(JP6224233-A)      Chips (124-122) of silicon or gallium arsenide, and having a low coefficient of expansion, are tacked onto a substrate (10) of e.g. alumina, having a higher thermal coefficient of expansion than the chips (12a-12z) using a thixotropic epoxy in a gel or liquefied form. The chips (12a -12z) are buffed so that their side edges are in contours, and then the assembly is significantly cooled, causing the substrate (10) to shrink relative to the chips (12a-12z). The array is then heated to cure the resin, during which the substrate expands relative to the chips, producing minute gaps between them, compensating for a thermal coefficient mismatch.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For assembling chips in abutting array on a substrate having significantly higher thermal coefficient of expansion than the chips. Enables the use of materials otherwise unavailable to designers to develop large arrays of versatile, failure resistant devices inexpensively.
NOVELTY - The negative electrode material is a mixture of carbon particles having multiphase and single phase structure. The multiphase particles has d(002) face distance of 0.2 or more and wavelength between 3.35-3.39 Angstrom. The single phase particles has surface area of 7m2/g and wavelength between 3.36-3.60 Angstrom. Electrolyte is prepared by dissolving alkali metal salt in solvent containing 10-70volume% of ethylene carbonate.    USE - Non aqueous secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - A highly reliable secondary battery having a large capacity and good storage discharge cycle property, is realized.
NOVELTY - The negative pole of the battery contains 50-98wt% of carbon particle having specified multiphase structure. The average volume particle size of carbon particle is 2-70 mum. An electrolytic liquid is prepared by dissolving an alkali metal salt or a quaternary alkyl ammonium salt in a solvent containing 20-100volume% of propylene carbonate or butylene carbonate.    USE - Nonaqueous secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - A secondary battery having large electrode capacity and good charge/discharge cycle properties, is realized. Thus the battery is usable in a wide temperature range.
NOVELTY - The solid polymer electrolyte (I) comprises the polyalkylene oxide which has carboxyl group, ionic conductive polymer compound and ion compound, where the main chain is polyalkylene oxide which has carboxyl group at the terminal or a side chain is alkylene oxide or the alkylene-oxide polyester which has a carboxyl group at both the terminal.    USE - (I) is useful as electrolytes, such as a primary battery, a secondary cell, and an electrochromic display device.    ADVANTAGE - The solid polymer electrolyte has a small resistance with respect to the ionic migration in the boundary surface of an electrode and a solid-electrolyte layer, and there is little degradation of an electrode, and peeling of a solid-polymer-electrolyte interlayer and an electrode.
NOVELTY - A case (1) accommodates a separator (5) set between positive pole (6) containing lithium-cobalt composite oxide and negative pole (3) made of carbon that absorbs and desorbs lithium ion. An organic electrolyte obtained by dissolving lithium perchloride in mixed solvent of sulfolane and ethylene carbonate, is poured between the positive and negative poles.    USE - Organic electrolyte secondary battery e.g. for electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - Improves electro chemical stability of electrolyte, by providing positive pole and negative pole made of material that absorbs and desorbs lithium.
NOVELTY - The battery consists of a bag-shaped separator with multiple rib at inner surface. An anode separated from cathode by separator, consists of lattice-shaped alloy comprising lead, calcium and tin. The alloy contains 0.05-0.07wt.% of tin and 0.75-1.0wt.% of calcium.    USE - Lead storage battery for automobile engine.    ADVANTAGE - Durable battery capable of preventing deformation of anode at high temperature, is realized by providing anode lattice of high mechanical strength.
(DE4219075-C2)      A transparent plastic sound barrier has at least one plastic sheet and a fixing device for it. At least onne energy-absorbing element is embedded in the sheet concerned, and this element is the type suitable for use in producing solar heating. The plastic sheet is pref. polymethyl-methacrylate.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. has additional applications without being in any way affected in its originally intended application.    In an example, an acrylic sheet (2) measuring 3m x 2m x 0.02m has a transparency of more than 90%, is colourless, and has a DIN 4 109 sound absorbency of 29 dB. It has holes (10) along the sides for fixing into a suitable mounting. Its top half has two embedded solar modules (3). Each module (3) is 75 cm x 50 cm and is made before being embedded. It consists of three lower units (4) connected by wires (5) to leads (6) in the top edge (7). These units (3) are commercially available types consisting of 150 solar cells. Many variations on this general theme can be used.
(JP6169583-A)      A membrane/electrode assembly comprises a radiation grafted cation exchange membrane which has been plasma etched with an oxidising gas on both its anode surface and its cathode surface, and which has an anode bonded to the anode surface and a cathode bonded to the cathode surface.    The oxidising gas of the plasma is pref. oxygen but can be ozone, chlorine oxide or fluorine oxide. No more than 20% of the membrane thickness is etched away during plasma etching of the anode and cathode surfaces. The anode and cathode are bonded to the membrane by heat and pressure, e.g. at about 200 deg.C. The cathode and/or anode can be treated with 'Nafion' cation exchange solution before bonding to the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The assembly is used in a thermo-electrochemical system in which an electric current is generated from a heat input. The assembly is resistant to determination and provides as good electrochemical performance as conventional electrodialysis membranes. The membrane/electrode assembly can also be fired in chlor/alkali cells.
NOVELTY - Anode is manufactured from lithium-metal complex oxide formed by heat processing raw material containing complex oxide of lithium and metal chosen from cobalt, nickel and/or iron. The raw material is in the form of metal or alloy powder, and has average particle diameter of 0.2-9 microns. The lithium secondary battery has above anode and a cathode containing metal lithium, lithium alloy or lithium occlusion component.    USE - For lithium secondary batteries.    ADVANTAGE - The method easily forms anode having improved cycle characteristics, discharge capacitance and reactivity. The method prevents destruction of the layer structure of particles and mixing of impurity. The particle size of anode active material is controlled without performing pulverization process. The anode active material has uniform grain size distribution.
(WO9402454-A1)      A cpd. of the formula A(OCH2CHR2)nOS(O)2CR1=CH2 (I) is new.    Also new are the following: (i) a cpd. of the formula CH2(R3)CH(R4)CH2(R5) (II); (ii) a single phase, solid, solvent-contg. electrolyte comprising (a) a solid polymer matrix obtd. by polymerising cpd. (I) or cpd. (II), (b) an inorganic ion salt, and (c) a solvent; and (iii) an electrolytic cell comprising (a) an anode comprising a compatible anodic material, (b) a cathode comprising a compatible material, and (c) a single phase interposed solid, solvent-contg. electrolyte.    R1 = H or 1-6C alkyl; R2 = 1-30C hydrocarbyl or compatible 2-6C ethylenically unsatd. moiety; and n = 2-50.    R3, R4 and R5 = gp. of the formula -(OCH2CHR2)n S(O)2CR1=CH" (III) or OS(O)2CR1=CH2 (IV), at least one has the formula (III).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for preparing solid electrolytes. The organic monomers are readily polymerised without using strong conditions.
(DE3635400-C1)      The cathode and anode spaces (16,18) share an ion-permeable membrane (20) and are filled respectively with a conc. aq. soln. of H3PO4 and a relatively low-m.pt. soln. of molten salt comprising a mixt. of (NH4)3PO4, (NH4)4P2O7, (NH4)2HPO7 and (NH4)3HP2O7. The anion reacts with gaseous H2 to reduce the H+ ion concn. in the anode section, while the cation is decomposed thermally to generate more H+ ions. Heat liberated by combination of cell reaction and intermediate regeneration prods. into the molten salt soln. is removed by a heat exchanger (56).    ADVANTAGE -   The reagent consumed during prodn. of electric current are continuously and effectively replenished by a system requiring no moving parts other than a few small pumps.
(US5331072-A)      The polazopyrrole is of general formula (I), where n is an integer of 5-10,000.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in light wt. electric cells. Good characteristics and performance.
(JP6076811-A)      Flexibile welding board (10) for producing battery pack has one or metal members (12,14,16), not nickel alloys, secured to a polymer substrate (18). The board is bent, folded, or otherwise deformed along predetermined lines or zones to accommodate a battery cell or cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Board is used for battery pack for use in a portable radio or other electrical or electronic device. It can be readily mfd. using automated etching processes and the battery cells can be directly welded to it.    (US5761792-A)      Flexibile welding board (10) for producing battery pack has one or metal members (12,14,16), not nickel alloys, secured to a polymer substrate (18). The board is bent, folded, or otherwise deformed along predetermined lines or zones to accommodate a battery cell or cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Board is used for battery pack for use in a portable radio or other electrical or electronic device. It can be readily mfd. using automated etching processes and the battery cells can be directly welded to it.
NOVELTY - The secondary battery has a metallic lithium cathode (1), a gel electrolytic film (2), an anode (3), and a reference electrode (4). The anode contains a polysulfide compound obtained by chemically polymerizing 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiazole and triazine-2,4,6-trithiol, using hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and iron ferrocyanide.    USE - As secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - The secondary battery has good charging/discharging cycle. The polysulfide compound is cleaved by reduction (discharging) and is reproduced by oxidation (charging). The polysulfide compound is not reduced to a monomer at the charging/discharging voltage.
(US5340409-A)      A photovoltaic element has a photoelectric conversion layer and a collecting electrode formed on it by curing a paste having an electroconductive base substance and a curable resin formed on the conversion layer, in which the number average mol. wt. of the curable resin is 3000 or less.    The resin is pref. epoxy, polyimide, polyester, phenol, vinyl etc..    ADVANTAGE -   The semiconductor element has good weatherproof collecting electrode.
NOVELTY - The cathode consists of an hydrogen absorbing alloy and an alkali electrolyte. Fluororesin powder with a molecular weight of 3,000,000 or less is arranged between the cathode and separator.    USE -   Used in cylinder hermetic type nickel hydrogen battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The oxygen gas consumption capability of cathode and battery characteristics are improved. Fiberization of fluororesin is prevented by using fluororesin of low molecular weight.
NOVELTY - A cathode pellet (2) has cathode material formed by mixing carbonaceous materials without a heat generation peak, and carbon fibers. The carbon fibers produce a dilation of 10-35% by doping lithium, when the cathode pellet is charged to 380 mAh/g per unit weight of the cathode material.    USE - Used in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, e.g. a lithium secondary battery for wrist watches.    ADVANTAGE - Since the carbon fibers produce a specific dilation, the pressurization inside the battery is maintained sufficiently, and the electrical contact between the cathode and cathode collector is maintained reliably.
(US5298085-A)      Solar cell array comprises an array of solar cells each having a pair of opposed faces and a substrate blanket including a cloth formed of crossed bundles of glass fibres to which one face of each cell is adhered by cured silicone resin, there being interstices between the fibre bundles which are not occluded by silicone resin so that the adhered cell face is partially exposed through the substrate and the opposed cell face is fully exposed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flexibly supports an array of solar cells. It is more thermally compatible with the cells to reduce thermal stresses.
NOVELTY - Air is gradually supplied to a cathode entrance side of the fuel cell stack before starting the carbonate type fuel cell. A portion of supplied mixture of inert gas or carbon dioxide, is recycled from the exit side to the entrance side. The amount of the air supply to the cathode entrance side is controlled, when temperature of the stack is judged to be increased, to perform degreasing by oxidation.    USE - For degreasing carbonate type fuel cell used in energy section for converting chemical energy to electrical energy in electric power generation system.    ADVANTAGE - Prevents increase of abnormal temperature in the fuel stacks. Lowers oxygen concentration and controls degreasing of electrolyte board.
(DE4208255-C2)      An arrangement for guiding a solar collector about a rotational axis, so that it corresponds to the position of the sun, includes a thermo-hydraulic drive with two parallel absorber tubes which are filled with a drive medium, and which are connected to a common adjusting piston for the collector. The absorber tubes have a reflection agent associated with them which reflects sunlight onto the tubes. The incoming rays are increased by the reflection agent and small angular displacements are accommodated. The hydraulic adjustment mechanism seal pref. consists of PTFE with a bronze mixt.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement is efficient and reliable.
(JP6053535-A)      In a solar cell having a solar cell element and a protective layer; the protective layer includes a resin that is obtained by the polymerisation of the phosphazo monomers designated by the chemical formula (1), (where, R1 to R6 = groups having polymetric ethylene unsaturated bonding, and R1 to R6 may be the same or different from each other).    Pref., the R1 to R6 are expressed by the chemical formula (I), (where, R7 = alkylene group, etc., and R8 = hydrogen and methyl group). Pref. the protective layer includes conductive particles (metal oxide) of mean grain size below 0.3 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cells having a protective layer containing the specific resin. Solar cells having high mechanical durability and environmental stability, which can obtain high conversion efficiency, can be obtd.    (US5344501-A)      Solar cell comprises a cell unit and a protective layer comprising a polymer formed by polymerisation of a cyclotriphosphosene monomer of formula (I) where R1-6 are each ethylenically unsatd. polymerisable gps.    Pref. R1-6 -R7-0-c(o)-c(R8)=CH2 where R7 is alkylene, (alkyl-substd.)arylene, alkylamide, arylamide or polyoxyalkylene; and R8 is H or CH3. Protective layer comprises conductive particles e.g. metal, alloy, metal oxide or C block.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Supply of energy to any place where solar energy is available. High, stable output efficiency, mechanical durability, good environmental stability and no air pollution are obtd
(JP2528798-B2)      A laminate(I) comprising furan polymer complex layer(II) and conductive material layer(III) is new. Prepn. of (I) comprising electrolytic polymerisation of a soln.(IV) comprising furan monomer(V) and electrolytic salt(s)(VI) using cathode of (III) to form (II) on the (III) cathode is also claimed.    In (v) R1, R2= H, methyl ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, halogen.    Pref. (1) furan monomer is e.g. furan, (2) electrolyte is LiClO4, AgClO4. KC1O4. (3) solvent is benzonitrile, (4) conductive material is cathode made of SnO2, In2O3 and/or conductive polymer film such as polypyrrole, polythienylene etc.. Electrolyte is dissolved in solvent to prepare below 1 mol./l soln. (V) is added to the soln. to give 0.10-0.30 mol./l soln. (V) is polymerised electrically using suitable cathode to obtain (II) doped with anion(s) from electrolyte used. (I) is prepd. simularly as (II); from example, (I) comprising (II) and conductive polymer layer(IIIa) is prepd. by using a cathode made of the conductive polymer film or a cathode covered by the conductive polymer film previously instead of a conventional cathode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful as ion-filter, separator etc. for cell. Only powdery furan polymer is known, and the former furan polymer is sparingly moulded to a thin-film. Thin-film of conducitve furan polymer, cathode covered by conductive furan polymer, and laminate of conductive furan polymer and other conductive polymer can be prepd. readily.    .D
(US5381902-A)      Device for supplying a circuit of a heating or cooling system comprises: structural component made up of units for conveying regulating and monitoring a medium, including fittings and connecting parts combined in parallel pipelines for forward and return flow; a housing for the structural material made up of a thermally insulating plastics material and divided into lower and upper shells by a seam which extends to the control plane. The shells are connected with a lock seam forming a positive locking connection along the outer edge of the upper and lower shells. The upper shell has openings for selected components of the unit to pass through, and means for directly fastening the lower shell to a wall. The material of the shells is of sufficient strength and thickness for the housing to be used as a protective transportation package.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Good thermal insulation in the region of individual units is provided using little space.
NOVELTY - A thermojunction container contains a specific matter which causes endothermic reaction at preset temperature, to activate an exothermic agent provided in the container.    USE - Used as a thermojunction for thermal battery to fuse electrolyte when cell operation is required.
NOVELTY - The non-aqueous electrolyte battery has positive electrode (2) which performs charging and discharging, negative electrode (1) having lithium as active material and non-aqueous electrolyte. Poly trifluoro ethylene (3-ethylene-fluoride resin) as binder is coated on the negative electrode and dried. A core material consists of a metallic foil which has the positive and negative electrode active materials.    USE - As seed battery.    ADVANTAGE - The non-aqueous electrolyte battery has improved preservation characteristic and cycle characteristic.
(FR2687847-A1)      The battery consists of a closed container (1, 2, 3) contg. negative and positive electrodes and equipped with a series of apertures (9) which are closed by a safety valve. The safety valve is made in the form of a tube (10) of an elastomer material, such as neoprene or polytetrafluoroethylene, held in place by a compression strip (8) with transverse ribs (11). The tube is designed to deform elastically at a set pressure to release gases produced inside the battery. The apertures (9) can be made in the bottom of a curved groove along the top of the battery which receives the tube.    ADVANTAGE -   Has safety valves which are simpler and more economical.    (EP557938-B1)      Sealed-type lead battery, comprising a closed container (1, 2, 3) which accommodates at least one negative electrode (4) and at least one positive electrode (5), the container (1 to 3) having several vent openings (9) which are capable of bringing the internal area of the container into communication with the area external thereto and with which safety valves (10) are associated, each safety valve comprising: a valve element (10) of elastomeric material, arranged with its surface turned partially towards a vent opening (9) and compression means (8, 11) which are capable of partially deforming the valve element (10) by crushing it against the edge of the vent opening (9) so that the valve element (10) normally closes the opening (9), preventing the venting of the gases evolved in the container (1 to 3), the valve element (10) being capable of subsequently being deformed in resilient manner, freeing at least a portion of the vent opening (9), under the effect of the pressure of the gases acting locally on its external surface by passing through the opening (9) when the pressure exceeds a predetermined value; characterised in that the valve elements (10) associated with the vent openings (9) are formed by different portions of a cylindrical tubular element (10).
(JP94104729-B2)      The adhesive sheet consists of (A) 95-99.9 wt.% of a copolymer comprising 84.9-55% of ethylene, 0.1-5 wt.% of an ethylenically unsatd. silane cpd. of formula: RSiR'nY3-n (R= ethylenically unsatd. hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy, or (meth)acryloyloxy alkyl gp. R'= aliphatic satd. or aromatic hydrocarbyl, or hydrocarbyloxy gp. Y= aliphatic satd. or aromatic hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbyloxy gp. or aliphatic acyloxy gp. n= 0, 1 or 2), and 15-45 wt.% of an ethylenically acid ester, and (B) 0.1-5 wt.% of an organic peroxide having a temp. of 90-170 deg.C corresp. to the half-life period of 10.5 hrs.    The unsaturated silane cpd. is, e.g. vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTS). The unsatd. acid ester is, e.g. methyl acrylate(MA). The organic peroxide is, e.g. dicumyl peroxide(DCP) with a temp. of 117 deg.C corresp. to the half-life period of 10.5 hrs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The adhesive sheet is used for protecting solar cell modules from shock and humidity. It has a high transparency, adhesive strength, and crosslinkability.
NOVELTY - Pressure application molding of a mixture of carbon fine powder (CP) carrying precious metal catalyst and water repellent processed CP is performed on an electrode substrate (S) in an electrode molding. Colloid dispersion liquid mixture of ion exchange membrane resin and platinum oxide in aqueous solution of lower saturated monohydric alcohol is attracted from lower part of S and electrode is manufactured.    USE - For manufacturing electrodes used in ion exchange membrane fuel batteries (claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The ion exchange membrane fuel battery shows high discharge characteristics. Conduction of proton and electron is carried out smoothly. The ultrafine catalyst particle provided inside the ion exchange membrane resin and the catalyst dispersed in the carbon fine powder provides large reaction area.
NOVELTY - The organic-electrolyte secondary battery comprises specific anode (4), cathode (2) and organic electrolyte. The cathode contains mixture of low graphitized carbonaceous material, fine carbon particles of preset diameter and/or minute fibrous black lead of preset length and diameter. The carbonaceous material has preset crystallization thickness in axial direction, D002 spacing and true density.    USE - As organic-electrolyte secondary battery such as lithium secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - The organic-electrolyte secondary battery has high discharge capacity, and excellent charging and discharging cycle characteristics.
NOVELTY - A porous polytetrafluoroethylene film is etched on at least one side, by sputtering above a discharge throughput of 50 Watt.sec/cm2, to obtain a water repellent film. The film has an acicular roughness of height 0.1-1 mum on at least one side.    USE - For air batteries.    ADVANTAGE - Water repellence of the film is improved.
NOVELTY - A copper layer and a copper-ion electroconductive solid electrolyte, each containing thermoplastic resin, are heated at an initial temperature which is higher than the softening temperature of the resin. The copper layer and electrolyte are integrated at a temperature which is lower than the initial temperature and at a pressure which is higher than the initial pressure.    USE - Manufacturing solid secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - The self-discharge property is improved by restraining the increase in internal resistance of the battery effectively so life of the battery is improved.
NOVELTY - Metal plating (2) is performed on the surface of a hydrogen occlusion alloy (1) to distribute a resin (3) such as polytetrafluoroethylene having water-repellent property.    USE - Used for a nickel-hydrogen battery or a manganese dioxide-hydrogen battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since water-repellent property is provided by the resin, water-repellent processing is unnecessary.
NOVELTY - An alkoxy polyethylene glycol ester and polyalkylene glycol dialkyl ether are mixed at 40degreesC or less, where either of liquid contains alkali metal salt. The liquid polyelectrolyte is applied on lithium alloy negative plate (5) containing lithium alloy, positive electrode (7) containing complex compound of metal chalcogen compound and solid electrolyte. Liquid polyelectrolyte is hardened at or below 40degreesC.    USE - For manufacturing solid-electrolyte secondary battery used in electronic devices.    ADVANTAGE - Excels in productivity and provides the battery a long charging-and-discharging life. Provides favorable adhesion of film and electrode, as the film is simultaneously formed on both the electrodes.
(US5228925-A)      Modular photovoltaic window assembly comprises rigid or semi-rigid optically-transmissive substrate, at least one large area photovoltaic device overlying a portion of the substrate and including at least one electrical conductor to the photovoltaic device disposed proximate its edge.    Decorative template is disposed on the substrate with first aperture coextensive with the photovoltaic device such that the aperture exposes all but the electrical connector, while a second aperture defines a window opening. Layer of optically transmissive environmentally impervious material encapsulates the device and substrate.    USE -   Used for charging vehicle batteries or house power supply
NOVELTY - The alkaline storage battery has a separator (4) provided in vertical direction of the battery. The separator is impregnated with liquid quantity of electrolyte containing potassium hydroxide. Liquid quantity of the alkali electrolyte is 3.5 g/Ah. Liquid maintenance property of the electrolyte is higher in the upper portion (4a) of separator, and is two or more times lower in the lower portion (4b) of separator.    USE - As alkaline storage battery for large-sized installation, such as floor-type alkaline storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - The alkali storage battery has high discharge and cycle properties.
(US5280133-A)      A junction box for connection between an electrical cable and output terminals of a solar panel at one edge of the panel comprises two members (44,46) to engage opposite faces of the panel (3) to sandwich the edge and defining a cable (20) entry opening adjacent to the terminals. The members co-act with the panel to seal the interior except for the opening.    Pref. epoxy resin fills the area overlying the terminals. One member pref. has posts which pass through holes in the panels to snap-fit in receivers in the other member. The case pref. has a relieving device to prevent cable tension from being transferred to the terminal connections.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for use in e.g., a marine environment. Can fe flat flush mounted on a surface and provides a durable waterproof connection.
(JP7505009-W)      A metal-air cell comprises a cylindrical container, where a portion of the sidewall defines an air electrode region; a source of O2 coupled to the air electrode region; a flat air electrode oriented substantially parallel with the axis, coupled with the source of O2, and sized to cover the air electrode region; a metal electrode, and an electrolyte in the container; a separator electronically isolating the metal electrode from the air electrode; and a sealant which sealingly mounts the air electrode to the circumferential sidewall so as to cover the air electrode region.    Pref., the cell also includes a collapsible foam support against the metal electrode; the metal electrode comprises Zn metal powder suspended in a gelled alkaline electrolyte; air holes in the bottom of the sidewall are covered by a hydrophobic membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Durable, long-life metal-air cells, e.g., Zn-air, that is interchangeable with commercial cylindrical and prismatic cells and batteries. Bulging or rupture of the cell container is avoided by the use of a simple means for accommodating a vol. change in the metal electrode during charging/discharging.
(US5281497-A)      A manganese dioxide cathode is provided with a manganese dioxide active material and a conductive powder. The active material and powder are uniformly mixed and pressed to form a porous cathode body. The cell further comprises a gelled zinc anode, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an alkaline electrolyte.    The anode gel comprises a modified starch as a gelling agent capable of releasing hydrogen gases developed during slow corrosion of zinc in the anode. A hydrogen recombination system can be used in the cell to limit inside pressure within permitted limits by recombining the evolved hydrogen.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases the performance of such commercially available with low mercury or mercury free cells reduces; they leak at elevated temperature.
(JP2988072-B2)      Substrate board used in atomic O atmos., is coated with an atomic O resistant resin layer.    The atomic oxygen resistant resin layer can be produced from liq. compsn. contg. (a) silicone ladder type resin of formula (I) (where R1 is phenyl, or lower alkyl; R2 is H or lower alkyl; and n is 20-100), (b) organic solvent of 5-30 wt.% (solid component), and (c) silane coupling agent in amt. of 150-3000 ppm of resin component.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   O resistant substrate board having excellent surface deterioration resistance in atomic oxygen atmos. can be obtd.. It is suitable for a substrate board of a space use solar cell, etc. used in a spaceship, etc..
NOVELTY - A battery activator comprises perfluoroalkyl sulfonate, ion exchange water and sulfuric acid, in a weight ratio of (1-10):(1000):(1-100), respectively. The perfluoroalkyl sulfonate has 8 carbon atoms in the structure. The activator further contains silicone type antifoamer in same quantity or 5 times the quantity of perfluoroalkyl sulfonate. The activator is poured into electrolyte liquid of the battery.    USE - For activating batteries such as lead storage battery used in motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The battery activator increases affinity of the electrolyte liquid, and eliminates sulfation phenomenon of the electrode. The activator effectively improves and recovers activity of the battery easily and reliably. The activator shortens the charging and discharging time of the battery.
NOVELTY - A hydrogen occlusion electrode is formed by applying or filling slurry or paste of polyvinyl alcohol with 10C or more olefin side chain, as an electrode active material on or to a collector which has a three-dimensional network structure.    USE - For a nickel-hydrogen battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since polyvinyl alcohol with 10C or more olefin side chain having high viscosity is used as electrode active material, separation of electrode active material is prevented. The electrode has high gaseous diffusion, and thereby raise of battery internal pressure at the time of charging is suppressed. Since the polyvinyl alcohol has olefin side chain, which is hydrophobic, three-phase boundary surface is generated.
(US5306774-A)      A miscible blend comprises (a) a poly(alkylene oxide) vinyl carboxylic ester polymer and (b) a polymer comprising recurring units in an amt. of at least 5% of acidic functional gps. of formula (I). R4-R7 are H, -CH3, halo gps., -OH, -CN, -(CH2)nCO2H, -C6H4CO2H, -C6H4SO3H, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as a protective coating, membrane or film exhibiting high mechanical stability and chemical resistance.
NOVELTY - Set cells contain at least2 unit cells which are electrically connected in series or juxtaposed. The periphery section except a terminal outcrop of a unit cell is covered with a film-like heat shrink-type resin by carrying out heat shrinking, and the whole of the unit cell is covered with a sheathing material by heat shrinking. The film-like heat shrink-type resin contains polyethylene naphthalate resin.    USE - Used as set cells.
NOVELTY - A non-aqueous solvent secondary battery (1) has electrode group (4) comprising integrally and sequentially laminated negative electrode (5) containing carbonaceous material which supports lithium, separator (6), and positive electrode (7) containing lithium containing complex oxide as active material. A carboxymethyl cellulose or its salt and fluororubber are used as binder in negative electrode.    USE - As a non-aqueous solvent secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since carbonaceous material is used as binder in negative electrode of non-aqueous solvent secondary battery, reaction of lithium during charging and discharging cycles, and internal short circuit are prevented. The non-aqueous solvent secondary battery has excellent charging and discharging cycle life, capacity and stable battery performance.
(WO9310568-A1)      Alkali metal cell having a solid electrolyte bonded to an insulator which seals the electrolyte from a current collector is mfd. by: shaping a dry glass powder compsn. to a conformal seal shape; joining the electrolyte and insulator together with the conformal shape forming the interface; and heating to melt the glass powder to form the joint.    A pref. glass powder compsn. comprises a dry mixt. of glass and ceramic powders.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and applicable to mass prodn. methods; only a single heating cycle is required and inaccurately machined electrolyte and/or insulating members can be accomodated.    (EP613589-A1)      Alkali metal cell having a solid electrolyte bonded to an insulator which seals the electrolyte from a current collector is mfd. by shaping a dry glass powder compsn. to a conformal seal shape; joining the electrolyte and insulator together with the conformal shape forming to form the joint.    A pref. glass powder compsn. comprises a dry mixt. of glass and ceramic powders.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and applicable to mass prodn. methods; only a single heating cycle is required and inaccurately machined electrolyte and/or insulating members can be accommodated.    (JP7501176-W)      Alkali metal cell having a solid electrolyte bonded to an insulator which seals the electrolyte from a current collector is mfd. by shaping a dry glass powder compsn. to a conformal seal shape; joining the electrolyte and insulator together with the conformal shape forming to form the joint.    A pref. glass powder compsn. comprises a dry mixt. of glass and ceramic powders.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and applicable to mass prodn.; only a single heating cycle is required and inaccurately machined electrolyte and/or insulating members can be accommodated.
NOVELTY - The secondary battery has an electrolyte that dissolves an iodine compound, porous conductive material that consists of polyamide and fine particles having 50-80% porosity and/or fibrous carbon. The electrolyte is packed with the porous conductive material, using continuous blow-hole.    USE - Iodine secondary battery of card-type, button-type or tube-type.    ADVANTAGE - The porous conductive material reduces corrosion of battery and improves charging and discharging efficiency. Hence increases charge storage capacity.
NOVELTY - Sealing board with a projection, has a hole (3) for internal pressure release. The inner and outer circumferential faces and upper surface of the projection are coated with thermobonding polyolefin resin (4) for covering the hole.    USE - Non-aqueous electrolytic battery with safety valve, for memory backup, communication apparatus.    ADVANTAGE - Improves reliability, sealing property and air resistance of battery using simple structure.
(US5228926-A)      A photovoltaic (PV) device is produced by (A) placing directly on the top electrode oayer of (a) a PV cell consisting of, bottom upward, a bottom electrode layer, a PV body and a top electrode layer, (b) a layer of embossable, transparent, organic, polymeric encapsulating material; (B) aligning an embossing die, contg. a pattern of numerous groove forming elements on its surface, with the PV cell and compressing the die and PV cell to emboss the groove pattern into the layer of the encapsulating material, and (C) withdrawing the die to leave an pattern of light directing grooves over the active area of the PV cell.    The polymeric material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, PTFE, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene and/or polyurethane, all esp. thermally crosslinkable. The PV body includes at least 1 layer of a fluorinated Si alloy.    ADVANTAGE -   The light absorbed by the PV cell is increased by a process integral with the mfr. of the device.
NOVELTY - The manufacture of separator involves heat-pressing by applying linear load of 0.6-5 kg/cm, and heating melt blown non-woven fabric having fabric weight of 40-80 g/m2 at temperature of fiber used for preparing the non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric contains an alkali proof synthetic resin.    USE - For alkali storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - The method provides separator having high strength, without producing film forming of non-woven face surface by melting. The separator has excellent dimensional stability. The porosity of the separator is controlled easily.
(US5318638-A)      The solar cell has a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer and an electrode comprising a conductive base material and a resin binder electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer. The vol. of voids in the electrode having a dia. of 0.1 microns or greater is 0.04 ml/g or less. The photoelectric conversion layer is composed of amorphous Si having at least one pin junction. The concn. of chlorine as impurity is 0.1 wt.% or less. The binder is a urethane, epoxy or polyimide type. The conductive base material is Ag, Ag-Pd alloy, a mixt. of Ag and C,. Cu, Ni, Al, Au or their mixt.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high environmental resistance. Conversion efficiency is maintained.    (US5393695-A)      The solar cell is produced by (a) forming a conductive paste comprising a conductive base material and resin binder, where the solvent content is not more than 18 wt.% of the paste, (b) applying the paste to a surface of a photoelectric conversion semiconductor, and (c) forming the device electrode by curing the paste at 100-200deg.C. The vol. of voids in an electrode having a dia. of 0.1 micron or greater is 0.04 cm3/g or less.    ADVANTAGE -   High environmental resistance. Degradation of conversion efficiency is unlikely to occur. The electrode grid is inexpensive, flexible and durable.
(US5202196-A)      A high capacity colloidal storage battery comprises: a battery case, anode plates, cathode plates, isolating plates, a buffer device and an electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises: 3-9.9 wt.% SiO2 sol; 48.1-75 wt.% H2SO4; 15.1-48.9 wt.% H2O. Pref. the buffer device is attached at the battery's inner top, is in contact with the colloidal electrolyte and is made from a piece of compressible and acid-resisting foam plastic, 3-5mm thick; a device for treating acid mist is attached to a filling opening in the battery; the electrolyte may further comprise 0.1-0.5% Al2(OH)3. A process for producing a colloidal thixotropic electrolyte is disclosed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   New type of high capacity storage battery, which has a colloidal electrolyte with a high resistance to hydration and cracking. The battery is easily produced at low cost, has a long service life, less-discharge and does not require special isolating material between electrodes.
NOVELTY - The non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprises a non-aqueous electrolyte, spirally wound negative plate and a positive electrode. The negative plate comprises material with doped light metal, its alloy or active material ion. A separator comprising polyethylene is provided between the electrodes. Polyethylene has a number average molecular weight of 350000 or more.    USE - As non-aqueous electrolyte battery with high output, used as power supply for cameras.    ADVANTAGE - The battery has high energy density, high output, reduced voltage fraction and high durability. Productivity of battery is improved.
(US5344498-A)      Module comprises an amorphous Si solar cell element encapsulated by filler, disposed on a base member. Cell element comprises a metal et-electrode layer, an amorphous Si semiconductor having a pin junction, a transparent and conductive layer, and a grid electrode coated by an epoxy resin which covers the entire exposed exterior of the grid electrode. Epoxy resin has a moisture permeability of (sic;20)g/m2. day 0.1 mm/40 deg.C 90% deg.C 90%RH.    Pref. epoxy resin is bisphenol A or F, cycloaliphatic or phenol novolak.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In power generation for commercial and home appliances. Free of short circuits upon repeat use and severe environmental conditions of high temp. and high humidity. Exhibits desirable photoelectric conversion efficiency over long period of time.
(JP3099202-B2)      In the heating and pressing chamber of the multilayering equipment; flat plate, cushion material layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, fluorine resin peeling-off material layer, rear side material layer of white fluorine resin bonding and sealing material lower layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, wiring for solar cells, bonding and sealing material upper layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, etc., and light-transmitting material layer of fluorine resin are formed into a multilayered sheet. Then the sheet is heated and pressed to bury the wiring between the bonding and sealing upper layer and lower layer, and to unify and fix the multilayered body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A prod. with uniform thickness can be prepd., without damage to the solar cell wafer during pressing. The module can be peeled off from the lower part in use.
NOVELTY - The paste-type cadmium cathode plate has conductive layer (B) formed on active material layer (A) surface. Layer (A) contains cadmium oxide, cadmium hydroxide and/or metal cadmium as main active material. Layer (B) comprises cellulose dielectric adhesive paste gelatinized with furnace black powder having BET specific surface area of 1000-1500 m2/g and dibutyl phthalate oil absorption amount of 3-5 ml/g.    USE - For closed-type alkali storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - The paste-type cadmium cathode plate has conductive layer containing furnace black powder having high specific surface area and high dibutyl phthalate oil absorption amount with respect to the acetylene black. The plate has excellent oxygen gas absorption property, and prevents capacitance reduction during high discharge. The plate provides battery with highly efficient discharge characteristics.
NOVELTY - A gas diffusion sheet and gas reaction layers are piled up and platinum supported at 056 mg/cm2 is arranged on the surface of the gas reaction layer that faces solid polyelectrolyte film. Several sheets of cell units of 5 cm long and 105 cm broad, are arranged such that halves of them are overlapped with each other and covered with resin mold.    USE - Solid polyelectrolyte film fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Produces the high voltage corresponding to cell units, without increasing the thickness of electrode.
NOVELTY - The battery has nickel hydroxide positive electrode board (H), hydrogen occlusion alloy negative electrode plate (F), a thermoplastic resin-made packing (A) which insulates the battery container from the terminals of electrodes, and a rubber safety valve (D). The melting point of packing material and valve is 270degreesC or less, and heat resistance temperature of valve is 230degreesC or less.    USE - Closed type nickel-metal hydride storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - Does not result in explosion even when the battery is switched-on in fire.
NOVELTY - The module contains several nickel hydrogen secondary batteries (2) stored in a resin container (1) and space between the container and the batteries is filled with a heat-conducting agent (5) containing grease mixed with metal filler.    USE - For supplying power for electronic devices such as portable video and a lap top computer.    ADVANTAGE - By providing the filler between the container and the batteries, the temperature rise of nickel-hydrogen secondary battery is repressed during charging. The battery has high volume and reliability.
(JP2563694-B2)      In the prodn. a prepreg, a peel-ply made of a fabric not impregnated with a resin, and a peel-ply prepreg made of a fabric impregnated with a resin, semi-cured are laminated, and are heated under pressure so that the resin is cured. Then, the peel-ply and the peel-ply prepreg are released so that the prepreg is surface-roughened.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cell panels with high heat radiation properties. The peel-ply and the peel-ply prepreg are effective in prodn. of prepregs of which the thickness is small and the resin impregnation amt. is low.    In an example, the prepreg is composed of prepregs prepd. by impregnating an epoxy resin into reinforcing carbon fibres arranged in one direction, and laminating the prepregs so as to intercross at a right angle. The peel-ply is made of nylon-6, 6 fabric. The peel-ply prepreg is prepd. by impregnating an epoxy resin into a nylon 6,6 fabric, and semi-curing.
NOVELTY - The fuel cell has a gas sealant (5) provided between solid polymer electrolyte film (1) and a gas impermeable board (4). The peripheral portion of the film, is covered by a protective coat (11) made of fluorine based resin sheet such that a portion of the electrodes (2,3) is overlapped. The film, coat and the electrodes are integrated by application of heat and pressure.    USE - Solid polyelectrolytic fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - As the peripheral side has gas seal material, the gas leakage to exterior is prevented. The safety operation property of the cell is improved.
