill waste is transferred in sequential sectors to a controlled composting plant, aerated and composted and then returned to the landfill site. The unlined empty sectors are lined prior to refilling until the entire landfill site is converted to a lined composted waste material site.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To line existing working or capped landfill sites. The technique lines existing landfills and composts and reduces in vol. the waste material.
(US5454948-A)      Simultaneous sludge digestion and metal leaching semi-continuous process removes heavy metals, reduces volatile suspended solids, and destroys indicator bacteria from municipal sludges. Process comprises (a) adding 1-3g sulphur per l. to a vol. of sludge, and allowing thiobacilli initially present to proliferate aerobically with agitation until pH is lowered to 1.5-2.5, heavy metals are dissolved, suspended volatiles concn. is reduced, and indicator bacteria lowered to a nontoxic level; (b) removing 90 vol.% of sludge and recovering the heavy metals; (c) replacing this with the same vol. of municipal sludge to pH 7-8; and (d) repeating (a)-(c).    ADVANTAGE -   Time required to lower the sludge pH is the same in 2 successive operations.
(JP6507129-W)      Accelerating the release of a blowing agent from a plastics foam structure comprises 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.    (US5424016-A)      Accelerated release of a blowing agent from an extruded plastic foam (20) comprises: (a) providing an extruded plastic foam (20) contg. the blowing agent and a permeability modifier, and (b) perforating the foam (20) at the surface (40) to form channels (30) extending from the surface (40) into the foam (20). The channels (30) are free of direction w.r.t. the longitudinal extension of the foam (20).    Pref. the plastic foam is a polyethylene foam, and the blowing agent is pref. a 2-9C alkane, esp. isobutane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used partic. for flammable blowing agents. The blowing agents have reduced ozone depletion potential.    (EP584276-B2)      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
(JP96000746-B2)      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.
(JP2878862-B2)      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
(US5356540-A)      Pumpable aq. sewage sludge compsn. has a solids content of 30-65 wt.% and comprises a sewage sludge contg. material with about 0.05-2.0 wt.% nonionic water-soluble alkoxylated alkylphenol deriv.. Pref. the compsn. also contains 28-68 pts.wt. supplemental carbonaceous fuel contg. material selected from aq. slurry of coal and/or petroleum coke, dried coal and/or petroleum coke.    Also claimed are the prepn. of the compsn. and a sewage sludge disposal process in which valuable by-prods. are recovered.    ADVANTAGE -   Slurrability and solids content of the mixt. are improved.    (JP2555248-B2)      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.
(WO9304016-A1)      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.
(WO9221609-A1)      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 equilibrium.    Steam reforming-partial oxidn. is carried out in the presence of O2, 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 atoms.    The heat carrying solids comprise Al2O3 stabilised with a rare earth element or its oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used for the prodn. of synthesis gas from lower alkanes, e.g. contg. 1-4C carbon atoms, whilst eliminating particles growth at high temps. Min. Ni concn. in the reaction 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
(US5192428-A)      Portable urine and faeces composting appts., exposes faeces to air and moisture, and includes a substrate carrying aerobic nitrifying bacteria in a urine treatment retainer at least partially partitioned from a composting retainer for faeces. The appts. is transportable.    Pref. air is circulated through the appts. by a fan energised by a solar panel.    USE -   Rest stations on constructional sites.
(WO9307204-A1)      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.    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, HDPE, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butylene copolymer, PET, PVC, 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 feedstock.
(WO9307203-A1)      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.    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 yields
(JP3089677-B2)      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.
(FR2675712-A1)      A process for the treatment of natural and synthesis gas and liq. hydrocarbons is carried out by either sepn., purificn. or dehydration functioning in cycles of thermal adsorption / desorption using a zeolite.    The gases or liquids contain unsatd. hydrocarbons or cpds. capable of thermal generation of unsatd. 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 5 A is pref. for sepn. of normal/isoparaffins or desulphuration, and 3 A for dehydration of gases and organic liquids. Type X (notably 13 X) 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, and 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 prods.. Longer cycle times in thermal swing adsorption processes are obtd..
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.
(DE4121104-C2)      A process for composting waste material includes sepg. the waste using a primary sieve step, forming a coarse fraction, and sorting out e.g. glass, plastic etc. from it. After the materials have been sorted from the coarse fraction, the remaining material is dampened and subjected to a second sieve step, where paper fibres are sepd. The paper fibre fraction is then mixed with the fine fraction and the mixt. is composted.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and economical.
(WO9217562-A1)      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 IC (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 algae 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 algae    (JP6511504-W)      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 algae.
(GB2254769-B)      An animal bedding material comprising a plurality of irregularly shaped pieces of cardboard having feathered edges which are formed as by tearing or shearing, wherein the pieces of material are crimped so that a mass of the material occupies a greater volume for a given weight of material than would a mass of material consisting of substantially flat pieces of cardboard.
(EP509609-B1)      A method for processing manure, liquid manure and/or Kjeldahl-N contg. waste water comprising subjecting the waste water to nitrification in an aerated nitrification reactor (9) which contains active sludge rich in nitrifying bacterial for use in the nitrification step and which discharges effluent, subjecting part of the effluent from the nitrification reactor (9) to a denitrification in a recirculation denitrification reactor (13) which contains a very compact biomass which is capable of convering nitrate to nitrogen gas and to which an organic substrate is supplied, adding a source of carbon to the part of the effluent from the nitrification reactor (9) passed through the recirculation denitrification reactor (13), and recircualting effluent from said recirculation dentrification reactor to said nitrification reactor optionally after recirculation of said effluent to said recirculation denitrification reactor (13); passing the remaining aprt of the effluent from the nitrification reactor (9) to a separation step to separate sludge, the effluent from the separation step being passed to discharge line dentrification reactor having means for an effluent discharge, a feed of carbon source and a nitrogen discharge (17), wherein the loading of the nitrification reactor (9) is controlled to obtain a desired nitrification and dentrification.
(ZA9202824-A)      Processing manure, liq. manure and/or Kjeldahl-N contg. waste water comprises subjecting to nitrification in an aerated reactor contg. active sludge and to denitrification in a high rate recirculation denitrification reaction contg. a very compact biomass capable of converting nitrate to nitrogen gas. The loading of the nitrification reactor is controlled to obtain an optimal nitrification and denitrification, the effluent from the nitrification reactor is partially passed to the recirculation dentrification reactor, a source of carbon is added to the effluent to be passed to the recirculation denitrification reactor and passes another portion of the effluent stream from the nitrification reactor to a separation step to separate a sludge. The effluent from sepn. step is passed to a discharge line denitrification reactor under the addition of a carbon source if desired.    Appts. for processing is also claimed    (US5290451-A)      Solid or liq. manure or N-contg. waste water is processed by nitrification in an aerated reactor contg. activated sludge, and denitrification in a high-rate recirculation second reactor holding a very compact biomass converting nitrate to gaseous N2. The 1st reactor loading is controlled to permit optimum processing in both stages, and its effluent is partly passed direct to the 2nd reactor with addn. of a C source, while a 2nd part is sepd. to remove the sludge, the liq. being passed to a discharge line denitrification reactor optionally with addition of a C source.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides more efficient processing.
(FR2673853-A1)      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 liq. 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 measurement of contents during fermentation. Good control of temp.
(JP2838320-B2)      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.
(DE4111314-A)      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 (d) 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.)% alignate, 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    (DE4111314-C2)      Biological drying of clarified sludge comprises (a) mechanical dewatering; (b) pre-composting aerobically with microbes, and (c) post-composting aerobically for several weeks. The process produces material resembling humus.    Material (I) obtd from process) or (c) is mixed with 0.05-1.5 wt.% of additive (A), then circulated with new, untreated clarified sludge. (A) is alginate, bentonite and/or montmorillonite.    Pref. (I) is also mixed with 0.05-1500 ppm hydrolytic enzymes of selected bacteria of the 'Ecolyte'(RTM) series, and opt. surfactant to improve solubility.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. can be used directly. It has significantly lower OTS (sic).
(WO9316127-A1)      Prodn. 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 properties.
(JP95077991-B2)      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.