NOVELTY - An anode pellet (2) has 9 wt.% graphite, 2 wt.% polytetrafluoroethylene, aluminum powder and 89 wt.% manganese dioxide molded at 350 degrees C. A polypropylene separator (3), a cathode (1) and a nickel-plated stainless steel cathode can (4) are sequentially stacked on the pellet. The space between the sheath (5) covering the pellet and the pellet is filled with aluminum powder (2A).    USE - Used as a coin-type non-aqueous electrolyte battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since the aluminum powder is filled between the sheath and anode pellet, the electrical contact between the sheath and pellet is improved.
NOVELTY - The non-aqueous solvent secondary battery (1) has electricity-generation component comprising integrally laminated negative plate (5), separator (6) and anode (7). Plate (5) consists of carbonaceous material carrying alkali metal mainly lithium and polyacrylic acid and a styrene polybutadiene rubber binder. The anode contains lithium complex oxide as active material.    USE - For electronic devices.    ADVANTAGE - Decomposition reaction between lithium and binder is eliminated and charging-discharging cycle is effectively progressed. Even when the battery repeats charging-discharging cycle, reduction of binding capability, dropping-off and internal short circuiting of the negative plate holder due to the increase in battery internal resistance caused by damaging electroconductivity of a collector and negative plate holder are eliminated. Capacitance maintenance factor is improved. Non-aqueous solvent secondary battery having stabilized performance and durability is obtained.
(US5188869-A)      Burnishing current collectors comprises (a) adding current collectors to container contg. burnishing material and soln. of soluble indium ions; and (b) agitating collectors in presence of soln. for time to burnish collectors and for distribution of indium on surface of the collectors.    Alternatively the burnished collectors are sepd. from the burnishing material, from (b) above and then are combined with soln. of soluble indium ions, for deposition of indium on surface of the collectors.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For burnishing anode current collectors for electrochemical cells. Permanent voltage drops in cell are avoided. No excessive bulging is exhibite    (EP529984-B1)      An alkaline electrochemical cell free of Hg comprises: (i) a cathode; (ii) an anode; (iii) an alkaline electrolyte; and (iv) a burnished anode current collector with a surface deposit of In. Opt. the In is deposited on the collector by contacting a burnished current collector with a soln. contg. In ions. Also claimed is an anode current collector for use in the above cell together with a process for preparing the anode current collector.    Pref. the cathode contain a metal oxide and the anode contains Zn. The In forms a layer more pref. continuous at a concn. of 0.5-200 (more pref. at least 1.0) ug/cm2 of the collector surface. An In-contg. cpd. is present in the anode in sufficient quantity to inhibit corrosion by the electrolyte. The cathode comprises MnO2 and synthetic graphite, the anode low-Fe and/or low expansion Zn, the current collector is brass and the electrolyte KOH, the cell further comprising ethylene oxide polymer as a Zn corrosion inhibitor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as batteries. Cell has a low level or is free of Hg, does not exhibit either a temporary depression or permanent drop in voltage, does not exhibit bulging and can be economically mass produced commercially
(US5425816-A)      An electrical via for a solar cell is produced by initially epitaxially growing a GaAs active region upon a Ge base to establish the substrate. A first opening is then formed in the substrate. The opening is coated and substantially closed with dielectric material. A second smaller opening is formed through the dielectric material. Finally the dielectric material is coated with conductive material that extends between the opposed side of the substrate. The conductive material is insulated from the substrate by the dielectric material.    The dielectric coating is pref. polyimide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to form corrections to the front face of solar cells. The via provides high mechanical strength and low electrical resistance.
NOVELTY - The cathode consists of a composite containing hydrogen occlusion alloy and amorphous carbon.    USE - Nickel hydrogen battery used for electric power unit of cordless apparatus.    ADVANTAGE - The cathode has long life and the pulverization of cathode is reduced.
(US5272021-A)      A Li battery comprises a negative electrode whose active material is Li (alloy) or Li intercalated C, a positive electrode and an interposed electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises a crosslinked macromolecular copolymer made from polyoxyalkylene chain-contg. polymeric cpd. and polyorganosiloxane chain which carries the Li carboxylate gp. of formula Coo-Li+ (1) bonded to Si through a hydrocarbon gp.    The copolymer is prepd. by curing a mixt. of (A) polyorganaosiloxane having at least 2 carboxyl-contg. hydrocarbon gp. in each mol.; (B) polyoxyalkylene chain contg. polymeric cpd. that has at least 2 OH gps. in each molecule; and (C) Li-contg. alkali cpd. through a dehydration-condensn. reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery can create a stable current and voltage.
(US5181968-A)      A photovoltaic device has an active semiconductor body (12) on a substrate electrode (14) and at least partly covered by transparent conductive material (22) to collect photogenerated charge carriers from the body. A current collecting grid (25) over the layer is secured to it by conductive adhesive (28) having a resistivity of 10000-30000 ohms/square.    The grid is pref. of copper, silver or metallic foil, and the adhesive is epoxy resin with suspended silver or graphite particles. The grid is pref. formed by applying metal foil over a layer of the adhesive, then removing areas of the foil and removing the adhesive corresponding to the removed foil simultaneously or after removing the foil.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises the deleterious effects of defect or shunt regions on operation of the device, the adhesive resistivity preventing catastrophic current flow.
(JP6111798-A)      A battery has electrodes and electrolyte in a case with a gas vent and porous explosion attenuating material (26) in the case headspace (H) over the electrodes to limit pressure build up resulting from ignition of gases. The material lines the interior of the case top and the upper ends of the walls, with the interior of the headspace remaining open.    In partic., the battery is a lead-acid battery and the material is polypropylene fibres bonded to the case. The material is pref. 0.5-1 inch thick and occupies 20-60% of the headspace. The cover may consist of polypropylene with an amount of rubber or polyethylene as an impact modifier to improve its explosion resistance.    ADVANTAGE -   Effectively reduces the consequences of explosion.    .D
(DE4120125-C2)      A component for obtaining solar energy includes, a thermal radiation absorbing layer which contains a series of pipes for feeding a heat carrier. The layer is in connection with a layer having heat retaining characteristics, and the latter consists of an elastomeric foam. The layer in a geopolymer foam and the two layers are adhered together. The outside of the component and the adhesive layer are coloured black. The heat absorbing layer is pref. a polycarbonate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The component is used in buildings for obtaining of solar energy. The component is an integral part of the building, and is simple and reliable.
(US5344722-A)      H3PO4 fuel cell comprises within a housing a gas diffusion cathode using an O2-contg. oxidant gas, a gas diffusion anode using an H2-contg. fuel gas, and an electrolyte comprising H3PO4 and at least 0.1 wt-6 additive selected from salts of nonafluoro-butanesulphonic acid (I), salts of perfluorohexane-sulphonic acid, perfluorinated trialkylamines of gen. formula R1R2R3 N and salts where R1-R3=independent F gps.    (I) is pref. K nonabutanesulphonic acid or K perfluoro-hexanesulphonate. The additive pref. consists of polymethylsiloxane.    ADVANTAGE -   The addn. of F cpds. or Si cpd. enhances O2 solubility and diffusivity of the electrolyte without detrimental absorption of the electrolyte in the electrodes of the cell and hence improves the overall performance of the cell.
NOVELTY - An organic resist film (2) is formed on a polished stainless steel board surface through a photomask (3) which has a desired fine pattern. A plated layer is formed on the steel board (1) surface at a resist layer non-formation groove (2a) and is transferred to the processed object.    USE - Used for a tor thin film transistor used in color liquid crystal displays, thin film diodes, solar cells, thin film sensors or various semiconductor elements.    ADVANTAGE - Large sized liquid crystal displays of ca. 40 inches or 80 inches can be produced without using exposure apparatus by separated resist pattern formation, since the printed layer is formed on stainless steel substrate and fine pattern with fine wire width efficiency at high precision is formed.
(JP6509910-W)      An improved photovoltaic cell comprises: a Si substrate having p-type conductivity, 12-16 mils thickness, front and rear surfaces and a shallow p-n junction substantially adjacent the front surface; a front contact in mechanically adherent and electrical contact with the front surface; an anti-reflection (AR) coating adherently covering the portion of the front surface not covered by the front contact; a rear contact comprising a uniform layer of Al metal alloyed to the rear surface so as to cover it. The rear contact has 4.5-8 mg of Al/cm2 of substrate coated with the layer of Al metal. The Al metal is alloyed with the Si substrate by heating the substrate in air at a temp. above the Si/Al eutectic temp..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved efficiency photovoltaic solar cell by providing a thick Al back contact, and using a single fire method of mfr.. The cell also has an improved useful lifetime.
(WO9405048-A1)      A module has flat spaced electrolyte elements (12) on edge and radiating from a central plenum (14), and plenum seals (18) between every other of the elements where they border on the plenum to seal the joints between elements and between the every other element and the plenum.    There are peripheral seals and these and the plenum seals comprise the end walls of longitudinal gas flow channels through the modules. A pair of manifold plates sandwich the elements and have an aperture in communication with the plenum and second apertures communicating with the channels. Transverse gas flow channels are in the spaces between elements not forming the longitudinal channels and communicate with the plenum. The elements may be of ceramic metal oxide, polymeric electrolyte membranes or immobilised molten electrolyte membranes.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides higher density packing of the elements to give higher ion-conducting capacity and greater efficiency.    (JP8500692-W)      A module has flat spaced electrolyte elements (12) on edge and radiating from a central plenum (14), and plenum seals (18) between every other of the elements where they border on the plenum to seal the joints between elements and between the every other element and the plenum.    There are peripheral seals and these and the plenum seals comprise the end walls of longitudinal gas flow channels through the modules. A pair of manifold plates sandwich the elements and have an aperture in communication with the plenum and second apertures communicating with the channels. Transverse gas flow channels are in the spaces between elements not forming the longitudinal channels and communicate with the plenum. The elements may be of ceramic metal oxide, polymeric electrolyte membranes or immobilised molten electrolyte membranes.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides higher density packing of the elements to give higher ion-conducting capacity and greater efficiency.
(JP6295733-A)      The plate comprises: (a) a porous component; (b) fluoro polymer film(s); and (c) a graphite plate laminated to (a) via (b); and an electroconductive pathway existing between (a) and (c), while the fluoro polymer provides an electrolyte barrier.    Also new is an improved fuel cell stack incorporating the above.    The porous component may be pref. an electrolyte reservoir plate or a graphite cooler holder. Pref. fluoro polymer films are of fluorinated ethylene propylene resin and/or TFE copolymers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in H2/O2 fuel cells, the arrangement is capable of minimising inter-cell electrolyte migration to below 0.5 g/ft/1000 hr. for at least 40000 hr. operation (e.g. in phosphoric acid fuel cells at current densities of 200-400 amps/ft2).
(JP2703831-B2)      Fuel reforming appts. comprises a reforming catalyst layer formed in a reforming pipe, and flexible stress absorbing layer formed on the catalyst layer. The absorbing layer is to absorb a stress in the catalyst.
(JP2775081-B2)      Method comprises coating substrate with a slurry of La manganate powder, and sintering at 900-1,050 deg.C to obtain a masking film to form a thin film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a masking film tightly adhered to the substrate; it can be easily formed and removed.
(JP3117781-B2)      Fuel electrode material for fuel cell is produced by mixing an aq. soln. contg. Ni, Co or Ru ions with a sol contg. Zr oxide and/or Ce oxide then heat treating the mixt. to produce a powder. Y oxide may also be used.    USE -   Used for solid electrolyte type fuel cells. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9346 based on complete specification).
NOVELTY - The electric power generating elements are formed along downstream fuel flow portion, such that the effective area of each element is fixed.    USE - For generating electric power.    ADVANTAGE - The variation in the operation voltage along fuel flow direction is reduced, by providing the electric power generating element. Thus, fuel utilization factor and power generation efficiency are improved.
NOVELTY - Madreporic material containing nickel and molten carbonate as electrolyte is used as an air pole (3). Oxide madrepore is formed by oxidation of nickel during the operation of battery. About 5% or more of nickel is heated above 350C below fusion temperature and the obtained nickel oxide is fused with electrolyte.    USE -   For batteries.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode shrinkage is not caused as nickel madrepore is partially oxidized and hence shrinkage of air pole is also prevented. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows block diagram of molten carbonate type fuel battery. (3) Air pole.
(US5366713-A)      Method of forming p-type silicon carbide comprises plasma chemical vapour deposition using a reactive gas mixt. contg. silane, hydrogen, trimethylboron and diborane. As a result of the carbon contained in the trimethylboron a band gap of 1.9-2.6 eV and a conductivity of at least 1 x 10 power (-1) s/cm. is obtd..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high band gap makes the silicon carbide suitable for use in solar cells and optical sensors. The high electrical conductivity allows thinner films to be used. This is esp. useful with solar cells having a large surface area.
(US5391410-A)      Amorphous Si thin film is mfd. by (a) depositing a Si thin film on a substrate by plasma CVD, and (b) supplying a mixt. of H2-diluted SiH4 and N2O at an N2O/SiH4 flow rate of 0.25-1.5 as reaction gases. The H2 dilution is 10-20, pref. 20.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells. The film has high conductivity and a widened band gap.
(US5385792-A)      The solid oxide fuel cell unit comprises: (a) a solid electrolyte having a fuel electrode and an air electrode on 1st and 2nd surfaces; (b) conductive fuel distributor and a conductive air distributor on the respective electrodes; (c) a fuel spacer and an air spacer which isolate reactive gases inside the fuel cell from outside air; (d) fuel-side and air-side barrier films on the respective spacers; and (e) an interconnector in contact with one of the conductive distributors. The barrier films prevent diffusion on Ca and Cr.    The air side barrier film is pref La manganate and the fuel side barrier film is a mixt of Ni, ZrO2 and La2O3.    ADVANTAGE -   Spacers and connectors are joined together by sintering without causing warping or sepn.
(US5368951-A)      The solid oxide fuel cell unit comprises (a) a solid electrolyte, (b) an air electrode on a 1st surface of the solid electrolyte, and (c) a fuel electrode on a 2nd surface of the solid electrolyte. The fuel electrode is a mixt. of Ni, ZrO2 and Cr oxide. The electrolyte and electrodes are laminated and sintered together.    A method for assembling the fuel cell is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel electrodes maintain sufficient porosity even after high temp. sintering and under high temp. operating conditions.    (JP3151933-B2)      In a solid oxide fuel cell having a solid electrolyte with an air electrode on one surface and a fuel electrode on another surface, the novelty is that the fuel electrode consists of a mixt. of nickel, zirconium oxide and chromium oxide. The solid electrolyte, the air electrode and the fuel electrode are laminated and sintered together. The fuel electrode contains 45 wt.% nickel and 2-20 wt.% chromium oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   The chromium oxide acts as a sintering inhibitor so that the fuel electrode maintains sufficient porosity during sintering at above 1300 deg.C and during cell use at about 1000 deg.C.
(JP6236767-A)      Monitoring the electrochemical potential of fuel cell components, comprises (a) using an electrochemical sensor (40) having a pair of electrically conductive wires (10); and a porous, non-conductive conduit (50) in contact with the wires; (b) bringing electrolyte into contact with the conduit; (c) wicking the electrolyte into the pores of the conduit; (d) applying a voltage across the wires; (e) increasing the voltage until H2 evolves from the second wire; and (f) measuring the potential difference between the fuel cell component and the second wire.    The second wire provides a reference potential which is near to the open circuit potential of a hydrogen electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sensor can be used to monitor anode and cathode polarisation during cell operation, and anode and cathode voltages and resistivity during shutdown. Anode polarisation establishes the point at which the fuel cell should be shut down to prevent failure due to corrosion. Anode and cathode voltages can be used to control N2 purges to maintain low O2 content in anode and cathode chambers.
(DE3635400-C1)      The cathode and anode spaces (16,18) share an ion-permeable membrane (20) and are filled respectively with a conc. aq. soln. of H3PO4 and a relatively low-m.pt. soln. of molten salt comprising a mixt. of (NH4)3PO4, (NH4)4P2O7, (NH4)2HPO7 and (NH4)3HP2O7. The anion reacts with gaseous H2 to reduce the H+ ion concn. in the anode section, while the cation is decomposed thermally to generate more H+ ions. Heat liberated by combination of cell reaction and intermediate regeneration prods. into the molten salt soln. is removed by a heat exchanger (56).    ADVANTAGE -   The reagent consumed during prodn. of electric current are continuously and effectively replenished by a system requiring no moving parts other than a few small pumps.
(JP94099128-B2)      Composite used to remove gaseous hydride impurities like phosphine, arsine or diborane from silane is a mixt. lf Cu oxide and Zn oxide. A method of purifying silane is also claimed, where crude silane is contacted with the composite, so that gaseous hydride impurities are adsorbed by the composite and removed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to remove gaseous hydride impurities like phosphine, arsine or diborane from silane. Silane is used to produce semiconductor devices, amorphous solar cells, or light-sensitive drums.    In an example, Cu oxide:50 wt.percent, Zn oxide: 45 wt.percent, a binder of graphite and gelatin were mixed and moulded into spherical pellets. The pellets: 49 g were loaded in a 135 cm long reactor tube. Crude silane gas contg. 3000 ppm phosphine, 1700 ppm arsine, and 300 ppm diborane was passed through the reactor tube at a space velocity of 5000 hr-1 under a pressure of 760 Torr. The impurities were not detected over 32 hr. continuous flowing.
(JP2928016-B2)      Prodn. comprises sputtering using target consisting of Zn oxide contg. Al oxide in a concn. of 0.5-1 wt.percent. The sputtering is carried out in an inert gas atmos. contg. hydrogen.    The inert gas is pref. Ar gas, and the sputtering is pref. RF magnetron sputtering. Sputtering in an Ar gas atmos. and sputtering in a hydrogen-contg. inert gas atmos. may be repeatedly carried out. The film prodn. was effected using an RF magnetron sputtering appts. having a ZnO target contg. 0 - 2 wt.percent of Al2O3 in an Ar gas atmos. contg. 0 - 10 percent of hydrogen onto a glass substrate at 150 deg. C to form a thin film having a sheet resistance of 10 ohm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Transparent electroconductive film has high permeability and a low resistivity and is for a solar cell or a thin film displaying device etc.
(JP7506327-W)      A H2 generating system comprises: (a) a reactor which is a fluidised bed, tumbling drum or vibrating bed reactor contg. an activated Fe reactant with sufficient activity to convert Fe oxide at a rate of at least 2% per minute at temp. 450 deg.C or less, (b) a source of water at temp. enabling it to react with the Fe reactant to form gaseous H2 and spent Fe oxide, (c) a system for controllably delivering the water to the reactor in response to demand from the energy producing device and (d) a device for providing heat necessary for starting up the reaction between the Fe and the water. The system is capable of converting the Fe to Fe oxide at a rate of at least 2% per minute at temp., less than 450 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   H2 is used as fuel in e.g. fuel cell or heat engine. Gives increased rate of H2 prodn. while spent metal oxide particles are easily and cheaply regenerable. H2 is generated safely and at low cost on-site.
(WO9512898-A1)      Making Si solar cell of 18-20% efficiency comprises anisotropically etching the front of a P-type Si wafer (22) to form irregular structures, diffusing a layer of P atoms, carried to the substrate heated at 950 deg.C by inert gas, into the surface to form a lightly doped N junction and thus a P-N junction (30), completing diffusion by a drive-in passing steam or O2 over the wafer heated to 1100 deg.C, and growing a layer of thermal silica (26) during this.    A computer-guided laser then forms many grooves (28) in the silica, P atoms are diffused to form a heavily doped P-N junction below the grooves using the method above, metallic contacts (32) are formed in the grooves by chemical redn. of an ion plating soln., and an electric current induced to attract more ions to the metal layers. An additional metal layer is deposited on the metallic layers from molten metal, the edges of the first P-N junction (34) plasma-etch cleaned, and many contacts formed to the back of the wafer (36).    Also claimed is the cell made as above in which the reflectivity of the irregularly etched front surface is ca 20%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Si solar cell and method of fabrication are used for high efficiency cells. The method is inexpensive, simple, gives high throughput, and the cells are 18-20% efficient.
NOVELTY - The condensed water is aerated to remove volatile element of methanol. The organic substance remained in the processed underwater is removed. A demineralizer (60) removes a saline matter from treated water and demineralized treated water is supplied to the water vapor generator of the fuel battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Fuel type condensed water is separated and modified and a fuel with water vapor is generated which is then electrochemically reacted with oxidized agent within the fuel battery to generate electricity.    USE -   For use in phosphoric acid type fuel battery power generating unit to remove organic substance and saline matter from the fuel condensed matter.    ADVANTAGE -   Removes impurity of methanol with high extraction ratio. Prevents contamination of ion exchange resin and desalination is performed efficiently. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the systematic diagram of water treatment unit. (60) Demineralizer.
NOVELTY - An electrolyte mixture containing yttrium stabilized zirconium and a specific metal like lanthanum cobalt oxide, lanthanum manganese oxide, lanthanum chromium oxide or their mixtures is produced. The electrolyte mixture is sintered in oxidizing atmosphere along with electrode and pole raw materials at calcination temperature more than operating temperature of fuel battery.    USE - The method is used for manufacturing solid-electrolyte cell e.g. high-temperature water vapor electrolytic cell used in solid-electrolyte type fuel battery pack.    ADVANTAGE - Number of processes is reduced by simultaneously baking base electrode and electrolyte materials.
NOVELTY - A solid-polymer-electrolyte type fuel battery comprises electrodes arranged on sides of electrolyte film, leaving outer edge sections of the film. Gas seal sections with reinforcement film are formed opposing the vacant outer edge sections of electrolyte film. Reactor-gas supply boards seal the electrolyte film with electrodes, via gas seal section, and supply fuel and oxidizing agent gases to electrodes.    USE - For solid-polymer-electrolyte film fuel battery having electrolyte film of high strength.    ADVANTAGE - The outer edge section of solid-polymer electrolyte film is reinforced mechanically. Even if mechanical stress by difference in the thermal expansion or contraction between each construction element of the fuel battery is increased, the electrolyte film is not destroyed mechanically. The fuel battery has outstanding reliability.
(JP2528763-B2)      Translucent electric conductive oxides compsn. comprises AB2O4, with respective combination of metallic ions of both A and B as follows: If A = Mg, Zn and Cd ion then B = combination of Ga ions. If A = Mg or Zn ion, then B = combination of In ions. If A = Mg, Zn or Cd ion, then B = combination of Ga or In ions at opt. rate. If A = Li or Na ion, then B = combination of In 1/2 Sn 1/2 ion. If A = Zn ion, then B = combination of Zn 2/3 Sb 1/3 ion. If A = Zn ion, then B = combination of Zn 1/2 Sn 1/2 ion.    Comspn. is made up of spinel crystal structure contg. rutile chain, giving electrical conductivity by reducing processing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing solar cell and liq. crystal display device. Gives electrical conductivity and wide area of light transmission.
(JP3090521-B2)      Inorganic or hydrophobic organic material is solubilised in a water medium with the help of a specific surfactant of a ferrocene deriv.; a mixt. of 1-100 mM of a photooxidation catalyst and 1-100 mM of a photooxidation catalyst regenerator in a mol. ratio of 1:5 to 5:1 is added to the water medium to prepare micelle soln. or dispersion; the pH of the micelle soln. or dispersion is adjusted to below 5; and film supporting material is added to the micelle soln. or dispersion and light is irradiated on them to form thin films on the surface of the film supporting material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to form thin films for thin film devices like displays, solar cells, memories or nonlinear optical devices, or colour filters of LCD displays or projectors. Thin films can be formed on any substrate.    In an example, a micelle dispersion was prepd. by adding 2 mM of 'FPEG' (RTM ferrocene derivative, Dojin Kagaku Corp.), 7 mM of phthalocyanine, 10 mM of (Ru(bpy)3)Cl2 (bpy = bipyridyl) and 100 cc of 1N HCl into 1 l of pure water. The dispersion was coated on an ITO substrate. Xelamp light was irradiated on the coating.
(JP3170842-B2)      Cell comprises a solid electrolyte on the surface and on the back a fuel electrode and an air electrode. Solid electrolyte comprises partially stabilised zirconia (PSZ) member having a stabilised zirconia film on the surface.    Solid electrolyte is pref. prepd. by doctor blade process into a green sheet using a Mn-added stabilised zirconia and a Mn-added PSZ.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolyte fuel cell can be obtd. free from warpage and cracks without adding a large amt. of Mn; provides a fuel cell having a solid electrolyte having good electrochemical properties and also mechanical strength.
(JP3160993-B2)      Fuel cell comprises a pair of gas diffusion electrode provided with a solid electrolyte between them and a reducing gas and an oxidising gas being supplied to each of the electrodes to generate electric power.    The solid electrolyte is based on Ba-Ce-O system, and is a mixed ionic conductive oxide having both proton conductivity and oxide ion conductivity.    A fuel cell as above is also claimed where the solid electrolyte is a mixed ionic conductive oxide having both protonic conductivity and oxide ion conductivity. The fuel cell operates in the range of 650-850 deg.C..    Pref. the ionic conductive oxide is a perovskite oxide expressed by BaCe1-xGdxO3-a, where x is above 0 and below 1 and a is above 0 and below 1.5; more pref. x = 0.16-0.23.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides a highly reliable and long usable fuel cell.
(US5800798-A)      A process for producing a fuel gas for fuel cells is claimed, comprising treating a sulphur-contg. hydrocarbon with a desulphurising agent to reduce the sulphur content to 0.2 ppm or less, and bringing the treated hydrocarbon into contact with a steam reforming catalyst to provide a fuel gas mainly composed of hydrogen. The desulphurising agent comprises a copper-nickel alloy having a copper:nickel wt. ratio of 95:5-5:95.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a process for producing a fuel gas for fuel cells from a heavy hydrocarbon such as kerosene. The process involves a desulphurising agent which has a low tendency to bring about the deposition of carbon even at relatively high temps., has a high desulphurising capability and has a high service life.
(US5298085-A)      Solar cell array comprises an array of solar cells each having a pair of opposed faces and a substrate blanket including a cloth formed of crossed bundles of glass fibres to which one face of each cell is adhered by cured silicone resin, there being interstices between the fibre bundles which are not occluded by silicone resin so that the adhered cell face is partially exposed through the substrate and the opposed cell face is fully exposed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flexibly supports an array of solar cells. It is more thermally compatible with the cells to reduce thermal stresses.
NOVELTY - A battery (4) has low and high temperature electrodes e.g. braid-like porous platinum boards (11,12), to which fuel containing hydrogen gas is supplied. The high temperature electrode is heated by exhaust heat of the fuel cell system, and the fuel which drains out from the high temperature electrode is supplied to fuel cell (1).    USE - Fuel cell system.    ADVANTAGE - The heat energy of the exhaust gas ejected at the time of diving of the fuel cell system, is more effectively used.
(JP6009268-A)      Firing zirconia green sheet comprises pressurising the zirconia green sheet by gravity load during firing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of sensors, electrolytic barrier membranes for fuel cell and setter. Prevents camber and waviness during firing.
NOVELTY - The exhaust gas of oxidizing agent supplied through a branch pipe (21) is processed so that the oxygen content of the exhaust gas is less than a preset level. The exhaust gas removed with oxygen content, is supplied as a purge gas between containers (7) and fuel cells, to prevent leakage of heating gas from fuel electrode, through a purge gas feed pipe by a blower (24).    USE - Used as a fuel cell-type power generating plant.    ADVANTAGE - The plant reduces the oxygen content in an oxidizing agent waste gas, to obtain a purge gas, and reduces the cost by eliminating the need to store large quantities of nitrogen for purging a container, as the exhaust gas of oxidizing agent is used as purge gas after reducing oxygen content in exhaust gas.
(JP6096780-A)      Electrochemical device comprises cells (12,14) each having an O2 ion conducting electrolyte (18,20), anode (26,28) and cathode (30,32); interconnects (16) connecting the anodes to the cathodes of adjacent cells; and a sealant (48,50) for sealing the cells to the interconnects to provide a gas-tight seal, the sealant being positioned relative to the interconnect so as to be spaced from the electron pathway formed by the interconnect.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a series connected tubular electrolytic cell, esp. for generation of concd. O2. Simple, improved interconnection between the tubes is provided having high electrical and pneumatic integrity.    (US5338623-A)      A solid-state device for transporting ions through a ceramic electrolyte has individual cells (12,14) each with an electrolyte (18,20) having an anode (26,28) and a cathode (30,32) on opposite surfaces with each cell having the anode on the same surface, and a conductive connector (16) between the ends of ajacent cells for electro flow between the respective anode and cathode.    The cells are sealed gas-tightly to the connector with the seals (48) spaced from the electron flow path. The electrolyte is pref. of doped zirconia, ceria, hafnia or Bi oxide, the electrodes are of alloy with at least 50% silver, the connectors are of stainless steel 446, Lessor manganite, Lessor chromite or Lochia manganite, and the seals are of devitrified glass.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for oxygen generation. Has improved interconnections to ensure electrical integrity and gas-tightness.
(JP2975470-B2)      Device comprises a unit cell comprising a fuel pole, an electrolyte matrix layer, and an oxidiser pole being sandwiched between two gas supply plates on the fuel cell pole side and the oxidiser side. A partition is provided to the oxidiser side gas supply plate to separate it into a fuel upstream side and a fuel downstream side, and the components of a fuel gas supplied to the fuel pole is electrochemically reduced by supplying an oxidiser gas to the upstream side oxidiser pole while supplying a hydrogen-contg. gas to the fuel downstream side oxidiser pole.    The poles are pref. carbon electrodes having an area of 100 cm2 and ca. 200 microns thick, and is coated with a Pt-contg. catalyst; the electrolyte matrix layer is ca. 100 microns thick, and is composed of fine SiC grains impregnated with phosphoric acid; the partition was provided at a distance of ca. 3 cm from the downstream side w.r.t. the effective length of the pole, i.e., 10 cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Allows redn. to take place without consuming external power. Useful substances such as CO and MeOH can be prepd. from fuel waste gas etc.
(DE4206490-C2)      Electrically conducting gas distributor for fuel cells comprises one or more sheet or laminate structures having an array of surface fibres of an electrochemically inert metal (e.g. Ti, Ta, Nb, Pt, Pd or their alloys), which has been previously plasma etched and/or treated with oxalic acid, then coated with a hydrophobic polymer film, e.g. poly(vinylidene difluoride) or poly(tetrafluoroethylene).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas distributor is mounted adjacent to the membrane electrolyte between the anode(s) and cathode(s) of fuel cells. The presence of the fuel gas distributor ensures greater distribution of the fuel gas on the electrode surfaces.
(JP2593036-B2)      A laminated assembly of fuel cell components comprises an active electrolyte-matrix tape (12) comprising a composite of active electrolyte distributed within and on a matrix and having active (14) and peripheral wet seal (13) areas. Anode (11) and cathode (10) contact opposite faces of the tape, which is densified between them, and extend to contact the wet seal area, and part of this wet seal area forms a frame around the electrodes which is flush with their outer faces.    Also claimed is an assembly exactly as above except that the nature of the matrix tape is not specified, only that it has active and peripheral areas. Further claimed is a process for making a laminated fuel cell component as above comprising placing anode, matrix tape and cathode together to form a laminate, heating to 400-600 deg.C, compacting until the electrodes are flush with the wet seal area as above, and releasing the compacting force and cooling.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An assembly of fuel cell components and method of mfr. (claimed) are provided which are useful for molten carbonate fuel cells. Assembly and start-up are facilitated, no organic binders need to be burned off, gas leakage and crossover are prevented, and matrix cracking avoided.
(US5336623-A)      An integrated solar cell is produced by hydrogen discharge treatment of a microcrystalline amorphous Si layer for not more than 10, pref. 0.5-3.5 minutes to reduce resistance. The solar cell comprises unit cells having a pin junction, with an N-type layer having a reduced resistance,and an n-p junction comprising the microcrystalline amorphous Si formed between unit cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Accelerated ohmic property of the n-p junction (claimed), giving increased photovoltaic efficiency.
(JP94104729-B2)      The adhesive sheet consists of (A) 95-99.9 wt.% of a copolymer comprising 84.9-55% of ethylene, 0.1-5 wt.% of an ethylenically unsatd. silane cpd. of formula: RSiR'nY3-n (R= ethylenically unsatd. hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy, or (meth)acryloyloxy alkyl gp. R'= aliphatic satd. or aromatic hydrocarbyl, or hydrocarbyloxy gp. Y= aliphatic satd. or aromatic hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbyloxy gp. or aliphatic acyloxy gp. n= 0, 1 or 2), and 15-45 wt.% of an ethylenically acid ester, and (B) 0.1-5 wt.% of an organic peroxide having a temp. of 90-170 deg.C corresp. to the half-life period of 10.5 hrs.    The unsaturated silane cpd. is, e.g. vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTS). The unsatd. acid ester is, e.g. methyl acrylate(MA). The organic peroxide is, e.g. dicumyl peroxide(DCP) with a temp. of 117 deg.C corresp. to the half-life period of 10.5 hrs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The adhesive sheet is used for protecting solar cell modules from shock and humidity. It has a high transparency, adhesive strength, and crosslinkability.
(JP3180402-B2)      A bonding material comprising Y stabilised Zr and La-manganite: 0.1-10.0 (by wt. ratio). Compsn. is formed as a paste state mixt.. After the paste is placed between Y stabilised Zr member and La-chromite member, the structural members are baked together.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mfr. of spacer and interconnector for solid electrolytic type-fuel cell. Reliability and durability is increased.
(US5453134-A)      A photovoltaic cell comprises (a) a 1st conductive film on a substrate, (b) a photoelectric conversion layer, (c) a 1st groove through the photoelectric conversion layer and 1st conductive film only, (d) a 1st insulating strip filling the 1st groove, (e) an opening through the photoelectric conversion layer and reaching the 1st conductive film, (f) a 2nd conductive film on the photoelectric conversion layer and covering the 1st insulating strip, (g) a conductive material in the opening to connect the 1st and 2nd conductive films, and (h) a 2nd groove formed through the 2nd conductive film. The opening is located between the 1st and 2nd grooves, and is pref. a 3rd groove extending parallel to the 1st groove. The substrate is flexible and transparent.    ADVANTAGE -   High reliability. The cell can be easily mass produced.
NOVELTY - An ion exchange membrane resin and carbon fine powder are added in the aqueous solution of lower saturated monohydric alcohol using metal catalyst to form dispersion liquids. A water repellent process is performed on dispersed liquids by mixing the fluororesins. The ion exchange membrane is applied on electrode substrate, after pressure application casting.    USE - For ion exchange membrane fuel batteries.    ADVANTAGE - The reaction rate and reaction area of the battery is increased. The discharge performance of the ion exchange membrane fuel battery becomes high.
(JP94008212-B2)      Method comprises mixing at least one Zr alkoxide selected from Zr methoxide, Zr ethoxide, Zr propoxide, and Zr butoxide below with at least one solvent selected from ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, butylene glycol monoethyl ether, butylene glycol monopropyl ether, butylene glycol monopropyl ether, butylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and dibutylene glycol; hydrolysing the Zr alkoxide by adding water, to obtain a complex of the hydrolysate, solvent, and water; spreading the complex over a carrier and drying it thereafter to obtain a solidified film; separating the film from the carrier; and heating and sintering the solidified film.    USE -   Used for substrates of printer heads, magnetic heads, ICs, and strain gauges, speaker diaphragms, coils of speakers, electrolyte diaphragms for solid electrolyte oxygen sensors, fuel cell diaphragm, etc.. (J05178662-A)
(KR9208295-B1)      This solar cell is manufactured by (1) mixing the mixture of CdS and ZnS powder with CdCl2. (2) coating the above on a glass substrate, (3) sintering the above, and (4) coating the mixture of CdTe and 3-7 wt.% CdCl2 on the obtained Cd1-xZnxS (x is 0-0.1) thin film and sintering it. CdTe is mixed with 4.5 wt.% CdCl2 powder to be charged in the quartz bottle having small holes to evaporate CdCl2, so as to make CdTe liquid phase sintered. Then it is sintered at 625 deg. C, in nitrogen (N2) atmosphere for 1 hour.
NOVELTY - The speed of motor (10) is controlled to make the blower speed equivalent to predetermined minimum engine speed, when battery load detector (20) senses no load. The blower (9) drives a portion of cathode gas in outline (6) of fuel battery (1).    USE - For fuel battery cathode circulation blower.    ADVANTAGE - Consumption of blower power during no load condition of battery is prevented.
NOVELTY - A solid electrolyte fuel cell has a ceramic partition plate comprising a mixture of zirconia solid solution (1a) and ceria solid solution (1b). The plate is provided between a fuel electrode (3) and an oxidizer electrode (2) so that fuel gas and oxidizer gas are supplied to the fuel electrode (3) and to the oxidizer electrode, independently.    USE - Used as a solid electrolyte fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - A fuel cell having a small electrolyte resistance and small reactive resistance between the electrode and electrolyte is obtained. Short-circuiting of a cell is prevented.
(US5281490-A)      The solid oxide fuel cell has a solid electrode plate and an air electrode on opposite side of a solid electrode plate.    The assembly is prepared by joining a film of oxygen ion-conductive zirconia to lanthanum manganate as the air electrode through an adhesive contg. a manganese or cobalt compound. The bond is complete by hot pressing pref. at 1300/1400 degrees C and a pressure of 0.1-3.0 kgf/sq.cm. for 0.5-5 hours.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel cells. The interface resistance is kept low by the method of bonding.    (JP2527876-B2)      Prodn of a solid oxide fuel all having air and fuel electrodes on opposite surfaces of a solid electrolyte plate comprises joining an oxygen ion-conductive zirconia film (1) on the solid electrolyte plate to a lanthanum manganate air electrode (3) with an adhesive (2) contg a manganese-or cobalt-cpd or Mn or Co by press contacting whilst heating.    The lanthanum manganate is Lax(Ca or Sr)yMnO3 where is greater than 0.95-1.05, x is 0.6-0.90 and y is 0.10-0.40. The adhesive contains a precursor that is converted to manganese oxide cobalt oxide on heating. Manganese oxide is the Mn cpd. and cobalt oxide is the Co cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a power generator for directly converting a fuel's chemical energy to electric energy. The device is not restricted by the Carnot cycle, has a high energy conversion efficiency and uses a variety of fuels e.g. naphtha, natural gas, methanol, coal-reformed gas and heavy oil. The device is not a public nuisance and the power-generating efficiency is not influenced by the scale of the plant.