(JP95057720-B2)      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
(DE4111121-A)      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 is possible by working in the fungi and substrate; Mn2+ and/or Fe2+ 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 heaps.    (DE4111121-C2)      Decontaminating soil, sludge or solids contg. organic contaminants comprises treating the contaminated material with a fungus substrate.    The fungus substrate is prepd. from substances contg. hemicellulose by treatment with a foreign lignin-degrading fungus (A) as follows; a) pretreating by semisterilising, pasteurising, (an)aerobic fermentation and/or pressing; b) decontaminating in a vessel that is held under aerobic and anaerobic conditions alternately; and c) adding Mn(2+) and/or Fe(2+) before or during the decontamination. Pref. (A) produces little or no phenol oxidase.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The contaminants are aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbons e.g. mineral oil; phenols, cyanides, kerosine, paraffin, amines and alcohols. The prod. is formed into granules or pellets, or applied as a liq., and can reach into the contaminated soil by the action of earthworms
(DE4109474-C2)      A rotary drum for batchwise rotting of organic waste has (i) an opening located midway between its ends and closed by a flap; (ii) a front plate fixed to the drum housing at each drum end and fixed to a gas connection box; (iii) uniformly distributed, radially extending segment shafts which are fixed to each gas connection box, each shaft contg. a gas bore which is open at its outer end and which has a transverse opening in the outer region of the drum housing; (iv) a number of gas openings in each front plate corresponding to the number of segment shafts and aligned with the transverse openings at corresponding shaft positions during drum rotation; (v) hollow axles which can turn through 180 deg. at each drum end and which are fixed in two positions (0 and 180 deg.) to a foundation plate by holders, the axles being closed by axle closures within the drum and having axes identical with the rotary axis of the drum; (vi) a passage slit in the upper region of each hollow axle and a sealing bush which is rotatably mounted on each axle and which has transverse holes aligned with the gas bores, each bush being fixed to one of the gas connections; (vii) a filter element in each gas bore and a hinged lid at the top of each gas bore, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The drum is used for aerobic decomposition of waste to produce raw compost. It does not require pre-comminution of the waste or pre-sepn. of non-rotting materials and can be fed with contaminated (e.g. oil-contg.) soil and clarification sludge. It is simple to use, is automatically controlled, produces no waste water or fume emissions and produces uniform compost quality in a short time.
(JP95025574-B2)      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 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.
(JP2938194-B2)      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
(JP2640041-B2)      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.
(DE4134018-C2)      A composting unit includes an encapsulated treatment chamber with a crane bridge assembly where the crane runs on rails and has a grab for holding the waste. The grab consists of an electrohydraulic unit with two scatter roller members, or a rotatable grab drum. The grab has a nozzle connected to a tank, for closing the material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the treatment of organic waste from households and from the food industry.
(DE4107340-C2)      The process includes placing the waste in a sealed container and then adding a mixt. of pure oxygen and surrounding air, after which the air leaving the material has CO2 and water removed from it. The CO2 is sepd. out using a water jet pump. Clacium oxide or hydroxide is mixed into the water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for composting organic waste. The process is simple and efficient.
(RU2088631-C1)      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.
(JP2630508-B2)      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
(GB2254336-A)      Catalytic cracking of a carbonaceous, esp. tar-contg. charge, having starting and end bpt. 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. 5-6-0) 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-Al3, SiO2-MgO or clay. Process temp. is 400-800 deg.C. 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 napthenic cpds. and paraffin-rich fractions to produce 3-4C cpds..    (FR2673385-A1)      Catalytic cracking of a carbonaceous, esp. tar-contg. charge, having starting and end pts. 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 Si02, A1203, Si02-A1203, Si02-Mg0 or clay. Process temp. is 400-800 deg.C. wt. analytical ratio of charge is 3-15.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used to crack naphthenic cpds. and paraffin-rich fractions to produce 3-4C cpds    (GB2254336-B)      A process for the catalytic cracking of a hydrocarbon charge whose initial and final boiling points are between 50 and 220 deg. C, carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing: (a) 25 to 99% by weight of at least one matrix, (b) 1 to 75% by weight of at least one faujasite structure Y zeolite, whose rare-earth content, expressed as percent by weight of oxides of rare-earth metals, based on the zeolite Y, is below 10%.
(JP6506733-W)      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.    (EP738343-B1)      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
(US5169782-A)      Appts. for composting organic refuse contg. fermentable materials comprises a cylindrical container with inlet and outlet as opposite ends, inclined to the horizontal and driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis, this causing the contents to move along the container. Aerating gas is passed through the contents and lifting vanes are fixed to the inner surface.    Each vane projects radially inwardly and extends along the entire container length, and has sections parallel to the container longitudinal axis alternating with angled sections which assist in transporting the contents. The angled sections are pref. at 30-45 deg. to the axis. There are pref. also circumferential inward vanes with openings for passage of material, and the gas is fed through tubes located on or between the vanes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For domestic, commercial or industrial use, provides rapid and inexpensive processing of refuse.    (JP7500557-W)      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.
(EP501319-B1)      A composting installation for composting waste in accordance with predetermined decomposition parameters comprising at least two containers (1) which each form a respective decomposition unit and which each form a respective decomposition unit and which each have a lower discharge device (2) and an upper filling opening (6), and a conveyor arrangement (7) which has a lower collector (8) associated with all discharge devices (2), an elevator conveyor (12) disposed at the end of the collector (8) and an upper distributor (15) in which there is provided for each container (1) a closable delivery window (17) associated with the filling opening (6), wherein each lower discharge device (2) has a scraper bottom (3) which is reciprocable by means of a hydraulic drive (4) and whose bars are at least partially hollow for a feed of air or oxygen and are provided with air outlet openings.
(JP2513928-B2)      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
(DE4105068-C2)      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.
(DE4102405-C2)      Establishing a land-fill dump for contaminated material which is suitable for biological treatment comprises (a) excavating the soil in the contaminated region and immediately sepg. it in accordance with its deg. and type of contamination, (b) segregating the material which can be treated by a microbiological process from that which can be disposed of without treatment or which needs special treatment, (c) transporting the segregated material to a remote waste material tipping site in the form of a depression in the ground, which has floor and sidewall sealing membranes and which has a seepage water collection and drainage system for the controlled removal of seepage water and gas, (d) classifying the material to be dumped according to particle size by sieving out larger particles, (e) mixing the material with nutrient substrates and loosening agents such as bark, wood shavings compost, etc. and placing it in the dumping area in thin layers, (f) intensively microbiologically treating the material in sections by regular turning , chopping and/or mulching, (g) levelling off the area and preparing it for the dumping of further layers of soil, (h) removing or adding gas, nutrient soln. and moisture to the various layers ina controlled manner, and (i) degassing and dewatering all the layers when the topmost layer is in position.    ADVANTAGE -   Contaminated earth is biologically treated in a reliable manner.
(GB2252709-B)      Animal bedding comprising granules of compressed dry fibrous vegetable material, wherein the vegetable material has been treated with alkali.
(US5248423-A)      Pollutants are removed from waste water by passing it to the base of a reactor via a pipe with pump control. Sensors monitor gas in gaseous effluent from methane fermentation, the ratio of methane are CO2 percentages, and the H2 content. Data is processed in a CPU to act on a control system for pump regulation. In an abnormal situation, an alarm is given.    ADVANTAGE -   Real-time control.
(US5282879-A)      Fertilisers are continuously prepd. from animal waste, by (a) anaerobically fermenting for a time to reduce content of biodegradable organic substance (as BOD5) to 300-2000; and (b) treating the aq. suspension obtd. at 20-70 deg.C with HNO3 to pH 1-2 for 30-60 mins. to ratio available P2O5/total P2O5 of 87-97%.    Process then comprises (a) adding 35 wt.% of H2O2 to H2O2 concn. of 100-100000 ppm; and (d) treating suspension obtd. with Ca(OH)2 to pH 6.5-7 and salt content (S.A.R. index) less than 6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For treatment of mixts. of excrement, urine, feeding residues, trough waste, washing water for animal rearing, etc. Is ecologically safe and economical, enabling complete utilisation of waste.