(WO9405054-A1)      Process comprises: (a) crushing the fuel cells in the presence of a non-combustible liq. such as water and/or a protective gas or vacuum; (b) adding the obtd. cell chemicals to an aq. sodium polysulphide soln. whilst stirring; and (c) separating and then washing the solids with water and then transporting them to the waste site or recycling centre. The soln. is further decomposed to give sodium salt, sulphuric acid and sulphur.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A simple process that enables the sodium and sulphur to be recycled.    (JP8500465-W)      Process comprises: (a) crushing the fuel cells in the presence of a non-combustible liq. such as water and/or a protective gas or vacuum; (b) adding the obtd. cell chemicals to an aq. sodium polysulphide soln. whilst stirring; and (c) separating and then washing the solids with water and then transporting them to the waste site or recycling centre. The soln. is further decomposed to give sodium salt, sulphuric acid and sulphur.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A simple process that enables the sodium and sulphur to be recycled.
(US5228925-A)      Modular photovoltaic window assembly comprises rigid or semi-rigid optically-transmissive substrate, at least one large area photovoltaic device overlying a portion of the substrate and including at least one electrical conductor to the photovoltaic device disposed proximate its edge.    Decorative template is disposed on the substrate with first aperture coextensive with the photovoltaic device such that the aperture exposes all but the electrical connector, while a second aperture defines a window opening. Layer of optically transmissive environmentally impervious material encapsulates the device and substrate.    USE -   Used for charging vehicle batteries or house power supply
NOVELTY - Intermediate distributor (23) is arranged between the upper and lower stacks (22,21) of the cell (15), which are provided with H2 gas inlet and outlet passages (17,19) and CO2 gas inlet and outlet passages (18,20). The distributor has H2 gas by-pass passage (11a) and CO2 gas by-pass passage (13a) connected to H2 and CO2 gas inlet passages, respectively.    USE - Molten carbonate type fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since the intermediate distributor is arranged between upper and lower stacks of cell, distribution direction of H2 and CO2 gases inside each cell can be reversed, and hence temperature gradient can be changed. Temperature rise of electrolyte board is reduced, and reduction of carbonate due to heat decomposition is prevented. Hence the durability of the battery is increased.
NOVELTY - Surplus anode exhaust gas is injected at the injection point (25) which lies between an air pre-heater (3) and a vapor flow input line (2) through an exhaust gas process line (22), when the temperature of the modifier (4) exceeds the regulation value.    USE - For a power generation installation.    ADVANTAGE - The anode exhaust gas is injected at the plate far from the fuel battery, giving no disturbance to the differential voltage control between fuel battery poles. Improves efficiency of a fuel battery power generation installation.
(JP3091280-B2)      Mfr. comprises making first two ceramic thin sheets by sintering green body having obtd. by pressure moulding or hydrostatic pressing powder compacts, and then laminating them by incorporating therebetween a slurry to provide the hollow portion, followed by sintering the resulting laminated body.    USE -   For solid electrolyte fuel cells.
(JP2930456-B2)      Reactor for dehydrogenation consists of more than one reforming tubes in which hydrogen is sepd. with a hydrogen sepg. device which reforms raw materials, hydrocarbons or oxygen-contg. hydrocarbons and steam, to a hydrogen-contg. gas and separates hydrogen, a heating device placed at the centre of the reforming tubes, a fuel supply device for catalytic combustion placed around the heating device, and a combustion catalyst to which a fuel is supplied from the fuel supply device and which is placed around the above reforming tubes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in the chemical industry and in fuel cells. Since the heating device is placed at the centre of the reactor, the heat loss can be reduced and the thermal efficiency becomes high and therefore piping and equipment for retaining heat can be minimised and the whole system can be made small and simple. The fuel gas for catalytic combustion is diffused uniformly through the combustion catalyst. Also the combustion gas produced by the heating device is diffused to the reaction tubes uniformly
(WO9313567-A1)      Sealing a porous plate in a fuel cell comprises (a) combining a volatile free sealant with a catalyst; (b) impregnating at least one edge of the porous plate with the resulting mixt. so that the mixture fills the porous void vol. at that edge of the porous plate; (c) thermally shocking the mixture to a partially cured state; and (d) post curing the partially cured mixt..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealant is 100% active and does not form voids during curing. The thermal shock step prevents wicking the uncured mixture. The seal is leak-proof, and does not need successive impregnations with the sealant. The sealant maintains an expansion and contraction memory, allowing optimum operation in the desired temp. range    (JP7502374-W)      A sealed porous plate for use in a fuel cell is formed by (a) combining a volatile-free sealant with a catalyst; (b) impregnating at least one edge of the porous plate with the resulting mixt. so that the mixt. fills the porous void vol. at that edge of the porous plate; (c) thermally shocking the mixt. to a partially cured state; and (d) post-curing the partially cured mixt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealant is 100% active and does not form voids during curing. The thermal shock step prevents wicking of the uncured mixture. The seal is leak-proof, and does not need successive impregnations with the sealant. The sealant maintains an expansion and contraction memory, allowing optimum operation in the desired temp. range
(JP3118037-B2)      CVD method comprises forming a flow rate of raw material gases parallel to the moving direction of a substrate in a vacuum chamber, and applying a discharge to discharging units disposed along the length of the substrate.    USE -   For making solar cells.
(JP6093404-A)      La-chromite film is made by mixing 100 wt. parts La-chromite powder having compsn. ratio of A-site and B-site of 1:1 to 1:9, and 1-15 wt. parts Cr-oxide powder, to obtain the powder for thermal spraying, thermally spraying the powder on a matrix, to form a thermal sprayed film, and heat treating the thermal sprayed film, to form La-chromite film.    USE -   For inter-connector to be formed on the surface of air electrodes or fuel electrodes of solid electrolyte fuel cells.    (US5332598-A)      Lanthanide chromite films are formed by plasma spraying a mix contg. 1-15 parts of chromium oxide powder, combined with 100 parts of lanthanum chromite. The resulting film in then heat treated at 1250-1500 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The coating can be applied to fuel cell electrodes. The films have low electrical resistance and good long term stability. This allows fuel cell output to be increased.
(JP5208863-A)      The prepn. comprises shaping a mixt. contg. aluminium powder, a sodium cpd., a structure stabiliser and zirconia powder and reaction sintering to form a dense body; and the mixt pref. has alumina powder.    The aluminium powder has a pref. particle dia. of less than 300 micron and contains less than 1000 ppm, each of, (less than 200 ppm) Si and Fe. The strucvture stabiliser is a Li-contg. salt, the zorconia is tetragonal phase and the body is at least 85% relative density. The compsn. of the mixt. is (wt.%): (A) 1-40 sodium cpd., 0.1-10 structure stabiliser, 35 or less zirconia and balance aluminium powder, or (B) at least 10 aluminium powder, 1-40 sodium cpd., 0.1-10 structure stabiliser, less than 35 or 25 zirconia and balance alumina powder.    USE -   Used as a solid electrolyte in sodium-sulphur sec. battery and an alkali metal thermoelectric converter.
(JP2948376-B2)      Mfr. comprises forming a mixt. of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grains, hydrophobic carbon grains, polyethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (PE-TFE) copolymer grains, and hydrophilic carbon grains having adhered thereto catalyst particles, into a sheet. The PE-TFE copolymer is graft polymerised to give an ion exchange membrane to form the reactive layer.    Cell mfr. comprises preparing two of the sheets, joining them and incorporating between a PE-TFE copolymer sheet by pressing, and graft polymerising the PE-TFE copolymer to obtain an electrochemical cell comprising an ion exchange membrane sandwiched beween two reactive layers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for gas diffusion electrodes of fuel cells, water electrolysis, etc.; the cell reaction efficiency is considerably improved.
NOVELTY - A protrusion (4a) in non-vulcanized rubber (4), is inserted into the groove (3a) in vulcanized rubber (3) and is attached to recess (1a) of manifold. The manifold is fixed to the battery stack (2) by vulcanizing the rubber (3).    USE - For sealing fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - The process sealing of fuel battery is simplified using simple technique and hence the operativity is improved.
(US5232794-A)      Ionic conductor of oxide ions or hydrated protons comprises a molecular framework structure having a net positive or negative charge or oxide ion vacancies. The structure has channels large enough to transport the oxide ions or hydrated protons.    The framework is selected from substituted-Al phosphates, -orthosilicates, -silicoaluminates, -apatites of general formula Ca5F(PO4)3 and/or -sodalites of general formula Na4Al3Si3O12Cl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As high temp. ionic conductors for solid oxide fuel cells and utility and transportation applications. The ionic conductors are stable at 600-800 deg.C, enabling the incorporation of a wide range of materials in the fabrication of the fuel cells.    (JP6503918-W)      An ionic conductor of oxide ions or hydrated protons comprises: a molecular framework structure having a net positive charge or net negative charge or oxide-ion vacancies; the molecular framework structure has channels large enough to transport the oxide ions or hydrated protons. The structure is selected from substd. Al phosphates, substd. orthosilicates, substd. silicoaluminates, substd. apatites of formula Ca5F(PO4)3, substd. sodalites of formula Na4Al3Si3O12Cl, and combinations.    Pref. the channels are 3 Angstroms or more in dia.; the net positive charge is provided by substituting some of the atoms of the structure with relatively higher-valent elements, e.g. Si, Ti, S, Cl; the net negative charge is provided by substituting some of the atoms of the structure with relatively lower-valent elements, e.g. Mg, Zn, Si. Further disclosed is an electrolyte for an electrochemical fuel cell, which comprises a molecular framework structure thermodynamically stable at operating temps. below 800 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Novel high temp. ionic conductors for solid oxide fuel cells, which are stable at temps. 600-800 deg.C and allow greater flexibility in engineering design. Improved conductivities are achieved.
(JP95037348-B2)      Tube is made by supplying Mn-oxide powder, carbonate powder of Ca, Mg, Ba or Sr, La-oxide powder, and water into a medium stirring type mill having zirconia balls and agitators, mixing them for 20-40 mins. by rotating the agitators with 100-250 rpm., moulding the mixt., firing the mouldings, to synthesize La-manganate, pulverising the synthesised matter, kneading the obtd. powder, with organic binder, water, and pore-increasing agent, moulding the kneaded matter, drying and firing the obtd. mouldings.    USE -   Used for porous electrodes, as a structure support material, of solid electrolyte fuel cells.
(JP7263729-A)      A photovoltaic device comprises a metal layer supporting a transparent layer and a semiconductor layer. It is capable of photoelectric conversion. The metal layer comprises Al contg. at least one element selected from Si, Cu, Zn and Mn.    A photovoltaic device where the metal layer comprises Cu contg. at least one element selected from Si, Al, Zn, Sn and Be is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photovoltaic device is suitable e.g. as a solar cell, and has high performance and high reliability over a prolonged period. It has low cost and lends itself to mass prodn. as a result of having an improved metal rear reflection layer based on Cu or Al    (US5770463-A)      A photovoltaic device comprises a metal layer supporting a transparent layer and a semiconductor layer. It is capable of photoelectric conversion. The metal layer comprises Al contg. at least one element selected from Si, Cu, Zn and Mn.    A photovoltaic device where the metal layer comprises Cu contg. at least one element selected from Si, Al, Zn, Sn and Be is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photovoltaic device is suitable e.g. as a solar cell, and has high performance and high reliability over a prolonged period. It has low cost and lends itself to mass prodn. as a result of having an improved metal rear reflection layer based on Cu or Al
(US5318638-A)      The solar cell has a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer and an electrode comprising a conductive base material and a resin binder electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer. The vol. of voids in the electrode having a dia. of 0.1 microns or greater is 0.04 ml/g or less. The photoelectric conversion layer is composed of amorphous Si having at least one pin junction. The concn. of chlorine as impurity is 0.1 wt.% or less. The binder is a urethane, epoxy or polyimide type. The conductive base material is Ag, Ag-Pd alloy, a mixt. of Ag and C,. Cu, Ni, Al, Au or their mixt.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high environmental resistance. Conversion efficiency is maintained.    (US5393695-A)      The solar cell is produced by (a) forming a conductive paste comprising a conductive base material and resin binder, where the solvent content is not more than 18 wt.% of the paste, (b) applying the paste to a surface of a photoelectric conversion semiconductor, and (c) forming the device electrode by curing the paste at 100-200deg.C. The vol. of voids in an electrode having a dia. of 0.1 micron or greater is 0.04 cm3/g or less.    ADVANTAGE -   High environmental resistance. Degradation of conversion efficiency is unlikely to occur. The electrode grid is inexpensive, flexible and durable.
(JP5101834-A)      Power storing appts. comprises an electrolytic power generator having a water vapour electrolytic cell and fuel cell, water vapour feeder coupled with the power generator, and oxygen and hydrogen storing units.    USE -   For storing power generated at night    (US5312699-A)      Storage system comprises a reversible solid oxide electrolytic fuel cell (1) selectively operable to electrolyse steam and to generate power, with steam feed and H and O stores (2,3); a system of heat exchangers (6A-D, 7A-B); a hot water feed system (28) and absorption refrigeration system (8) for space cooling. Stored H2 and 02 are returned to the fuel cell to generate electric power.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for electric power e.g. produced at night. Quickly constructed, more efficient than pumped storage.    (DE4234151-C2)      Energy storage system includes combined electrolysis and energy prodn. unit which acts as a vapour electrolysis cell as well as a fuel cell, a vapour supply unit for the supply of vapour to the unit, and a hydrogen storage unit and an oxygen storage unit.    Heat exchanger units absorb waste heat from the combined electrolysis and energy prodn. unit. A room heater hot water supply unit utilises the heat. A cooling cold water supply unit with an absorption cooling machine is used to deliver cold water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system is quick to assemble and is more efficient than a pumped storage plant. The system is used in towns for energy storage.
NOVELTY - Particles of functional material (1) and particles of soldering material (2) which disappears by heating, are mixed uniformly. The mixture (3) is applied on a sheet (5) made from the functional material and heat-pressed, such that only the functional material particles remains on the sheet. Thus, fine particle sheet is manufactured.    USE - For solar battery.    ADVANTAGE - The method enables to manufacture fine particle sheet with large functional area per unit volume. The efficiency and performance of the battery is improved, by using the fine particle sheet.
NOVELTY - A matrix (1) is sandwiched between upper and lower sealing frames (10,11), to prevent diffusion of phosphoric acid to exterior of fuel cell unit. A reservoir (8) provided to lower sealing frame has space (14) and recess (15) to which matrix edge is made to contact directly, in order to fill phosphoric acid into reservoir.    USE - Phosphoric acid fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Since matrix edge contacts directly with reservoir, structure of reservoir is improved and storage of large amount of phosphoric acid is achieved. As a result stable and continuous electricity generation is enabled. Also durability of fuel cell increases.
(US5281551-A)      Delta-doping of a GaAs epitaxial layer grown on an Si substrate by MOCVD comprises (a) growing a GaAs heteroepitaxial buffer layer thicker than 3 microns on the Si substrate, (b) forming a delta-doping layer on the buffer layer by MOCVD at 700 - 750 degC, and (c) forming an additional GaAs layer on the delta-doping layer.    USE -   Used in the mass prodn. of cost effective FETs. The buffer layer prevents dislocation-accelerated diffusion.    (JP94072080-B2)      Process comprises growing a GaAs epitaxial layer of 3 microns or more on a Si wafer, and forming a delta doping layer at 700-750 deg.C organic metal CVD on that layer.    USE -   For making GaAs solar cells. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9310 based on complete specification)
(US5344498-A)      Module comprises an amorphous Si solar cell element encapsulated by filler, disposed on a base member. Cell element comprises a metal et-electrode layer, an amorphous Si semiconductor having a pin junction, a transparent and conductive layer, and a grid electrode coated by an epoxy resin which covers the entire exposed exterior of the grid electrode. Epoxy resin has a moisture permeability of (sic;20)g/m2. day 0.1 mm/40 deg.C 90% deg.C 90%RH.    Pref. epoxy resin is bisphenol A or F, cycloaliphatic or phenol novolak.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In power generation for commercial and home appliances. Free of short circuits upon repeat use and severe environmental conditions of high temp. and high humidity. Exhibits desirable photoelectric conversion efficiency over long period of time.
(JP3099202-B2)      In the heating and pressing chamber of the multilayering equipment; flat plate, cushion material layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, fluorine resin peeling-off material layer, rear side material layer of white fluorine resin bonding and sealing material lower layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, wiring for solar cells, bonding and sealing material upper layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, etc., and light-transmitting material layer of fluorine resin are formed into a multilayered sheet. Then the sheet is heated and pressed to bury the wiring between the bonding and sealing upper layer and lower layer, and to unify and fix the multilayered body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A prod. with uniform thickness can be prepd., without damage to the solar cell wafer during pressing. The module can be peeled off from the lower part in use.
(JP3052158-B2)      Formation comprises: (a) melting a Si parent material in an inert atmos. and allowing the molten Si to flow into a mould nozzle from the drawing end of the mould nozzle to the grabbing end of a drawing jig by applying a pressure to the molten Si and sending it continuously into the heated casting passage in the mould nozzle; and (b) drawing a Si sheet solidified in the mould nozzle from the drawing end by pulling the drawing jig while applying a pressure to the molten Si when the molten Si in the mould nozzle is solidified for a given distance from the grabbing end. The bottom of the horizontal casting passage is placed on the top of a susceptor which can slide freely and horizontally along the mould nozzle. The solidified Si sheet is drawn together with the susceptor to a desired distance with the drawing jig, the susceptor is returned to a certain point, and the process of drawing out the solidified silicon sheet by drawing the jig and the susceptor together and returning the susceptor is repeated a given number of times.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sheets obtd. can be used in solar cells. The static frictional resistance at the time of drawing out the solidified Si sheets can be reduced and the risk of breaking thin polycrystal Si sheets can be lowered.
(JP5090620-A)      A solar cell has a substrate board, first electrode layer, semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer successively layered on the substrate board. The improvement is that a Zn oxide layer contg. transition metal is inserted between the semiconductor layer and at least one of the electrode layers, and that concn of the transition metal in the Zn oxide layer continuously changes within a region of 1 - 5 ppm in a direction of thickness.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit layers of the solar cell has excellent adhesion strength, and the solar cell shows excellent stripping resistance and stable power generating quality.    (US5352300-A)      The solar cell comprises a substrate, a 1st transparent electrode, a non-single crystalline semiconductor layer, and a 2nd electrode. The 1st electrode comprises a 1st ZnO layer contg. at least one transition metal whose concn. in the thickness direction continuously varies from 1-5 atomic %.    Pref. the transition metal is one of Fe, Cr, Ni, Co,, Mn, Ti, V, Mo, W and V, and decreases in concn. toward the semiconductor layer. The non-single crystalline semiconductor layer is pref. of p/n-type structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Output characteristics, electrode structure and reliability are improved.
(US5324365-A)      Solar cell comprises a non-single crystal semiconductor sandwiched between 1st and 2nd electrodes, with a ZnO layer contg. C atoms located between the semiconductor layer and at least one of the 1st and 2nd electrodes. The amt. of C atoms is not more than 5 atom% and is constant or varies throughout the layer. The ZnO layer may also contain N atoms in amt. not more than 5 atom% in total with the C atoms.    ADVANTAGE -   The resistance of the ZnO layer is decreased, so the series resistance of the cell is decreased leading to improved initial efficiency. Increased adhesion between layers prevents peeling during use, preventing degradation of characteristics and improving reliability.    (US5420043-A)      A solar cell is mfd. by (a) forming a 2nO layer contg. C or N atoms on a conductive substrate by reactive sputtering using a metal 2n target and a mixt. of O2 and CO2 or a mixt. of O2 and N2 or N oxide gas as sputtering gas mixt., and (b) forming a non-single crystalline semiconductor layer on the 2nO layer. during sputtering, the substrate is heated at a temp. from room temp. to 500 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Output characteristics are stably improved and degradation is prevented. Increased adhesion between layers, thus preventing film peeling and so improving reliability.    (EP534416-B1)      Solar cell has a semiconductor layer sandwiched between two electrodes with a layer of ZnO:C, ZnO:N or ZnO:C:N between the layer and at least one electrode. The density of C, N or C/N ats. in the ZnO layer is constant or continuously changed within a range of 5 at.% or less.    ADVANTAGE -   Adhesion strength between layers is increased so that series resistance is reduced and degradation of characteristics due to slight film peeling is avoided.
NOVELTY - The fuel battery has number of unit cells (27) laminated one over the other via a conductive spacer. Each cell has a hollow base (20) with penetration opening (12) at one end. An electrolyte layer (21) with an electrode on the upper surface is provided on one surface of the base. An interconnector (23) is provided on the other surface of the base.    USE - The hollow thin plate solid electrolyte fuel battery (SOFC); used for electricity generation.    ADVANTAGE - Simplifies production of thin plate of large size. Thus output density is enhanced. Since the base acts as a support during lamination, the number of cell laminated one over the other is raised. Also the mechanical strength is improved. Reduces internal resistance when compared to the cylindrical type SOFC.
(JP2563694-B2)      In the prodn. a prepreg, a peel-ply made of a fabric not impregnated with a resin, and a peel-ply prepreg made of a fabric impregnated with a resin, semi-cured are laminated, and are heated under pressure so that the resin is cured. Then, the peel-ply and the peel-ply prepreg are released so that the prepreg is surface-roughened.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cell panels with high heat radiation properties. The peel-ply and the peel-ply prepreg are effective in prodn. of prepregs of which the thickness is small and the resin impregnation amt. is low.    In an example, the prepreg is composed of prepregs prepd. by impregnating an epoxy resin into reinforcing carbon fibres arranged in one direction, and laminating the prepregs so as to intercross at a right angle. The peel-ply is made of nylon-6, 6 fabric. The peel-ply prepreg is prepd. by impregnating an epoxy resin into a nylon 6,6 fabric, and semi-curing.
(US5238754-A)      Solid oxide fuel cell system comprises at least one stack (9) of alternate separators (2) and cell unit layers (13). The cell units are on one surface between the separators, each unit separated and crossing at right angles to the layered direction.    Pref. each unit is smaller than the separator and includes an anode, cathode and electrolyte. Pref. at least one coolant flow path is formed through the separator around each unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to generate electricity from the chemical energy of supplied gas. System has enhanced efficiency including waste heat managment. The system is large-sized and minimises uneveness of temp. in the stack to maintain stable characteristics.    (EP530451-B1)      Solid oxide fuel cell system comprises a stack (9) including layers contg. a number of cell units (13) and separator layers (2) alternated with each other. A set of cell units is placed on one surface between separators, each cell unit in the set being separately placed on the surface crossing at right angles to the layered direction.    Internal manifolds (33,34) for fuel gas supply/exhaust and internal manifolds (43,44) for oxidant gas supply/exhaust are formed around each cell unit and all of them are formed through the separators.    Specifically, internal gas supply manifolds are formed closer to the centre of the separator than the internal gas exhaust manifolds. The oxidant gas and fuel gas flow at right angles to each other. The stack is sandwiched between gas supply/exhaust plates (4), the fuel gas being supplied through one plate and the oxidant gas being supplied through the other. Coolant holes (6) are formed around each cell unit, the holes being larger the further from the centre of the seprators. The coolant holes are pref. located further from the cell units than the internal manifolds.    ADVANTAGE -   Large size system minimises unevenness of temp. in the stack to maintain stable operation.
(JP2567160-B2)      Ceramic and metal member are cemented by bonding cementing material on the surface of a metal member to be cemented with the ceramic, and press-cementing between the surface of the cementing material and the ceramic. The cementing material is, pref., Mg-contg. Al-alloy. The ceramic is, pref., alumina.    USE -   For cementing ceramic and metal member assuredly e.g., cementing alumina insulating member in Na-S cells and aluminium metal member.
(US5364710-A)      The appts. for converting light energy into electrical energy and storing it comprises a photoelectric conversion device for generating an emf upon light irradiation and comprising a ferroelectric polycrystal, and a capacitor or sec. battery to store the electrical energy produced. The ferroelectric polycrystal has the formula (Pb1-xLax)(ZryTil-y)1-x/403, where x = 0.1 and y = 0.45-0.7 and contains up to 2 atom% of Nb2O5, Ta2O5 and/or WO3. The polycrystal has a bulk photovoltaic effect.    ADVANTAGE -   High reliability and efficient storage. Voltages from 10 volts to several kV can be stored.    (DE4227783-C2)      Appts. comprises: a photoelectric converting device (11,12,13) to produce an electromotive force by irradiating with light, the device being made of a ferroelectric polycrystalline material (11); and a device (30) for storing the electrical energy produced. The ferroelectric material (11) contains Pb, La, Zr, Ti and O and also up to 2 at.% of Nb2O5, Ta2O5 or WO3.    USE -   For converting light energy into electrical energy.
(US5425816-A)      An electrical via for a solar cell is produced by initially epitaxially growing a GaAs active region upon a Ge base to establish the substrate. A first opening is then formed in the substrate. The opening is coated and substantially closed with dielectric material. A second smaller opening is formed through the dielectric material. Finally the dielectric material is coated with conductive material that extends between the opposed side of the substrate. The conductive material is insulated from the substrate by the dielectric material.    The dielectric coating is pref. polyimide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to form corrections to the front face of solar cells. The via provides high mechanical strength and low electrical resistance.
NOVELTY - An electrolyte holder (1) is inserted between anode (2) and cathode (3) through an organic substance binder to form a unit cell. The unit cell is subjected to hot crimp process to satisfy predetermined conditions.    USE - Manufacturing fused salt type fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - High adhesion without a gap between electrode and electrolyte holder is easily produced.
(US5299726-A)      A thin transparent electroconductive layer is deposited on a silicate glass sheet by (a) providing a thin transparent electroconductive layer, (b) providing a low m.pt. braze coating on the electroconductive layer, (c) connecting the braze coating to the electroconductive layer using a soldering machine having a heated bit subjected to ultrasonic vibration, and (d) soldering a lead-in metal electrode to the electroconductive layer using the braze coating. The sheet is pref. heated to 50-200 deg. C before deposition of the braze. The braze is a Pb-Sn alloy contg. Zn and Sb.    ADVANTAGE -   The obtd. connection is reliable and durable, and satisfies the requirements for smooth passage of current even under relatively high current density and/or voltage conditions.
(JP2947968-B2)      Prepn. of acetaldehyde (I) comprises feeding ethylene (II), water and oxidising agent(s) to open fuel cell to oxidise (II).    Pref. appts. used includes electrodes contacted through ionic conductive layer (e.g. mineral acid(s), heteropolyacid(s), solid electrolyte etc) and connected with wire (pref. gold-, silver- or copper-wire). (II), water and oxidising agent(pref. air or oxygen) are fed to the open fuel cell system, (II) is oxidised at -20 deg.C to 200 deg.C (pref. -5 deg. C to 150 deg.c) under pref. ordinary pressure. The reaction prod. is distilled to isolate (I). Pref. material to prepare electrodes are electrode : Pd or its cpds., electrode : Ru, Os, Ir, Rh or their compounds.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful as (raw) material for various chemicals, e.g. acetic acid, acetic anhydride, (di)ketene, butanol etc. (I) is obtd. quite selectively, isolated from the reaction mixt, readily, and electric energy is also obtd
(JP3090972-B2)      Prepn. of partially oxidised prod(s). (I) of aromatic cpd(s). (II) comprises oxidn. of (II) with oxygen (III) on a fuel cell electrode.    The anode (1) is prepd. by conventionally moulding a compsn. of metal cpds. and binder (e.g. teflon (RTM) powder), cathode is prepd. using graphite whisker, active carbon etc. treated wtih oxidising agent (e.g. permanganate, nitric acid, sulphuric acid, dichromate, etc.) before use. An ionic conductive layer (5) composed of mineral acid(s), heteropolyacid(s), solid electrolyte etc. is set between cathode and anode. Hydrogen donating cpd(s). (e.g. hydrogen, alcohol(s), hydroquinone(s), saturated hydrocarbon(s)) is fed to the anode, (II) and (III) are fed to the cathode to oxidise (II) at -20 deg.C to 200 deg.C (pref. -5 deg.C to 150 deg.C) under ordinary pressure. The reaction prod. is distilled to isolate (I), e.g. phenol(s), quinone(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) e.g. phenol(s), quinone(s), are useful as (raw) material of various chemicals. (I) is prepd. from (II) (e.g. substituted benzene, toluene, xylenes, naphthalene, anthracene etc.) udner mild conditions quite selectively. (I) can be isolated from the oxidn. product, electrical energy is also obtd.
(JP2919633-B2)      Prepn of partially oxidised prod(s) (I) of propylene (II) comprises feeding (II), water and oxidising materials to open fuel cell.    A typical appts used to carry out the reaction has an electrode (1) prepd, from metallic Pd or its cpd(s), and the another electrode (2) is prepd from one or more of Ru, Pt, Ir, or their cpd(s). The two electrodes are connected with an ionic conductive materials (e.g. phosphoric acid) and wires (pref. Au, Ag, or Cu). On the electrodes (2), H2 is oxidised with oxidising agent (pref. air O2) and on the electrode (1), (II) is oxidised to (I). Oxidn of (II) is carried out at -20 deg. C. to 200 deg. C (pref. -5 deg. C to 150 deg.C) under ordinary pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I), e.g. one of acetone, acrolein, acrylic acid, etc, is prepd selectively by the procedure more readily than conventional oxidn reactions. The prod, is isolated readily and electrical energy can also be removed.    e.
(DE4116736-C)      In the mfr. of high temp. fuel cells, an extruded ceramic support is processed to seal gas channels at their end faces by preparation of the dry ceramic support and a cover plate to give plane surfaces, which are moistened with water and pressed together before sintering. Alternatively, fresh extrusion material can be put in the ends of the channels and is pressed by a stamping tool against a support, while moistened, to give intimate contact with the ceramic support before sintering.    ADVANTAGE -   Adequate sealing to avoid use of a clamping arrangement in the cell.
(EP524331-B1)      Soldering method comprising the steps: application of a solder plate (3) to provided soldering points on a workpiece, bringing the solder paste (3) into contact with a soldering head (5) and melting the solder paste (3), a separating foil (4) which is passed between the soldering head (5) and the solder paste (3) preventing direct contact of the soldering head with the solder paste, lifting off the soldering head (5) and the separating foil (4) from the soldering point, a solder contact spot (8) having a smooth surface remaining, and feeding the separating foil (4) on by an amount corresponding to the size of the solder point, for the next soldering process.
(US5286579-A)      Fuel cell has a plate-like O electrode (2) of LaMnO3 integral with a rectangular electrolyte layer (1) of ZrO2 with 3-8 mol.% Y2O3 and a fuel electrode (3) of Ni and ZrO2 on the opposite side. A conductive separator (4) is attached to the O electrode.    O-contg. flow passage (5) is formed by conductive members (7) and fuel flow passage (9) is formed between an adjacent pair of cells (C). First and second partitions (11,12) of ZrO2, with Ca or Y2O3, contact cell end faces (8a,8b) and project relative to the cell. Third and fourth partitions (16,17) contact cell edge portions (14a,14b).    ADVANTAGE -   Quick and easy assembly for air-tight condition.
(WO9302481-A1)      High-temp. electrochemical cell, has mixed-conductor electrodes (3) applied to a central ionic conductor (1) and a grid of electronically conductive metal (2) applied to the mixed-conductor electrodes.    Pref. the high-temp. ionic conductor is 30-1000 microns thick and conducts oxygen ions, the mixed-conductor electrodes are 0.1-10 micrometres thick, and the electronic conductors have a grid-like structure. Claimed uses for the above composite system are as a fuel cell and as an electrolytic cell. Also claimed is a hybrid system for traction applications, consisting of an electric motor, a storage battery and a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrochemical reaction proceeds over the entire surface of the mixed conductor (not just at the 3-phase interface as in conventional systems) and with a homogeneous, high current density.
(US5342703-A)      A solid electrolyte fuel cell has an air electrode formed from perovskite complexed oxide of general formula (La1-yAy)MO3 where A is alkaline metal(s), M is manganese or cobalt and y=0-0.4. A zirconia solid electrolyte film contacts the air electrode and includes manganese or cobalt in the interface region. The interface region includes no highly resistive cpds. contg. lanthanum and zirconium. A fuel electrode film is formed on the solid electrolyte surface on the opposite side to the air electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in thin compact fuel cells. Good stability combined with a low internal resistance.    (JP2527858-B2)      A solid electrolyte type fuel cell (I) including the following: An air electrode substrate (II) made of a perovskite series complexed oxide having the formula (La1-yAy)MO3 where A = at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals M = Mn or Co an y y = 0-0.4; a Zr solid electrolyte film (III) contg. Mn or Co solid soluted amt. of 3-15 mole% at at least the vicinity of the interface between the (II) and a fuel electrode film formed on the (III) at a surface opposite to the (II). The (I) is characterised in that it is not provided with a highly resistive layer, made of a cpd. contg. La and Zr, at the interface between the (II) and the (III).    ADVANTAGE -   Since the highly resistive layer of a cpd. contg. La and Zr is excluded then the high electrical resistance and large output decrease of the SOFC, as known in prior art, is prevented. The SOFC has increased output and improved fuel utilisation efficiency.
(US5268208-A)      A plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition process for tungsten oxide in which an initial sub layer of tungsten oxide is deposited at temps. up to 200 deg.C. A second plasma enhanced deposition of tungsten oxide is then made at 225-350 deg.C.    Pref. the sub film is 100-1000 Angstroms thick while the second film is 500-10,000 Angstroms thick. The substrate can be e.g. a glass sheet.    ADVANTAGE -   The process can be used to provide uniform deposition over large surfaces e.g. for infra-red reflection.    (US5352505-A)      In a plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition method for depositing an infrared reflective refractory W oxide, a film stack of 10-100 nm thick sub-film of amorphous W oxide and 50-1000 nm thick film of stoichmetric crystalline W oxide is deposited on the sub-film. A 500-5000 nm thick protective film of Si dioxide can be deposited over the crystalline W oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   High quality films are deposited on surfaces non-receptive to deposition.
(JP2576710-B2)      Process feeds long fibre bundles of more than 3 pieces at equal intervals and cuts and disperses them to form short fibres. Short fibres are collected on a collection surface. The raw material of the long fibre is, e.g. polyacrylonitrile, single yarn denier is 0.6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The aggregate has homogeneous short fibres of uniform condition and texture. The aggregate is suitable as a forerunner of carbon composite of fuel battery base material and various composite materials.
(JP94078177-B2)      Sealing material comprises a mixt. of at least one of low-softening pt. glass particles comprising aluminosilicate glass contg. silica, and alumina, having a glass softening pt. of 770-950 deg. C, and at least one of high-softening pt. glass particles contg. silica, and alumina, having a glass softening pt. of 1450-1550 deg.C.    A fuel cell is sealed by sealing a jointing part of the cell body unit, and manifold for gas passage, while the sealing material is softened, and cooling to solidify the softened sealing part.    USE -   Used for sealing fuel cells at lower temps.
(JP94078176-B2)      Material comprises a laminate of at least one piece of low-softening pt. glass thin film comprising aluminosilicate glass contg. silica, and alumina, having glass softening pt. of 770-950 deg.C, and at least one piece of high-softening pt. glass thin film comprising high-silica glass contg. silica and alumina, having glass softening pt. of 1450-1550 deg.C.    The fuel cell is sealed by sealing the jointing part of the cell body unit and manifold for gas pass-way while the sealing material is softening, and cooling to solidify the softened sealing part.    USE -   For sealing solid electrolyte type fuel cells at lower temps.
(JP3021082-B2)      System uses H2 sepn. type reformer, by opt. sepg. H2 while proceeding steam reforming reaction using a hydrocarbon like methane or methanol or a hydrocarbon contg. O2, as a steam reforming reactor. H2 is then fed to solid state polymer electrolyte type fuel cell for generation. Sepn. of the H2 in the reformer is by using an aspiration force by ejector action. Pref. the ejector action is generated by steam stream or water stream.    ADVANTAGE -   System does not require expensive equipment e.g. pump. Improved safety for handling H2, and no need for humidification.    In an example, a fuel cell system comprising a steam was introduced into an ejector as stream. Suction side of ejector was connected with an outlet of reformer transfer portion, unreacted H2 from H2 electrode of fuel cell was fed to the other outlet of reformer transfer portion with no blower, H2 fed to heat exchanger by aspiration action of ejector after being humidified at fuel cell operating temp. and fed to water separator. Humidified H2 was then fed to H2 electrod
(JP7066470-A)      Electromagnetic radiation directed at a device is incident on a part of the device which comprises a fullerene, and induces the generation of charge carriers therein. The charge carriers remain in, or travel through, the device to electrodes resulting in a change of electrical properties of the device, which change may be detected or employed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fullerenes comprise organic photoconductors and are useful in forming such devices as solar cells, electro-chemical cells, and radiation detectors.
NOVELTY - A fuel modifier (4) and battery produce combustion exhaust gas (4G) and air off-gas (1G) respectively which are condensed as water vapor in a water supply tank (23). The condensate is passed through an ion exchange type water treating unit (14). The pH value of the ion exchange water (29A) is adjusted by a water quality adjustment unit which supplies recovered phosphoric acid to the condensate.    USE - For water cooled phosphoric acid fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - Ion impurities such as bicarbonate and carbon dioxide gas of high electric conductivity are removed in the ion exchange water treating unit. The ion exchange resin regeneration frequency is reduced, since the electric conductivity of water is reduced.
(JP3104289-B2)      High polymer electrolyte consists of (A) a thermoplastic polyurethane and (B) an alkali metal salt. It is produced either by dissolving a thermoplastic polyurethane in a solvent, adding an alkali metal salt to the soln., and removing the solvent; or by melt blending an alkali metal salt with a thermoplastic polyurethane.    Prodn. of two- or three-ply composite film comprises casting a monomer over a film of the high polymer electrolyte, putting the film between two sheets of electroconductive film, and applying electric current to the sheets of film from both sides to polymerise the monomer.    Pref., amt. of (B) is 3 to 25 pts. wt. w.r.t. 100 pts. wt. of (A). Pref. (A) is a polyether-type urethane. (B) is pref. LiCl4, KClO4, CsClO4, LiBF4 or LiCl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is used for mfg. fuel cells, electrochemical sensors and composite films. It has high ion conductivity.
(US5344722-A)      H3PO4 fuel cell comprises within a housing a gas diffusion cathode using an O2-contg. oxidant gas, a gas diffusion anode using an H2-contg. fuel gas, and an electrolyte comprising H3PO4 and at least 0.1 wt-6 additive selected from salts of nonafluoro-butanesulphonic acid (I), salts of perfluorohexane-sulphonic acid, perfluorinated trialkylamines of gen. formula R1R2R3 N and salts where R1-R3=independent F gps.    (I) is pref. K nonabutanesulphonic acid or K perfluoro-hexanesulphonate. The additive pref. consists of polymethylsiloxane.    ADVANTAGE -   The addn. of F cpds. or Si cpd. enhances O2 solubility and diffusivity of the electrolyte without detrimental absorption of the electrolyte in the electrodes of the cell and hence improves the overall performance of the cell.
(JP4348542-A)      Prodn. comprises (a) forming an active CuInSe2 layer (3) on a substrate (1); (b) irradiating the layer in (a) with light having a predetermined wavelength; (c) detecting the max. value of light strength of light emitted through the CuInSe2 independently of radiation in a spectral region; and (d) comparing this max. value with a value of predetermined light strength.    The CuInSe2 solar cell itself is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Quality of the solar cell is improved.    (US5399504-A)      A thin film solar cell is mfd. by (a) irradiating a CuInSe2 thin film layer at 10K with radiation having an energy of not less than 1eV per photon, (b) detecting a 1st peak valve of luminous intensity of radiation emitted by the layer in response to the irradiation, (c) detecting a 2nd peak value of luminous intensity, and (d) comparing the peaks to determine if the 1st is greater to value than the 2nd.    The thin film is pref. immersed in liq. He, and the irradiation is from an He-Ne laser. In in the film may be substd. by Ga..    ADVANTAGE -   The ratio of non-defective to defective prods. is increased.
(US5402332-A)      A correlation is determined between the efficiency NB beta, flow Q, variable height of fall H, gate opening DELTA GAMMA NDMC and runner opening Nrh phi on a model set of machines by test series. The determination yields a model optimum curve for the respective height of fall, the model optimum curve having the optimum gate opening as a function of flow and runner opening.    An optimum efficiency for an operating point of a large-scale system is determined by, based on the model optimum curve, making variations of the gate opening DELTA GAMMA NDNC and of the runner opening Nrh phi on the large-scale system, the variations being such that the flow of the model set of machines would remain constant for the same variations, and wherein the flow of the large-scale system is also presumed to be constant. The power outputs before and after the variations are compared to determine stepwise the NDNC/Nrh DELTA GAMMA/phi operating point with optimum efficiency.    ADVANTAGE -   Optimises the curves of the optimum correlation obtained on the model set of machines such that it can be performed in a faster, simpler and less expensive manner than before.
(EP642682-A1)      The processing system handles analogue and binary measurement values provided by sensors in a hydro or caloric power plant during steady operation and during non-up, run-down, load shedding and emergency operating modes. The measurement values are converted into digital signals fed to a real-time data bank (12) in a distributed digital computer system with at least 2 digital computers linked by a ring, having a central processor, a memory and a display.    The computer system also has an expert system (13,14) and calculation modules (15...18) providing instantaneous machine data from the measured values. The expert system provides trend analysis and on-line diagnosis of the power plant condition.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for fixed maintenance schedule and allows maintenance on demand.    (EP642682-B1)      The processing system handles analogue and binary measurement values provided by sensors in a hydro or caloric power plant during steady operation and during non-up, run-down, load shedding and emergency operating modes. The measurement values are converted into digital signals fed to a real-time data bank (12) in a distributed digital computer system with at least 2 digital computers linked by a ring, having a central processor, a memory and a display.    The computer system also has an expert system (13,14) and calculation modules (15...18) providing instantaneous machine data from the measured values. The expert system provides trend analysis and on-line diagnosis of the power plant condition.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for fixed maintenance schedule and allows maintenance on demand.
(WO9516271-A1)      Photovoltaic cells have two glass panes which enclose a photovoltaic material combination and which have facing electrically conductive coatings connected at at least one pane edge to an exposed contact (5).    The novelty is that the cells (8-15) are arranged in multiples on the same glass panes and are sepd. from one another by sealing strips.    The pref. square cells (8-15) are arranged in two rows and the contacts (5) are pref. located at the outsides of the rows. One of the glass panes has edge regions (23) extending beyond the edge of the other pane. For provision of its contacts (5) and has edge regions (24) recessed w.r.t. the edge of the other pane for provision of the contacts (5) of the other pane. The coatings have a peripheral collector lead (5) which is connected to the contacts and which opt. acts as the contacts.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement of series-connected cells is simple to mfr.
(US5268037-A)      The monolithic photovoltaic device array includes subcells electrically interconnected in parallel. The subcells are disposed upon a common, electrically conductive substrate and each includes an insulating region on the substrate and an electrode body on the insulator. Each electrode body has a width less than the width of the corresponding insulating region upon which it is located.    The subcells each include a photovoltaic semiconductor body on the electrode body. The array includes a continuous top electrode material, to cover each of the semiconductor bodies and to fill the space between adjacent semiconductor regions and establish electrical communication between the substrate and the semiconductor regions. The substrate forms one terminal of the array and the conductive bodies are in electrical communication with a bus bar which forms the other terminal of the array.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises active area; reduced laser scribe process artifacts such as metal flow, semiconductor crystallisation.
(GB2267317-B)      A water-driven power generator equipped with a power transmission which comprises a drive means rotated by the water, the drive means comprise a water wheel which s constructed with buckets mounted at regular intervals round its circumference, the wheel being rotated by water flowing from a supply channel, a second smaller drive wheel is attached to one side of thee water wheel, such that they have the same axis and rotate at the same speed, a further wheel having a smaller diameter than the second drive wheel is mounted such that it touches the second drive wheel at one point along its circumference, and a drive shaft attached at one end to the axis of the further wheel, drive belts are driven by pulley wheels which are attached to the drive shaft and other end of the belts pass round take-off pulley wheels, drive rods, in which each drive rod has a U-shaped end, each side of the at a point off its axis of rotation, which is indirectly driven by the take-off pulley wheel, the drive rods are thereby moved longitudinally to and fro in anti-phase with one another, and the drive rods are connected to respective cranks of a crack shaft which provides a power drive, such that the crank shaft is drive by rotation of the water wheel.
(DE4208710-C2)      The component with solar cells has an outside plate arrangement and an inside plate arrangement. The outside plate arrangement has a solar cell ensemble (20) of polycrystalline solar cells, whose active side is aligned to the incident rays. The inside plate arrangement has a device to prevent the transparency of the inside plate arrangement to the solar ensemble.    The device is a solar cell ensemble (22) of amorphous (thin film-) solar cells whose active side is aligned opposite to that of the polycrystalline solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Is optimised w.r.t. both aesthetic requirements and efficiency
(US5364229-A)      The hydroelectric installation includes a hydraulic machine connected vertically below an electric machine by a shaft in a concrete installation pit. A guide vane assembly of the hydraulic machine is operated by a motor-drive which projects below the hydraulic machine in a lower working space of the pit.    The shaft has a thrust bearing which bears down against the upper cover of the hydraulic machine and cancels upward hydraulic force exerted on that upper cover. The outer casing, speed ring and upper cover of the hydraulic machine are installed first, so that the hydraulic machine can be assembled downwardly in the lower working space concurrently with upward assembly of the electric machine in an upper working space of the pit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For hydroelectric motors or pumps, allowing reduced installation time.
(FR2686797-A1)      The visual comparator includes two bar graphs, with the motion on one being dependent on the setting (C1) programmed by a clock. The reference graph may be reset automatically or manually (BP1) and restarted (BP2).    The competitive bar graph is moved relative to the reference bar graph by pulses from a sensor fitted to work-out appts. to detect movements of the appts. The sensor pulse frequency may be adjusted with a button (C2) according to the speed at which the graph moves.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides competitive visual game to stimulate physical exercise on work-out bicycle, rowing machine etc.
(US5453134-A)      A photovoltaic cell comprises (a) a 1st conductive film on a substrate, (b) a photoelectric conversion layer, (c) a 1st groove through the photoelectric conversion layer and 1st conductive film only, (d) a 1st insulating strip filling the 1st groove, (e) an opening through the photoelectric conversion layer and reaching the 1st conductive film, (f) a 2nd conductive film on the photoelectric conversion layer and covering the 1st insulating strip, (g) a conductive material in the opening to connect the 1st and 2nd conductive films, and (h) a 2nd groove formed through the 2nd conductive film. The opening is located between the 1st and 2nd grooves, and is pref. a 3rd groove extending parallel to the 1st groove. The substrate is flexible and transparent.    ADVANTAGE -   High reliability. The cell can be easily mass produced.
(JP7503105-W)      The layers of a stacked cell solar module are made of a material such as amorphous silicon, carried by a glass substrate, permitting manufacture in integrated circuit form. The individual cells are arranged alternately pin, nip, pin, having a toothed electrode structure, or forming pn junctions. The electrodes are transparent layers, having strips formed by producing narrow parallel grooves with a laser beam.    The cells of a stack are in parallel, and stacks are connected in series. Each stack consists of two or more cells, and their total thickness gives a maximum absorption of above 80 percent within the sensitivity region.    ADVANTAGE -   Similar production stages are repeated, giving a stack of cells with reduced light ageing.
(WO9315526-A1)      The wireless, monolithic photovoltaic module includes top and bottom, rectangular electrodes with a photovoltaic body and an adjacent insulating strip sandwiched between the electrodes. The insulating strip is disposed proximate the edge of the bottom electrode.    A bus bar overlies the insulating strip, but not the photovoltaic body, and is connected to a net of current carrying grid lines which overlie the body to form a current collector. A top encapsulating layer has diffractive grooves formed in it which overlie the grid lines to minimise shading effects otherwise caused by shadows from the grid lines.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency by minimising shading effects caused by current collecting grids. Avoids precise alignment and adhesive fixing of separate lens element.
(US5300090-A)      The exercising machine is powered by an electric drive motor used to effect movement of various exercising components. The motor controlled by a microprocessor drives a shaft on which a number of pulleys are rotationally mounted. A selector arrangement is used to connect one of the pulleys within the shaft so that the pulley rotates with the shaft and drives an exercising component linked to that pulley by a belt.    One end of the machine is preferably pivotable relative to the remainder of the machine about a vertical pivot axis. The extent of pivotal movement is preferably selectably variable.    (No Dwgs available)
(JP7501660-W)      The substrate material (301) comprises a first type groove (3050) doped with a first type dopant and having a first conducting material in electrical contact with the walls. A second type groove (310) has walls doped with a second type material. This groove also has a second type conducting material in electrical contact with the second doped walls. The two grooves are electrically linked with each other by a doped region of linking substrate material (314).    This is selected from either the first or second type group and forms the photovoltaic junction with substrates material of a different polarity. The first type dopant is a different polarity than the second type dopant.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides for at least two photovoltaic cells in series.
(DE4241336-A1)      The device for measuring heartbeat rate, comprises a unit for detecting (9) and processing (10,11,17 to 20) a signal carrying heartbeat data and for indicating (12 to 14) the heartbeat rate to the user of the device. The device comprises a unit (9 to 11) for receiving and processing a telemetrically transmitted heartbeat rate signal and a second unit (17 to 20) for processing signals detected by electrodes or sensor integrated into a device casing or wrist strap and corresponding to the heartbeat rate.    The device formed by the wrist watch-type can have photo-electric components in its surface for detecting variations in the intensity of light passing through skin tissue. A tonometric sensor can be used in the wrist watch surface for detecting pressure variation in a vessel located close to the surface of skin.    ADVANTAGE -   Available to casual users, due to low cost. Easy to use. Accurate.    (FR2686241-A1)      The device for measuring heartbeat rate, comprises a unit for detecting (9) and processing (10,11,17 to 20) a signal carrying heartbeat data and for indicating (12 to 14) the heartbeat rate to the user of the device. The device comprises a unit (9 to 11) for receiving and processing a telemetrically transmitted heartbeat rate signal and a second unit (17 to 20) for processing signals detected by electrodes or sensor integrated into a device casing or wrist strap and corresponding to the heartbeat rate.    The device formed by the wrist watch-type can have photo-electric components in its surface for detecting variations in the intensity of light passing through skin tissue. A tonometric sensor can be used in the wrist watch surface for detecting pressure variation in vessel located closed to surface of skin.    ADVANTAGE -   Available to casual users, due to low cost. Ease of use. Accurate.
(DE4139633-A1)      The turbine rotor (7) is fixed to its vertical shaft (1) near the base of the tube (3) which has a slight taper outwards from the end at which water (15) is supplied via three nozzles (12) from the annular container (14).    From the top of the tube, water is returned to the container by smaller nozzles (6) around the rim (5). The upward motion of the water is guided by plates (9) on the inside of the tube inclined at about 45 deg.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency achieved with good use of water energy in closed circuit.    (EP545280-B1)      The turbine rotor (7) is fixed to its vertical shaft (1) near the base of the tube (3) which has a slight taper outwards from the end at which water (15) is supplied via three nozzles (12) from the annular container (14).    From the top of the tube, water is returned to the container by smaller nozzles (6) around the rim (5). The upward motion of the water is guided by plates (9) on the inside of the tube inclined at about 45 deg.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency achieved with good use of water energy in closed circuit.
(US5315100-A)      A photo-electric conversion appts. includes a pair of opposite electrodes, and an amorphous silicon film. The latter is sandwiched between the pair of opposite electrodes and serves to perform photoelectric conversion of light including light from a target objects'. At least one of the pair of opposite electrodes is divided into a set of pattern electrodes respectively connected to the amorphous silicon film in electrically positive and negative directions to form a spatial filter electrode. The respective pattern electrodes respectively connected in the positive and negative directions are irregularly arranged on the amorphous silicon film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple arrangement detecting movement of object at low cost.    (DE4239012-C2)      The photoelectrical conversion arrangement contains a pair of opposed electrodes (2,4) and an amorphous silicon film (3) between the electrodes which performs a photo-electric conversion of light contg. light from the target object.    At least one of the electrode pair is divided into a set of structured electrodes (41,42). These are connected to the silicon film in electrically positive and negative directions to form a spatial filter electrode and are arranged irregularly on the silicon film.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple design and economical to mfr. Can be integrated with spatial filter.
(DE4238129-C2)      A francis etc. turbine blading regulator has an adjuster and a spring exerting a permanent closing pressure. An electromagnetic coupling (6,7) excited by the primary current once de-energised disrupts the operational connection between adjusting motor (3) and blades as these close. The connection is only restored by activating the motor in the closing direction and re-energising the coupling (6,7) to which the motor is connected by a guide. The coupling is made up of two interconnected magnets of opposed polarity or of a single electromagnet (7) and connected ferromagnetic component (6).    Guidance is provided by a bar(12) on which the magnet(7)or ferromagnetic part(6) can slide via part (14),which is hinged to the blade actuating lever(2) as part of the regulator.The far end of the bar(12) is co-rotatably joined to the motor round    a fixed axis(5).After remedying a fault etc the motor(3) moves towards closure automatically or by switch to re-connect the coupling etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydraulic power stations. Automatic blade re-start after faults or interruptions is effected by electromagnetic coupling operably joined to adjuster motor in low-wearing, low-cost and easily supervised layout.
(GB2265553-A)      The apparatus comprises a pair of links each having a lower end pivotally coupled to the bar of the frame and each including an upper end. A bracket is pivotally coupled between the upper ends of the links which are arranged such that the bracket moves substantially radially inward and outward of the wheel. A support is fixed to the bracket and includes a pair of end wall portions each having at least one magnet disposed in it.    The end wall portions are located on both sides of an outer peripheral edge of the wheel. A driving mechanism is disposed on the frame of the exerciser and coupled to the bracket for driving the bracket to move substantially radially inward and outward of the wheel, such that said magnets are caused to move substantially radially inward outward of the wheel when the bracket moves.    ADVANTAGE -   Magnets move substantially radially relative to wheel of exerciser.
(US5695431-A)      The system includes a rotational element mounted for rotation about an axis positioned adjacent the stationary element for detecting cardinal movement and translating it into rotational data. A magnetic particle variable resistance mechanism controls the resistance to rotation when a force is applied by the test subject.    A torque sensor detects the applied torque. A rotary optical encoder detects the rotational velocity and position of the rotational element. A clutch selectively couples the motor to the element. A control mechanism provides a series of test exercises to the test subject.    ADVANTAGE -   Offers unique isolation of movement patterns.    (US5720711-A)      The system includes a rotational element mounted for rotation about an axis positioned adjacent the stationary element for detecting cardinal movement and translating it into rotational data. A magnetic particle variable resistance mechanism controls the resistance to rotation when a force is applied by the test subject.    A torque sensor detects the applied torque. A rotary optical encoder detects the rotational velocity and position of the rotational element. A clutch selectively couples the motor to the element. A control mechanism provides a series of test exercises to the test subject.    ADVANTAGE -   Offers unique isolation of movement patterns.
(US5406190-A)      The device for generating electrical energy comprises a turbine driven by a flowing medium, and a multiphase alternating-current generator which is coupled to the turbine. The generator includes a generator electric circuit. A rectifier with impressed output voltage is also included in the energy generator. Capacitive elements connect the generator to the rectifier.    An oscillating circuit including the capacitive elements and one or more inductors of the generator electric circuit is provided.    The capacitive elements are valued in relationship to inductances existing in the generator electric circuit to allow a resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit to lie above a highest frequency occurring under field conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Most optimum possible energy conversion without usual expenditure for controlling systems.
(US6010465-A)      The apparatus comprises a treadmill (1) with a planar tread area and a movable support surface moving in the plane of the tread area. A number of force transducers (5) produce output signals associated with portions of the tread area, and are mounted in fixed positions beneath the support surface in such a way as to permit motion of the support surface across the transducers to receive all the vertical forces exerted by the subject's foot on that portion of the tread area.    The apparatus comprises a computing unit (6) which accepts the output signals and provides quantities related to the forces exerted by each foot on the support surface. The force transducers are force plates longitudinally oriented with respect to the direction of movement of the support surface. A contact sensitive transducer is located in fixed relation to the subject's foot to provide signals indicative of heel=strike to the computing unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Utilises two or more independent force measuring units which measure the forces exerted on the subject surface beneath the moving belt of a treadmill.
(EP552155-A1)      The turbine blades (1) for a water-turbine are designed to allow the movement of the water stream to be utilised 2 or 3 times.The blade has a deflection angle of more than 170 degrees and adjacent buckets with steep sidewalls (22) are at an angle of at least 60 degrees to the plane contng. the edge of each bucket. The part of each bucket adjacent this plane has a water deflection surface (11) parallel to the partition wall between the adjacent buckets, extending from a point above the base of the bucket to a point outside the latter.    The deflection surfaces ensure that the deflected water does not impede the incident water, thus the water expelled from the main turbine is used to drive auxiliary turbines (29).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hydroelectric power plants. Improved turbine power generating efficiency.
(DE4131422-A1)      The cushion (1) shaped as a segment of a cylinder has a plane underside (5) and an end face (2) on which are displayed (4) the force required to be exerted by the gymnast, and also its duration.    A lamp (7) is lit and a small loudspeaker (6) sounds when the displayed pressure is exceeded. Several mechanical, electric or piezoelectric measurements can be processed to evaluate the average or max. of several attempts for presentation by remote display (8).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For development of dorsal muscles, simple and effective structure gives immediate indication of the force applicable.
(DE4128766-C2)      A solar energy cell module has a cover of glass (10) and a base (12) with the space in between containing solar cells (14, 16, 18, 20, 22). The solar cells are arranged such that positive and negative terminals alternate between top and bottom surfaces. Connecting tracks are formed by screen printing (26, 32) on the surfaces of the glass and base and are organised to provide the correct interconnections, with all positive terminals being connected together and the same for the negative terminals. The solar cells can be single or double sides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple means of forming solar cell panel.
(JP2871898-B2)      The agent consists of a diphenoxygermanium phthalocyanine deriv. of formula (I), where R is H, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl or halogen; and n is a positive integer of at least 5.    ADVANTAGE -   The agent is quite stable and resistant against chemical conversion, e.g., dehydration, polymerisation, etc., besides exhibiting significant action of photoelectric transfer.
(US5178685-A)      A contact for a solar cell having a silicon nitride coating on the front surface is formed by applying multiple narrow contact elements and at least one relatively wide intersecting bus bar. The conductor lines and bus bar are formed of silver and produced by applying an initial mix of silver particles and borosilicate glass powder fabricated in the form of an ink. The coating is then fired.    Preferably, the silver present in the ink is in the form of spherical particles with a diagram of 0.5-1- (1-2) microns.    ADVANTAGE -   The resulting contacts have enhanced reliability.    (JP6500670-W)      The solar cell has a pattern of fingers (28) extending between bus bars formed, in silver ink, on one surface of the cell silicon substrate (2). The ink for at least the bus bars has, in a liq. vehicle, glass frit and silver particles of generally spherical shape.    Copper tabs are soldered to the bus bars and to silver soldering pads (20) on the susbtrate opposite surface. The solder employed is of tin and silver, with composition in the range 96 to 98 percent tin.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved bonding of contacts to substrate.
(DE4392442-T)      No further information to be issued for this publication    (JP7503776-W)      Buoyancy bases (1,1a) are filled with sea water. Upright buoyancy columns (2) are mounted on opposite sides of each base. Cylinder pairs (4) with inlets (5) on the bottom faces are movably mounted on cross-members (3) connecting the columns.    A hollow piston (6) is received in a corresponding cylinder. A buoyancy plate (9) with elongated opening at each corner receives support bus (12) connected to cross-members (11). The upper end of each piston is connected to a main water pipe (14) of a pressure control water collecting hose (15).    ADVANTAGE -   Usable in deep sea of high waves.    (RU2089747-C1)      Buoyancy bases are filled with sea water. Upright buoyancy columns are mounted on opposite sides of each base. Cylinder pairs with inlets on the bottom faces are movably mounted on cross-members connecting the columns.    A hollow piston is received in a corresponding cylinder. A buoyancy plate with elongated opening at each corner receives support bus connected to cross-members. The upper end of each piston is connected to a main water pipe of a pressure control water collecting hose.    ADVANTAGE -   Usable in deep sea of high waves.
(WO9516271-A1)      Photovoltaic cells have two glass panes which enclose a photovoltaic material combination and which have facing electrically conductive coatings connected at at least one pane edge to an exposed contact (5).    The novelty is that the cells (8-15) are arranged in multiples on the same glass panes and are sepd. from one another by sealing strips.    The pref. square cells (8-15) are arranged in two rows and the contacts (5) are pref. located at the outsides of the rows. One of the glass panes has edge regions (23) extending beyond the edge of the other pane. For provision of its contacts (5) and has edge regions (24) recessed w.r.t. the edge of the other pane for provision of the contacts (5) of the other pane. The coatings have a peripheral collector lead (5) which is connected to the contacts and which opt. acts as the contacts.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement of series-connected cells is simple to mfr.
(JP6169583-A)      A membrane/electrode assembly comprises a radiation grafted cation exchange membrane which has been plasma etched with an oxidising gas on both its anode surface and its cathode surface, and which has an anode bonded to the anode surface and a cathode bonded to the cathode surface.    The oxidising gas of the plasma is pref. oxygen but can be ozone, chlorine oxide or fluorine oxide. No more than 20% of the membrane thickness is etched away during plasma etching of the anode and cathode surfaces. The anode and cathode are bonded to the membrane by heat and pressure, e.g. at about 200 deg.C. The cathode and/or anode can be treated with 'Nafion' cation exchange solution before bonding to the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The assembly is used in a thermo-electrochemical system in which an electric current is generated from a heat input. The assembly is resistant to determination and provides as good electrochemical performance as conventional electrodialysis membranes. The membrane/electrode assembly can also be fired in chlor/alkali cells.
(US5376184-A)      The apparatus has two heat sinks and numerous bimetallic elements. The elements are in electrical contact with and are arranged between the heat sinks. The opposite edges of the elements are in thermal contact with the surfaces of the heat sinks. Adjacent elements in the assembly are in interfacing electrical contact with a third non-ferromagnetic metal. The non-interfacing surfaces of the bimetallic strip transfer heat.    A control circuit produces a polarising bias at the junction interface. A priming control circuit sustains a thermoelectric current in each laminate. The thermoelectric current circulates between the ferromagnetic metals in the laminates. Electric current passing through the non-ferromagnetic metal encounters negative resistance on entry into the ferromagnetic metal due to thermoelectric action arising from thermal to electric energy conversion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g. solid state heat pump. Electric power generator. Highly efficient device.
(US5268037-A)      The monolithic photovoltaic device array includes subcells electrically interconnected in parallel. The subcells are disposed upon a common, electrically conductive substrate and each includes an insulating region on the substrate and an electrode body on the insulator. Each electrode body has a width less than the width of the corresponding insulating region upon which it is located.    The subcells each include a photovoltaic semiconductor body on the electrode body. The array includes a continuous top electrode material, to cover each of the semiconductor bodies and to fill the space between adjacent semiconductor regions and establish electrical communication between the substrate and the semiconductor regions. The substrate forms one terminal of the array and the conductive bodies are in electrical communication with a bus bar which forms the other terminal of the array.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises active area; reduced laser scribe process artifacts such as metal flow, semiconductor crystallisation.
NOVELTY - The solid electrolyte pipe has a thick open-end section (7) which conducts only specific ions and reinforces a junction with an insulated plate. A bonding section (13) which connects the open-end section and an ionic conduction operation section (11) is tapered and has length (b) satisfying the relation 90 at least b divide a at least 3 where a is the thickness difference of open-end and ionic conduction sections.    USE - For sodium-sulfur battery, sodium molten salt battery.    ADVANTAGE - The rate of damage and deformation of the pipe due to the thickness difference between the open-end section and the ionic conduction section during baking is reduced extremely. Damage during battery assembly or battery operation is prevented. Production rate and durability of the solid electrolyte pipe are increased because the pipe is formed maintaining the relationship between length of the bonding section and thickness difference of the open-end and ionic conduction sections, to a specified limit.
(DE4310998-C2)      To recover wave energy from a watercourse, several floating bodies are connected with links so that as the bodies move, useful energy is generated. The distance between the centre of buoyancy of at least one of the bodies and the swivel axis of its link is adjustable.    Each floating body consists of at least two telescopic sections which can be pulled apart to increase its total volume. Each end is connected by the cross-over swivel links to the end of the next floating body. Where the links are attached to the bodies, pivoted connecting rods are joined to pistons in cylinders. The position of the pivots is adjustable.    ADVANTAGE -   Generates energy under all weather conditions provided waves are present.
(JP3109754-B2)      Appts. includes a hydrazine meter connected to the piping for monitoring of a hydrazine pouring condition detector, a discriminator and an indicator.    ADVANTAGE -   Automatic monitoring is effected.
(FR2690279-A1)      The solar cell includes two elementary cells (1, 2) which are bond together by Van der Waals interaction between their surfaces. The first elementary cell is made of amorphous Si and includes an active layer (3) deposited on a flexible substrate (4).    The second elementary cell is made of GaAs with an active layer (5) deposited on a substrate (6). The surface (20) separating the two cells can be sufficiently thin to define a tunnelling junction. Alternatively oxide layers deposited on the contact surfaces can block any tunnel effect. In this case separate electrodes are provided on each elementary cell surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting light energy into electricity using photovoltaic effect. Uses new configuration which enables widening of absorbed photon spectra. Improves conversion efficiency, being compact and simple with different spectral responses.    (JP6511356-W)      The solar cell includes two elementary cells (1, 2) which are bond together by Van der Waals interaction between their surfaces. The first elementary cell is made of amorphous Si and includes an active layer (3) deposited on a flexible substrate (4).    The second elementary cell is made of GaAs with an active layer (5) deposited on a substrate (6). The surface (20) separating the two cells can be sufficiently thin to define a tunnelling junction. Alternatively oxide layers deposited on the contact surfaces can block any tunnel effect. In this case separate electrodes are provided on each elementary cell surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting light energy into electricity using photovoltaic effect. Uses new configuration which enables widening of absorbed photon spectra. Improves conversion efficiency, being compact and simple with different spectral responses.
(FR2689227-A1)      The stack consist of a number of basic elements formed from corrugated plates defining alternate circuits for a refrigerant fluid and a heating fluid in between which is an electrical resistance heating element. The heaters are inserted between the plates of an heat exchanger in an active zone closed by a joint surrounding orifices for passing fluid to the heating resistance level so as to ensure a seal between the fluid and the heater resistance. The joint has a thickness sufficient to be compressed between the two plates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides improved temperature control with a short response time.
(US5296044-A)      The solar cell array is deployable from a folded flat triangular structure to a substantially circular deployed shape. A root spar supports a hub. The hub has an axis of rotation normal to the axis of the root spar. The hub drives a lead spar, and a number of intermediate spars rotate freely around the hub. A foldable gore is fitted between each pair of adjacent spars except between the root spar and the lead spar.    Rotation of the hub in one direction folds the gores into a stack. Rotation in the opposite direction opens the gores to form tensioned membranes between the spars. A reversible power source drives the hub.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides solar cell array which is lightweight and provides substantial area for exposure of solar cell to the sun, and is stewable in a small space, e.g. on spacecraft and enables array to be rotated to point the array as closely toward the sun as possible.
(JP94104729-B2)      The adhesive sheet consists of (A) 95-99.9 wt.% of a copolymer comprising 84.9-55% of ethylene, 0.1-5 wt.% of an ethylenically unsatd. silane cpd. of formula: RSiR'nY3-n (R= ethylenically unsatd. hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy, or (meth)acryloyloxy alkyl gp. R'= aliphatic satd. or aromatic hydrocarbyl, or hydrocarbyloxy gp. Y= aliphatic satd. or aromatic hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbyloxy gp. or aliphatic acyloxy gp. n= 0, 1 or 2), and 15-45 wt.% of an ethylenically acid ester, and (B) 0.1-5 wt.% of an organic peroxide having a temp. of 90-170 deg.C corresp. to the half-life period of 10.5 hrs.    The unsaturated silane cpd. is, e.g. vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTS). The unsatd. acid ester is, e.g. methyl acrylate(MA). The organic peroxide is, e.g. dicumyl peroxide(DCP) with a temp. of 117 deg.C corresp. to the half-life period of 10.5 hrs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The adhesive sheet is used for protecting solar cell modules from shock and humidity. It has a high transparency, adhesive strength, and crosslinkability.
(JP7503105-W)      The layers of a stacked cell solar module are made of a material such as amorphous silicon, carried by a glass substrate, permitting manufacture in integrated circuit form. The individual cells are arranged alternately pin, nip, pin, having a toothed electrode structure, or forming pn junctions. The electrodes are transparent layers, having strips formed by producing narrow parallel grooves with a laser beam.    The cells of a stack are in parallel, and stacks are connected in series. Each stack consists of two or more cells, and their total thickness gives a maximum absorption of above 80 percent within the sensitivity region.    ADVANTAGE -   Similar production stages are repeated, giving a stack of cells with reduced light ageing.
(WO9315526-A1)      The wireless, monolithic photovoltaic module includes top and bottom, rectangular electrodes with a photovoltaic body and an adjacent insulating strip sandwiched between the electrodes. The insulating strip is disposed proximate the edge of the bottom electrode.    A bus bar overlies the insulating strip, but not the photovoltaic body, and is connected to a net of current carrying grid lines which overlie the body to form a current collector. A top encapsulating layer has diffractive grooves formed in it which overlie the grid lines to minimise shading effects otherwise caused by shadows from the grid lines.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency by minimising shading effects caused by current collecting grids. Avoids precise alignment and adhesive fixing of separate lens element.
(US5232518-A)      The modular batten and seam type photovoltaic roofing system includes a number of photovoltaic panels. Each panel includes a base member having a generally planar central portion at least partially bounded by two unturned flanges. A photovoltaic device is disposed on the central portion. The device includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal.    A positive terminal region is associated with the base member and includes a first electrical conductor in electrical communication with the positive terminal of the photovoltaic device. A negative terminal region is associated with the base member and includes a second electrical conductor in electrical communication with the negative terminal of the photovoltaic device. A first electrical connector is affixed to the positive terminal region, in electrical communication with the first electrical conductor.    A second conductor is affixed to the negative terminal region, in electrical communication with the second conductor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   for solar power. Allows quick connection and disconnection of roofing panels. Simplified installation, use and service of roofing panels.    (JP7503101-W)      The photovoltaic roofing system includes a number of roofing panels (20). Each panel includes a photovoltaic device (24) on its central portion and an electrical connector (30, 32) which is engageable with a connector or another panel.    The panels further include upstanding flanges (26,28). A batten and seam roof construction is configured by interconnecting the panels using a coupling member to establish electrical communication between panels. The panels are fastened to the roof and the adjoining flanges covered with battens.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows for simpler installation and ready removal and replacement of individual panels without disturbance to the remaining roof structure.
(WO9503637-A1)      The renewable fuel cells produced hydrogen gas, on demand, and are used to power a vehicle. When the usable cells is depleted, the magnesium anode is converted into magnesium hydroxide precipitate. The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is removed and collected for recycling and the magnesium anode and salt water electrolyte is replaced.    The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is recycled to recapture the magnesium which is then formed into new magnesium anodes. The primary power source for the recycling is derived from solar energy. The only waste product produced by the operation of the fuel cell is non-polluting water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle hydrogen gas generators. Non-polluting energy source for vehicles.
(DE4201407-C2)      Solar cells (6) located beneath the plate (5) are illuminated from below. The periphery of the stand (1) is greater than that of the plate and is of transparent material. The side wall (9) and floor are provided with surfaces that reflect light inwards from above the solar cells. The motor armature (3) is fastened to the bottom of the stand (1) and the field current supply is made by conductors (7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For display stand. No requirement for connection to mains supply. Adequate light to solar cells without use of extra technical appts.
(US5317145-A)      In a radiation source detector the combination comprises a shade pole casting a shadow of the radiation source, and    a first radiation responsive surface in the shape of a narrow band more than 0.00464 times the shade pole length and less than 0.75 inches wide disposed partially in and partially out of the shadow of the shade pole.    An electronic circuit, includes the radiation responsive surface, operable in response to movement of the shadow line across less than one half of the radiation responsive surface to generate an electrical alignment correction signal.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high precision tracker control that tolerates imbalances in sensor pairs. Provides highly accurate control system for solar tracker which maximises gathering of solar energy.
(JP7501660-W)      The substrate material (301) comprises a first type groove (3050) doped with a first type dopant and having a first conducting material in electrical contact with the walls. A second type groove (310) has walls doped with a second type material. This groove also has a second type conducting material in electrical contact with the second doped walls. The two grooves are electrically linked with each other by a doped region of linking substrate material (314).    This is selected from either the first or second type group and forms the photovoltaic junction with substrates material of a different polarity. The first type dopant is a different polarity than the second type dopant.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides for at least two photovoltaic cells in series.
NOVELTY - A heating board (19) provided to stack (3) of cells (1) is connected to the support unit (6) which is provided to the periphery of the stack of cells. The heating board consists of an electric conduction section comprising metal piece attached to metal substrate and an ignition agent which are formed on surface of the board, such that they are not protruding from the board.    USE - For electronic device.    ADVANTAGE - Even if the ignition agent combusts and the thickness of the ignition agent varies, the thickness of heating board is not varied. Hence, slack is not generated and internal resistance of battery is restrained. Stable high voltage is output.
(GB2262572-B)      A device for extracting energy from waves on a liquid, the device in use being located at or below the surface of the liquid and comprising at least one rotor mounted for rotation about an axis, said axis arranged in use to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the waves, said rotor comprising a frame provided with a pair of substantially circular cylinders mounted with their axes substantially parallel and coplanar with the rotor axis, and provided with means for being rotated about their respective axes, their rotation rate and direction, and their size and location in the frame being arranged such that when acted on by the waves a substantially balanced torque is produced about the rotor axis.
(DE4140682-C2)      A board-shaped solar module,includes an outer panel facing the incident light,and an inner plate arranged behind the panel with a gap bottom.A frame encloses the edges of the outer panel and inner plate, and solar cells are arranged between the outer panel and the inner plate together with a wiring system for electrically connecting the cells by the connecting leads to the electrical connection with additional, adjacent solar modules in the region of the frame.    The frame (1) is designed as a moulded plastic layered structure, such that the frames (10) overlap, with their opposite-facing edges, adjacent solar modules with connection flanges (22).The plate flat's middle section of the facing surfaces of the connecting flanges(22) has sockets(20),or integrated contact pins(26) to clamp the frames in position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Wall facades or roof elements. Easily joined to adjacent modules to enable flat roof or facade surface to be formed.Mechanical stability.
(DE4240541-A1)      The tracking system has a vertical pipe (4) enclosing a cylindrical sleeve (3) with a helical guide groove (16) receiving    a guide pin (15), for combined descent and rotation of a solar collector mounting (1), supported by a mast (2) at the top end of the sleeve (3.    A power block (10) carrying the weight of the solar assembly is linked to the piston/cylinder device controlling the descent, with a hydraulic energy store (7) linked via a control valve (9) to a regulating cylinder (5), allowing independent operation of the system for several days.    The control valve (9) pref. lies in series with a thermally controlled throttle (8) providing a tracking speed which is independent of the ambient temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Temp independent operation eliminating need for daily intervention and required muscular effort.    (US5798517-A)      The tracking system has a vertical pipe (4) enclosing a cylindrical sleeve (3) with a helical guide groove (16) receiving    a guide pin (15), for combined descent and rotation of a solar collector mounting (1), supported by a mast (2) at the top end of the sleeve (3.    A power block (10) carrying the weight of the solar assembly is linked to the piston/cylinder device controlling the descent, with a hydraulic energy store (7) linked via a control valve (9) to a regulating cylinder (5), allowing independent operation of the system for several days.    The control valve (9) pref. lies in series with a thermally controlled throttle (8) providing a tracking speed which is independent of the ambient temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Temp independent operation eliminating need for daily intervention and required muscular effort.