(JP4244218-A)      CO, NOx and CH4 are removed from combustion exhaust contg. CO, NOx, CH4, and excess O2 to control hydrcarbon concn. preliminarly at 1000 ppm - 2%, and exhaust is contacted with Co-contg. zeolite catalyst. Pref. hydrocarbon is admixed with combustion exhaust, and mixt. is contacted with catalyst. Pref. hydrocarbon admixed with combustion exhaust is methane (contg. hydrocarbon).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency removal from combustion exhaust contg. excess O2.    In an example, a Co-contg. zeolite catalyst was prepd. from Co(CH3COO)2.4H2O and NH4-type ZSM-5 zeolite with SiO2/Al2O3 mol. ratio of 40. Gas contg. 600 ppm NO, 500ppm CO, 500 ppm CH4, 5% O2, 7% CO2, 15% H2O and bal. N2 was treated with catalyst after 5000ppm hydrocarbon gas contg. 88.0% CH4 was admixed    (JP2851444-B2)      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
(US5151207-A)      Ternary mixt. of refrigerants comprises (a) 2-20 wt.% isobutane; (b) 21-51 wt.% 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane; and (c) 41-71 wt.% chlorofluoromethane. Mixt. is miscible with refrigeration oils that are miscible with dichlorodifluoromethane. Amt. of isobutane present renders its miscibility with such refrigerant oils.    USE -   Used as a drop-in substitute for dichlorodifluoromethane in corresp. refrigeration systems.    (US5214929-A)      Refrigeration in a refrigerant system designed for a dichloro-difluoromethane refrigerant is produced, by (a) drop-in substituting a ternary mixt. of (i) 2-20 wt.% isobutane; (ii) 21-51 wt.% 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane and (iii) 41-71 wt.% chlorodifluoromethane; (b) condensing the mixt; and (c) evaporating it near a body being coated.    Pref. wt. ratio (i):(ii):(iii) is 6-10:21-35:57-71, or 3-18:26-46:46-66, or 6-10:34-38:54-58.    ADVANTAGE -   Little ozone depletion is caused.
(US5244274-A)      Garbage processing vehicle comprises (a) a loading platform; (b) an engine mounted upon this; (c) a rotatable fermentation drum mounted upon (a); (d) heated air supply to the interior of (c); (e) exhaust gas supply from (b) to a peripheral space of the drum between the outer and inner surfaces; (f) rotation for (e); and (g) aerobic microorganisms supply to ferment the garbage to the drum interior.    Drum comprises a cylindrical shell having an outer surface, inner surface and an entrace port. Inner surface has a helical screw. Shell has an interior to receive the garbage. Rotation comprise a gear formed circumferentially around the drum, with an electric motor coupled to this.    ADVANTAGE -   heated air and exhaust keeps the drum interior at temp. suitable for activation of the fermenting microorganisms.    (EP495315-B1)      A garbage processing vehicle (100) in which a rotationally driven fermentation drum 91) device is disposed on a loading platform (20) of a vehicle, for mixing garbages with aerobic microorganisms and air in a rotational drum and applying fermentation characterised in that a peripheral space (H) of the rotational drum and applying fermentation, characterised in that a peripheral space (H) of the rotational drum is connected to the vehicle engine (101) for conducting exhaust heat of the engine thereto, and a rotational driving system (3a, 4) for the rotational drum is connected with the engine of the vehicle.
(JP2843140-B2)      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.
(US5411567-A)      A novel fermentation prod derived from poultry material (I) is prepd by (a) mixing (I) with conc H2SO4 a calcium silicate, (b) fermenting the reaction mixt in a prim stage in the presence of (i) a serum obtd by removal of rubber components from a natural latex and (ii) an aerobic bacterium (pref Saccharomyces, Pseudomonas, or yeasts), then (c) aerobically fermenting the prod from (b) in a sec stage in the presence of an actinomycetic or nitrifying bacterium (pref Actinomadira, Actinoplanes, Micronospora and nitrous or nitrate bacteria).    USE -   As an organic fertiliser.    (JP2854119-B2)      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
(JP2523402-B2)      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.
(JP95091407-B2)      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/ADVANTAGE -   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.
(EP493347-B1)       A process for the removal of N2 and O2 from impure CH4 , characterized by comprising the steps of: A. activating a getter alloy chosen from the group consisting of Zr-V-Fe and Zr2 Fe alloys at a temperature of between 300C and 950, for a time comprised respectively between more than 10 minutes and at least 30 seconds; B. bringing the alloy to a temperature which is less than or equal to 400C and greater than 100C; and C. contacting the impure CH4 with the Zr-V-Fe or Zr2Fe alloy.
(US5321188-A)      Converting methane into higher hydrocarbon prods. comprises contacting a gaseous mixt. contg. methane and 02 at at least 650 deg.C with a solid catalyst formed from Li oxide, alkaline earth metal oxide and a lanthanide oxide. The Li content is less than 20 wt. % and the atomic ratio of the alkaline earth metal to the lanthanide is 0.8:1-8:1.    The catalyst is obtd. by preparing a mixt. of Li, alkaline earth metal and lanthanide oxides contg. above 1 wt. % Li, and reducing the Li content in the mixt. by heating at least partly in an oxidising atmos. to reduce the Li content to below 0.20 wt. %.    Pref. the alkaline earth metal is Mg and the lanthanide is Nd or La. The Li content is reduced by heating the mixt. in an 02 stream or a gas stream contg. 02 to 700-900 deg.C. for 3-30 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   The long life active catalyst is selective.    (SU1838285-A3)      Conversion of methane into higher hydrocarbon prods. involves oxidative coupling of a gaseous mixt. of methane and O2 at temp. of at least 650 deg.C over a solid metal oxide catalyst (I). (I) is formed from Li2O, an alkaline earth metal oxide and a La oxide, with the Li content being less than 0.20 wt.% and atomic ratio of alkaline earth metal:lanthanide being 0.8:1 to 8:1.    Prepn. of (I) comprises prepn. of a mixt. (II) of Li, alkaline earth metal and La oxides contg. more than 1 wt.% Li and redn. of Li content in (II) to less than 0.20 wt.% by high temp. thermal treatment at least partly in an oxidising atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst has long life and high selectivity with no loss of activity accompanying Li loss. High methane conversion rates are obtd.
(EP492269-A1)      A fuel gas mixt. (I) comprises 22-32 mol.% acetylene, 1-4 mol.% of a 3C hydrocarbon (pref. propylene or propane), 10-20 mol.% ethane and 67-44 mol.% ethylene. (I) is stored in its liq. state at temps. below -50 (pref. -60 to -80) at 2.5-7 (pref. 4-7)bar.    (I) pref. has the compsn.: 24-28 mol.% acetylene, 2-3 mol.% 3C hydrocarbons (pref. propylene or propane) 13-17 mol.% ethane, and 61-52 mol.% ethylene.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) has a lower density than air and is safe under every operational situation.    (EP492269-B1)      A multi-component combustible gas mixture having a main constituent acetylene and a main constituent ethylene, wherein the mixture can be handled in low-temperature, liquified form, characterised in that in the liquid phase, at least at the time of transfer into an associated storage container, the mixture is composed of 22 to 32 mol.% acetylene, 1 to 4 mol.% of a C3-hydrocarbon, 10 to 20 mol.% ethane and the remainder ethylene thus approximately 67 to 44 mol.% ethylene.
(WO9415710-A1)      Simultaneous removal of Hg and moisture from a gas in a single desiccant bed involves: (a) forming a desiccant bed comprising a desiccant (I) and a substrate (II) impregnated with CuO, a porous substrate (III) impregnated with Cu(OH)2 and a substrate (IV) impregnated with CuS and (b) contacting the gas with the bed at temp. and pressure sufficient to remove Hg and moisture. Purificn. of natural gas is also claimed comprising (c) absorbing CO2 and H2S from the gas with an absorbent soln. (V), (d) washing the gas from (c) with water to remove (V) and (e) treating as before.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. useful for removing moisture, Hg, CO2 and H2S from natural gas in a treatment plant prior to liquefaction. Eliminates the need for a separate downstream bed for Hg removal and thus any inherent pressure loss. Also be used for other gases e.g. H2 and ethylene
(JP2772130-B2)      The new oxidn. catalyst is a lanthanum-manganite perovskite type oxide having the compositional formula of La1-xAxMn1-aO3 (x=0-0.6. A=Ca, Sr or Ba; a50), which represents the atomic ratio of the constituent elements.    The new catalyst is coated on a heat resisting honeycomb support made of codierite, mullite, or a crystalline double oxide made from MgO, Al2O3, and TiO2. (claimed).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to combust H2, CO, or hydrocarbons esp. methane with a higher space velocity. Catalyst provide good heat resistance over 1000 deg.C.    In an example, La2O3, SrCO3, CaCO3 and Mn2O3 powders were mixed and calcined at 1350 deg.C to obtain La0.5Sr0.25Ca0.25Mn0.8O3 oxide. A sample gas contg. 1% methane in air was contacted with the catalyst at 1000 deg.C with 100,000 hr-1 space velocity. After 10 hrs., 100% methane were converted; after 100 hrs., still 90% were converted
(JP2772129-B2)      The new oxidn. catalyst is a lanthanum-chromite perovskite type oxide having a La1-xAxCr1-a03 (x=0-0.6, A=Ca, Sr or Ba; a is greater than 0), which represents the atomic ratio of the constituent elements.    The new catalyst is pref. coated on a heat resistant honeycomb support made of cordierite, mullite, or a crystalline double oxide made from MgO, Al203, and TiO2. (claimed).    In an example, La2O3, SrCO3, CaCO3, and Cr2O3 powders were mixed and calcined at 1350 deg.C to obtain La3, 0.5Sr0.2525Ca0.25Cr0.8O3 oxide. A sample gas contg. 1% methane in air was contacted with the catalyst at 1000 deg.C with 100,000 hr-1 space velocity. After 10 hrs. 100% methane were converted; after 100hrs. Still 92% were converted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to combust H2, CO, or hydrocarbons esp. methane with a higher space velocity. The new catalyst provides a good heat resistance over 1000 deg.C
(DE4038570-C2)      In a two-stage furnace in which solid wastes are burned a solids separator is located after the prim. section in which materials are pyrolysed or calcined. The solids so sepd. are then sorted to recover materials for possible re-use and the materials recovered but unwanted are then returned via one or more jet inlets to the second-stage furnace for melt-down or final combustion. The second-stage furnace is heated in part at least by hot gases produced by the primary furnace and the second-stage furnace incorporates a raised basin for the collection of molten materials.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process and assembly serves to destroy, recover and facilitate the safe disposal of waste materials as appropriate, and recover heat energy.
(EP558568-B1)      Prodn. of fertiliser from organic waste, e.g. farmyard manure, farmyard slurry or waste water contg. organic contaminants, is effected by: pretreating the fresh waste mechanically and/or chemically; measuring the NH4+, PO43- CO32- and K+ content; precipitating N and P components by adding stoichiometric amts. of chemical reactants; precipitating any urea together with the N, P and opt. K components; and sepg. the prod. into a liq. fraction and a fertiliser fraction.    More specifically, fresh manure is dewatered and the solids are composted. The liq. fraction is analysed for NH4+, PO43- CO32- and K+ and the pH is adjusted to 3.5 with H3PO4. The liq. is heated to 45 deg.C in a heat exchanger, adjusted to pH 8.2 by adding MgCO3 and MnCO3, cooled to 10-12 deg.C, and decanted. The ppte. is dried and mixed with the composted manure solids
(JP95038922-B2)      Sepn of impurities from alcohol comprises countercurrently contacting the mixt. of fermentation or chemical synthesis prod. contg. water, ethanol, and impurities with the solvent of liquid phase propane, propylene, n-butane, or i-butane, or their mixt. in the extn. tower. The raffinate layer consisting of water, ethanol, and solvent essentially contg. no impurity is sepd. from the solvent layer contg. impurities; the solvent layer is introduced to the solvent recovery tower to separate the solvent from ethanol and impurities; the mixt. of ethanol and impurities is added by water to separate the water layer comprising water and ethanol from the organic layer comprising impurities; the water layer is recycled to the top of the extraction tower.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to separate impurities from the reaction prod. mixt. of chemical synthesis alcohol or fermentation alcohol. The use of liq. propane improves the relative volatility to ethanol and allows a lower pressure of operation of extn. than in common distn.
(JP2941395-B2)      Device comprises 4 types of oxide semiconductor gas detecting elements which can detect the presence of, at least one of CH4, H2, C3H8, CO and C2H5 having gas selectivity different from each other, and are formed on a ceramic base plate incorporating a heater, and a device to judge the output of the 4 types of gas detecting elements.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to detect reducing gases in the atmos.. With the semiconductor type gas detecting element, it is impossible to detect several gases using a single element, so several elements having high sensitivity against a specific gas are collected. The 4 types of oxide semiconductor gas detecting elements can be formed, for example, by the use of 4 different catalysts. By collecting the 4 types of gas detecting elements, 4 types of gases can be detected with high reliability.
(DE4038044-A)      Polymers comprise (a) a styrene polymer with a viscosity number measured in toluene of 55-80 ml/g and a melt index MFI (190 Deg. C. 3.8 kp) of 7.5 - 30 g/10 min. (b) 1-10 wt. % w.r.t. (a) of a 3-6 C hydrocarbon as blowing agent and opt. (c) known assistants in effective amts.    Pref., the styrene polymer contains 0.0025 to 0.05 mol. % polymerised residues of a monomer (1) with more than one polymerisable double bond. The polymers are pref. made by polymerising styrene and opt. further comonomers with a polymerisable double bond in aq. suspension in the presence of 0.01 - 1 wt. % of a regulator with a chain transfer constant K of between 0.1 and 50 and in the presence of 0.0025 to 0.05 mol. % of a monomer (I) as branching agent, and adding the blowing agent and opt. other assistants before, during or after the polymerisation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. have a higher expandability than previous systems so that they can be foamed to lower density prods. with the usual amt. of blowing agent or they can be foamed to prods. of normal density using smaller amts. of blowing agent, without adversely affecting the dimensional stability of the foamed prod. Pre-expanded pearls of the material can e.g. be transformed in the usual way into moulded foamed articles with a density of 0.005 - 0.1 g/cm3.    (US5118718-A)      Prepn. of an expandable styrene polymer (I) comprises (a) polymerising styrene and, in aq. suspension in the presence of 0.01-1 wt. % of a regulator having a chain-transfer constant K of 0.1-50 and in the presence of 0.0025-0.05 mol. % of a monomer contg. more than one polymerisable double bond as branching agent and (b) adding blowing agent before, during or after polymerisation.    (I) has a viscosity, measured in toluene of 55-80 ml/g and a melt flow index (MFI) (190 deg. C., 3.8KP) of 7.5 to 30(g)10min).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymers have a partic. high expansion capacity.
(JP94011676-B2)      Prepn. of fermented manure is carried out by compounding shochuu liquor lees and fowl faeces, as principal materials, at an equal ratio for standard or at a suitable ratio depending on the situation, then putting the mixt. in a fermenter and repeatedly sprinkling water in it and stirring so that the water content may be maintained within the range of 50-70% to allow heat-fermentation at 55-75 deg.C.    Also claimed are prevention of pollution with shochuu lees and fowl faeces by compounding them at a suitable ratio according to their amt. discharged, and allowing heat-fermentation using them to make manure or soil conditioner; and fermented manure and soil conditioner prepd. by the method.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat-fermentation of shochuu lees and fowl faeces quickens prepn. of compost or organic manure, enabling its mass prepn. in 1-1.5 months in contrast to conventional methods taking 6 months or over. In addn., a maintained high temp. of 70 deg.C for one month can effectively control insects and sterilise germs. Heat fermentation of shochuu lees and fowl faeces can solve the problem of pollution with them, recycling them as an organic manure. (J04114987-A)
(US5114081-A)      A system for mechanically and biologically decomposing garbage comprises a disposer for disintegrating the garbage which is passed to a solid/liquid separator from which the solid is passed to a vessel where it is biologically decomposed. The disposer is pref. at an outlet port from a kitchen sink and passes the disintegrated garbage through a conduit to the separator. The separator outer casing is fixed to the casing of the vessel at mid-height. The separator pref. has a separating screen held by a water sealing ring and packing ring, and a spiral conveying blade operating close to the wall forces the solids into the vessel. The vessel is pref. mounted watertightly on a bottom plate with central mechanical seal for a motor shaft rotating a spiral stirrer.    ADVANTAGE -   Operates with high efficiency and in a highly hygenic manner.    (DE4114160-C2)      A mechanical and biological waste disintegration system has a liq./solids separator which receives waste from a disintegrator for water sepn. and which feeds the solid waste to a decomposition vessel for biological decomposition or dissolution, water being sepd. from the solid decomposed waste in the separator.    An organic domestic waste disposal system has a container contg. a stirrer which effects, pref. over the container height, a tumbling action about a central axis within a vessel pref. of circular cross-section. Waste is fed into the vessel from the side at a point below the surface of its comminuted waste contents in a liq.-free state. Comminuted wood is pref. also fed into the container to provide a substrate for the requisite bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system is useful for disintegrating waste from kitchens, restaurants and the like, as well as waste from the foodstuff and animal feed industries. The system is extremely hygienic and efficient.