(JP5208863-A)      The prepn. comprises shaping a mixt. contg. aluminium powder, a sodium cpd., a structure stabiliser and zirconia powder and reaction sintering to form a dense body; and the mixt pref. has alumina powder.    The aluminium powder has a pref. particle dia. of less than 300 micron and contains less than 1000 ppm, each of, (less than 200 ppm) Si and Fe. The strucvture stabiliser is a Li-contg. salt, the zorconia is tetragonal phase and the body is at least 85% relative density. The compsn. of the mixt. is (wt.%): (A) 1-40 sodium cpd., 0.1-10 structure stabiliser, 35 or less zirconia and balance aluminium powder, or (B) at least 10 aluminium powder, 1-40 sodium cpd., 0.1-10 structure stabiliser, less than 35 or 25 zirconia and balance alumina powder.    USE -   Used as a solid electrolyte in sodium-sulphur sec. battery and an alkali metal thermoelectric converter.
(GB2261706-B)      A device for generating power from waves on the surface of a body of water, comprising an endless cable, means for supporting the cable at an angle to the horizontal so that part of the cable can be located beneath the surface of the body of water, the supporting means including pulley wheels for guiding and supporting said endless cable for rotation about said pulley wheels, means for transmitting rotational drive from said endless cable to a power generation device, a float for floating on the surface of the body of water in use so as to move up and down in response to wave action, and means for connecting said float to said endless cable, and connecting means including a shuttle member having means for interacting hydrodynamically with the surrounding water, and means for releasably securing the shuttle member to said endless cable, whereby upon up and down motion of the float due to wave action the securing means alternatingly grips and releases the cable thereby causing movement of the cable about said pulleys and transmission of drive to said power generating device.
(US5443361-A)      The plant recovers energy from waves in motion. It comprises a wedge-shaped unit, anchored, and self-adjusting towards the waves. The floating reception unit (1) is placed in the water. It has a ramp (3) for the waves and a guide (4) ti guide the water to a reception pipe (8) and into an energy converting engine (9). The guide device has a number of reception funnels (4). Their cross section is narrowed down in the direction towards the energy converting engine (9). A number of air chambers (16) and side chambers (10) are provided in which the reception pipes (8) end.    ADVANTAGE -   Concentrates both kinetic and potential energy of waves, guides water without applying movable parts, collects large amount of water so maximum energy recovery achieved, reception funnels admit water with increased velocity. Regular admission of water to turbine even if distance between waves.
(US5264534-A)      Oriented polymer film comprises uniaxially oriented imidised LaKC-CPI-BTDA polyimide having a tensile modulus greater than 0.5-2.0 msc and a tensile strength greater than 40-80 (esp. 20-60) ksi.    Also claimed is the oriented film comprising semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer and produced by (I) partially crystallising the film or its precursor by thermal treatment; (II) cooling the film; (III) orienting the film at temp. slightly above 7g; and (IV) further crystallising the film by thermal treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved mechanical properties.
(GB2261499-B)      An apparatus for gathering and focusing and/or for transmitting radiation, which apparatus includes a portion of a right circular hollow cone whose internal surface provides a reflective surface and an elongate collector or transmitter within said cone located at, or adjustable to, a position at which the axis of elongation of the collector or transmitter is at a non-zero angle to the axis of symmetry of the cone and passes through the vertex of the cone, so that the apparatus is adapted to gather and/or transmit radiation at an angle to the axis of symmetry of the cone.
(US5406190-A)      The device for generating electrical energy comprises a turbine driven by a flowing medium, and a multiphase alternating-current generator which is coupled to the turbine. The generator includes a generator electric circuit. A rectifier with impressed output voltage is also included in the energy generator. Capacitive elements connect the generator to the rectifier.    An oscillating circuit including the capacitive elements and one or more inductors of the generator electric circuit is provided.    The capacitive elements are valued in relationship to inductances existing in the generator electric circuit to allow a resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit to lie above a highest frequency occurring under field conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Most optimum possible energy conversion without usual expenditure for controlling systems.
(JP2956284-B2)      A cylindrical casing tube is inserted into a well and the geothermal liq. at the lower end or the side face of the casing tube flows into the casing tube. The casing tube has a pit mouth device which can be closed. The temp. when the calculated value of the length of the liq. phase with the geothermal well pressure and the density of the geothermal liquid is coincidental with the calculated value with the excavating length of the geothermal well and the density of the geothermal liq. and the ratio enthalpy of the geothermal liq. is required and the geothermal well pressure at the temp. is calculated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for geothermal electric power generation, etc.. Because the max. closing pressure and the max. temp. can be forecast, the excess investment and the decrease of well durability and safety can be prevented.    In an example, geothermal liq. phase flows into feed points of a casing tube (7) which has a pit mouth device which can be closed at the upper end from the underground reservoir.
(NL9101618-A)      The system comprises two caverns (4, 5) in a subterranean salt formation partly filled with a salt soln. and gas pressurises the head space. A pumping/generator plant (10) with cooler (11) at the surface connects the liq. filled portions via channels (6, 7 & 8, 9). Further channels (12, 13 & 14, 15) connect the compressed gas in the caverns to compressor/generator plants (16, 17).    The pumping/generator plant (10) moves salt soln. between caverns when supplied with energy or generates energy when driven by salt soln. flow caused by differential pressure. Similarly energy transfer is possible at the compressor/generating plants (16, 17).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy can be exchanged with a turbo-generator system in order to enable the equipment to work at a predetermined constant load for high efficiency.
(JP3099202-B2)      In the heating and pressing chamber of the multilayering equipment; flat plate, cushion material layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, fluorine resin peeling-off material layer, rear side material layer of white fluorine resin bonding and sealing material lower layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, wiring for solar cells, bonding and sealing material upper layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, etc., and light-transmitting material layer of fluorine resin are formed into a multilayered sheet. Then the sheet is heated and pressed to bury the wiring between the bonding and sealing upper layer and lower layer, and to unify and fix the multilayered body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A prod. with uniform thickness can be prepd., without damage to the solar cell wafer during pressing. The module can be peeled off from the lower part in use.
(DE4129180-C2)      The energy generation plant has a base frame (2) and one drive element coupled via a pivot linkage, with the frame (2) or the drive element floating on the water surface. The frame (2) and the drive element exhibit different torques relative to the pivot linkage, their relative movement caused by the wave motion converted into electrical energy by a generator.    The floats (6) are mounted at the end of carrier arms (5) acting on coil springs (11) incorporated in the frame (2). The coil springs (11) act on a drive shaft (18) which is driven upon release of a brake for driving the electrical generator. Pref. the frame (2) is anchored to the seabed via a number of anchoring rods (3).    USE -   For continuous generation of electrical energy from wave movement.
(US5228772-A)      The solar powered light comprises a cover containing a fresnel lens structure (also referred to as a fresnel lens cover) which is disposed directly above and adjacent to a photovoltaic cell. The fresnel lens cover comprises a continuous and smooth outer surface and a prismatic inner surface having prisms arranged in concentric circles to bend incoming radiation, especially at high angles of incidence, such as during winter months or at the beginning or end of a day, toward an optical axis.    The prisms have different thicknesses and are arranged in different angular configurations to accomplish the desired bending at each point of the cover. Pref. prisms are formed on a peripheral portion of the outer surface to cover a photodetector used for sensing the absence of light and triggering circuitry to turn on the solar powered lights.    USE -   Fresnel lens structure for use on solar-powered lights.
(WO9415096-A1)      The method for generating energy involves conveying fluid through a series of fluid pressurisation units, each unit incrementally increasing the pressure of the fluid as the fluid passes under the force of differential pressure within that unit. The pressurised fluid from a preceding unit is outlet from that unit and input into the succeeding unit in series. Each unit includes a first member and an associated second member.    The first member is immersed in or floats on the surface of a body of water. The first member rises and falls with the rise and fall of wave motion. The second member is submerged and anchored. The fluid is pressurised as the result of the relative movement between the first and second members as the fluid passes through a unit. The pressurised fluid may then be used to drive turbines and electric generators or other energy conversion devices.    ADVANTAGE -   Captures energy from wide range of wave amplitudes, provides large volume output capacity at high pressure.
(US5237170-A)      The system for concentrating and projecting non-imaged electromagnetic radiation from an e.m. radiation source onto a receiver, includes a primary reflector having an aperture for receiving radiation from the source. The reflector selectably projects the radiation onto the receiver, and has reflecting surfaces for singly and multiply reflecting radiation rays.    The reflector also has re-entrant reflecting surfaces for mulitply-reflecting rays of e.m. radiation emanating from the source. The system also includes secondary reflectors between the source and the aperture of the primary reflector.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Concentrates radiation beam in given direction for specified spatial radiation and collection patterns.    (JP6511322-W)      The system consists of a source (102) of electromagnetic radiation, a receiver of electromagnetic radiation, and a primary reflecting surface (120) having an aperture for receiving electromagnetic radiation from the source, the primary reflecting surface selectably projecting electromagnetic radiation onto the receiver.    The primary reflecting surface (120) has reflecting surfaces for singly and multiply reflecting electromagnetic radiation with re-entrant reflecting surfaces for multiply reflecting electromagnetic radiation from the source. Pref. the aperture is circular, elliptical or rectangular.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   New design principles in non-imaging optics; projects a specified spatial electromagnetic radiation pattern from extended source with high concentration of radiation onto extended receiver. Compact, using only reflective components. Suitable for customised extended source and receiver geometries. Optical applications include search lights, laser pumping and fibre optics; solar energy concentrators.
(US5178685-A)      A contact for a solar cell having a silicon nitride coating on the front surface is formed by applying multiple narrow contact elements and at least one relatively wide intersecting bus bar. The conductor lines and bus bar are formed of silver and produced by applying an initial mix of silver particles and borosilicate glass powder fabricated in the form of an ink. The coating is then fired.    Preferably, the silver present in the ink is in the form of spherical particles with a diagram of 0.5-1- (1-2) microns.    ADVANTAGE -   The resulting contacts have enhanced reliability.    (JP6500670-W)      The solar cell has a pattern of fingers (28) extending between bus bars formed, in silver ink, on one surface of the cell silicon substrate (2). The ink for at least the bus bars has, in a liq. vehicle, glass frit and silver particles of generally spherical shape.    Copper tabs are soldered to the bus bars and to silver soldering pads (20) on the susbtrate opposite surface. The solder employed is of tin and silver, with composition in the range 96 to 98 percent tin.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved bonding of contacts to substrate.
NOVELTY - A case (1) accommodates a separator (5) set between positive pole (6) containing lithium-cobalt composite oxide and negative pole (3) made of carbon that absorbs and desorbs lithium ion. An organic electrolyte obtained by dissolving lithium perchloride in mixed solvent of sulfolane and ethylene carbonate, is poured between the positive and negative poles.    USE - Organic electrolyte secondary battery e.g. for electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - Improves electro chemical stability of electrolyte, by providing positive pole and negative pole made of material that absorbs and desorbs lithium.
NOVELTY - The battery consists of a bag-shaped separator with multiple rib at inner surface. An anode separated from cathode by separator, consists of lattice-shaped alloy comprising lead, calcium and tin. The alloy contains 0.05-0.07wt.% of tin and 0.75-1.0wt.% of calcium.    USE - Lead storage battery for automobile engine.    ADVANTAGE - Durable battery capable of preventing deformation of anode at high temperature, is realized by providing anode lattice of high mechanical strength.
(WO9401894-A1)      The battery has an exposed negative terminal (2), positive terminal (10) hidden within the battery casing, an exposed dummy terminal (3) and a control circuit including a heavy duty switch e.g. solenoid (9) between the positive and dummy terminals and sealed within the battery. The control circuit has an input for connection to an external code-controlled operating device for controlling the enabling of the switch. The positive terminal may be connected through isolator relay (12) to an INHIBIT circuit C.    When ignition is switched on power is fed to a keypad and only if predetermined code has been set into the keypad in order to pass is an operating signal passed to electronic lock (13) to switch the relay to connect power to an ENABLE circuit B and to disconnect the supply from the INHIBIT circuit C. This causes solenoid to operate to connect positive terminal to the dummy terminal. When the ignition key is moved to the start position power is supplied to a starter to the dummy terminal. When the ignition key is moved to the start position power is supplied to a starter motor.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents vehicle theft by jump starting vehicle.
(US5290646-A)      The battery terminal comprises two tightening plates continuous with an open free end of an annular electrode-engaging portion into which a battery post is inserted. An electric wire-connecting portion is continuous with the first tightening plate or the second tightening plate or the electrode-engaging portion. The first tightening plate is moved toward the second tightening plate to close the free end of the electrode-engaging portion so that the battery terminal is fixed to the battery post.    A nut is tightened downward on the bolt to move the sliding contact portion downward along the inclined portion so that the first tightening plate is moved toward the second tightening plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode engaging portion can be reliably pressed against battery post by preventing impact wrench from interfering with other parts.
(JP6295733-A)      The plate comprises: (a) a porous component; (b) fluoro polymer film(s); and (c) a graphite plate laminated to (a) via (b); and an electroconductive pathway existing between (a) and (c), while the fluoro polymer provides an electrolyte barrier.    Also new is an improved fuel cell stack incorporating the above.    The porous component may be pref. an electrolyte reservoir plate or a graphite cooler holder. Pref. fluoro polymer films are of fluorinated ethylene propylene resin and/or TFE copolymers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in H2/O2 fuel cells, the arrangement is capable of minimising inter-cell electrolyte migration to below 0.5 g/ft/1000 hr. for at least 40000 hr. operation (e.g. in phosphoric acid fuel cells at current densities of 200-400 amps/ft2).
(JP2703831-B2)      Fuel reforming appts. comprises a reforming catalyst layer formed in a reforming pipe, and flexible stress absorbing layer formed on the catalyst layer. The absorbing layer is to absorb a stress in the catalyst.
(US5302143-A)      A terminal main body has a pair of right and left clamping plates respectively coupled to opened free ends of a circular ring shaped electrode engagement portion, the latter externally engaging a battery post. An electric wire connecting portion is coupled with one of the plates, and a clamping element includes a notch portion having faces spaced in a horizontal direction and diverging downwardly. The plates are inserted into the notch portion of the clamping element, a bolt being clamped from above wrt a nut through a gap between the plates.    The external ends of the plates are depressed by the tapered faces of the clamping element at the time of clamping so as to move the plates in mutually approaching horizontal directions. The electrode engagement portion is put into pressure contact against an external peripheral face of the battery post. Guide grooves are provided with which the tapered faces of both the side portions of the clamping element are engaged on the respective plates.    ADVANTAGE -   Impact wrench is adapted not to positively interfere with other components by clamping operation of bolt from above.
(JP6236767-A)      Monitoring the electrochemical potential of fuel cell components, comprises (a) using an electrochemical sensor (40) having a pair of electrically conductive wires (10); and a porous, non-conductive conduit (50) in contact with the wires; (b) bringing electrolyte into contact with the conduit; (c) wicking the electrolyte into the pores of the conduit; (d) applying a voltage across the wires; (e) increasing the voltage until H2 evolves from the second wire; and (f) measuring the potential difference between the fuel cell component and the second wire.    The second wire provides a reference potential which is near to the open circuit potential of a hydrogen electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sensor can be used to monitor anode and cathode polarisation during cell operation, and anode and cathode voltages and resistivity during shutdown. Anode polarisation establishes the point at which the fuel cell should be shut down to prevent failure due to corrosion. Anode and cathode voltages can be used to control N2 purges to maintain low O2 content in anode and cathode chambers.
(DE4216563-A1)      Accumulator, esp. Pb-accumulator, has a housing contg. several cells and a lid. A gas collecting chamber is formed between the lid and covering plate to deposit acid. The chamber has a lower part in several hollow chambers corresponding to the no. of cells and a de-gassing opening. For each cell, there are filling and monitoring openings.    The closure stopper (1) extends into the base lid (5). A gas outlet site (9) is present in base lid in the region of the closure stopper, whose size is measured so that, on heating to 180 deg. C, no more acid leaves the gas chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as starter batteries in vehicles.
(EP672248-B1)      The tester has a high gain amplifier cascade (12) whose output (10) comprises a constant DC bias component with an AC signal that is proportional to the dynamic conductance of the battery (24) as well as to the level of a square wave signal (30) formed by an oscillator (32), a chopper switch (34) and a DC correction amplifier.    The DC bias component is ignored whilst the variable AC signal is detected and accurately converted to a DC signal by a synchronous detector (48) and synchronised to the oscillator by a synchronising path (50) for display on an ammeter (60) to give the dynamic conductance of the battery. An adjustable resistive network (54) is used to determine the relationship between the ammeter reading and the battery state.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a simple method of performing accurate dynamic conductance test on partially charged batteries, including alkaline, nickel-cadmium, or lithium cells and batteries.    (DE9321638-U1)      The tester has a high gain amplifier cascade (12) whose output (10) comprises a constant DC bias component with an AC signal that is proportional to the dynamic conductance of the battery (24) as well as to the level of a square wave signal (30) formed by an oscillator (32), a chopper switch (34) and a DC correction amplifier.    The DC bias component is ignored whilst the variable AC signal is detected and accurately converted to a DC signal by a synchronous detector (48) and synchronised to the oscillator by a synchronising path (50) for display on an ammeter (60) to give the dynamic conductance of the battery. An adjustable resistive network (54) is used to determine the relationship between the ammeter reading and the battery state.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a simple method of performing accurate dynamic conductance test on partially charged batteries, including alkaline, nickel-cadmium, or lithium cells and batteries.
(EP702619-A1)      An article comprises an injection moulding of highly chemically coupled glass fibre reinforced plastics, pref. polypropylene. The fibre is pref. chemically coupled to the plastics using a wetting or bonding agent, partic. an acid coupling system.    The polymer is pref. a propylene homopolymer which is reinforced with chopped glass fibre or standard or long strand type, treated with the agent so that it becomes uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer and can be moulded conventionally.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for vehicle batteries. Ensures that the fibre is uniformly present even in reinforcing ribs and deep moulded wells so that tray strength is substantially increased, pref. at the locations most subjected to flexure and impact, and bonding of fibre to polymer also greatly reduces fibre abrasiveness w.r.t. the mould.
(US5256273-A)      A system for measuring the oxygen content of a gas in ppb comprises a cell with anode and cathode catalytically specific for oxygen. Gas is metered to the cathode based on gaseous phase diffusion to provide a measurement proportional to vol. concn. and oxygen is reduced at the cathode to form hydroxyl ions. Pure hydrogen is metered to the anode at stable pressure and is always in excess of oxygen being reduced at the cathode.    Hydrogen is oxidised at the anode to form water and establish a current which is linearly proportional to the vol. concn. of oxygen in the sample gas. The electrolyte is pref. aqeuous 0.1-10M KOH, the cathode is a catalysed carbon-PTFE element and the anode is a Pt-catalysed carbon-PTFE element.    ADVANTAGE -   No chemical changes take place in the sensor so that oxygen measurement remains stable over time.    (US5334295-A)      Oxygen content of a gas is measured by establishing an electrolytic path between sensing electrodes (14a,b) in an electrolyte (12), passing the gas to the cathode, metering the oxygen to the cathode by diffusion so that it is reduced to form hydroxyl ions, placing hydrogen in contact with the anode, and oxidising to form water and establish a current linearly related to oxygen vol. concn. at the cathode.    The gas is pref. flowed into a cavity at 0.5-3.0 sft3/h at 32-125 deg.F. and 1.0 psig and oxygen is diffused through a plate. The electrolyte is pref. 0.1-10M KOH, and hydrogen is supplied at 10-25 scc/h and metered through a diffusion plate. the anode is pref. a Pt-catalysed carbon-tetrafluoroethylene electrode specific to hydrogen oxidn..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Permits measurement in the ppb. range. Applied in industrial and scientific operations.
(US5368762-A)      Electrolytic solns. for redox batteries contg. V as positive and negative electrode active materials are produced by a method in which a pentavalent V cpd. is reduced in the presence of sulphuric acid and water under atmos. or increased pressure, producing a soln. contg. tetravalent V. Part of this soln. is heated in the presence of sulphuric acid, water and a reducing agent, e.g. H2, under atmos. or increased pressure to produce a trivalent V cpd. If the cpd. is solid, it is hydrated with water or water and sulphuric acid.    ADVANTAGE -   Simultaneously produces tetravalent and trivalent V solns.
(WO9411076-A1)      The vaporiser comprises a containment shell, a nozzle and a fin block. The fin block has a base in thermal contact a heat source, preferably a thermal fluid stream. The base has a number of evaporative heat transfer structures that are spaced from and generally radiate from the nozzle output. Each of the evaporative heat transfer structures has two principal surfaces oriented such that the extension of each of the surfaces intersects the nozzle outlet. Upon contacting the evaporative heat transfer structures, the atomised liquid reactant dispersion is vaporised to produce a vaporised reactant stream. The vaporiser responds to changes in the inlet liquid reactant flow rate to produce a corresponding change in the output vapor flow rate by minimising the liquid inventory within the heated environment.    ADVANTAGE -   Is compact, lightweight and compatible with other components of integrated fuel processing system.    (JP8506413-W)      The vaporiser comprises a containment shell, a nozzle and a fin block. The fin block has a base in thermal contact a heat source, preferably a thermal fluid stream. The base has a number of evaporative heat transfer structures that are spaced from and generally radiate from the nozzle output. Each of the evaporative heat transfer structures has two principal surfaces oriented such that the extension of each of the surfaces intersects the nozzle outlet. Upon contacting the evaporative heat transfer structures, the atomised liquid reactant dispersion is vaporised to produce a vaporised reactant stream. The vaporiser responds to changes in the inlet liquid reactant flow rate to produce a corresponding change in the output vapor flow rate by minimising the liquid inventory within the heated environment.    ADVANTAGE -   Is compact, lightweight and compatible with other components of integrated fuel processing system.
(US5800798-A)      A process for producing a fuel gas for fuel cells is claimed, comprising treating a sulphur-contg. hydrocarbon with a desulphurising agent to reduce the sulphur content to 0.2 ppm or less, and bringing the treated hydrocarbon into contact with a steam reforming catalyst to provide a fuel gas mainly composed of hydrogen. The desulphurising agent comprises a copper-nickel alloy having a copper:nickel wt. ratio of 95:5-5:95.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a process for producing a fuel gas for fuel cells from a heavy hydrocarbon such as kerosene. The process involves a desulphurising agent which has a low tendency to bring about the deposition of carbon even at relatively high temps., has a high desulphurising capability and has a high service life.
(DE4310616-C2)      A battery plug unit, consisting of a plug part (2) and a reception part (1) with contact elements, for producing an electrical connection and at least one fluid coupling, which is integrated in the housing of the battery plug, to ensure a functioning connection protected against damage.    The integrated fluid coupling (20) has coupling parts (13,14,15,16) which are arranged in the housing (28) of the battery plug (19). The fluid coupling is engaged with the joining together of the plug part (2) and the reception part (1).    ADVANTAGE -   Application range of battery plug is widened.
NOVELTY - A battery (4) has low and high temperature electrodes e.g. braid-like porous platinum boards (11,12), to which fuel containing hydrogen gas is supplied. The high temperature electrode is heated by exhaust heat of the fuel cell system, and the fuel which drains out from the high temperature electrode is supplied to fuel cell (1).    USE - Fuel cell system.    ADVANTAGE - The heat energy of the exhaust gas ejected at the time of diving of the fuel cell system, is more effectively used.
(JP6096780-A)      Electrochemical device comprises cells (12,14) each having an O2 ion conducting electrolyte (18,20), anode (26,28) and cathode (30,32); interconnects (16) connecting the anodes to the cathodes of adjacent cells; and a sealant (48,50) for sealing the cells to the interconnects to provide a gas-tight seal, the sealant being positioned relative to the interconnect so as to be spaced from the electron pathway formed by the interconnect.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a series connected tubular electrolytic cell, esp. for generation of concd. O2. Simple, improved interconnection between the tubes is provided having high electrical and pneumatic integrity.    (US5338623-A)      A solid-state device for transporting ions through a ceramic electrolyte has individual cells (12,14) each with an electrolyte (18,20) having an anode (26,28) and a cathode (30,32) on opposite surfaces with each cell having the anode on the same surface, and a conductive connector (16) between the ends of ajacent cells for electro flow between the respective anode and cathode.    The cells are sealed gas-tightly to the connector with the seals (48) spaced from the electron flow path. The electrolyte is pref. of doped zirconia, ceria, hafnia or Bi oxide, the electrodes are of alloy with at least 50% silver, the connectors are of stainless steel 446, Lessor manganite, Lessor chromite or Lochia manganite, and the seals are of devitrified glass.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for oxygen generation. Has improved interconnections to ensure electrical integrity and gas-tightness.
(US5346777-A)      Chemical reaction installation comprises a pillar mounted on a floor surface and a number of floors mounted on the pillar spaced up its height. A chemical reaction portion is provided by a number of chemical reaction vessels on each of the pillar mounted floors with a through portion provided at an inside of the installation extending through each floor.    Process variables occur in accordance with reactions in the vessel are supplied into or discharged from the vessels through the through portion, while a crane is included for exchanging the vessels.    USE -   Used for fuel cell power generation.    (DE4308200-C2)      A chemical plant is so arranged that a number of reactor vessels (1) are arranged on a column (21) in sections (3,22) such that a reduced volume of space is required for their installation without any sacrifice in ease of maintenance; that the overall structure incorporates the process system and is surrounded by a multistorey (2) structure providing access to each storey (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement provides for the construction of a chemical plant and the associated process. The arrangement minimises space requirements without sacrificing ease of access for maintenance.
(DE4104400-C2)      The battery for motor vehicles has multiple positive and negative parallel connected plates in a cell, which on its side is connected with the other cells (2, 3). A battery voltage can be taken from between one pole (4) with a first polarity and a pole (1) with a second polarity.    One auxiliary pole (5) at least is provided for the first polarity (+), to which is assigned only a part of the plates of the first polarity (+). A detection unit (6) is provided for measuring a discharge in the plates connected with the auxiliary pole (5), which controls a switching off unit preventing the further discharge.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliably facilitates starting of engine and long term battery discharge due to operation of electrical loads e.g. lighting whilst engine is not running, without need for two completely separate batteries.
NOVELTY - A collector pipe (8) is attached to bottom of a through-hole (2a) in an electric insulating material (2) covering a solid electrolyte pipe (1), and is immersed in sodium. A negative plate container (4) attached to the upper portion of the through-hole is filled with sodium. A magnet (12) which loses magnetism at a temperature greater than the working temperature of battery is attached as a lid in the hole at the bottom of the pipe (8).    USE - Sodium-salt battery e.g. Na-S, Na-Se, Na-FeCl3 or Na-polysulfide batteries for electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - Reliability is increased as continuation of battery operation is ensured even when the battery temperature exceeds the working temperature, by providing a magnet to the hole in the bottom of the collector pipe, as a safety valve.
(JP2975470-B2)      Device comprises a unit cell comprising a fuel pole, an electrolyte matrix layer, and an oxidiser pole being sandwiched between two gas supply plates on the fuel cell pole side and the oxidiser side. A partition is provided to the oxidiser side gas supply plate to separate it into a fuel upstream side and a fuel downstream side, and the components of a fuel gas supplied to the fuel pole is electrochemically reduced by supplying an oxidiser gas to the upstream side oxidiser pole while supplying a hydrogen-contg. gas to the fuel downstream side oxidiser pole.    The poles are pref. carbon electrodes having an area of 100 cm2 and ca. 200 microns thick, and is coated with a Pt-contg. catalyst; the electrolyte matrix layer is ca. 100 microns thick, and is composed of fine SiC grains impregnated with phosphoric acid; the partition was provided at a distance of ca. 3 cm from the downstream side w.r.t. the effective length of the pole, i.e., 10 cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Allows redn. to take place without consuming external power. Useful substances such as CO and MeOH can be prepd. from fuel waste gas etc.
(DE4206490-C2)      Electrically conducting gas distributor for fuel cells comprises one or more sheet or laminate structures having an array of surface fibres of an electrochemically inert metal (e.g. Ti, Ta, Nb, Pt, Pd or their alloys), which has been previously plasma etched and/or treated with oxalic acid, then coated with a hydrophobic polymer film, e.g. poly(vinylidene difluoride) or poly(tetrafluoroethylene).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas distributor is mounted adjacent to the membrane electrolyte between the anode(s) and cathode(s) of fuel cells. The presence of the fuel gas distributor ensures greater distribution of the fuel gas on the electrode surfaces.
(US5268241-A)      A single fuel cell of the invention is comprised of an anode layer, a cathode layer and an electrolyte layer. The three layer assembly is penetrated by holes which serve as fuel gas and oxidant manifolds. Typically, about half the manifolds of the fuel cell are for fuel gas, and communicate with the anode layer. A portion of the manifolds, that carry fuel gas serve as fuel gas inlets and carry fuel gas to an anode layer. The remaining portion of manifolds serve as fuel gas outlets, and carry fuel exhaust from an anode layer.    The perimeters of these fuel gas manifolds are sealed where they pass through a cathode layer of the cell to prevent fuel gas flow into or out of the cathode layer. Typically the fuel gas manifolds are distributed across the area of the cell. The flow path lengths between each gas inlet and exhaust opening in a cell layer is less than the planar dimensions of the cell. The balance of manifolds of the cell are for oxidant gas, and communicate with the cathode layer of the cell. These manifolds are also distributed across the area of the cell. The path length between each oxidant and gas inlet opening is less than the planar dimensions of the cell.    USE -   Multiple manifold electrolytic fuel cell assembly.
(US5240789-A)      Multilayer label adhered to a lead storage battery, comprises a printed layer enveloped between larger layers of transparent plastic film, the printed layer pref. being paper or metal foil.    Adhesive layers bond the printed layer to the film layers and their borders to each other, and pressure sensitive adhesive secures the label to the battery. Pref. the film layers are polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The label endures a corrosive environment.    (JP7506928-W)      A label has a printed layer (20) covered by a transparent outer layer (22) and a third layer (30) covering its rear surface, with the second and third layers enveloping the printed layer and forming a protective border around it. The second and third layers are adhered to the first and one or both adhesive layers (24,32) extends to their edge to bond them together in the border. The third layer carries pressure-sensitive adhesive (34) for securing it to the battery.    The first layer is pref. of paper or metallic foil, and the second and third layers are of polypropylene, the second having a shink factor of no more than 5%. The border is pref. at least 1/8 inch wide, and all layers are generally rectangular.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows inexpensive printed paper labels to be used and reliably prevents damage to the printed information.
NOVELTY - The battery has a perforated panel (13) which is immersed in a powder layer (14) packed between the anode and cathode plates (1,2). The space between the powder layer and a battery-jar lid (8) is filled with acid-proof plastic (15).    USE - Sealed-type lead storage battery e.g. retainer-type lead storage battery and gel-type lead storage battery for computer and motor vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The life time, stability and sealing property of the battery are improved.
(DE4201632-C2)      For humidifying at least one of the reactants flowed into an acid or alkali matrix fuel cell or a polymer-electrolyte fuel cell, the input reactant concerned is separated from the output flow of the same reactant by means of a semipermeable membrane. The output flow containing water as a reaction product moves in the opposite direction across the membrane from the input flow.    The membranes are flat foils stretched between two plates within special chambers. An alternative design uses a hose-shaped membrane. A polymeric electrolyte membrane can be used.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple and reliable way of humidifying reactants.
(WO9503637-A1)      The renewable fuel cells produced hydrogen gas, on demand, and are used to power a vehicle. When the usable cells is depleted, the magnesium anode is converted into magnesium hydroxide precipitate. The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is removed and collected for recycling and the magnesium anode and salt water electrolyte is replaced.    The magnesium hydroxide precipitate is recycled to recapture the magnesium which is then formed into new magnesium anodes. The primary power source for the recycling is derived from solar energy. The only waste product produced by the operation of the fuel cell is non-polluting water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle hydrogen gas generators. Non-polluting energy source for vehicles.
NOVELTY - The separator plate (16) comprises oxidation and fuel gas supply manifolds (12,13) which are bent outside horizontally. The gas exhaust manifolds (14,15) are also formed and bent opposite to the manifolds (12,13). A cathode rail has edge which is bent outside, is attached to the backside of the plate at position backside of the wet sealing surface (C) of the plate.    USE - Used as partition board of melting carbonate type fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Area of the electrode is enlarged and rate of electrode occupied in size of battery is also enlarged. Gap accompanied by welding and increase in processing steps are suppressed, since need of welding is avoided. Prevents fuel gas leakage, since wet sealing surface of separator plate contacts anode with tile. Prevents battery performance reduction.
(US5262021-A)      Optical or mechanical filter with pore dias. in the min. range is mfd. from a substrate wafer or n-doped, single crystal Si which is connected as anode for electrochemical etching of one surface to produce a structured layer in an electrolyte contg. 1-50% HF and an oxidn. gas agent. The wafer is illuminated from the second side to set current density. Holes are formed and parameters are adjusted to increase lateral etching and enlarge holes. Structured layer is subsequently stripped as a lamina.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple method of achieving perforations down to sub-min. level.    (JP3190759-B2)      A perforated workpiece is produced by (a) electrochemically etching perpendicular holes in a first surface (2) of an n-doped single crystal silicon substrate wafer (1) to obtain a structured layer (7); and (b) changing the etching process parameters when the hole depth corresponds to the workpiece thickness, so that the holes widen and merge and the structured layer (7) is detached as a water (6) which forms the workpiece. Also claimed is prodn. of a mechanical or optical filter using the above process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used to mfr. optical or mechanical filters with pore diameters in the micron and sub-micron range, e.g. for isoporous membranes, back-flushable filters, catalyst supports, battery and fuel cell electrodes, nozzle plates, tube grids or filters for e.g. light or microwaves. Hole diameters of 20 microns to 50nm. can be produced inexpensively by a simple process.
(RU2095474-C1)      System for supplying electrolyte to a pressurised cell for electrolytic prodn. of H2 comprises: a storage container at lower pressure; a pressure resistant intermediate container connected to a liq. separator of the electrolyser and to the storage container; and means for bringing the intermediate container to the lower pressure while filling it with electrolyte from the storage container and for bringing it to the pressure of the separator while emptying the intermediate container into the separator.    Storage container may be higher than the intermediate container; or lower than it, in which case it is connected via pump and flow line which includes (back pressure) valve. The intermediate container is connected to the liq. separator via flow line and valve; and the separator is connected to three-way valve via line and the valve is connected to the intermediate container via line.
(US5318861-A)      Electrical metal-air cell comprises (a) a housing contg. base, 2 major surfaces and 2 minor surfaces forming an interior space for a replaceable metal electrode; (b) planar air-permeable and liq. impermeable air electrode(s) installed in a window in a major surface(s); (c) an electrolyte in contact with air and metal electrodes; and (d) auxiliary electrode(s) spaced apart from and next to the metal electrode.    Auxiliary electrode is a charging anode which engages (c) in a charging circuit with the metal electrode, so that electrode is recharged by redn. and regeneration of its active component and air electrode is disengaged with the metal electrode to form an open circuit.    USE -   Used for multiple discharge and recharge cycles in automotive vehicles.
(US5264300-A)      A fuel cell battery has modules disposed in the manner of a stack, each module comprising a centrally symmetrical, electrochemically active plate. This comprises an oxide ion-conducting solid electrolyte and two electrodes. A gas-light partition wall is provided between an air space and a fuel space. Air is conveyed from at least one peripheral feed point to a center of the module. The air comes into contact with the electrochemically active plates, and a central supply point for a gaseous fuel.    The electrochemically active plates are free of any openings. Supply members are provided for the fuel and through which the fuel can be conveyed from at least one feed point at the periphery of the module to the central supply point for each module. The supply member for the fuel is a pipe which can be radially inserted in the module.    USE -   Centrally symmetrical fuel cell battery, in which cracks do not form at the edges.
(US5248567-A)      The fuel cell power plant comprises a fuel cell main unit to which a fuel is supplied, a containment vessel for housing the fuel cell main unit and a purge gas supply pipe for introducing a purge gas which excludes combustion elements in the containment vessel. A combustion element removal appts. is provided with the purge gas supply pipe for effectively removing combustion elements in the purge gas before the purge gas is introduced in the containment vessel.    The fuel call power plant may include a fuel reformer having at least a reforming space, and may use a reformed fuel gas or a used fuel gas as the purge gas from which the combustion elements are removed. The fuel reformer may include a burner for a reforming reaction, and in this case, the power plant may use a burner exhaust gas as the purge gas from which the combustion elements are removed. The combustion elements mainly include oxygen and reactive carbon which are removed from the purge gas before being supplied to the containment vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Definitely removes oxygen component and flammable component included in purge gas. Enables containment vessel to be safely and effectively purged.    (JP2001043873-A)      The fuel cell main unit (21) is housed in the containment vessel (28) which is connected to the reformer burner (26). The burner (31) removes oxygen (30) from the purge gas.    The purge gas supply pipe is downstream from the catalytic burner (32). The burner has a controller (35) for the valve (36) to adjust fuel supply so that the oxygen content is substantially zero.    ADVANTAGE -   Oxygen and flammable components included in the purge gas are removed, enabling safe purging of the containment vessel.    .D
(WO9313567-A1)      Sealing a porous plate in a fuel cell comprises (a) combining a volatile free sealant with a catalyst; (b) impregnating at least one edge of the porous plate with the resulting mixt. so that the mixture fills the porous void vol. at that edge of the porous plate; (c) thermally shocking the mixture to a partially cured state; and (d) post curing the partially cured mixt..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealant is 100% active and does not form voids during curing. The thermal shock step prevents wicking the uncured mixture. The seal is leak-proof, and does not need successive impregnations with the sealant. The sealant maintains an expansion and contraction memory, allowing optimum operation in the desired temp. range    (JP7502374-W)      A sealed porous plate for use in a fuel cell is formed by (a) combining a volatile-free sealant with a catalyst; (b) impregnating at least one edge of the porous plate with the resulting mixt. so that the mixt. fills the porous void vol. at that edge of the porous plate; (c) thermally shocking the mixt. to a partially cured state; and (d) post-curing the partially cured mixt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealant is 100% active and does not form voids during curing. The thermal shock step prevents wicking of the uncured mixture. The seal is leak-proof, and does not need successive impregnations with the sealant. The sealant maintains an expansion and contraction memory, allowing optimum operation in the desired temp. range
NOVELTY - The anode plate has lead powder to which carbon black having dibutyl phthalate oil absorption as 300 ml/100 g is added. The added amount of carbon black in lead powder is related to tin sulfate quantity of non-formation active material by specific relation.    USE - For lead storage battery used in motor vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - Improves utilization factor by forming many effective pores in active material by addition of carbon black to anode. Improves durability of battery by reducing tin sulfate amount in anode plate.