(DE4036004-C2)      (A) Microbiological decontamination of soil is carried out by excavating the soil into gas impermeable sacks, sealing the sacks gas-tightly, storing the sacks, mixing and loosening the sack contents by periodic rotation of the sacks to promote aerobic or anaerobic conversion and decomposition processes, and venting the sacks to remove gases resulting from the microbiological processes.    (B) Equipment for carrying out the process comprises gas impermeable sacks (1) which can be sealed gas-tightly and which have integral nozzles (3) with shut-off devices.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows simple and rapid removal of the contaminated soil and non-polluting treatment of the soil.
(JP2562723-B2)      Compsn. comprises (A) dichlorofluoromethane, pref. 1-40 wt.% more pref. 14.5 wt.%; (B) chlorodifluoromethane, pref. 1-60 wt.%, more pref. 38.3 wt.%; (C) trifluoromethane, pref. 1-60 wt.%, more pref. 21.7 wt.%; (D) tetrafluoromethane, pref. 1-40 wt.%, more pref. 20.9 wt.%; and (E) methane, pref. 0.1-30 wt.%, more pref. 4.6 wt.%. In a refrigerator filled with several kinds of refrigerants having different b.pts. and having a refrigerant circuit where compressed refrigerants discharged from the compressor are condensed, condensed high boiling refrigerant(s) makes low boiling refrigerant(s) condense by its (their) evapn; these operations are repeated and the lowest b.pt. refrigerant is finally evaporated to attain refrigerant is new.    In another refrigerator consisting of the first closed refrigerant circuit (I) which refrigerates by condensing the compressed refrigerant discharged from the compressor then evaporating it in an evaporator and the second closed refrigerant circuit (II) where any mixt. of several kinds of refrigerants having different b.pts. is filled, compressed refrigerants discharged from the compressor are condensed, condensed high boiling refrigerant(s) makes low boiling refrigerant(s) condensed by its (their) evapn., these operations are repeated and the lowest b.pt. refrigerant is finally evaporated to attain refrigeration, a heat exchanger is composed between the high pressure refrigerant pipe of (II) from the compressor to the evaporator and the evaporator of (I). (I) is filled with one or any mixt. of two or more selected from chlorodifluoromethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, dichlorofluoromethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and (II) is filled with the claimed refrigerant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This refrigerant does not destroy ozone at the stratosphere and this refrigerator can stably achieve an ultra-low temp. of -130 deg.C by a mechanical refrigerator.
(EP485358-B1)      Device for composting organic materials in which un-decayed material is added at the top and allowed to decay on a grate (4), under which a storage space is located, whereby air enters the storage space and decayed material is removed from the storage space through an opening (6), characterised in that the clear width of the grate is selected in such a manner that the mature compost falls through the grate into a storage space only as a result of gravity and the progress of decay, and that neighbouring slats of the grate are spaced at intervals of 15-80 cm, by preference of around 50 cm.
(FR2668774-A1)      In solid fuel prodn. from combustible waste by pyrolysing the sorted and ground waste and removing pollutants from the emitted hot gases prior to reuse in heating the pyrolysis reactor, the novelty is that solid fuel, which is free from the main pollutants initially present in the waste, is obtd. by trapping the pollutants in a single specific zone of the plant using an absorbent which, when spent, is discharged separately from the purified solid fuel.    Equipment for carrying out the process is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Most of the pollutants are removed from industrial and/or domestic waste by a dry process which is simple and energy efficient.    (EP485255-B2)      (A) In solid fuel prodn. from combustible waste by pyrolysing the sorted and ground waste and removing pollutants from the emitted hot gases prior to reuse in heating the pyrolysis reactor (10), the novelty is that solid fuel, which is free from the main pollutants initially present in the waste, is obtained by trapping the pollutants in a single specific zone of the plant using an absorbent which, when spent, is discharged separately from the purified solid fuel.    (B) Equipment for carrying out the process is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Most of the pollutants are removed from industrial and/or domestic waste by a dry process which is simple and energy efficient.
(US5118005-A)      Garbage disposal device for fermentative degradation of garbage from kitchens etc. has a main body with inclined upper face and a flat box-shaped member, with perforations, partitioning the body . The perforations, in an upper part of the wall, take in gases and discharge item from the top end to be outside. A water-receiving part protrudes from the front wall of the main body and a lid is hinged to the main body, having a bent end diverting water into the part.    ADVANTAGE -   Evapd. water is disposed of.
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.
(JP2961280-B2)      Organic waste contg. fibre is poured with fermentation accelerator and fermented fungus into a fermenter and moisture content is constantly maintained by replenishing fresh water to the organic waste. Mixt. is heated to a fermentation moderate temp. while mixing and stirring; (b) Mixing, stirring, and heating are stopped and substance is protected against air, and is allowed to stand in the fermenter for a predetermined period to provide the fermented fungus with exponential growth; (c) The substance is then stirred at fermentation moderate temp. held while adjusting moisture using fresh water; (d) Substance is released from the fermenter for brewing farmyard manure to obtain a fermented and treated substance.    Treating system includes; (a) First transferring means to transfer the organic waste; (b) Fermentation treating unit comprising; (1) U-shaped cross-sectional fermentation treating tank. Paddle type stirring blade is mounted on a horizontal rotary shaft rotating along the bottom curved face of the tank. Drying chamber for storing CO2 generated in fermenting the organic waste is located above the tank; (2) Material inlet for feeding the organic waste transferred through the first transferring means in the tank; and (3) Material outlet is located at the lower area of the tank; (c) An aeration pipe means upwashing air is located at the lower area of the tank; and (d) A brewing farmyard manure treating tank stores the mixed treating substance released from the outlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fermentation treatment is organic waste contg. fibre, including trimmed turf, or fallen leaves and golf courses. Treating system continuously performs the fermentation treatment. No organic waste is pulverised therefore allowing efficient fermentation. Mixed treating substance is completely matured in the brewing farmyard manure tank in two months.
(DE4122113-C2)      Removing Hg from sewage sludge includes reducing the water content in a prim. phase to less than 8%, then reducing the water content to less than 2% in a sec. phase by the use of hot air at a temp. of 130-170 deg.C. The hot air is pref. at 155-165 deg.C and the air passing through the sludge is pref. passed through an active filter.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is safe, efficient and reliable.
(WO9207049-A1)      Treatment involves mixing sludge with a coagulent to bind the mixt, pressing it to remove moisture, adding at least one waste prod to the sludge soln, agitating the mixt, and extruding and shaping it to the required size.    The process may furhter comprise the step of heating and drying the extruded prod and placing it in a microwave oven to radiate the extruded prod. The binder is pref an acetic acid.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a method of treating sewage sludge which avoids pollution to the atmos. The resultant prod may be recycled for use as a fuel, or for planks and rectangular panels suitable as biodegradable shuttering.    (US5389114-A)      Method of treating sewage sludge (I) comprises (a) mixing (I) with a coagulant (pref. CH3COOH) to bind it, (b) pressing to remove moisture, (c) adding at least 1 waste prod., pref. (12.5% mushroom peat and 12.5% sawdust to 75% of (I)), (d) agitating, (e) extruding and shaping, (f) heating and drying the extruded prod. and irradiating in a microwave oven.    USE -   The finished prod. may be fuel briquettes, or pressed into planks or rectangular panels for biodegradable building shuttering.
(NL9002077-A)      Sensor comprises insulating substrate (2) with a protruding portion (I); heater (not shown) arranged near the tip of (I); heater leads (9) extending over (I) and connected to terminals (8) located opposite (I); insulation (11) formed over the heater; a sensing element (3) located over the heater near g)the tip of (I); and second leads (6) connected to sensor extending over (I) to second terminals (7) located opposite (I). The sensor is pref. Sn oxide which may be doped with e.g. Pt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As e.g. a gas sensor for gases in air such as H2, CH4, etc. Integrated sensor is provided with heating and sensing elements on the same substrate.
(JP94102791-B2)      In a prepn. of a new fuel the residue from the process of refining used paper pulp through disaggregation of used paper and after sorting of the pulp is dehydrated and dried to obtain used paper residue. The sludge after paper making from used paper is dehydrated, dried and carbonised to obtain carbonised sludge prod. Then 5-10 wt.% of the sludge prod. and 10-20 wt.% of a combustible oil are added to the used paper residue and granulated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Utilising the waste, the method provides an inexpensive fuel available for industrial and agricultural applications, reduces environmental pollution associated with the waste and allows a significant cost redn.    In an example, the fuel usually has a calorific value of 5000-6000 kcal/kg, comparable with that of coal. The residue is usually dehydrated to a water content of 60% and dried at 700 deg.C. The sludge is usually dehydrated to a water content of 65%, granulated to grain sizes of 2-3mm, dried at 700 deg.C and heat-treated at 1300 deg.C in a rotary kiln to carbonise. The fuel is finally pelletised to e.g. 5 x 10 x 5 mm pellets.
(JP2935540-B2)      Appts. is a vertical cylinder with a height three times the square root of the cross-sectional area. It is provided with a heater at the peripheral wall and a lifter to raise the contents along the wall.    USE -   Used for treatment of extremely polluted water e.g. domestic excrements.
(US5265428-A)      Dist column has a bubble cap tray separating upper and lower sections. The tray has risers each covered by a respective cap, and a downcomer with inlet and outlet in the upper and lower sections is positioned near the tray outer periphery, with a roof spaced from the downcomer inlet. A baffle is located between the caps and the downcomer inlet and is positioned under the eave of the roof and spaced from the tray. A passage is formed between baffle and roof for vapour pressure equalisation and a slot between tray and baffle for liquid flow. The column is partic for separation of CO2 and other acid gases from methane by a controlled freezing process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used e.g. for sepn. of a dried gas stream from a wellhead, ensures melting of any solid CO2 falling into the tray to permit stable operation without the need for an external energy source and its associated heat transfer equipment, and provides excellent mass transfer between all three phases.
(DE4029660-A)      Method of drying natural gas and for reprocessing the water solvent used for this purpose is claimed. The natural gas is heated and brought into contact with the water solvent, which is reprocessed in a distillation arrangement.    The water solvent is used as a heat carrier both for heating the gas and for the heat supply to the boiling-chamber of the distillation column. Variants claimed include the water solvent used for these two purposes being heated in the same boiling-chamber, and several further arrangements for the solvent and for the appts. used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Drawbacks of earlier methods are overcome, in that this equipment is simpler, uses less energy, and is more environment friendly.    (DE4029660-C2)      Natural gas is dried by a process in which gas and a water solvent are brought into contact and the solvent is then recycled through a distillation column. The water solvent is used to heat the gas and to supply heat to the distillation chamber of the column. The solvent is heated in a boiler in two circuits.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced plant requirement, more environmentally acceptable than previous plant.
(US5248602-A)      Organic substances, e.g. from refuse, are sorted from the waste material and crushed before being introduced into a supply shaft, from which they are removed in stages by a ram into a conveying shaft, in which they are heated and transferred to a fermenting tank. In the tank, the material is agitated for decomposition. A portion is discharged into the supply shaft and thence into the conveying shaft. Remaining decomposed material is passed via the supply shaft into an outlet shaft.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective, environmentally friendly decomposition is effected    (JP3135284-B2)      Making use of organic material by chopping and composting comprises conveying chopped compressed fresh organic waste through a duct provided with a heating jacket and heating relating to the nature of the material. Introducing further fresh material into the duct forces the preceding material into a heated fermenter in which it is mixed by an agitator and the evolved gases are removed, and the composted material is mixed with the incoming fresh material in order to provide bacterial seeding of the composting process.    The temp. during the mixing phase is 28-38 degrees C while in the heating phase it is 50-60 degrees C. The admixture of composted material to the fresh waste material carried out for a certain time period and is determined by the compsns. of the fresh and composted materials.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the conversion of organic waste, such as domestic or animal waste, the compost which can be used in horticulture etc. An effective, environment-friendly process converts the material to a compost which can be used in gardens etc
(US5107054-A)      Isomerisation of 6-10 C n-alkanes to branched chain alkanes comprises passing the gaseous alkanes (1 mol) and opt. H2 (0-10 mol) over an isomerisation catalyst at 250-700 F and at pressures up to 1,000 psi; and fractional distn. of the prods. The catalyst is a dispersion of one or more hydrogenation/dehydrogenation metals (e.g. Ni, Co, W, Pd, Pt, etc) in a porous crystalline zeolite.    USE -   The prods. are petroleum fuels with improved octane nos.    (JP6500135-W)      Isomerisation of a 4-10C paraffin involves contacting the paraffin with a catalyst compsn. comprising a dehydrogenation/hydrogenation metal and a zeolite with the following X-ray diffraction pattern: (Interplanar d-spacing; relative intensity, respectively) 12.36 +/- 0.4, M-VS, 11.03 +/- 0.2, M-S, 8.83 +/- 0.14, M-VS, 6.18 +/- 0.12, M-VS, 6.00 +/- 0.10, W-M, 4.06 +/- 0.07, W-S, 3.91 +/- 0.07, M-VS and 3.42 +/- 0.06, VS.    Process conditions are 200-315 deg.C, 450-3350 kPa and wt. hourly space velocity of 0.2-10 per hour. Contacting is pref. carried out in the presence of H2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process increases the octane of low octane naphthas contg. 6-10C n-paraffins and/or mono-Me branched paraffins. Yields are increased by minimising cracking of 5+C hydrocarbons. Process can be used to upgrade refinery streams rich in 4-6C n-paraffins
(ZA9106611-A)      A mixed metal oxide catalyst comprises an alkaline earth oxide, an oxide of a transition metal of gps. VIB, VIIB and VIII and a small amt. of an oxide of alkali.    The catalyst is activated in O2 and steam and remains active only in the presence of steam. This type of catalyst in the absence of steam and at above 600 deg.C converts methane with O2 to higher hydrocarbons and CO2 with selectivities to hydrocarbons below 70%. High selectivity approaching 100% has long been a desirable but previously unobtainable goal of oxidative coupling of methane. It can be achieved with a pref. catalyst contg. an atomic ratio of Ca:Ni:K or 2-4:1:0.05-0.5 after pretreatment of the catalyst in O2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Permits the conversion of methane to ethane, ethylene, and higher hydrocarbons at below 600 deg.C in the presence of O2 and steam with selectivities of 80-100% at methane conversions exceeding 10%.
(EP475596-B1)      A process for cleaning a dirty article, comprising: (a) contacting said dirty article with a solvent comprising a hydrogenated or dehydrogenated analogue or terpene under conditions resulting in cleaning of dirt from said dirty article, wherein said analogue-cleaned article is contaminated with a residue of said analogue remaining on the surface of said analogue-cleaned article; and (b) evaporating the residue from the surface by contacting said analogue-contaminated article with an aqueous medium at a temperature of at least 60 degC to produce a distillate comprising solvent and aqueous medium.
(DE4027581-C2)      Process for continuous treatment of liq. manure comprises sepg. solids mechanically; adding flocculant (I) and a precipitant (II) to the liq. and introducing the mixt. into a flotation tank for clarification. (II) is a mineral acid or carboxylic acid.    Pref. part of the liq. in the flotation tank is recirculated through nozzles under pressure after enrichment with air; the flocculant (I) is a ferric salt and the ratio ((I)+(II)):liq. is 0.01-10g:/l. Pref. the liq. manure is first treated with flocculant and/or thickener, then the solids are sepd. by decantation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sepd. solids from the mechanical sepn. and the flotation tank are useful in agriculture, etc. and they contain a higher proportion of the nutrients from the original liq. manure, reducing difficulty in disposing of the remaining liq..
(US5361623-A)      A combination of aerosol dispenser with a pressurised container and a finger actuated spray nozzle for discharge of a formulation adapted to emulate combustion prods. to an electronic smoke detector is claimed. An attachment is provided comprising a tube at least 12 ins. long with inlet and outlet ends. A mounting for supporting the tube to the container independently of the spray nozzle but in axial alignment with the direction of spray is included, with the inlet end sufficiently close to the nozzle of the dispenser for receiving substantially all of its discharge.    The tube is of a length and dia. to admit unimpeded flow to the detector while coarse droplets are collected on an interior surface such as to minimise wetting of the detector.    USE -   Used for verifying smoke detector functioning.