(JP2948376-B2)      Mfr. comprises forming a mixt. of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grains, hydrophobic carbon grains, polyethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (PE-TFE) copolymer grains, and hydrophilic carbon grains having adhered thereto catalyst particles, into a sheet. The PE-TFE copolymer is graft polymerised to give an ion exchange membrane to form the reactive layer.    Cell mfr. comprises preparing two of the sheets, joining them and incorporating between a PE-TFE copolymer sheet by pressing, and graft polymerising the PE-TFE copolymer to obtain an electrochemical cell comprising an ion exchange membrane sandwiched beween two reactive layers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for gas diffusion electrodes of fuel cells, water electrolysis, etc.; the cell reaction efficiency is considerably improved.
(EP544121-B1)      The appts. measures the resistance of a vehicle battery and includes two voltage measurement units, a switching unit and a resistive load. One measuring unit (42) monitors the battery voltage(Vg) at its terminals(8,9). The other measuring unit(40) monitors the voltage(Vl) across the resistive load(12). A switch(23) and resistance(25) are kept in series with the load when measurement is occuring to eliminate effects of surface charges. The other switch(11) and resistor(22) vary the load presented to the battery.    The two voltages and resistor values allow the internal battery resistance to be calculated.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides direct and accurate reading of battery resistance.
(WO9310567-A1)      The heat recovery system allows waste heat provided by the high temp. fuel cell stack to be used for pre-heating the fuel (4) and pre-heating the air (5) or to be used for a subsequent process. Pref. steam provided by a subsequent or parallel process is fed to a heat exchanger for heat recovery from the anode and cathode gases, for indirect heat extraction from the fuel cell stack.    The steam is pref. used for increasing a mass flow in a gas turbine. An exhaust gas condenser may provide heat used for a heating circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For eg. gas turbines of power stations. Optimal utilisation of waste heat.    (JP8504049-W)      The heat recovery system allows waste heat provided by the high temp. fuel cell stack to be used for pre-heating the fuel (4) and pre-heating the air (5) or to be used for a subsequent process. Pref. steam provided by a subsequent or parallel process is fed to a heat exchanger for heat recovery from the anode and cathode gases, for indirect heat extraction from the fuel cell stack.    The steam is pref. used for increasing a mass flow in a gas turbine. An exhaust gas condenser may provide heat used for a heating circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For eg. gas turbines of power stations. Optimal utilisation of waste heat.
NOVELTY - The device has plate fin (12) provided with a corrugated fin (14) in which hydrogen storage alloy (11) having a particle diameter averaging 50 micron is filled. A passage to heat or cool the plate fin from both surfaces of plate fin and the corrugate fin are laminated alternately.    USE - For use as fuel cell in hydrogen engine.    ADVANTAGE - Responsiveness to storage/release of hydrogen is improved.
NOVELTY - The secondary battery has anode active material containing metallic oxide compound containing lithium and cobalt, and cathode active material containing carbon. The particle size distribution of metallic oxide compound is such that D(25%) is 0.5-3 mu, D(50%) is 2-10 mu and D(75%) is 3.5-30 mu.    USE - For electronic machine and electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - Since the particle size of metallic oxide compound in anode active material is set to specific value, the battery has excellent cycle property, output characteristics and preservation property. The battery is lightweight and is safe to use.
NOVELTY - A protrusion (4a) in non-vulcanized rubber (4), is inserted into the groove (3a) in vulcanized rubber (3) and is attached to recess (1a) of manifold. The manifold is fixed to the battery stack (2) by vulcanizing the rubber (3).    USE - For sealing fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - The process sealing of fuel battery is simplified using simple technique and hence the operativity is improved.
NOVELTY - The non-aqueous secondary battery uses a lithium complex oxide as positive electrode active material.    USE - The battery is used for small battery machines, electric vehicles, and industrial power supply.    ADVANTAGE - The non-aqueous secondary battery excels in reliability, cycle property, and overcharge property. Degradation of positive electrode active material due to repetition of charging and discharging of battery is prevented. The charging and discharging of battery can be repeated for longer period of time. Generation of gas, and rapid increase in voltage at the time of overcharge, are prevented.
(JP5101834-A)      Power storing appts. comprises an electrolytic power generator having a water vapour electrolytic cell and fuel cell, water vapour feeder coupled with the power generator, and oxygen and hydrogen storing units.    USE -   For storing power generated at night    (US5312699-A)      Storage system comprises a reversible solid oxide electrolytic fuel cell (1) selectively operable to electrolyse steam and to generate power, with steam feed and H and O stores (2,3); a system of heat exchangers (6A-D, 7A-B); a hot water feed system (28) and absorption refrigeration system (8) for space cooling. Stored H2 and 02 are returned to the fuel cell to generate electric power.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for electric power e.g. produced at night. Quickly constructed, more efficient than pumped storage.    (DE4234151-C2)      Energy storage system includes combined electrolysis and energy prodn. unit which acts as a vapour electrolysis cell as well as a fuel cell, a vapour supply unit for the supply of vapour to the unit, and a hydrogen storage unit and an oxygen storage unit.    Heat exchanger units absorb waste heat from the combined electrolysis and energy prodn. unit. A room heater hot water supply unit utilises the heat. A cooling cold water supply unit with an absorption cooling machine is used to deliver cold water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system is quick to assemble and is more efficient than a pumped storage plant. The system is used in towns for energy storage.
(JP5505953-X)      Medication admin. syringe, specifically for con-mastitis treatment, has a short blunt cannular over which is detachably fitted a long blunt cannula with removable cap.    Pref. the cannulas and the cap snap-fit together by rib and groove connections.    ADVANTAGE -   Single syringe can inject into teat cistern or teat canal.    (DE4293402-T)      A quartz crystal oscillator (10), fixed to a tube (11) mounted on the battery filler cap (51), is immersed in the battery electrolyte and driven by an oscillator circuit. The reaction of the electrolyte to the oscillation induces a change in the natural frequency of the crystal, the value of this change being a coefficient of the concentration of the sulphuric acid electrolyte. A corresponding signal is sent to a counter circuit, providing a direct reading of acid concentration.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in motor vehicle batteries. Sensor is compact, simple, and cheaply produced. Regulates charge condition, giving longer battery life.
NOVELTY - The separator with density of 0.2-0.4 g/cm3, comprises 5-15 weight% (wt.%) of glass fiber having equilibrium fiber diameter (EFD) of 2 mum or less, 10-20 wt.% of polyester fiber having EFD of 3-14 mum and equilibrium fiber length of 3-15 mm, 45-55 wt.% of silica powder having specific surface area of 150 m2/g or more, and 20-30 wt.% of acrylic-resin binder having glass transition point of 10-40degreesC.    USE - For liquid type lead storage batteries (claimed) for motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The separator has high oxidization resistance, and excellent heat resistance. The separator can be manufactured easily, and economically.
(EP535708-B1)      Controllable voltage regulator (3) having a first input (3a), to which an unregualted voltage is fed via a first input terminal (1), having a first output (3b), at which the regulated output voltage can be tapped and which is connected to the supply voltage terminal (4a) of a program-controlled unit (4), having a control input (3c), to which a control signal is fed via a second input terminal (2) and a diode (5) connected in the conduction direction, the signal present at the second input terminal (2) being fed to a first input (4c) of the program-controlled unit (4), and having a second output (3e), which is connected to the reset input (4b) of the program-controlled unit (4), the program-controlled unit (43) generating an output signal (4e) which is fed to the control input (3c) via a second diode (7) in the conduction direction, characterised in that the voltage regulator (3) is switch on and off by means of a TTL-compatible operating point at the control input (3c), and the reset input (4b) of the program-controlled uint (4) is short-circuited by its output (4e).
(US5346407-A)      A top and bottom wall are configured for forming an enclosure for a connector having a split ring section forming an opening for receiving a battery post, and bolt for compressing the split ring section, about a battery post to clamp the connector to the battery post. The bottom wall has an aperture to receive a battery post through, and the bottom wall has a member extending from for force-fit securing the connector to the bottom wall, so that the opening of the connector is in alignment with the aperture.    The securing member is configured to permit substantially linear insertion of the connector into force-fit retentive engagement with the securing member.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a unitary battery cable assembly for efficient shipping, inventory control and vehicle installation and in use, quick, easy and convenient access to the terminal connection is provided.
(EP533317-B1)      The electric vehicle includes a wet type secondary battery in which a battery housing (42) is provided with negative zinc (105) and positive nickel (106) electrode plates, which are alternately positioned in the cell. Each nickel electrode has two or more layers of liquid holding paper (107), impregnated with electrolyte, wound around it, and a separator (101) is provided on the inner side of the outermost layer.    Connector terminals are operatively connected to respective electrode plates. The plates are disposed in a horizontal plane when the battery housing is mounted on a step floor of an electric vehicle. A charging station is provided for charging the battery, and is adapted to take into account differing battery characteristics and charging conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents deterioration of battery capacity and ensures long life.
(DE4130886-A1)      The circuit breaker has a movable switching arm (8) that is mounted on a pivot point (4). In the normal operating position the arm is centrally located in a closed position (84). A projecting fixing link (18) is fixed to the housing of the circuit breaker assembly.    The arm is mounted as a pendulum unit and reacts to any excessive levels of deceleration, such as will result in a vehicle collision. The pendulum is moved in one of two direction (86, 88) in such conditions, and the battery is disconnected.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple isolation of battery. Reduces possibility of vehicle burning after collision, due to burning cables, short circuits etc..    (DE4130886-C2)      A pendulum switch for motor vehicles connected between the battery and earth, has a switch movable to a disconnection position. This switch is formed as a switch arm (8) which swings about a pivot x axis. The arm (8) pivots from a closed circuit position to a disconnection position by an accelerating force brought about by the vehicle colliding.    The arm (8) is pivotable about a metal bearing sleeve (6) stretched between a first insulating plate (12) and a second metal plate (14) using a screw connector (4). This maintains a holding angle (16,18) to earth of the circuit breaker (2) on a chassis wall, and a push button locking device (24). This lies in connection with the switch arm (8) via bore (28) in the second plate (14) when the arm (8) is in the normal closed position. Also in this position, the arm (8) lies in connection with a contact member (50) arranged in the first plate (12). The battery earth cable (82) can be connected to the contact member (50).    ADVANTAGE -   A simple and convenient to operate design is achieved. The vehicle can be easily adapted.
NOVELTY - A carbon monoxide reduction unit reduces carbon monoxide from the methanol reformed gas. An electric power source (107) applies voltage to the gas diffusion electrodes (102A,102B) that are separated by a solid polymer electrolyte film (101). The hydrogen containing gas of pressure below 10atm, is generated from the reformed gas.    USE - In solid polymeric fuel cell (claimed) used in vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - High pressure hydrogen gas is obtained easily and positioning of the catalyst at the hydrogen pole is prevented, by removal of carbon impurities, for improved electricity generation.
(EP660969-A1)      Gas diffusion electrode for an acid fuel cell comprises a porous substrate and a catalyst layer formed of: catalyst particles; porous hydrophobic polymer binder; and inert hydrophilic particles (I) for providing a network of liq. transport paths throughout the catalyst layer.    Catalyst layer pref. comprises (in wt.%): 25-60% binder and 40-75% catalyst plus (I), the wt. ratio of (I) to catalyst being 0.015-2.5.    Pref. for a cathode, the catalyst particles are supported Pd, Rh, Os, Ru, Ir or an alloy of these; a pref. catalyst is a Pt alloy supported on graphitised C particles. (I) are (graphitised) C, SiC or WC particles. Pref. cathode catalyst layer comprises (in wt.%): 40% binder, 40% catalyst and 20% (I). For an anode, the catalyst particles are supported Pd, Pt, Os, Ru, Rh, Ir or alloy of these; a pref. catalyst is Pt supported on graphitised C particles. (I) are (graphitised) C black or SiC particles. A pref. anode catalyst layer comprises (in wt.%): 40.5% binder, 49.5% catalyst particles and 10% (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as the anode and cathode structures in an alkali fuel cell. Electrode is resistant to pumping and flooding so that the fuel cell can be operated continuously at high current density.
(US5277629-A)      A body of elongate configuration is formed from electrically conductive material, the body including an aperture through it to accommodate the terminal post. A recess accommodates an offset cam and follower arranged to slide in the recess. It may be locked into electrical contact with the battery terminal post which incorporates at least one electrical connector for releasably securing an electrical cable to the clamp.    A spigot provides for insertion into a socket in the body adapted for locking. The spigot of the electrical connector includes a cam formation. The connector may be locked into electrical contact with the clamp. Two electrical connectors pref. releasably secure two electrical cables to the clamp.    USE -   Battery clamp for connection of electrical cables to a terminal post of an electric storage battery.
NOVELTY - A substrate of lead-calcium-tin alloy has a calcium content exceeding 0.10% by weight ratio. A slab casting is rolled over the substrate stepwise in the form of a continuous sheet, by a roller at a linear velocity lesser with respect to the speed of rolled object. The lattice structure of the substrate is expanded after rolling process.    USE - Plate for positive/negative electrode of liquid or gas sealing battery, especially for lead storage battery used in motor vehicles, industrial applications and consumer appliances.    ADVANTAGE - Suppresses corrosion, cracks, breakage or elongation of the lattice structure at high temperature, and hence improves durability remarkably.
(JP2947968-B2)      Prepn. of acetaldehyde (I) comprises feeding ethylene (II), water and oxidising agent(s) to open fuel cell to oxidise (II).    Pref. appts. used includes electrodes contacted through ionic conductive layer (e.g. mineral acid(s), heteropolyacid(s), solid electrolyte etc) and connected with wire (pref. gold-, silver- or copper-wire). (II), water and oxidising agent(pref. air or oxygen) are fed to the open fuel cell system, (II) is oxidised at -20 deg.C to 200 deg.C (pref. -5 deg. C to 150 deg.c) under pref. ordinary pressure. The reaction prod. is distilled to isolate (I). Pref. material to prepare electrodes are electrode : Pd or its cpds., electrode : Ru, Os, Ir, Rh or their compounds.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful as (raw) material for various chemicals, e.g. acetic acid, acetic anhydride, (di)ketene, butanol etc. (I) is obtd. quite selectively, isolated from the reaction mixt, readily, and electric energy is also obtd
(DE4116736-C)      In the mfr. of high temp. fuel cells, an extruded ceramic support is processed to seal gas channels at their end faces by preparation of the dry ceramic support and a cover plate to give plane surfaces, which are moistened with water and pressed together before sintering. Alternatively, fresh extrusion material can be put in the ends of the channels and is pressed by a stamping tool against a support, while moistened, to give intimate contact with the ceramic support before sintering.    ADVANTAGE -   Adequate sealing to avoid use of a clamping arrangement in the cell.
(US5286579-A)      Fuel cell has a plate-like O electrode (2) of LaMnO3 integral with a rectangular electrolyte layer (1) of ZrO2 with 3-8 mol.% Y2O3 and a fuel electrode (3) of Ni and ZrO2 on the opposite side. A conductive separator (4) is attached to the O electrode.    O-contg. flow passage (5) is formed by conductive members (7) and fuel flow passage (9) is formed between an adjacent pair of cells (C). First and second partitions (11,12) of ZrO2, with Ca or Y2O3, contact cell end faces (8a,8b) and project relative to the cell. Third and fourth partitions (16,17) contact cell edge portions (14a,14b).    ADVANTAGE -   Quick and easy assembly for air-tight condition.
(US5268240-A)      The system comprises a common stage, and a number of unit systems separated by function which are integrated and arranged on the common stage in such a manner that the system can be transported in an assembled state. The number of unit systems each include one or more components and have a frame with an individual stage on which the or each component is assembled.    The number of unit systems separated by function comprise a fuel cell unit system, a fuel reforming unit system, a cooling water unit system, a temperature elevating unit system, and a system controlling unit system. A space for operation is provided between any adjacent two of the frames. The space serves as a space where a piping and a wiring connecting the unit systems on the individual stages one with another have connections.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be easily =assembled and produced continuously at high efficiencies, can be inspected and repaired quickly.    (DE4223291-C2)      The system units (20,30,40,50,60) contain one or more components necessary for completing the specified functions as well as a frame (21,31,41,51,61). An individual base is assigned to the frame, on which the one or more components are mounted.    The number of system units is integrated and arranged on the respective individual bases on the common base (70). The complete system can be transported in the assembled condition.    ADVANTAGES -   System designed so that it can be easily assembled, produced continuously with high efficiency. Time can be saved when inspecting and repairing.
(WO9302481-A1)      High-temp. electrochemical cell, has mixed-conductor electrodes (3) applied to a central ionic conductor (1) and a grid of electronically conductive metal (2) applied to the mixed-conductor electrodes.    Pref. the high-temp. ionic conductor is 30-1000 microns thick and conducts oxygen ions, the mixed-conductor electrodes are 0.1-10 micrometres thick, and the electronic conductors have a grid-like structure. Claimed uses for the above composite system are as a fuel cell and as an electrolytic cell. Also claimed is a hybrid system for traction applications, consisting of an electric motor, a storage battery and a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrochemical reaction proceeds over the entire surface of the mixed conductor (not just at the 3-phase interface as in conventional systems) and with a homogeneous, high current density.
(EP523273-B1)      Accumulator, in particular lead accumulator, preferably for commercial motor vehicles, with a housing (1) comprising several calls as well as with a cover (3) which closes off the housing (1) and in which a labyrinthine cavity (7) for acid precipitation is formed between a lower portion and an upper portion spaced apart therefrom, wherein the lower portion of the cover (3) in the form of a base cover (4) comprises a trough-like recess (6) on top of which the upper portion of the cover is placed and connected thereto, wherein the cover (3) is further provided with a gas release opening comprising ignition prevention means (21) and comprises filling and inspection openings (2) for the cells which can in each case be sealed if occasion arises, characterised in that the upper portion of the cover (3) in the form of a top plate (5) is placed on top essentially flush with the upper side of the base cover (4) so as to form a closure and in that the depth of the trough-like recess (6) is greater than the height of an edge (8) of the base cover (4) which extends around the lower side and by means of which the base cover is mounted on the housing (3).
(US5407369-A)      The clamp includes a nut moulded into one of two clamping arms and a rotatable bolt with a flanged shaft moulded into the other clamping arm. The head of the bolt, flange, and nut provide bearing surfaces for drawing the clamping arms together, or forcing the clamping arms apart, depending upon the rotation of the bolt.    The clamp is manufactured in a single moulding process by pre-threading the nut onto the flanged bolt to a predetermined position, then positioning the pre-threaded nut and bolt in one portion of a battery clamp mould. The remaining pieces of the clamp mould around the bolt and nut, securing the pieces of the mould together, before lead or a lead alloy is poured into an opening in the clamp mould, quenching the lead filled mould in a liquid bath to accelerate the cooling process. The secured mould pieces are secured after the lead or lead alloy cools, with the clamp then removed.    ADVANTAGE -   Bolt and nut can be cast directly into clamping arms of battery clamp without interfering with rotation of bolt and operation of clamp, this being due to lead and lead alloys not adhering to bolt.
(JP7505186-W)      Conversion of water to a fuel contg. H2 involves (a) providing a mist of water in a zone determined by conductive members, the surfaces of which define the opposite plates of a capacitive unit in a resonant circuit, and (b) subjecting the mist to a unipolar pulsing electrical signal, so resonance of the circuit is achieved, and H2 is dissociated from water molecules as a gas.    The resonant circuit is an electrical circuit including an inductive member, which may be in series with the capacitive unit. Non-combustible gases, or ionised gases (opt. excited by photons), are injected with water into the zone. The media in the zone is subjected to physical pulsing corresp. to the resonance of the circuit. The H2 gas released is oxidised to produce an explosive force of combustion or to produce thermal energy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion may be in a combustion zone, e.g. a cylinder in an internal combustion engine, a jet engine, or a furnace, or application may be where a concn. flame or heat source is needed, e.g. in welding. Need for an enclosed gas pressure vessel in a H2 fuel system is avoided, fuel is produced on demand, and efficiency is high.
(JP95074113-B2)      Appts. comprises a fermenting and drying drum coupled with a rotary drive, and pulveriser rotatable to pulverise organic wastes and lumps of soil bacteria in the drum.    USE -   For treating organic wastes.
(JP96004796-B2)      A seed microbe is selected from : (a) a microbe decomposing non-decomposed protein in excrement or starch; (b) a microbe having lots of cellulase enzyme decomposing vegetable fibre; (c) a mirobe fixing nitrogen in air and water for fertilisation; (d) a hot spring microbe generating high temps., 70-80 deg.C for killing a pathogenic microbes; (e) a microbe decomposing fibrous lignin, petroleum, or detergent for farmyard compost and (f) maritime halophilic enzymes. The seed microbe is adsorbed to a sewage purified powdered material or a granular filter element obtd. by applying acid treatment to powdered coal for inoculation. The biological treating material is used to remove scale in a microorganism medium filter element, soil improving material, water treating material or water pipe, or deodourising ammonia in toilet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The biological treating material is used in purifying industrial waste, living waste, polluted river, rake. The biological treatment material ensures prompt treatment in a short time and has no possibility of sec. accidents.
(ZA9306069-A)      Sewage sludge is mixed with organic material, e.g. woodchips, in a three screw mixer so that moving masses are created in the mixing compartment, there being a shearing action at the interfaces between the masses. The mixer includes the mixing compartment and a holding compartment into which dewatered sludge is continuously charged. There is a gate between the compartments which is opened when it is desired to convey sludge from the holding compartment to the mixing compartment. The shearing action results in the organic material being coated with a thin layer of sludge without the formation of dewatered sludge lumps which would rot instead of composting.    (EP574252-B1)      Dewatered sewage sludge and organic material are charged into a mixer in which a first mass of sludge and organic material is caused to move at a first velocity past a second mass of sludge and organic material which is moving at a second velocity to provide an interface between the masses at which there is a shearing action created.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the composting of sludge to produce a useful agricultural material. Arrangement coats the organic material with sludge and prevents the sludge agglomerating into lumps which will rot, producing obnoxious odours, rather than composting.
NOVELTY - A nitrogen removal unit (7) is arranged at upstream side of an improver (2). Nitrogen in fuel is removed by the nitrogen removal unit. The fuel with hydrocarbon is made to react with steam and hydrogen gas is generated in the improver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The electric power is generated in a fuel battery (1) by making air and hydrogen gas to react electrochemically. The density of nitrogen in fuel is analyzed by an analyzer arranged in downstream side of the nitrogen removal unit.    USE -   For removal of nitrogen from fuel and preventing generation of ammonia in improver, in fuel battery based power generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents ammonia generation in improver by removing nitrogen from fuel. Stabilizes characteristic of battery by preventing mixing of ammonia in gas. Prevents reduction of capacity of nitrogen removal unit. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows systematic diagram showing power generator. (1) Fuel battery; (2) Improver; (7) Nitrogen removal unit.
(EP573835-A2)      To produce a raw material for reprocessing in the chemical industry from hydrocarbons and compost, an additive is introduced into the alkali soil or metal and mineral and/or vegetable and/or animal oil or fat in a ratio of 1:95 to 95:5, using calcium hydroxide or another hydroxide. A further additive uses a small amount of a matter with milk protein, to be stirred to give a pulp substance.    The pulp is pref. absorbed to contain the oil and/or fat, can be used as a nutrient bed for bacteria, or a material for the prodn. of solid and foamed plastics, for dyes and paints, or a raw material for cosmetics. The added milk protein has living bacteria, to give a material for vaccination of other bacteria nutrition beds, especially containing protein. The pulp material can be used as a fertiliser or for fertiliser prodn., and can also be used for adhesives.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The raw material, for the chemical industry, is derived by removal of mineral and other oils and fats and their products from hydrocarbons and compost. The method gives a cheap and large vol. supply of raw materials, from readily available waste products from agriculture, slaughterhouses, dairies and the like, using cheap materials and cheaply-produced additives.
(JP5329360-A)      A thermoexpandable microcapsule comprises: (a) a polymeric material forming a shell; (b) at least two volatile expanding agents with different b.pts. lower than the softening temp. of the polymeric material. Also claimed are the following: (1) the prepn. of a thermoexpandable microcapsule by the suspension polymerisation of a monomer in the presence of the two vilatile expanding agents. (2) A compsn. comprising a thermoexpandable microcapsule and a binder or adhesive.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To lower the temp. for the prepn. of expanded polymer microcapules giving improved heat and chemical resistance.
(JP3151543-B2)      The appts. comprises a dry distilled gas recovery unit having a 1st duct communicated with a rotary drum, and an annular seal cover covering the entire boundary between the rotary drum and non-rotary part.    USE -   For carbonising waste wood.
(JP2516894-B2)      A new microbe Moraxella (M.) sp. KE-2991 ( FERM P-12908 ) belonging to M. genus and having an ability of decomposing crude oil, and the decomposition of crude oil in which the new microbe M. sp. KE-2991 ( FERM P-12908 ) is contacted with crude oil, are new.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new microbe has an ability of decomposing not only kerozine and polycyclic aromatics sucg as toluene but also tar component contained in curde oil. It can decompose crude oil in marine water.4 In an example, two platinum loops of M. sp. KE-2991 were inoculated to a heart infusion bouillon medium and cultured at 25 deg. C for 24 hrs.. Then, 0.2 ml of the culture was inoculated to 100 ml of marine water collected from Arabian Sea ) contg. 0.1% peptone ( pH 7.0 ) and 1% crude oil and cultured at 25 deg. C for 20 days. The culture was centrifuged and the supernatant was extracted with 20 ml n-hexane 3 times. The extract was concd. to 10 ml and analysed by GLC and HPLC. The decompsn. rate was 98%. Kerosine and a fraction of crude oil at 280 to 320 deg. C were also decomposed by the same method as above for 10 days. The decompsn. rate was respectively 98 and 95% at an oil concn. of 0.1%..
(JP5305238-A)      A new catalyst composite comprises a Ca phosphate cpd. support loaded with metal or metal ions selected from transition metal of Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pt or Ag, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, Al or Sn.    Prodn. of hydrocarbon for gasoline comprises contacting 1-4C aliphatic alcohol with the catalyst composite.    The amt. of metal or metal ions is 0.1-30 wt.% w.r.t. the support. The Ca phosphate cpd. is hydroxyapatite of Ca10(PO4)5(OH)2 or tricalcium phosphate of Ca3(PO4)2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for catalytic decomposition of 1-4C lower aliphatic alcohol. Hydrocarbon for gasoline can be produced from lower alcohol with a higher yield.    (US5723401-A)      A new alcohol cracking catalyst comprises transition, alkali, alkaline earth, Gp.III or IV metal(s) and/or ion(s) on a phosphate carrier. Also claimed is a process for the prodn. of hydrocarbons by passing 1-4C alcohols over this catalyst.    Metal is V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ru, Pd, La, Ce, W, Re, Au, K, Rb, In, Si, Ge or Pb and pref. Ti, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rh, Ag, Ir, Pt, Mg, Ca, Ba, Al or Sn and is present at 0.1-30 wt.% of the carrier. Carrier is aluminium, zirconyl, magnesium, barium or zinc phosphate or a calcium phosphate such as hydroxy- or fluoro-apatite or prim., sec., tert., quat., pyro-, meta- or octaphosphate.    Process uses methanol at 200-600 deg.C and an hourly supply rate of 0.75-3 times the wt. of catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst produces gasoline grade hydrocarbons from lower alcohols in good yield and is relatively cheap.    In an example, catalyst was made by impregnating aluminium phosphate (300 g.) with silver nitrate (0.6 g.) in 2 l. of water for 3 days, followed by drying at 300 deg.C. It was used to treat methanol (2 g/hr., WHSV = 2, 400 deg.C) entrained in nitrogen (3 l./hr.) and gave 85% conversion, 68.4% hydrocarbons with at least 5 carbon atoms and only 1.8% ethers.
(DE4314786-C2)      The composter includes a compost chamber, at least one closable opening, a catchment container and a ventilation unit. The bottom of the compost chamber joins onto the catchment container, so the compost chamber and the container form a closed system. The catchment container is linked to the compost chamber and can be swivelled away at the bottom when the composter is lifted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composter can be used in town houses, in a back yard for kitchen and garden waste. The composter is simple and easy to empty.
(DE4215599-C2)      A compost turning machine, includes a drum located in a support frame, about a horizontal axis, a drive for the drum, a support wheel and a coupling. The support frame can be attached to a three point coupling of a towing unit. The outer end of the support frame has two support wheels.    ADVANTAGE -   The machine is economical and is also suitable for smaller operations.
(JP95042185-B2)      Mfr. of dry powdery compost comprises (1) adding water in a mud sludge-form state in excrements and a protein raw material held at 36-43 deg.C to produce original biomass; (2) diluting the original biomass in a liq.-like state with water and held at 36-43 deg.C to produce germ liq.; (3) impregnating vegetable micropieces with the germs liq. and the impregnated substance is agitated as hot air is fed to produce dried germs; and (4) mixing compost raw material with the dried germs stored for a long time to produce dried powdery compost.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A compost raw material is completely fermented, decomposed and changed into powdery compost, in a short time.
(BE1005797-A3)      Higher chloromethanes are dechlorinated in the gas phase, using H2, in presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a metal of Gp. VIII and/or Gp. IB, on a support of Al2O3 with specific surface below 100 square m/g.    Pref., the Al2O3 has specific surface of 5-90 m2/g and contains not more than 2 wt.% of metal oxides other than Al2O3, esp. less than 0.1% of SiO2. The process is esp. the dechlorination of CCl4 to CHCl3. The metal is esp. Pt, and the metal content of the catalyst is 0.01-5 wt.%. Reaction is at 50-200 deg.C, using a molar ratio of H2 to higher chloromethane of 1-16, and diluting the reactants with CH4.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is stable, and use of O2 is avoided.    (EP570050-B1)      Higher chloromethanes are dechlorinated in the gas phase, using H2, in presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a metal of Gp. VIII and/or Gp. IB, on a support of Al2O3 with specific surface below 100 square m/g.    Pref., the Al2O3 has specific surface of 5-90 m2/g and contains not more than 2 wt.% of metal oxides other than Al2O3, esp. less than 0.1% of SiO2. The process is esp. the dechlorination of CCl4 to CHCl3. The metal is esp. Pt, and the metal content of the catalyst is 0.01-5 wt.%. Reaction is at 50-200 deg.C, using a molar ratio of H2 to higher chloromethane of 1-16, and diluting the reactants with CH4.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is stable, and use of O2 is avoided.
(EP569996-B1)      Composing device comprising a drum-like composting container, which is transportable and may be positioned perpendicularly on or above a ground face for composting purposes, having a screen drum (1) provided at one end (2) with clutch means (4) for the connection of the screen drum (1) in a horizontal or nearly horizontal position with a rotational driving means in form of a commercially available concrete mixing device (5), characterized in that the drum of the composing container is provided with open faces, the screen drum (1) may be supported on the ground face by means of a stand (10) at its other end (3) and that the screen drum (1) is configured such that it can be replaced by the mixing drum of the concrete mixing device (5) or that the said coupling means (4) is provided with several posts extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drum, which posts serving as legs in case the drum is not connected to the rotational driving device for using the composting device as a standing, stationary composting container and which posts in case they are connected to the screen drum (1) can be fixed on the mixing drum other concrete mixing device (5) in order to establish a rotationally fixed connection therebetween.
(JP95074113-B2)      Appts. comprises a fermenting and drying drum coupled with a rotary drive, and pulveriser rotatable to pulverise organic wastes and lumps of soil bacteria in the drum.    USE -   For treating organic wastes.
(JP96004796-B2)      A seed microbe is selected from : (a) a microbe decomposing non-decomposed protein in excrement or starch; (b) a microbe having lots of cellulase enzyme decomposing vegetable fibre; (c) a mirobe fixing nitrogen in air and water for fertilisation; (d) a hot spring microbe generating high temps., 70-80 deg.C for killing a pathogenic microbes; (e) a microbe decomposing fibrous lignin, petroleum, or detergent for farmyard compost and (f) maritime halophilic enzymes. The seed microbe is adsorbed to a sewage purified powdered material or a granular filter element obtd. by applying acid treatment to powdered coal for inoculation. The biological treating material is used to remove scale in a microorganism medium filter element, soil improving material, water treating material or water pipe, or deodourising ammonia in toilet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The biological treating material is used in purifying industrial waste, living waste, polluted river, rake. The biological treatment material ensures prompt treatment in a short time and has no possibility of sec. accidents.
(ZA9306069-A)      Sewage sludge is mixed with organic material, e.g. woodchips, in a three screw mixer so that moving masses are created in the mixing compartment, there being a shearing action at the interfaces between the masses. The mixer includes the mixing compartment and a holding compartment into which dewatered sludge is continuously charged. There is a gate between the compartments which is opened when it is desired to convey sludge from the holding compartment to the mixing compartment. The shearing action results in the organic material being coated with a thin layer of sludge without the formation of dewatered sludge lumps which would rot instead of composting.    (EP574252-B1)      Dewatered sewage sludge and organic material are charged into a mixer in which a first mass of sludge and organic material is caused to move at a first velocity past a second mass of sludge and organic material which is moving at a second velocity to provide an interface between the masses at which there is a shearing action created.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the composting of sludge to produce a useful agricultural material. Arrangement coats the organic material with sludge and prevents the sludge agglomerating into lumps which will rot, producing obnoxious odours, rather than composting.
NOVELTY - A nitrogen removal unit (7) is arranged at upstream side of an improver (2). Nitrogen in fuel is removed by the nitrogen removal unit. The fuel with hydrocarbon is made to react with steam and hydrogen gas is generated in the improver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The electric power is generated in a fuel battery (1) by making air and hydrogen gas to react electrochemically. The density of nitrogen in fuel is analyzed by an analyzer arranged in downstream side of the nitrogen removal unit.    USE -   For removal of nitrogen from fuel and preventing generation of ammonia in improver, in fuel battery based power generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents ammonia generation in improver by removing nitrogen from fuel. Stabilizes characteristic of battery by preventing mixing of ammonia in gas. Prevents reduction of capacity of nitrogen removal unit. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows systematic diagram showing power generator. (1) Fuel battery; (2) Improver; (7) Nitrogen removal unit.
(EP573835-A2)      To produce a raw material for reprocessing in the chemical industry from hydrocarbons and compost, an additive is introduced into the alkali soil or metal and mineral and/or vegetable and/or animal oil or fat in a ratio of 1:95 to 95:5, using calcium hydroxide or another hydroxide. A further additive uses a small amount of a matter with milk protein, to be stirred to give a pulp substance.    The pulp is pref. absorbed to contain the oil and/or fat, can be used as a nutrient bed for bacteria, or a material for the prodn. of solid and foamed plastics, for dyes and paints, or a raw material for cosmetics. The added milk protein has living bacteria, to give a material for vaccination of other bacteria nutrition beds, especially containing protein. The pulp material can be used as a fertiliser or for fertiliser prodn., and can also be used for adhesives.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The raw material, for the chemical industry, is derived by removal of mineral and other oils and fats and their products from hydrocarbons and compost. The method gives a cheap and large vol. supply of raw materials, from readily available waste products from agriculture, slaughterhouses, dairies and the like, using cheap materials and cheaply-produced additives.
(JP5329360-A)      A thermoexpandable microcapsule comprises: (a) a polymeric material forming a shell; (b) at least two volatile expanding agents with different b.pts. lower than the softening temp. of the polymeric material. Also claimed are the following: (1) the prepn. of a thermoexpandable microcapsule by the suspension polymerisation of a monomer in the presence of the two vilatile expanding agents. (2) A compsn. comprising a thermoexpandable microcapsule and a binder or adhesive.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To lower the temp. for the prepn. of expanded polymer microcapules giving improved heat and chemical resistance.
(JP3151543-B2)      The appts. comprises a dry distilled gas recovery unit having a 1st duct communicated with a rotary drum, and an annular seal cover covering the entire boundary between the rotary drum and non-rotary part.    USE -   For carbonising waste wood.
(JP2516894-B2)      A new microbe Moraxella (M.) sp. KE-2991 ( FERM P-12908 ) belonging to M. genus and having an ability of decomposing crude oil, and the decomposition of crude oil in which the new microbe M. sp. KE-2991 ( FERM P-12908 ) is contacted with crude oil, are new.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new microbe has an ability of decomposing not only kerozine and polycyclic aromatics sucg as toluene but also tar component contained in curde oil. It can decompose crude oil in marine water.4 In an example, two platinum loops of M. sp. KE-2991 were inoculated to a heart infusion bouillon medium and cultured at 25 deg. C for 24 hrs.. Then, 0.2 ml of the culture was inoculated to 100 ml of marine water collected from Arabian Sea ) contg. 0.1% peptone ( pH 7.0 ) and 1% crude oil and cultured at 25 deg. C for 20 days. The culture was centrifuged and the supernatant was extracted with 20 ml n-hexane 3 times. The extract was concd. to 10 ml and analysed by GLC and HPLC. The decompsn. rate was 98%. Kerosine and a fraction of crude oil at 280 to 320 deg. C were also decomposed by the same method as above for 10 days. The decompsn. rate was respectively 98 and 95% at an oil concn. of 0.1%..
(JP5305238-A)      A new catalyst composite comprises a Ca phosphate cpd. support loaded with metal or metal ions selected from transition metal of Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pt or Ag, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, Al or Sn.    Prodn. of hydrocarbon for gasoline comprises contacting 1-4C aliphatic alcohol with the catalyst composite.    The amt. of metal or metal ions is 0.1-30 wt.% w.r.t. the support. The Ca phosphate cpd. is hydroxyapatite of Ca10(PO4)5(OH)2 or tricalcium phosphate of Ca3(PO4)2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for catalytic decomposition of 1-4C lower aliphatic alcohol. Hydrocarbon for gasoline can be produced from lower alcohol with a higher yield.    (US5723401-A)      A new alcohol cracking catalyst comprises transition, alkali, alkaline earth, Gp.III or IV metal(s) and/or ion(s) on a phosphate carrier. Also claimed is a process for the prodn. of hydrocarbons by passing 1-4C alcohols over this catalyst.    Metal is V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ru, Pd, La, Ce, W, Re, Au, K, Rb, In, Si, Ge or Pb and pref. Ti, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rh, Ag, Ir, Pt, Mg, Ca, Ba, Al or Sn and is present at 0.1-30 wt.% of the carrier. Carrier is aluminium, zirconyl, magnesium, barium or zinc phosphate or a calcium phosphate such as hydroxy- or fluoro-apatite or prim., sec., tert., quat., pyro-, meta- or octaphosphate.    Process uses methanol at 200-600 deg.C and an hourly supply rate of 0.75-3 times the wt. of catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst produces gasoline grade hydrocarbons from lower alcohols in good yield and is relatively cheap.    In an example, catalyst was made by impregnating aluminium phosphate (300 g.) with silver nitrate (0.6 g.) in 2 l. of water for 3 days, followed by drying at 300 deg.C. It was used to treat methanol (2 g/hr., WHSV = 2, 400 deg.C) entrained in nitrogen (3 l./hr.) and gave 85% conversion, 68.4% hydrocarbons with at least 5 carbon atoms and only 1.8% ethers.
(DE4314786-C2)      The composter includes a compost chamber, at least one closable opening, a catchment container and a ventilation unit. The bottom of the compost chamber joins onto the catchment container, so the compost chamber and the container form a closed system. The catchment container is linked to the compost chamber and can be swivelled away at the bottom when the composter is lifted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composter can be used in town houses, in a back yard for kitchen and garden waste. The composter is simple and easy to empty.
(DE4215599-C2)      A compost turning machine, includes a drum located in a support frame, about a horizontal axis, a drive for the drum, a support wheel and a coupling. The support frame can be attached to a three point coupling of a towing unit. The outer end of the support frame has two support wheels.    ADVANTAGE -   The machine is economical and is also suitable for smaller operations.
(JP95042185-B2)      Mfr. of dry powdery compost comprises (1) adding water in a mud sludge-form state in excrements and a protein raw material held at 36-43 deg.C to produce original biomass; (2) diluting the original biomass in a liq.-like state with water and held at 36-43 deg.C to produce germ liq.; (3) impregnating vegetable micropieces with the germs liq. and the impregnated substance is agitated as hot air is fed to produce dried germs; and (4) mixing compost raw material with the dried germs stored for a long time to produce dried powdery compost.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A compost raw material is completely fermented, decomposed and changed into powdery compost, in a short time.
(BE1005797-A3)      Higher chloromethanes are dechlorinated in the gas phase, using H2, in presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a metal of Gp. VIII and/or Gp. IB, on a support of Al2O3 with specific surface below 100 square m/g.    Pref., the Al2O3 has specific surface of 5-90 m2/g and contains not more than 2 wt.% of metal oxides other than Al2O3, esp. less than 0.1% of SiO2. The process is esp. the dechlorination of CCl4 to CHCl3. The metal is esp. Pt, and the metal content of the catalyst is 0.01-5 wt.%. Reaction is at 50-200 deg.C, using a molar ratio of H2 to higher chloromethane of 1-16, and diluting the reactants with CH4.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is stable, and use of O2 is avoided.    (EP570050-B1)      Higher chloromethanes are dechlorinated in the gas phase, using H2, in presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a metal of Gp. VIII and/or Gp. IB, on a support of Al2O3 with specific surface below 100 square m/g.    Pref., the Al2O3 has specific surface of 5-90 m2/g and contains not more than 2 wt.% of metal oxides other than Al2O3, esp. less than 0.1% of SiO2. The process is esp. the dechlorination of CCl4 to CHCl3. The metal is esp. Pt, and the metal content of the catalyst is 0.01-5 wt.%. Reaction is at 50-200 deg.C, using a molar ratio of H2 to higher chloromethane of 1-16, and diluting the reactants with CH4.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is stable, and use of O2 is avoided.
(EP569996-B1)      Composing device comprising a drum-like composting container, which is transportable and may be positioned perpendicularly on or above a ground face for composting purposes, having a screen drum (1) provided at one end (2) with clutch means (4) for the connection of the screen drum (1) in a horizontal or nearly horizontal position with a rotational driving means in form of a commercially available concrete mixing device (5), characterized in that the drum of the composing container is provided with open faces, the screen drum (1) may be supported on the ground face by means of a stand (10) at its other end (3) and that the screen drum (1) is configured such that it can be replaced by the mixing drum of the concrete mixing device (5) or that the said coupling means (4) is provided with several posts extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drum, which posts serving as legs in case the drum is not connected to the rotational driving device for using the composting device as a standing, stationary composting container and which posts in case they are connected to the screen drum (1) can be fixed on the mixing drum other concrete mixing device (5) in order to establish a rotationally fixed connection therebetween.
(JP2556413-B2)      Treatment of organic sewage includes a denitrification step, a nitrification step using bacteria fixing supports and a sludge separating step, in this order. The supports in the nitrification step are aggregated to separate and sent to a support separating step; solution separated in the support separating step is circulated to the denitrification step and the supports recovered in the support separating step are returned to the nitrification step.    The treatment can include an anaerobic step, with separated sludge returned to the anaerobic step.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic sewage can stably be denitrified and nitrified.    In an example, sewage with BOD of 150 mg/l, N concentration of 30 mg/l and SS concentration of 10 mg/l was treated at 14-17 deg.C at the rate of 2.4 m3/day in a nitrification tank with volume of 250 l, a denitrification tank with volume of 550 l and a support separating tank with volume of 50 l. In the nitrification tank, 40 l of hydrophilic gel (with main chain of polyvinyl alcohol and particle size of 5 mm) were added as the fixed support. Concentration of suspended activated sludge and resident time of sludge were adjusted respectively to 2500 mg/l and 6 days. Total N concentration of treated water was always under 10 mg/l.
(DE4213829-C2)      A process for producing an environmentally friendly fuel made of organic waste material, includes reducing the waste material, mixing it with chalk and an energy carrier, and then forming it by pressing. The organic waste material includes partially rotten wood from dead forests, and the material is formed into briquettes. The energy carrier used consists of ground lignite and/or anthracite. The chalk is added stoichiometrically.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable.
(US5328105-A)      A transportable unit producing pumpable homogeneous liquid mixture with 500-3000 cps viscosity has a closed mixing and shearing vessel with material inlets, a product outlet and a clean-out port for removing non-suspendable solids and located below the outlet. Product is passed to a particle sizer with a main outlet and a return to an intermediate material inlet in the vessel.    A recirculator can convey material contg. 20-80 wt% solids from the vessel, through the sizer and back to the vessel through the return line. The vessel has a rotary blade unit perpendicular to its cylindrical wall to create an upper turbulent and lower settling region.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for processing large vols. of organic waste from chemical or refinery processes and remediation projects to produce a substitute fuel for e.g. kilns or industrial furnaces. Is readily mobile and effective in use.
(JP3127556-B2)      Isobutane (I) is prepd. by isomerisation of n-butane in the presence of a heteropoly acid and Pt or Pd.    One selected of Mo, W, V, Nb and Ta etc. as a condensed coordination element and one selected of P, Si, As, Ge, Ti, Ce and Th etc. as a central element, are used in a heteropoly acid. The ratio of a coordination element/a central element is 2.5-12. Phosphomolybdic acid or phosphotungstic acid is used as a heteropoly acid. Pt or Pd is used in the ratio of 0.0001-20 wt. to a heteropoly acid. This reaction is carried out at 100-400 (200-350) deg.C and at a few mmHg to 90 kg (1-50)kg/cm2G.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is a useful material as an alkylation agent. Isobutene which is given by dehydrogenation of (I), is an important material in a petrochemical industry. (I) is given in high selectivity yield (91-96%) without corrosion of appts. and activating treatment of the catalyst.
(JP3122858-B2)      Method comprises mixing an maturing the sludge with a mixed microorganism of SKS-1, SKS-2, SKS-3, SKS-4, SKS-5, SKS-6, SKS-7, SKS-8, SKS-9.    Specifically marine sludge is mixed with microorganisms of SKS-1 (FERM P-3692, an aerobic sporeformer at moderate temp.), SKS-2 (FERM P- 3693, an aerobic sporeformer at high temp.), SKS-3 (FERM P-3694, a catalase and Gram positive asporogenic rod), SKS-4 (FERM P- 3695, an actinomycete at high temp.), KS-5 (FERM P-3696, an actinomycete at moderate temp.), SKS-6 (FERM P-3697, a catalase and Gram positive coccus) SKS-7 (FERM P-3698, an entric bacterium), SKS-8 (FERM P-3699, fungus) and SKS-9 P-3700, an anaerobic sporeformer) and cultured to activate and mature the sludge.    In an example cultured with the mixed microorganisms contained more cells and no sulphur cpd. The cultured sludge was dispersed to field and the result was increased crops. Furthermore, the cultured sludge improved porcelain clay giving china with good quality.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for soil activator or porcelain clay.
(JP95017471-B2)      Plant has a heating duct part made along the sidewall and bottom wall of storage tank and connected to the upper part of the tank. A circulation duct sucks hot air of the duct part and circulates it. A partition plate partitions the heater and blowing port and the exhaust duct.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plant dries organic waste fast and ferments efficiently with high deodorising effect.
(JP94102011-B2)      Appts. comprises a chlorella incubating tank having a heat exchanger coupled with a fuel cell to drain a warm water to be fed to the heat exchanger, and CO gas concn. adjuster attached to the tank.    USE -   For making protein foods.
(EP722486-B1)      Digester for organic waste incorporates a pair of elongated drum digester units of unique mechanical construction to provide efficient agitation and aeration and temp. control for proper inoculation, pasteurisation and drying of the waste material.    The system has an upper drum assembly and a lower drum assembly carried in a frame structure. The upper drum assembly has a frusto-conical stationary outer drum with an inlet chute for organic material to be processed. An inner rotatable drum is positioned within the outer drum and may be driven by a motor through a reduction gear unit. The exterior of the inner drum has a number of longitudinal blades and the drum also includes a number of short inwardly extending blades. The upper drum assembly is positioned above and in vertical alignment with the lower drum assembly. The larger end of the upper drum has a discharge outlt which communicates with the smaller end of a lower outer drum which is generally similar to the upper stationary drum. An inner porous drum generally similar to the upper rotatable drum is positioned within the lower stationary drum. The lower station out drum has a discharge outlet. The drum also includes a inclined baffle to deflect material entering the drum from the outlet into the rotatable inner drum. Each of the larger end walls of the outer drums includes an opening and damper communicating through exhaust stacks to a vertical exhaust pipe.    ADVANTAGE -   The digestion system provides an efficient process utilising gravity feed and conveyance of material combined with driven frusto-conical drums of unique construction requiring minimum power for operation.
NOVELTY - A solid-electrolyte type fuel cell, comprises a fuel electrode (3) and an air pole (2) on front and back surfaces of a solid electrolyte (1). An interconnector (10) joins an air-pole-side electroconductive distributor (5) (containing zirconium) to a fuel electrode side electroconductive distributor (6) containing nickel and zirconia.    USE - As solid-electrolyte type fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - At the time of temperature rise during operation, peeling does not generate between solid electrolyte and electrolyte distributors. A solid-electrolyte type fuel cell provided with fuel electrode side electroconductive distributor, that does not impair or damage fuel cell functioning, is offered.
(NL9200751-A)      Vegetable, fruit, and garden waste is sepd. in a washing and sepg. device into a coarse organic fraction which, sepd. from the water used in the device is composted, and a residual fraction which, after separation of an inert fraction, is subjected to anaerobic stabilisation.    Coarse organic fraction is pref. of particles of 2 to 4 mm in size, sepd. from rinsing water by a sieve and composted. The inert fraction sepd. from the rinsing water is subjected to classification into sand and a residual fraction e.g. glass or stone. Liquid from reactor is partly recirculated and partly disposed off to drain.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the processing for disposal of vegetable, fruit, and garden waste. Coarse organic fraction yields a compost similar to peat, the inert material can be used as a building material, and the anaerobic process will yield a biogas and a fine fraction which can be recycled, dumped, or burnt according to its composition.    (US5337898-A)      Vegetable, fruit and garden waste is processed by feeding into a washer/separator which uses the water to produce a coarse organic fraction and a finer residual fraction. The coarse fraction is composted, and an inert fraction is separated from the finer fraction. The remaining finer fraction is subjected to anaerobic stabilisation, and the inert fraction is classified into an inert and a product fraction. The coarse fraction may be separated from the water using a sieve size of 2-4 mm.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows improved compost to be produced with characteristics close to those of peat and with reduced odour emission.
(US5328841-A)      Method for isolating EG111 cellulase from an aq. mixt. comprises adding an inorg. salt and PEG of mol.wt. 5-10 kD to the mixt. to create a 2-phase system where the EG111 is mainly in the PEG phase. The 2 phases are sepd. and EG111 collected.    ADVANTAGE -   Process if efficient and can be used for commercial scale prodn..    (JP7505296-W)      The endoglucanase (EG) III cellulase component (I) is isolated from other cellulases in an aq. soln. of cellulase proteins by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) such that all other cellulases remain in the aq. phase while (I) concentrates in the PEG phase. The same process can be used to separate xylanase (II) from a soln. of cellulase proteins; xylanase concentrates in the PEG phase (together with any (I) present). Also new is prepn. of an aq. (I) soln. free of other cellulases by (1) adjusting the salt concn. and pH to levels at which (I) passes through an anion exchange column (AEC); (2) applying this soln. to an AEC; (3) collecting the flow-through fraction and adjusting its salt and pH contents to levels at which (I) is selectively retained on a cation exchange column (CEC); (4) passing the soln. through a CEC and (5) eluting retained (I) from the column.    USE -   (I), esp. isolated from Trichoderma spp. (opt. genetically modified), is active under alkaline conditions (unlike other EG) so is useful for increasing cleaning activity of detergents in neutral or alkaline media. It also acts as a fabric softener, to improve the feel of cotton fabrics; and, when used in pre-washing steps, improves colour retention and/or restoration, and serves as a spot remover. (I) may also be used in silage and composting processes
(JP5286871-A)      Prepn. comprises partially oxidising methane or natural gas with oxygen using shellfish or shells as a cat. at 500-1000 deg.C. Shellfish or shells are pref. corbiculas, clams or scallops.    In an example, corbiculas were dried at 120 deg.C and then baked at 900 deg.C for 10 hrs. The catalyst (10g) was packed in a reaction tube and a methane/oxygen mixt. (9:1) was passed through (100ml/min) at 750 deg.C (% conversion= CH4(14.8) and O2 (94.8), % selectivity= C2+ (85.2)).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the prepn. of methane and ethylene from methane, giving improved conversion ratio of methane and selectivity of C2 hydrocarbon i.e. the catalyst activity and selectivity are higher.    (US5354936-A)      Partial oxidn. of CH4 comprises contacting CH4 with O2 in the presence of a solid catalyst comprising a prod. formed by heating shellfish or its shell to 500-1300 deg.C and contg. 2C or more.    Pref. shellfish is corbicula, clam or scallop. Oxidn. prod. is ethane or ethylene. Reaction temp. is 500-1000 deg.C. Mole ratio of CH4/O2 is 1-100.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Recycling waste from food industries and of easily accessible natural resources. Catalysts have higher activity and selectivity.    (JP2512367-B2)      Prepn. comprises partially oxidising methane or natural gas with oxygen using shellfish or shells as a cat. at 500-1000 deg. C.    Shellfish or shells are pref. corbiculas, clams or scallops.    In an example, corbiculas were dried at 120 deg. C and then baked at 900 deg. C for 10 hrs. The catalyst (10g) was packed in a reaction tube and a methane/oxygen mixt. (9:1) was passed through (100ml/min) at 750 deg. C (% conversion = CH4(14.8) and O2 (94.8), % selectivity = C2+ (85.2)).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the prepn. of methane and ethylene from methane, giving improved conversion ratio of methane and selectivity of C2 hydrocarbon i.e. the catalyst activity and selectivity are higher.
(DE4244612-C2)      To recover biogas from a rotting tank (2), the extracted gas vol. is controlled to maintain an inner gas pressure within the tank (2) which has a max. threshold value slightly above the ambient pressure. Also claimed is a rotting tank (2) with a gas suction extraction (4) for the developing biogas. A control (10) operates the suction system (4) to maintain the required inner gas pressure level.    Pref. the pressure threshold is 1 mbar over the ambient atmospheric pressure, and pref. 0.5 mbar. The difference in pressure between the ambient atmosphere and the interior of the rotting tank is less than 0.1 mbar and pref. less than 0.05 mbar. The tank inner pressure is constantly compared with the ambient pressure to control the biogas take-off rate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system is for a rotting tank which is not hermetically sealed, for rotting organic waste. The operation recovers the developed biogas, without leakage, using a tank which does not have to be gas tight.
(JP2873416-B2)      Appts. comprises an air blowing structure to forcibly feed air into a chamber formed in the bottom of a floor board, through a deposite bed of garbage in a tubular fermenting tank, thereby exhausting gas from the bed.    USE -   For treating garbage at home.
(DE4208390-C2)      Cooling damp and warm air from a composting process includes transferring the heat from the air to air which is supplied to the process, via an air-air heat exchanger. Water is fed into the heat exchanger on the air supply side.    The condensate is pref. collected on the outlet air side, and is pref. treated before it is fed into the heat exchanger air supply side.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable and the composting technique is improved.
(DE4228526-C2)      Cover for a pile of compost, includes roof shaped sides which are open at the bottom. The upper ends of the side surfaces have metal plates which run downwards. A chimney is pref. located at the top of the pile. The height of the cover can pref. be adjusted and the cover can pref. be moved horizontally.    ADVANTAGE -   The cover arrangement enables compost to flow through.
(US5312754-A)      Composting appts. comprises a container for organic waste and with an inflatable bladder above its bottom wall. The bladder has a pervious top and impervious bottom layer, and a temp. sensor on the container wall can activate a blower which delivers pressurised air to inflate the bladder and aerate and agitate the waste.    There is pref. an exhaust below the container cover for collecting odorous off-gases. The sensor is pref. formed as a conduit extending across the container. The container may have a perforated floor spaced above its bottom with the air delivered between bottom and floor and pervious inflatable fabric secured over the floor.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. is simple, economical and reliable, and contains odorous emissions.
(WO9414821-A1)      High yield cyclic siloxane prodn. comprises gradually mixing a functional alkylsilane with a well-blended biphasic reaction solvent mixt. contg. 40-75 vol.% of an alkane, 15-50 vol.% of an alcohol and 2-10 vol.% water at 0-30 deg.C.    Pref. the alkylsilane is of formula (I), where R = 1-5C alkyl, pref. Me; R' = 1-5C alkyl or alkenyl, or pref. H; X and X' = halogen, pref. Br, I or esp. Cl; or alkoxy, pref. methoxy or ethoxy. The alkylsilane is esp. dichloromethyl silane. The alkane is 5-20C aliphatic, pref. pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane or dodecane; the alcohol is 1-20 C, pref. MeOH, EtOH, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec.-butanol, tert.-butanol, n-pentanol, tert.-pentanol, neopentanol or n-hexanol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. for prodn. of hydroxymethyl cyclosiloxane. Cyclic siloxanes are produced in high yield, e.g. up to 100%, with low energy consumption in mixts. having a narrow range of mol. wt. distribution. The process is readily modified for the prodn. of high concns. of linear siloxanes.
(JP2579859-B2)      A waste timber feed section is connected to the feed opening of the drum of dry distillation furnace, and a carbonised matter discharge section is connected to the exhaust opening, and an exhausting amt. adjusting means including a stopping plate and a drive is provided for the section.    ADVANTAGE -   Suitable adjustment for exhausting rate of the carbonised matter is obtd.
(JP96018896-B2)      Fertiliser prodn. system comprises aerobically fermenting organic wastes mixed with chemical fertilisers to produce a fertiliser, contacting hot air with the fertiliser and mixing with organic materials and inorganic materials.    USE -   For utilising organic industrial wastes for growing lawns.
(JP2519623-B2)      The process comprises aerobically fermenting organic wastes mixed with chemical fertilisers, contacting fertiliser with hot air, and forming it into pellets, using a pellet mill.    USE -   Utilisation of organic industrial waste for use as lawn fertilisers.
(JP2746495-B2)      Carbon dioxide and hydrogen are simultaneously supplied to a reaction furnace in which ferrite is incorporated and kept at a temp. between 300 and 400 deg.C, so that the carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon.    Alternatively, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are simultaneously supplied to a reaction furnace in which ferrite is incorporated and kept at 300 to 400 deg.C. The temp. of the ferrite layer in the reaction furnace is increased to over 600 deg.C, and the supply of the carbon dioxide to the reaction furnace is stopped while hydrogen is continued to be supplied to convert the carbon into methane (these steps are repeated).    Appts. comprises a reaction furnace in which ferrite is filled and the temp. is switched from a low level around 300 - 400 deg.C to a high level of more than 600 deg.C, a hydrogen supplying pipe, a carbon dioxide supplying pipe, a valve attached to the carbon dioxide supplying pipe, and a controlling device to operate the valve so that the temp. in the reaction furnace is low (300 - 400 deg.C) the carbon dioxide gas is supplied and when it is high (at least 600 deg.C) the supply of the carbon dioxide is stopped.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon is carried out with a relatively low temp. and high reaction efficiency. The conversion of the carbon dioxide to methane is carried out at a relatively low temp. and with high reaction efficiency and the lowering of the performance caused by the deposition of a solid prod. is prevented
(JP94073451-B2)      Method comprises (a) dehydrating a microorganism which is obtd. by culture or from nature, at below 70 deg. C, (b) drying it as it is to moisture content below 85% and (c) contacting the prepd. fixed microorganism with substrate.    Method is suitable for treating the activated sludge contg. aerobic or anaerobic microbes. The water in the space between microbial bodies is completely dried and the high molecules which are formed during culture and present on the surface of microbial bodies, serve as the binder. After drying, fixed microbial bodies are crushed to granular size 1-5 mm after swelling.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Microorganism (mixts.), activated sludge, etc. can be fixed without using expensive retaining agent and being adhesion-fixed mutually, microbial bodies are never sepd. even when they are swelled by absorbing water. Fixed microbes show higher microbial density than conventional fixed microbe and by using it for treating waste water, waste water or high BOD can be easily treated.
(WO9316958-A1)      Destruction of the cellular structure of suspensions of microorganisms is carried out using ultrasound esp. on sludge from biological clarification plants. The contents of the cells are bought into true or colloidal soln..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The released cell contents act as proton donors within the biological clarification plant in the denitrification. The remaining sludge is more easily dewatered.
(DE4237874-A1)      Composting bin has vented top inlet cover and bottom outlet hatch, and contains transverse apertured air supply tubes located at different heights and extending horizontally fully across the bin interior.    Material being composted is supported by the air tubes and flows past them in controlled manner. Pref. the tubes are oval and broader horizontally, and are upwardly convex, and the tubes assembly rests upon an annular support. Pref. air inlet and vent have control valves.    ADVANTAGE -   Material is composted uniformly.    (JP7503694-W)      Composting bin has vented top inlet cover and bottom outlet hatch, and contains transverse apertured air supply tubes located at different heights and extending horizontally fully across the bin interior.    Material being composted is supported by the air tubes and flows past them in controlled manner. Pref. the tubes are oval and broader horizontally, and are upwardly convex, and the tubes assembly rests upon an annular support. Pref. air inlet and vent have control valves.    ADVANTAGE -   Material is composted uniformly.
(JP3090745-B2)      Wood powder and plural metal balls are directly preliminarily heated in preheating vessel with steam and/or high frequency waves. Wood powder is reacted with solvent to liquefy it in form of wood soln. by heating together with metal balls, while being stirred with stirring vanes. Then, wood soln. is cooled under vacuum in cooling vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Wood powder can be continuously liquefied.
(JP5287281-A)      Prodn. of low-boiling hydrocarbon oil is effected by thermally decomposing waste plastics and cracking the resulting vapour prod. in contact with a solid acid catalyst and HCl.    Also claimed is a process as above in which the waste plastics are also premixed with solid acid catalyst and HCl.    Appts. for the process comprises means for supplying pulverised waste plastics; a reactor divided into thermal and catalytic decomposition zones; a cooler for condensing the oil in the vapour prod.; a gas-liq. separator for sepg. the oil from product gas; and a heater for burning the prod. gas and supplying heated gas to the reactor.    Thermal decomposition is pref. effected at 250-450 deg.C., Catalytic decomposition (cracking) is effect at 250-450 deg.C in the non-premix process or at 120-250 deg.C in the premix process. The catalyst is AlC13, FeC13, SnC14 or ZnC12.    ADVANTAGE -   High oil yields (e.g. 45-95% of oil contg. 4-14C hydrocarbons) is obtd. from Cl-contg. plastics (supplying the HCl).    (US5368723-A)      Prodn. of a low b.pt. hydrocarbon oil from waste plastic materials comprises heating the plastic materials decomposing them producing a vapour prod., and bringing the vapour prod. into contact with a solid Lewis acid catalyst contg. HCl as a catalytic decomposing activator cracking the vapour prod. Heating is performed at 250-450 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste plastic and rubber contg. a chlorine type polymer or rubber are sufficiently decomposed and the recovered hydrocarbon oil is obtd. with high yield.
(DE4203720-C2)      A process for producing a manure and a raw material for obtaining oil from grape material, includes rotting the material and advancing it using a worm unit. The material is subject to a sheering motion and milling. The material is pref. allowed to fall after the sheering and milling.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is quick and enables large amts. of material to be worked.
(EP597422-A1)      Alkylation of alkanes, comprising contacting at least one 2-7C alkane and at least one 2-7C alkene with a catalyst compsn. contg. tri-fluoro:methane-sulphonic acid and a solid material contg. boron phosphate, to produce at least one alkane having at least two more carbon atoms than the feed alkane.    The wt. ratio of trifluoromethane sulphonic acid to boron phosphate is 0.02-0.4:1 and the solid material opt. contains 0.5-80 wt.% silica and boron sulphate.    The feed alkane is pref. 4-6C and the alkene is pref. 3-5C. The molar ratio of alkane to alkene in the feed is 6-12:1 at -10 deg.C (pref. 0-30 deg.C), an LHSV of 0.5-3 cc of alkane/alkene/cc of catalyst/hour and 2-6 atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For reaction of isobutane or isopentane (2-methyl:butane) with butene-2 (claimed), to produce mixts. contg. greater than 71% 8C prods. and having alkylate octane numbers of greater than 94. Olefin conversions of up to 100% are obtd.    (EP597422-B1)      A composition of matter comprising trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and a solid support material comprising at least one boron compound selected from boron phosphate and boron sulfate.
(JP2516127-B2)      To methane ferment organic waste water by using a reaction tank having a fixed bed packed with inorganic supports and placed at the central portion of the tank such that acid fermenting part and methane fermenting part are formed respectively in the lower parts and in the upper parts of the tank, an inlet of the waste water and outlet of treated water are installed respectively on the bottom of the tank and at the top fo the tank. The fixed bed is periodically washed and waste sludge is discharged from at least one portion of the tank.    Waste water stored in a storing tank is fed by a pump from an inlet of waste water on the bottom of the reaction tank. At the central portion of the tank, the fixed bed is placed, and the acid fermenting part and the methane fermenting part are formed respectively below and above it. In the acid fermentating part, proteins and carbohydrates are decomposed to CH3COOH and C2H5COOH, which are decomposed to CH4 and CO2 in the methane fermenting part. The tank is washed for 5-10 mins. by gas generating in the methane fermenting part, stored in a gas holder and supplied from an air scattering pipe by a blower, 1-2 times per week and then the tank is washed with treated water stored in a tank and supplied from a collecting pipe by a pump. Waste sludge is periodically taken out from the acid fermenting part and the methane fermenting part by opening valves.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic waste water from food industry or pulp making industry is treated. Stopping up of the supports is prevented and so waste water is treated at high load.
(JP2591874-B2)      Biological deodorisation is characterised by (i) constructing a treatment container multilayers sepd. from each other at intervals and packed with fillers having adhered microorganisms; (ii) leading a malodorous gas into the container; (iii) passing the gas through the packed layers without stopping aeration, (iv) and adjusting separately the pH of each packed layer by adjusting the amt. of water sprinkled over each layer so as to treat malodorous components of the gas in multistages of the packed layers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for preventing malodorous produced at sewage and human waste-treatment plants from spreading in the neighbourhood. It is esp. useful for treatment of malodorous gases contg. various sulphur-type odorous substances. Since the main malodorous component, hydrogen sulphide, is decomposed by microorganisms at a low pH, the amt. of water sprinkled can be reduced. Also malodorous components which are thought to be difficult to decompose biologically can be decomposed effectively by this metho
NOVELTY - The speed of motor (10) is controlled to make the blower speed equivalent to predetermined minimum engine speed, when battery load detector (20) senses no load. The blower (9) drives a portion of cathode gas in outline (6) of fuel battery (1).    USE - For fuel battery cathode circulation blower.    ADVANTAGE - Consumption of blower power during no load condition of battery is prevented.
NOVELTY - A solid electrolyte fuel cell has a ceramic partition plate comprising a mixture of zirconia solid solution (1a) and ceria solid solution (1b). The plate is provided between a fuel electrode (3) and an oxidizer electrode (2) so that fuel gas and oxidizer gas are supplied to the fuel electrode (3) and to the oxidizer electrode, independently.    USE - Used as a solid electrolyte fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - A fuel cell having a small electrolyte resistance and small reactive resistance between the electrode and electrolyte is obtained. Short-circuiting of a cell is prevented.
(EP574562-A1)      Treatment and recycling of a waste biomass by parallel and interactive operations of; (a) biomethanisation (b) composting. Waste is supplied to the above treatment units via a pretreatment and transport unit which eliminates undesirable material. Liq. effluent and residual sludge from the biomethanisation process are introduced to the composting process to compensate for losses due to evapn. and to stimulate microbiological action. A temporary stoppage of either the biomethanisation or composting process does not affect the other process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Gas from biomethanisation produces all or part of energy for process. Increased treatment efficiency.
(JP2655960-B2)      Process is carried out by mixing a fibrinase, pref. cellulase or mixt. of cellulase and hemicullulase, in an aggregate of fibrous solid organic waste in the presence of water, and allowing the fibrinase to act on the fibrinous solid organic waste so that the fibrinous solid organic waste does not liquify but its rigidity decreases, and maintaining its temp. and mixing under the supply of oxygen to allow aerobic fermentation, pref. high-temp. fermentation pref. followed by moderate-temp. fermentation, and pref. by return/mixing part of compost obtd. by aerobic fermentation to the fibrous solid organic waste in the course of action by the fibrinase and allowing the mixt. to perform aerobic fermentation.    ADVANTAGE -   The new method of making compost from fibrous solid organic waste effectively prevents the agglomeration in fermenting fibrous waste and improves the efficiency of contact with fermentative microbes, thereby accelerating the fermentation.
(JP96000745-B2)      The fermentation treatment of high-moisture refuse with a high content of phosphorus, e.g., animal excreta, human excreta, etc., with its ashes made by drying and incinerating the refuse is carried out by mixing the ashes as a water content-regulating material, while the ashes are in high-temp., in the refuse, and then allowing the mixt. to pile and ferment.    An organic fertiliser is made by compounding the ashes as a component-regulating material for phosphate and potassium to the high-moisture refuse having a high content of phosphorus to make a phosphatic fertiliser mixt.. An organic fertiliser is made by mixing the ashes as a water content-regulating material to the refuse while the ashes are in high temp. to make a high-content phosphatic fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The recycling and utilisation of high-moisture refuse contributes to reducing the quantity of refuse to be disposed
(JP95012994-B2)      Regulator is made by treating clay contg. animal or plant oil, at 50-90 deg. C, with one or more alkali substances e.g. KOH, K2CO3, and NaOH, and Na2CO3, to reduce the content of residual oil to 10-17 wt.%, then neutralising the oil-contg. clay with phosphoric acid, and dehydrating and drying.    Prodn. of the compost activation regulator comprises (i) throwing clay-contg. animal or plant oil into warm water of 50-60 deg. C, and stirring to make an aq. suspension, stirring the aq. suspension under heating at 50-90 deg. C while adding one or more of the alkali substances to make the clay a slurry of a pH of 9-10, allowing the slurry to separate into three layers, i.e. oil-water-oil layers, assembling the slurry layers to obtain a slurry with a residual oil content of 10-17 wt.%, adding phosphoric acid to the obtd. slurry to neutralise it, and dehydrating and drying to obtain a solid matter.    ADVANTAGE -   It accelerates the fermentation and thereby shortens the maturation period. It prevents the loss of nitrogen during the course of making compost. It assures the appropriate C/N ratio as an organic material. It exerts an excellent buffer action on the soil. It produces favourable fertilising effects on the soil. It detoxicates substances harmful to agricultural crops.
(JP3165719-B2)      A degraded adsorbent contg. adsorbed harmful gases is regenerated by passing a regenerating gas contg. 2-4C hydrocarbon through a layer of the degraded adsorbent; and burning the hydrocabon on the adsorbent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to regenerate degraded adsorbent of gamma- or delta-alumina, silica, zirconia, alumina-titania, active carbon, kaoline, mordenite, and others which can adsorb NOx, SOx, ammonia, Cl2, F2, HCl or other inorganic gas. Degraded adsorbent can be regenerated at lower temp. in a cost-effective manner.    In an example, an adsorbent of Al2O3-MnO2-CaO = 65:30:5 by wt. was contacted with a model gas contg. 5 ppm NO2, 2.5 vol.% H2O, and remainder of air at 25 deg.C; 96% of NO2 was removed at the first time. It was regenerated by treating it with a gas contg. 500 ppm propylene/air at 350 deg.C. After 10 times of adsorption and regeneration cycles, the adsorbent still removed 95% NO2
(DE4201399-C2)      Composting of biological and organic wastes is carried out by (a) pre-sorting the biological waste according to size and nature by sieving off a coarse fraction and opt. rejecting interfering materials; (b) separating foreign matter; (c) mixing the resulting material with cut green vegetable matter; (d) composting the mixt. in a main rotting stage involving loosening, aerating and wetting; (e) treating the material in a post-rotting stage, opt. with further aeration and wetting; and (f) sieving the finished compost, any remaining interfering material being sepd.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides rapid composting, with reliable control of the rotting process and sepn. of any foreign and interfering matter contained in the organic waste
(JP2630525-B2)      Appts. comprises a hot air temp. sensor to detect a heated air flowing in a hot air passage connected to a waste treating tank, and control unit to control a heater to heat the air according to the output of the sensor.    USE -   For treating garbage.
(EP575579-A1)      Lower alkanes are converted to a prod. comprising higher mol. wt. hydrocarbons by contacting a feed comprising lower alkane(s) with an oxidative coupling contact comprising a mixed oxide of (a) a cation of a naturally occurring gp. IIIB element; (b) a Mg, Ca, Sr and/or Ba cation, and (c) (i) Zr and Hf, or (ii) Ge and Ga or (iii) Al. Contact is under oxidative coupling conditions and in presence of 02.    Also claimed are (A) the compsn. comprising mixed oxides of (a), (b) and (c); (B) oxidative dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon on the contact material, and (C) conversion of CH4 to higher mol. wt. hydrocarbon(s).    ADVANTAGE -   The contact material is stable, retains physical and chemical properties for long periods, it is not susceptible    to over-redn. or over-oxidn. and is hard and can be fluidised without loss as fines. Formation of hydrocarbons is improved w.r.t. prodn. of CO and CO2. In oxidative dehydrogenation, coke formation is avoided, but there is some formation of CO and CO2.
(JP2978311-B2)      Prodn. of high-purity phosphoric acid ester salts comprises allowing a mixt. soln. contg. a phosphoric acid ester and a nonionic cpd. to contact continuously in a counter-current manner with at least one solvent (a) selected from C4-8 straight-chain branched aliphatic hydrocarbons and C5-7 satd. alicyclic hydrocarbons by use of an extractor to separate the nonionic cpd. into the solvent (a) through extn. whereby a 1-4C lower alcohol (b) is supplied to the mixt. soln. and solvent (a) being supplied into the extractor.    The lower alcohol is e.g. ethanol and is supplied to the extractor through at least one part. The process permits demulsification with use of a by far reduced amt. of lower alcohols at enhanced speeds, thus making the appts. smaller in scale with increased efficiency of extn. and can remove economically on a commercial scale unreacted organic hydroxy cpds. and nonionic cpds. by-produced during the prodn. of phosphate
(JP95112957-B2)      Appts. comprises a plough-back machine to plough back the excrements in a long fermenting tank and partition board fixed to the back face of the plough back machine.    USE -   For making fermented composts.
NOVELTY - Intermediate distributor (23) is arranged between the upper and lower stacks (22,21) of the cell (15), which are provided with H2 gas inlet and outlet passages (17,19) and CO2 gas inlet and outlet passages (18,20). The distributor has H2 gas by-pass passage (11a) and CO2 gas by-pass passage (13a) connected to H2 and CO2 gas inlet passages, respectively.    USE - Molten carbonate type fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since the intermediate distributor is arranged between upper and lower stacks of cell, distribution direction of H2 and CO2 gases inside each cell can be reversed, and hence temperature gradient can be changed. Temperature rise of electrolyte board is reduced, and reduction of carbonate due to heat decomposition is prevented. Hence the durability of the battery is increased.
NOVELTY - Surplus anode exhaust gas is injected at the injection point (25) which lies between an air pre-heater (3) and a vapor flow input line (2) through an exhaust gas process line (22), when the temperature of the modifier (4) exceeds the regulation value.    USE - For a power generation installation.    ADVANTAGE - The anode exhaust gas is injected at the plate far from the fuel battery, giving no disturbance to the differential voltage control between fuel battery poles. Improves efficiency of a fuel battery power generation installation.