(US5316750-A)      CH4 is combusted by (a) partially reacting feed streams contg. CH4 and CO2 at 500-800 deg.C so that CO2 is produced in a second stage, and reaction prods. comprise CO and H2 from CH4 and CO2, C and H20 from CH4 and CO2, and CO and H20 from CO2 and H2.    Process comprises (b) sepg. solid C from the gaseous mixt.; (c) completely combusting CH4, CO and H2 in the mixt. with O2 (not contg. N2) to form CO2 and H2O; (d) sepg. H20 to form a CO2 stream; and (e) totally recycling CO2 to (a) and purging excess CO2 upstream of (a).    ADVANTAGE -   No nitrogen oxides nor pollutant gases are emitted into the environment.
(DE4025681-C2)      Plant for decomposing materials comprises equipment to deposit material into a first pile, mobile equipment mounted on a rotating gantry for turning the loose material over into successive piles and equipment for extracting decomposed material for the final pile and conveying it away. The decompsn. bed is circular and located around a pillar on which the gantry rotates. A circumferential rail supports the remote gantry end.    Equipment for turning material over into the next pile moves towards the pillar as the bridge rotates thus following a spiral path. Material is initially supplied by a conveyor which feeds it through the pillar to a conveyor on the gantry. The conveyor takes the material to the outer end of the gantry and produces an outer ring-shaped pile.    Material from the inner ring pile is delivered to a circular hopper at the pillar base by a scraper conveyor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plant deposits and removes decomposable material from a bed, reduces process and plant costs and occupies less area.
(FR2664891-A)      Process uses a catalyst, comprising a transition metal and a support of high surface area (consisting of a refractory metal oxide) which is exposed to a current of methane - at about 100-300 deg.C with a contact time of at least 1 sec. and then a current of H2 at 100-300 deg.C and a contact time of at least 1 second.    ADVANTAGE -   Process involves a cyclic process and avoids any thermodynamic and kinetic difficulties. It results in a conversion of methane without gaseous co-reactants with a max. selectivity.    (US5414176-A)      CH4 is converted into higher hydrocarbons, by (a) exposing a catalyst to a flow of CH4-contg. gas at 100-300 deg. C for 1 sec. or more; then (b) to H2 flow at 100-300 deg. C for 1 sec. or more, to recover gaseous effluent of higher hydrocarbons and H2; and (c) sepg. them.    Catalyst comprises a transition metal and a refractory metal oxide of large specific surface as support. Transition metal is Pt, Ru, Ir, Rh, Ra, Co, Ni, Fe and/or W.    ADVANTAGE -   CH4-conversion is obtd. without any gaseous co-reagent with max. selectivity and no loss of material.
(JP95088267-B2)      Soil contg. 70% or more water is stirred inside reacting drum together with quicklime by reversible rotating blades, while air is fed through suction port of stirring section. Flow down rate of stirred soil is controlled by open-close means in hopper from lower portion of stirring section, and soil flowing down through lower side of hopper is restrained by open-close means in flow path into which spiral screw is closely fitted. Treated soil is carried onto concrete floor provided in longitudinal direction of drying site through said flow path. Concrete floor is warmed by feeding boiler to heating hose provided between concrete floor and above ground. Thickness of soil is made uniform by advancing and retracting special drying means in longitudinal direction of drying site so that drying is promoted through plane contact between CO2 in air and treated soil.    ADVANTAGE -   Commercial value of compost using decomposable waste such as cattle night soil can be increased. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0
(JP94067314-B2)      Microorganism belonging to the Methylosinus and having aliphatic chlorine cpd. decomposition capability is immobilised by agarose gel, carrageenan gel, and/or alginic acid gel. The immobilised microorganism is kept into contact with an aliphatic chlorine cpd. or its mixt..    Pref. the microorganism comprises, a trichloroethylene-decomposing methane utilising bacterium or Methylosinus trichosporium TSUKUBA. The immobilised microorganism is formed by immobilising the Methylosinus trichosporium TSUKUBA having methane-utilising characteristics and decomposing trichloroethylene by agarose gel, carrageenan gel and/or calcium alginate gel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Decomposes volatile aliphatic chlorine cpd., including trichloroethylene contained in a drainage, exhaust gas discharged from a factory or soil. The method immobilises the microorganism without substantially decreasing the decomposition property of the aliphatic chlorine cpd. provided by Methylosinus trichosporium TSUKUBA. The use of the immobilised microorganism efficiently decomposes slowly decomposing contaminants.
(JP94011677-B2)      Soil comprises fermented prod. of a mixt. of powdered shell and organic slurry.    The organic slurry includes waste slurry from factory, etc. The particle size of the powder is 10-32 mesh size. The shell powder is used in an amt. of 5 to 25 pts. wt. relative to 100 pts. wt. of the organic slurry.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Powdered shell and organic slurry, which have been discarded, can effectively be utilised. (J03290387-A)
(DE4100859-C2)      Plant for dealing with refuse and waste has a low-temp. carbonisation arrangement, a combustion chamber which emits flue gas, and a closed circuit, that includes both the carbonisation arrangement and a heat exchanger, for gas used in heating the carbonisation arrangement. The heat exchanger is at a position in the flue gas where the gas temp. has dropped to, or below, the slag solidifying point.    Variants claimed include the operation of the plant, and several features of the heat exchanger and of the combustion chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The refuse and waste concerned include domestic and industrial refuse, chemical residues, and sewage sludge. The plant is not affected by slag films.
(DE4021865-C)      Waste is composted in an enclosed container by microbial decompsn., the exhausted air being recirculated, starting after breakdown of the biologically easily decomposed constituents and thus after the phase of max. biological activity. Recirculation can be repeated or continuous. Moisture is then removed by supplying fresh air.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures elimination of dangerous organisms
(US5112463-A)      Appts. for water electrolysis comprises an electrolytic cell, a gas-liq. sepg. mechanism and a power source. The cell is divided into a number of compartments connected in series each having two electrode plates of opposite charge. A membrane assembly is provided comprising an Fe sieve and a Ni sieve and a sheet of asbestos disposed between electrode plates with the Fe sieve facing the cathode and the Ni sieve facing the anode.    The cathode and Fe sieve are spaced by a concavo-convex Ni net connected between them such that the sieves form a part of a cathode and anode respectively. The plates and assemblies have upper openings for gas exhaust and lower openings as liq. inlet near the upper and lower openings as liq. inlet near the upper and lower ends and perpendicular to their planes. The electrolysis compartment are fastened together to form the electrolyser.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode spacing is reduced.
(US5132482-A)      Methane is oxidatively coupled in a catalyst zone of a reactor by (A) as known feeding a stream of CH4/O2 to the catalyst zone and reacting it at 600-1000 deg.C (under 101-800 kPa pressure) and (B) feeding an auxiliary O2 stream directly into the catalyst zone at 1 or several points to selectively increase the yield of C(2+) prods.    Auxiliary O2 stream is pref. introduced at the base of the catalyst zone, esp. beneath this zone, the feed stream consists of C2H4 or natural gas and O2 or air.    ADVANTAGE -   A more selective process than known ones giving higher yields of the desired prods
(GB2263905-A)      Waste animal material is treated by introducing a layer of it into a vat with a quantity of fly larvae. At repeated intervals sufficient for the larvae to consume most of the edible matter, a fresh layer of the material is introduced into the vat. At other repeated intervals, less than or equal to the time taken for the larvae to mature, further larvae are added. When the vat is full and most of the edible matter has been consumed by the larvae, the remaining material is removed.    Vat pref. consists of a series of elongate vats temporarily partitioned to form individual vats of shorter length. Each vat consists of a channel with a horizontal floor and two opposed, sloping sidewalls. Pref. angle is 35 deg. to horizontal. Each sidewall has grooves which encourage the mature larvae to ascend the walls.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to treat waste animal material, e.g. animal carcasses and parts unfit for human consumption, to make a fertiliser and angling bait. The material is treated by larvae but without the resultant prodn. of large numbers of flies. @(24pp Dwg.No.3    (GB2263905-B)      Apparatus for treating waste animal material, comprising a vat into which the animal material and fly larvae may be introduced, characterised in that the vat has at least one outwardly sloping wall provided with a plurality of grooves in the surface thereof, the grooves extending from the floor of the vat to the uppermost edge of the wall, the base of each groove being inclined to the horizontal at an angle such that mature larvae are induced to ascend the grooves, and means for collecting the larvae arriving at the uppermost edge of the wall.
(US5139699-A)      A new formulation for discharge from a hand-held spray nozzle for activating both photoelectric and ionisation type smoke detectors by simulating smoke comprises an aerosol consisting of a hydrocarbon propellant and alkyl phthalate ester(s) of 7 or 9 C atoms chain length. At least 2% of an alkyl phthalate ester is present. The propellant is isobutane or propane.    USE -   Testing of smoke detectors
(JP95102998-B2)      Appts. has a fermenting tank with air vent pipes in the upper space and in the lower space organic materials to be fermented the pipes are connected through other pipes.    USE -   For making matured composts. @(4pp Dwg.No.0/6)@
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.
(JP3121064-B2)      A method for treating cellulose-contg. sec. fibres is claimed.    The fibres have a content of (a) polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and/or polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF); and/or (b) sticky contaminants.    The fibres are contacted with propane under pressure and temp. conditions such that the propane is a supercritical or near supercritical fluid and the content of either or both (a) or (b) is reduced.    The content of the PCDD and/or PCDF of the fibres is reduced by at least 70% pref. by at least 90%. The pressure is above 30(42) atmos. and less than 300(40-200) atmos., the temp. is above 80(97) deg.C and less than 200(90-150) deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Efficient removal of (a) and (b), improves the quality of paper produced from the fibres and prevents web breaks and deposition of the sticky contaminants on the machine components. @(13pp Dwg.No.0/2)
(JP2867059-B2)      Decomposer is composed of aerobically cultured microorganisms found in earthworms faeces. Microorganisms (e.g. mould and bacteria) are pref. cultured in an aq. dispersion of earthworm faeces to give about 50 million cells/cm3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Decomposer of agrochemicals is useful in playing grounds, for fields and golf courses preventing chemical injury.    In an example, soil sample contg. 52.2 ppm of simazine was treated with the compsn. Content of simazine declined to 49.5, 37.4 and 22.2 ppm respectively after 12, 35 and 60 days, respectively.
(DE4019771-C)      Container for compostable material from domestic waste comprises rectangular or other cross-sectional shape container, self-supporting or as an insert in a plastic or metal container mfd. from waste paper. The material is treated so it does not dissolve in water. The walls exchange air between the interior of the container and the environment.    ADVANTAGE -   Min. odour, environmentally pref. prod.
(JP2632228-B2)      Appts. comprises chamber to store CO2 produced during mixing and fermenting of the organic waste with fermenting bacteria. The storage chamber communicates with a fermenting tank having stirring blades.    USE -   For treating animals droppings.
(JP2670589-B2)      Device includes fermenting vessel having U-shaped section, paddle-type stirring vanes supported by horizontal rotary shaft in fermentation vessel so that vanes rotate along curved bottom of fermenting vessel, and fermenting and drying heater arranged around outer periphery of fermentation vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Fermentation and drying can be effected for one batch.
(JP2632227-B2)      The organic waste-fermenting system includes fermenting vessels each having a U-shaped section, paddle-type stirring vanes in each fermenting vessel such that the vanes vertically rotate along the curved bottom of the fermenting vessel, and a fermenting and drying heat arranged around the outer periphery of each fermenting vessel. The fermenting vessels are provided with upper feed openings and a lower fermented prod. discharge opening. The fermenting vessels are laterally detachable, and guide rails are laid above the vessels in the direction of the arranged vessels. A pretreating unit, for crushing organic waste and downwardly discharging it, is movably fitted on the rails so that it may be stopped above the organic waste feed opening of each fermenting vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Fermenting conditions can be easily set.
(JP3116099-B2)      Organic waste e.g. dead chickens is coarsely cut into pieces that do not flow during fermentation. Cut pieces are charged into fermentation vessel together with water-content adjusting agent and fermenting germ, and mixt. is obtd. by heating to optimum fermenting temp. under stirring.    After stirring and heating are stopped, mixt. is left contacting carbon dioxide, thereby propagating germ. While optimum fermenting temp. is kept and mixt. is stirred, fermentation is effected. Fermented product is dried.    ADVANTAGE -   Fertiliser or feed with high nutritive value is obtd. in short time. @(8pp Dwg.No.0/0)
(DE4019389-C)      Sewage sludge is transformed into a humus-like substance by a process in which organic additives are added to the sludge to increase the OTS content and as inoculant. Synthetic flocculant is then added and the sludge is mechanically de-watered to at least 20% TS and at least 50% OTS. Preliminary aerobic, microbial composting takes place at 50-90 deg.C in piles 2m max. high, with 30-50% pore vol. and active, uniform ventilation, forming CO2 and water as well as substrate, with TS of 60-65%. Aerobic composting over several weeks, without ventilation, at 10-90 deg.C, mostly fungal, increases TS to 80%.    ADVANTAGE -   High quality fertiliser, easily disposed.
(US5100744-A)      The single fuel cell stack includes a number of divided fuel chambers and a number of divided air chambers partitioned or a number of fuel cell stacks are connected to each other, so that respective fuel chambers and air chambers are connected in series to form a number of series fuel chambers and a number of series air chambers.    Reaction gas is supplied to selected divided fuel chambers and divided air chambers, or to selected series fuel chambers or series air chambers, selected depending on the stage of load factor.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not waste power generated and can avoid the occurrence of high potentials under light load conditions.    (DE4120092-C2)      The current supply has a fuel cell stack (1), comprising a number of individual cells, each with a fuel electrode and an air electrode respectively supplied with a fuel gas and reaction air, via fuel gas channels and reaction air channels extending perpendicular to one another.    A pair of distributors (3A,3B;2A,2B) lie on the entry and exit side of the fuel gas feed and on the entry and exit side of the reaction air feed for the fuel cell stack (1), used to control the flow vol. dependant on the required load factor.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows load factor to be altered between 25 percent and 100 percent.
(JP6500495-W)      Biological remediation process in which microorganisms degrade contaminating organic cpds. over an extended period is enhanced by adding a low level controlled release source of microorganism nutrients to supply a growth and activity promoting level of nutrients over the extended period.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process can be applied to water and soil environments, including soil in or removed from its natural environment, naturally occurring or artificially created bodies of water, ground water, municipal waste water or industrial effluent and soil slurried in water. Process can be used e.g. in degradation of oil spills. Labour costs can be reduced and environmental damage caused by nutrient run offs can be avoided.    (US5340376-A)      In a biological remediation process, microorganisms are used to degrade contaminating organic cpds. within an environment over an extended period of time. A low-level of controlled-release source of a micro-organisms nutrients is applied to the environment capable of continuously supplying a micro-organism growth- and activity promoting level of nutrients over at least 2 months. The source is in the form of coated solid particles having a core of water soluble microorganism nutrients encapsulated in a release rate-controlling coating and the particles are admixed at a level of 0.25-3 pounds/yd3 of environment.    The environment is e.g. soil or municipal waste water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reduce nutrient losses in open systems e.g. in bioremediation operations. The delivery systems reduce labour costs associated with nutrient application and reduces the potential for environmental damage due to nutrient run-off.
(JP2972261-B2)      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.
(JP2939814-B2)      In the methane gas sepn appts. accompanied with a condensor to liquefy sepd methane gas, a gas/liq separator is disposed at an outlet port of liquefied gas of the condensor, while a gas circulating system is provided to introduce the sepd gas into the source natural gas feeding system.    ADVANTAGE -   Much increased yield rate is obtd.
(DE4018810-C2)      Composting of waste and household refuse contg. organic and other materials comprises firstly composting in a closed container with a continuous air supply; then sorting out other materials (e.g. glass, metals, plastics, paper, etc.) by sieving from the fine compost produced. The fine compost is allowed to mature with fresh air, then compressed and packed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process yields finely divided, free-flowing compost for soil enrichment. The process provides an inexpensive means of converting waste to valuable compost, whilst glass, metals, plastics and paper are recovered for recycling.