NOVELTY - A parallelly arranged circulation line (11) and a circulation line (12) with gas heater (8) are provided to cathode gas circulation line (6) of fuel cell which uses molten carbonate as electrolyte. The cathode gas emitted from the fuel cell, is passed through circulation line (11) when heating is not required, or through circulation line (12) when heating is required.    USE - For circulation of cathode gas in fuel cell such as molten carbonate-type fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Pressure loss is extremely reduced. Power consumption of cathode gas circulation blower and thermal efficiency are increased.
(JP3127266-B2)      Appts. comprises a tank to house the wastes and stirrer disposed in the tank in which, at least, a pair of screw conveyers having different starts are disposed. The stirrer has stirring blades mounted on a horizontal rotary shaft.    USE -   For treating waste.
(JP95077544-B2)      The starter is prepared by adding (a) chitin or chitosan and (b) plant fibre in (c) the cultured product of the lactic acid bacteria showing resistance to chitin or chitosan. Pref. lactic acid bacterium is from L. casei, L. plantarum, L. brevis, S. faecalis, Leuc. mesenteroides or P. cerevisiae.    The process comprises (a) adding the porous lactic acid starter to silage material so that lactic acid bacterial count is 10 power 3 - 10 power 7 CFU/g and(b) practicing lactic acid fermentation under anaerobic conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The multiplication of the microbes originated from soil can be suppressed through the antibiotic or germicidal activity of chitin or chitosan. As the result lactic acid bacteria can be grown rapidly and the infection can be further suppressed by the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Thus the quality and yield of silage can be improved. The growth of aerobic spore-forming bacteria of Bacillus and anaerboic spore-forming bacterial of Clostridium are suppressed. The lactic acid bacteria are buried in porous body and the growing circumstance of lactic acid can be improved. Bean curd refuse can be used as plant fibre as it serves as the nutritive source for lactic acid bacteria and the nutritive value of the silage is improved.
(JP2722147-B2)      The waste water soln. comprises an organic cpd. and an inorganic cpd., and the inorganic salts of 30 g/waste soln. 11 or more, having bromide ion of 1 g/11 or more. The waste soln. is treated by (A) and (B), in order. (A) The waste soln. is wet-oxidised at 100-370 deg. C under pressure, keeping the waste soln. under liq phase, by supplying gas, contg. O2, necessary to decompose the ammonia. The organic cpd., and the inorganic cpd. in the waste soln. are in presence of the catalyst carrier contg. at least one of Fe, Co, Mn, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, Cu, Au, and their water insol salts. (B)The waste soln., treated by the process (A) and controlled in the inorganic salts of 30 g/l or more, is biologically-oxidised by the bacteria phase contg. the ocean bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides the purifying means without pollution to the air and water and with low cost.
(JP2568775-B2)      The working fluid includes at least 3 types of freon, i.e. 5-50 wt.% of trifluoromethane, 10 or less wt.% propane, and 45-95 wt.% of tetrafluoroethane.    The working fluid has less effects on the stratospheric ozone layer than R22. Since non-combustible trifluoromethane is selected as the freon having little ozone destruction, the combustibility of propane can be reduced. Also, since this working fluid has a vapour pressure almost equal to that of R22 at the working temperatures of units, it can be used in current units as the substitution for R22. The coefft. of performance higher than that of R22 can be expected. Pref., the working fluid includes 10 to 40 wt.% of trifluoromethane, 6 or less wt.% of propane, and 55 to 90 wt.% of tetrafluoroethane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in heat pumps such as air conditioner, refrigerator, etc
(EP545864-B1)      A process of disposing obsolete plant seed treated with a seed-protectant coating comprising subjecting the seed to a compostation and degrading the seed including the seed-protectant coating.    (US5646157-A)      A process for disposing of obsolete planting seed treated with seed-protectant coatings selected from the group consisting of captan, pirimiphos-methyl and thiram wherein said process comprises subjecting said seed having an initial level of protectant coatings to a compostation under conditions that ensure sufficient aeration and moisture content and a suitable C:N ratio that is optimal for the development and activity of the microorganisms involved in the compostation process wherein the initial level of said seed-protectant coatings is reduced by 20% within the first two weeks or said compostation process.
(DE4239305-C2)      A process for filling a closed rotting container (1) with material to be composted, includes forming a reduced pressure in the container via the materials which are supplied.    The container is pref. emptied by removing the material using excess pressure in the circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple to carry out and has an improved container emptying method.
(DE4239304-C2)      An arrangement for the removal of foreign materials from compost or compost raw material, which is transported on a conveyor belt, includes a reduced pressure source for producing a suction air stream, a flexible hose connected to the reduced pressure source, and a suction tube. The latter is connected to a carriage and can be moved in all three dimensions, enabling it to be positioned over the foreign materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement is simple and efficient.
Obtaining a wettable powder inoculant for use with leguminous crops comprises lyophilisation of a biological mass obtd from Rhizobium spp which has been immersed twice in a soln rich in sugars and proteins, comprising casein, glycerol and gelatin, where the concn is 1.5-1.7x10" viable cells/gram of lyophile after lyophilisation. The inoculant may also include sodium lauryl sulphate, kaolin and carboxymethylcellulose.    ADVANTAGE -   After gelling with water, the inoculant can be directly applied to seeds and adheres well. The formulation can be prepd up to 6 hrs prior to its use. The inoculant has a long storage life of up to 25 months at room temp while still having a minimum concn of 1.7x10 power8 viable cells/g. Application of the inoculant increases the grain yield of plants.    In an example, a soln was prepd comprising 5% glycerol, 2% gelatin, 2.5% casein and 100 ml of water, pH 6.8, sterilised at 120 deg C for 15 mins. A Rhizobium spp biological mass was twice immersed in the soln. The mass was then lyophilised for 26 hrs to obtain a prod contg 1.5x10" viable cells/g of lyophile and a water content of 1%. The prod was then used in an aq formulation to coat soybean seeds to increase grain yields.
(NL9101917-A)      Sewage is treated using three types of biomass by (i) biologically removing phosphate and simultaneously reducing the chemical and biological O2 demand in a highly loaded activated sludge system; (ii) nitrifying by conversion of NH3; and (iii) denitrifying using a C source. The order of the (ii) and (iii) is exchangeable.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sewage, including municipal sewage, diluted manure and wastewater from sugar beet processing, is treated in small bioreactors, providing a compact treatment installation, High hydraulic loadings are enabled, permitting short retention times. Extensive removal of P and N are enabled.    (US5342522-A)      Sewage is treated by (a) biologically removing phosphate and simultaneously reducing the chemical and biological oxygen demand in a highly-loaded activated sludge system; (b) converting ammonium to nitrate by biological nitrification; and (c) denitrifying using a C-source. Steps (b) and (c) are exchangeable.    Pref. (a) is carried out in more than one reactor, where anaerobic and aerobic treatments are used alternately. Effluent of (b) is pref. recycled to aerobic treatment to (a) to reduce the amt. of oxygen introduced there and reduce denitrification in (c).    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of nitrogen and phosphate discharged by sewage treatment plants is drastically reduced.
(US5292637-A)      Organic material is composted by mixing and comminuting in a closed chamber until conversion to biomass has reached an intermediate stage, determined by monitoring temp. in the chamber. Part is then transferred to a second closed chamber for final conversion and further organic material is fed into the first chamber to mix with the partly-converted material.    Material is pref. transferred from first to second chamber a set time after the temp. reaches a max. value and completion of treatment in the second chamber is determined by detecting when the temp. falls by a set amt. from the max. Pref. half the first chamber contents is transferred to the second chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for processing domestic and restaurant waste. Produces reusable biomass in shorter time using a quasicontinuous process.
(US5261766-A)      Vertical cylindrical borehole extending below the natural ground water table for waste storage is excavated in natural earth and provided with a preformed impermeable liner which abuts the hole sides and base, and a distinct internal side casing which with the liner seals the hole gas- and water-tightly. A base plug is within and abuts the liner at the hole bottom.    There may be a grout layer between casing and liner and abutting both, the casing may comprise a grout layer, or the liner may abut the casing. A casing may be formed of interlocking sections. The liner may be inserted into an outer casing previously installed to allow earth within it to be excavated, with the outer casing subsequently removed to leave the liner in position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used partic. for disposal of municipal waste, provides an environmentally safe and efficient method of disposal.
(JP2682918-B2)      Prepn. of oligomer(s) (I) comprises contacting alcohol(s) (II) with nickel-contg. hectolite-like catalyst (III) with Ni/Si ratio of 0.05-2.0, Li/Si 0.01-0.3.    (III) is prepd. by hydrothermic reaction of sources of silicon, nickel, lithium, sodium, fluorine and opt. magnesium in an autoclave.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful as fuel for automobiles. A mixt. of propylene and acetone is obtd. by contacting 2-propanol with hectolite not contg. nickel at 250 deg.C but conversion of 2-propanol is only 8.1%. By using present catalyst, (I) is obtd. in higher yield than known processes. (III) does not contain sulphur and nitrogen, (I) does not contain substance causing air pollution.    In an example, (III), (Ni/Si 0.35, Li/Si 0.09, 0.15g) was packed into reactor to prepare catalyst bed, the catalyst bed was heated at 350 deg.C. Propanol was fed to the catalyst bed with helium gas, a compsn. composed of 2-propanol 7.7%, acetone 31.3%, hexadiene 24.8% methylpentanone 21.5% methylpentene 11.5%, propylene trimer 3.2% was obtd. Conversion of propanol was 92.3%, selectively coefft. of (I) was 66.1%.
(JP95121838-B2)      Appts. comprises a conveyor to carry the wastes upwards at a fixed rate from a wastes feed hopper and conveyor support unit to support the conveyor and adjust the tilt angle of the conveyor.    USE -   For making compost.
(DE4137554-A1)      Treatment of waste water contg. aq. or water-contg. solns., dispersions or emulsions of compostable waste materials is effected by: (a) passing the waste water over the surface of a solid material in the open while injecting a countercurrent air stream, thereby increasing the viscosity of the waste water to the limit of flowability; (b) applying the viscous waste water onto an absorbent compostable substrate; and (c) composting the substrate and waste material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process may be applied to waste waters contg. slowly degradable materials not readily handled by conventional biological treatment plants, e.g. disinfectants (e.g. quat. ammonium salts), phenol derivs., dyestuffs, tanning agents, and residues from the mfr. of cosmetics, building materials, etc.    (DE4137554-C2)      Process for the disposal of waste water contg. waste matter suitable for compost comprises (a) conducting the waste water over the surface of free standing solid material, e.g. quartz, glass fragments, etc. while bubbling air through counter currently to raise the viscosity to the limit of flowing capacity, (b) bringing the viscous waste water onto an absorbent compostable substrate, e.g. wood chips, straw, etc. and (c) composting the substrate and waste. The waste water contains disinfectants, phenol derivs., dyes, tanning agents, residues from cosmetic prepn., etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is cost effective.
(GB2261217-B)      A process for acid washing of activated carbon wherein the rate of mass transfer and reaction is enhanced by the use of ultrasonic vibration.
(JP2946867-B2)      Appts. comprises a reactor vessel having a heater to heat the plastic material in the vessel. Graphite fluoride cover layers are formed on those surface areas of the vessel and heater which are in contact with the cracked material.    USE -   Used for heating plastic wastes.
(DE4135776-C1)      Liq. gas source comprises a mixt. of one or more lower hydrocarbons (2.5-40 wt.%), e.g. propane, butane and isobutane; N2O (70-97.5 wt.%); and opt. inert gases, e.g. CO2 and/or xeon (10-80 wt.% based on hydrocarbons and N2O).    USE -   The prods. are stored in the liq. state under pressure, and are rapidly ignited to give sudden large expansion in gas vol. to charge inflatable gas bags, providing safety cushion for drivers or passengers in cars or other transport involved in accidental collisions.. o    (EP540013-B1)      Gas developing material for a gas generator, characterised in that it consists of a liquid gas mixture, with the liquid gas components being chosen from one or several short chain hydrocarbons and nitrogen monoxide.    (US5571988-A)      A gas-producing material for a gas generator, for use with an air bag of a vehicle, consists of a liquified gas mixt., where the components making up the liquified gas mixt. comprise: (i) 0.5-27 wt.% of at least one hydrocarbon selected from the gp. consisting of propane, n-butane, and isobutane; (ii) 14-97.5 wt.% of nitrogen monoxide; and (iii) up to 80 wt.% of an inert gas.
(JP2568774-B2)      A working fluid based on at least three kinds of hydrocarbons is claimed, comprising (i) 5-55 wt.% trifluoromethane or 55-85 wt.% pentafluoroethane, each having a b.pt. of -40 deg.C or less at atm. pressure; (ii) 0.1-10 wt.% propane; and (iii) 15-95 wt.% tetrafluoroethane or 10-90 wt.% chlorotetrafluoroethane, each having a b.pt. of -30 - -10 deg.C at atmos. pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides a working fluid having a low ozone depletion potential which has applications in the heat-pumps of air conditioners, refrigerators and the like. The novel working fluid has a similar vapour pressure to chlorodifluoromethane, a widely used working fluid, and is a suitable substitute for it.    ve
(JP3026523-B2)      The gas sensor comprises an insulating substrate, a pair of electrodes (3,4) formed opposedly on the insulating substrate, a gas sensitive film (5) made of a metal oxide semiconductor formed across the pair of electrodes, and a catalytic layer (6) formed to coat the gas sensitive film. The catalytic layer is made of alumina support, on which copper, tungsten, nickel and phosphorus or their oxide is supported.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sensitivity of the sensor to ethanol, propane and carbon monoxide etc. is good and the change of the gas sensitivity during long term use or under high humidity conditions can be controlled, and time-wise stability is good.
(JP6091290-A)      Colouring component and/or chlorinated phenol and/or others are decomposed and removed from waste water of pulp bleaching using micro-organism with lignin decomposition ability and/or its deriv. fermented in a media added with waste water of pulp bleaching and/or lignin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Waste water of pulp bleaching is treated efficiently and in a short time.    In an example, FERM BP-1859, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Coriolus versicolour are fermented for 2 days in a media contg. 3% glucose,1% malt extract, 1% peptone and 0.4% yeast phenol and colouring matter almost completely.    (US5431820-A)      Difficultly degradable coloured ingredients and chlorinated phenols in liquid wastes from a pulp bleaching process are decomposed and removed using lignin degrading microorganism of strains NK-1, 148 and/or NK-729W, which have been precultured in a medium supplemented with liquid waste and lignin related substances.    ADVANTAGE -   An efficient, rapid, industrially applicable process.
(NL9101678-A)      Installation comprises (a) a min. of one basic shielded from the environment to hold the soil and having separate means for the supply and drainage of both water and air and means for adding microorganisms; (b) a min. of one bioreactor connected to the liq. drain; (c) a min. of one membrane filter unit to form a circuit with the bioreactor and connected to the liq. supply by a filtrate conduit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The installation is intended to improve on known installations for decontamination soil in which micro-organisms are used to break down contaminants which are leached out by percolating water. This is then sepd. off and the soil is ready for reuse. It allows the removal or breaking down of the contaminants to get under way more rapidly and liquid and air are reused or after treated so that discharge into the environment is possible.    (EP609308-A1)      Installation comprises (a) a min. of one basin shielded from the environment to hold the soil and having separate means for the supply and drainage of both water and air and means for adding microorganisms, (b) a min. of one bioreactor connected to the liquid drain, (c) a min. of one membrane filter unit to form a circuit with the bioreactor and connected to the liquid supply by a filtrate conduit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The installation is intended to improve on known installations for decontaminating soil in which microorganisms are used to break down contaminants which are leached out by percolating water. This is then sepd. off and the soil is ready for re-use. The invention allows the removal or breaking down of the contaminants to get under way more rapidly and liquid and air are reused or after treated so that discharge into the environment is possible.
(DE4212196-C2)      Continual working of biowaste material includes placing the material in a press worm separator where it is sepd. into solid and liq. The solid material is fed to a multichamber composting unit. The other material is fed to an ultrafiltration impulse reactor and decomposed. The concd. material is then fed to a bio gas reactor. The fermented material from the latter is sepd. in an ultra-filtration membrane reactor. The permeate is then removed from the reactors and is sepd. into a liq. during concentrate and water.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is economical and enables farm biowaste to be used effectively.
(JP2610203-B2)      The appts. comprises a hot air passage disposed at the lower side of the bottom of a tank, which houses the organic wastes, a heater disposed in an upper space of the tank, and a blower to suck hot air in the hot air passage and blow it into the tank.    USE -   For treating garbage.
(EP538579-B1)      Device for the production of compost from household and/or garden rubbish, with a bell-shaped downwardly conically windening container (1), which possesses a top insertion opening (8) closable by a lid (9), (and) from which compost can be removed at the bottom and which is provided in the region of the interior of its surrounding wall with inwardly open channels (16a,b,c) extending from the bottom to the top, through which the contents of the container can be ventilated, characterised in that the interior of the surrounding wall of the container (1), which possesses a bottom removal opening (10) closable by a trap (11) and which can be ventilated by air entering via lower wall-ports (of which the removal opening (10) is one) and escaping at the top, is provided with vertical inwardly projecting fins (15a,b,c) forming the boundaries of the channels (16a,b,c) to each of which at least one lower ventilation opening (14,10) is assigned, at least some of the said fins being divided into superimposed sections (15a,15b,15c, respectively) which are laterally offset by half the pitch of the fins with respect to one another.
(BR9202818-A)      (To be reissued in later week based on complete specification    (EP538561-A1)      Prodn. is of humus from waste without the emission of ammonia. Waste comes from animals or communal clarified sludge, and is composted with straw and sawdust, in pits or silos.    Process comprises (a) mixing 2-5 wt.% chopped straw and sufficient sawdust to absorb all the liq., and forming an under layer of 20-30 cm in the first pit, adding a covering layer of 20-40 cm sawdust and composting for 4-6 months; (b) in a second pit using the same amt. of waste with 2-3 wt.% chopped straw and 1/5 of the amt. of sawdust as in the first pit, and adding humus from (a) to bind the liq., then mixing all together, and continuing as in (a); (c) in a third pit, mixing the waste with chopped straw and in (b), and humus from (b) to bind liq., and continuing as in (a); etc..    USE -   As fertilisers, soil improver, filters humus or storable fuel    (EP538561-B1)      Prodn. is of humus from waste without the emission of ammonia. Waste comes from animals or communal clarified sludge, and is composted with straw and sawdust, in pits or silos.    Process comprises (a) mixing 2-5 wt.% chopped straw and sufficient sawdust to absorb all the liq., and forming an under layer of 20-30 cm in the first pit, adding a covering layer of 20-40 cm sawdust and composting for 4-6 months; (b) in a second pit using the same amt. of waste with 2-3 wt.% chopped straw and 1/5 of the amt. of sawdust as in the first pit, and adding humus from (a) to bind the liq., then mixing all together, and continuing as in (a); (c) in a third pit, mixing the waste with chopped straw and in (b), and humus from (b) to bind liq., and continuing as in (a); etc..    USE -   As fertilisers, soil improver, filters humus or storable fuel
(US5208404-A)      Fuel oil and gas are produced by cracking a mixt. of 40 pts. waste rubber and 2-6 pts. catalyst by a) heating the mixt. gently to soften at 230 deg.C, b) stirring the mixt. for 1 hr. at 280 deg.C and c) increasing the pressure in the reactor to 2 kg/cm2 and collecting gaseous prods. The catalyst consists of A) CaO, Ni and traces of Nb and Ti and B) XT-10, which is polomite, gabbro, microline, Muscovite, tourmaline, talc, graphite-silky mica schist, syenite, lens-limestone, sacharoidal-limestone, magnetite, shihui, shihuishi and citu. The total reaction time is 2 hr. The gaseous prod. is pref. filtered, condensed and fractionated into light oil, heavy oil and gas for separate storage. The catalyst consists of, wt.%, (esp.), 15-25 (20) CaO, 50-60 (50) Ni, 20-40 XT-10 and traces of Nb and Ti.    ADVANTAGE -   A faster cracking process requiring less capital than known processes.
(JP95102983-B2)      Alkaline slag is neutralised by mixing it with alkali-resistant microbes, and/or culture material from them.    USE -   Used for neutralising alkaline slag economically without using artificial neutralisers, and generating no environmental contamination, and other chemical hazards.
(US5236474-A)      Removing and recovering a condensable vapour from a gas stream comprises, (1) contacting the feed side of a hollow fibre membrane with gas stream contg. condensable vapour; (ii) contacting the permeate side of the membrane with a cool extn.-fluid and maintaining the total permeate side pressure by throttling the fluid with a throttle valve after pressurising using a liq. circulation pump, and whereby the total feed side pressure is greater than the total permeate side pressure; and entraining in the cool extn. fluid on the permeate side condensed vapour from the gas stream.    Pref. the cool extn. fluid is water, glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene carbonate, acetonitrile, DMA, stearic acid, octanol etc.. The pref. hollow fibre membrane is cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose, polyimide, polyamide, polymethacrylates, PVA, polyethyl acetate or polyacrylonitrile.    ADVANTAGE -   Process is simple, efficient, and does not require use of compressors
(JP95075716-B2)      Methane fermenting appts. comprises a methane fermenting tank partitioned into sections and liq. flow pipe extending from an upper part of a rear section to a lower part of a front section
(JP2608493-B2)      To purify soil or subterranean water contaminated with an organic Cl-contg. cpd., steps comprising pumping up the subterranean water, dissolving air into it, filtering it, dissolving mixed gas of CH4 and air into it and returning it to the soil, are repeated.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic Cl-contg. cpd., e.g., trichloroethylene, in soil or subterranean water are biologically decomposed.    In an example, contaminated subterranean pumped water was introduced in air dissolving tank through a pipe. Air was blown into the water using a compressor and the water was fed to a filtering device through a pipe, where Fe and Mn were removed. The treated water was then fed to a mixed gas dissolving tank through a pipe where air and CH4 were dissolved into the water by a compressor. The treated water was returned to the soil through a pipe where a mixt. of bacteria gps. mainly comprising methane bacteria were increased by CH4 and O2 in the treated water and trichloroethylene was decomposed to harmless substances
(JP2608492-B2)      Waste water contg. organic chlorine cpd. is permeated through filler bed and treated with methane-air mixt. gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Trichloroethylene in waste water is decomposed efficiently by this method.    In an example, 1m3/day of source water is treated using anthracite as filler and 0.1 Nl/min. of air/methane, Trichloroethylene content is reduced from 500 g/l to 50 g/l
(JP2884558-B2)      Microorganism is enveloped by polymer, e.g., polyethylene glycol acrylate, dimethacrylate or polyacrylamide bridged by N,N'-dihydroxy ethylene bis acrylamide or diallyl ditartaric diamide. Waste water is contacted with the microorganism enveloped with polymer and used pellet is dissolved by oxidising agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Waste water or sludge is treated compactly and at low cost by this method.    In an example, 18% polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 1% diallyl tartaric diamide, 2% activated sludge, 0.5% N,N'-tetramethyl ethylene diamine and 0.25% K persulphate are mixed, reacted, moulded and used as waste water treatment for 6 hrs. It shows 86% BOD removing ratio. The used pellet is dissolved by HIylam
(US5269829-A)      Aerobic decomposition of vegitative organic material, involves packing large vol. into collapsible moisture retentive container with at least one end open and with top holes supplied with air and also with vent holes. Pref. perforated tubes supply the air.    Material packing pressure is 0.1-10 psi so that material density is about 10-75 lbs per cu ft. With the open end closed the container is continuously aerated at 200-150 cu.ft. per minute, pref. 400-1100 cu.ft per minute at 0.5-1.5 in. of water pressure. Pref. the material includes a bulking agent, opt. comprising 25-50 wt.%, e.g. straw, wood, chips.    ADVANTAGE -   Decomposition is accelerated.
(JP94030797-B2)      To anaerobically methane ferment sludge or organic aq. soln. digested gas is generated from a digesting tank, the gas is sepd. by using a gas sepg. polymer membrane to circulating gas contg. CO2 as the main component and discharging gas contg. CH4 as the main component, and the circulating gas is blown in the soln. in the digesting tank such that CO2 concn. in the digested gas in the space of the digested tank is 50-60 wt. %.    To keep CO2 concn. in the digested gas in the range of 50-60 wt. % pressure difference between the circulating gas side and the discharging gas side of the membrane is adjusted, or means for feeding CO2 to the circulating gas is installed and the pressure difference and amt. of CO2 fed are controlled.    ADVANTAGE -   Yield of CH4 generated in the digesting tank is increased, and CH4 gas suitably used as fuel is effectively obtained.
(DE4209052-C2)      The assembly to give a microbial cleaning action to a surface, for the removal of grease or oil, has a trough with a funnel or conical base attached to the degreasing bath, with an overflow connection between them, for the microbial population mixt. for the grease and oil. The trough has a mechanical sepn. for microorganisms, and the outlet from the sepn. stage leads back to the degreasing bath.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The assembly is used for the cleaning of metal plates, circuit boards, plastics and ceramics, to remove protective oils or greases before plating or coating, and other greasy matter such as fingerprints or waxes and pigments and the like. The appts. gives an effective cleaning action without damage to the environment, where few or no chemicals are used.
(EP529203-A1)      Disposal comprises heat treating the wood in absence of air, and converting to prod. free from toxic materials, esp. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.    Pref. heat treatment is carried out for 12-20 hrs., at 400-700 (pref. 450-600) deg.C and under pressure, at normal pressure or at super pressure. Heat transfer occurs with flushing gas at 500-600 deg.C. In heat treatment, volatile cpds. with boiling pt. above 30 deg.C are condensed and processed in the normal way. The solid prod. obtd. is activated.    USE -   The prod. can be used as active charcoal and as combustion material.    (EP529203-B1)      A process for the disposal of wood impregnated with tar oil, characterised in that it is subjected to heat treatment in a temperature range of from 450 to 700 degrees C with the exclusion of air and is converted into a product free of toxic substances, in particular of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
(FR2680116-A1)      Appts. for sepg. gases comprises a counter-current flow column (C1), where downwardly flowing solvent absorbs part of an upwardly flowing gas mixt., the solvent then flowing through an expansion valve (V1) to the top of adsorption column (D1), whose upper part comprises a heat exchanger (Z1) and whose lower part comprises a boiler. The heat separates the absorbed gas from the solvent, which is pumped from the bottom of the column and through heat exchanger (Z1) to heat the incoming solvent, then returned to column (C1) through a second heat exchanger (E2) which cools it further. The solvent gas mixt. from column (C1) may pass through a gas-liq. separator, from which gas is recycled to the main gas inlet of column (C1). Two desorption columns may act in series to recover two separate gas fractions from the solvent. Solvent used includes diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and diethanolamine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sepd. water, acid gases (CO2,H2S) or heavy fractions (propane, n-butane, paraffinic, olefinic and aromatic hydrocarbons) from natural or refinery gas. Overall power requirement is reduced, compared with prior appts. wherein the first heat exchanger is separate from the boiler.
(EP532153-A2)      Isomerisation of a straight chain paraffin having 4-24C atoms per mole. comprises contacting the paraffin with a solid superacid catalyst with reactant and/or prod. in a supercritical or near critical state.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The life of the superacid catalyst is extended, compared to the life obtd. under conventional conditions, when the isomerisation is carried out under supercritical or near critical conditi    (EP532153-B1)      Process for isomerisation of a straight chain paraffin having 4 to 24 carbon atoms per molecule which comprises contacting said paraffin with a solid superacid catalyst with reactant and/or product in a supercritical or near critical state.
(JP2574733-B2)      Prodn. of wood fertiliser/manure comprises (i) impregnating a piece of wood in the shape of a stick, e.g., columnar, cylindrical, polypyramidal at one end, conical, wedge-shaped, etc., with a liq. mixt. contg. nutrients required for the growth of microorganisms and also contg. microorganisms, e.g., Bacillus, Clostridium, Saccharomyces, etc., that facilitate the decomposition of wood through fermentation, putrefaction or deterioration, and thereby allowing fermentation, putrefaction or deterioration of the piece of wood, and then (ii) drying, and then (iii) impregnating with a liq. mixt. of nitrogen, phosphorus, K, inorganic or/and organic nutrients or others, and then (iv) drying the treated piece of wood.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new method permits prodn. of wood fertiliser/manure suitable to garden trees, potted plants, roadside trees, etc. The new method permits mass and low-cost prodn. of easy-to-transport and easy-to-store wood fertiliser/manure that is easily decomposed in the soil thanks to the action of wood-decomposing microorganisms.
(JP2618116-B2)      Device comprises a compact tank having an air feed device consisting of air feed pipe with many ejection holes at the bottom. An air suction device consisting of an air suction pipe with suction holes at upper part of the tank. An air circulation device (fan with a timer) is provided at outside of the tank to circulate the air through the feed and suction-pipe. A sheet is arranged at the uppermost part of the compost including suction pipe to prevent dispersion of heat due to fermentation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prevents energy loss for feeding air and can make compost fast. No mixing operation is required.
(JP2563013-B2)      Device comprises a plastic long pot as an inner container and a plastic bucket as an outer container. Typically the inner container fits the outer container, and function and structure efficiently mixes each soln. of the inner and outer containers. The inner container has a mesh bottom and has hollow drain on the side edge of the bottom.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Re-utilisation of garbage for liq. fertiliser.    In an example, the device has plastic long pot as an inner container with a plastic bucket as an outer container. Plastic long pot No. 12 (No.1= 3.03 cm) is applicable for 45 l plastic bucket. The inner container is set in the outer container. The inner container or the inner and outer containers are put in a polyethylene bag. The bag is closed up. The Effective Microrganisms (EM) mixt. soln. diluted 50 times is poured into the inner container and the outer container. The EM soln. of the inner container is transferred to the outer container through the mesh bottom and the drain until the liquid levels of both containers are even. The garbage put in the inner container is fermented and decomposed by the EM fungi to form soluble material and is dissolved in the EM aq. soln. The material dissolved in the EM aq. soln. is spread from the inner container to the outer container. The liquid fertiliser is separated and matured.
(EP592545-A1)      Material is opt. heated by microwave energy to control the working temp. of the bed to optimise the rate of decomposition of the bed. Pref. air is fed to the bed at a rate controlled by a measurement of CO2 produced in the bed. The bed is in a container which is lined with a corrosion resistant material e.g. plastics, rubber or other material with dielectric properties so as not to be heated by the microwaves. The container (1) is in a housing e.g. of metal, which prevents the spread of microwaves outside the container. The microwaves are produced by a generator and conveyed to the housing by waveguide. The microwave generator is controlled by a thermostat, having a dead space to reduce the duty cycle of the generator, to maintain a temp. of 40-60 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Avoids skin or crust which would slow down the decomposition
(EP532797-A1)      Metal-contg. biological mass is treated by (a) subjecting the mass in a fluid state contg. solid and aq. phases to combined thermal and chemical treatment; (b) sepg. and recovering the solid and aq. phases; (c) purifying the aq. phase by heat treating with Ca(OH)2, CaO and/or Na2S to make metals in the aq. phase insoluble and to remove NH3; (d) absorbing the NH3 in an aq. soln.; and (e) mixing the soln. formed with the solid phase from (b).    Chemical treatment in (a) is pref. by sulphuric acid acidification, and chlorinating oxidn. or persulphuric acid oxidn..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid obtd. is neutralised, N-enriched and can be used as an agricultural fertiliser or soil conditioner. Process is less expensive than dumping or destruction by heat.
(DE4124880-C2)      An organic waste composting process involves aerobic decompsn. by aerobic microorganisms with supply of oxygen-contg. gas and, after decomposition of at least part of the easily degradable components, ending the oxygen-contg. gas supply, the novelty being that the waste is then anaerobically decomposed by anaerobic microorganisms in the absence of oxygen.    ADVANTAGE -   The combination of aerobic and anaerobic decompsn. provides an improved composed prod.
(US7700290-N)      Catalysts for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons in the presence of 02 of temps. of 700-900 deg.C are claimed. The catalyst comprises CoO or godolinium oxide promoted with 0.025-0.4 and 0.1-0.7 moles of sodium pyrophosphate, respectively. Pref. reaction temp. is 800-850 with an 02:CH4 ratio of 2:1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Catalysts give high yields and are active for longer than prior art catalysts.
(ZA9301130-A)      Aq. aerosol hair spray comprising: less than 80 wt.% volatile organic cpds. (VOC); 0.005-0.5 wt.% of a volatile silicone selected from cyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol; 40-70 wt.% alcohol; 15-40 wt.% water; 5-60 wt.% of a propellant selected from n-butane, isobutene, propane, dimethyl ether, difluoroethane, chlorodifluoroethane, chlorodifluoromethane and mixts. of these; 1.0-10 wt.% of a water-soluble resin selected from vinyl acetate/crotonic acid/vinyl neodecanoate copolymer, octyl acrylamide, acrylate/butyl amino ethyl methacrylate copolymer, vinyl acetate/crotonic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), PVP vinyl acetate copolymer, PVP acrylates copolymer and mixts. of these; 0.001-1.0 wt.% surfactants; and 0.05-3.0 wt.% neutraliser/ plasticiser.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention provides aesthetically pleasing commercial hairspray prods. which are low in VOC and thus more environmentally acceptable.
(WO9400023-A1)      For using up organic waste matter, the material is firstly mixed and then chopped. The chopped material is then compressed prior to the application of heat to dry it. Prior to being compressed, the material is washed and pre-heated. For the compressing process a centrifugal compression unit is employed. After drying, the waste material is finely ground. A part of the dried, compressed waste material is fed back and mixed with the chopped material awaiting drying. The compression stage is applied until the moisture content of the chopped material is reduced by approximately 20 %. The drying stage is carried at a temp. and for a duration adequate to sterilise the material. Specific additives are added to the organic waste prior to the compression stage, and contain approximately 28 wt.% egg white.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the prepn. of usable compost from organic waste.
(JP2955611-B2)      A wood waste having antiseptic, and anti-insect properties is obtd. by treating with compsn. contg. an antiseptic, anti-insect cpd. is crushed into chips. The chips are immersed into a heated acid soln., whereby the antiseptic, anti-insect cpd. is extracted and sepd.    The chips are placed in a container having an acid material resistance, and are sequentially immersed in tanks contg. a heated acidic soln.(pref. 1/20-2 N hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid). The chips are passed through a screw-feeder while a heated acidic soln. is supplied form one end of the feeder in opposition to the stream of the chips and is flown-over from the other end.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Nearly all of the cpd., e.g., Cu, Cr and As cpds. contained in the waste can be extracted. The method is a closed system without problems on environmental contamination. The treated wood waste can be used as a fuel. The appts. used is simple.
(GB2257980-B)      A biomass converter for smothered combustion of plant material, said converter comprising a mobile kiln mounted on skids or other means facilitating its movement in use along side a pile of plant material for combustion.
(EP524908-B1)      To prepare compost from domestic rubbish and/or waste from food mfg./distribution/prepn., or from horticulture, the material is broken down biologically by microorganisms together with compost worms in at least one rotating drum.    The rotating drum is divided into sections along its length, sepd. by perforated dividers. The base of the rotating drum has at least one opening and door flap for loading and emptying, and at least one stretch woven ventilation opening. A mechanism to break down the material and a feed funnel are at the loading opening.    The media to break down the material into compost is coccons of compost worms, a bedding material and dried microorganisms together with a packaging. The microorganisms are prepd. in layers, according to their nature, in pills with an onion skin structure. The bedding material is at least partially of shredded paper, peat, gravel, vermiculite or foam.    ADVANTAGE -   The compost can be prepd. on site, using biodegradable material, without any intermediate storage or dwell time and without additives.
(JP3046387-B2)      The sensor comprises an insulating base plate, a pair of electrodes formed on the base plate, a gas sensitive film of a metal oxide semiconductor formed over the electrodes and a catalyst layer formed to cover the gas sensitive film. The catalyst consists of copper, tungsten and phosphorus or their oxides supported on alumina carrier.    The gas-sensitive film consists of e.g. tin oxide, zinc oxide or indium oxide. The catalyst layer consists of porous layer of catalyst particles supported over alumina particles. The mixing ratio of Cu, W and P is e.g. 0.1-10.0 pts. wt., 0.1-20.0 pts. wt. and 0.01-10.0 pts. wt. respectively. The ratio of W/Cu is practically 0.1-10. The addn. of P is effective for raising the stability of the characteristics of the sensor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas sensor has esp. high sensitivity to CO, and exhibits little deterioration with time even in highly humid atmos. and high reliability for long period. It has high stability to CO, ethanol or propane gas with the passage of time.
(JP3199757-B2)      A nickel/alumina catalyst(C) is prepared by hardening a compsn. of (A) and (B) in a condition of hardening calcium-aluminate cement by hydration, and moulding it; (A) is a solid product prepared by mixing and reacting (A1) an alkali soln. contg. suspended fine alumina hydrate (A11) and/or gamma-alumina (A12) and (A2)an aq. soln. of nickel nitrate; (B) is calcium-aluminate cement.    Amt. of (A11) and/or (A12) is pref. 30-70 wt.% based on (C); (A1)alkali soln. is e.g. alkali carbonate, bicarbonate, etc. It is treated for 3-6 hr to form a suspension. Particle dia. of (A11) and/or (A12) is pref. less than 50 micron; average 10-30 micron. (A) solid product is prepared by washing ppte. of (A11) and/or (A12) and (A2), drying and calcining at 300-800 deg.C. (B) is a commercial prepn. of which amt. is pref. 5-10 wt.% based on (C).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used for producing e.g. town gas, from methanol transformed from LPG to give easy handling, in a high yield of methane, it has good heat resistance, and can maintain its catalytic activity and mechanical strength for a long period of use.
(FR2678850-A1)      In an industrial and/or domestic waste treatment process involving a waste drying stage followed by a thermolysis stage, the solids and gases from thermolysis are recovered and/or treated, the drying gases are treated and recycled and the waste is not contacted by combustion gases during thermolysis. The process includes a dechlorination stage involving washing the solids from thermolysis, followed by a first solids and liq. sepn. stage.    Appts. includes (i) a washer for recovering and washing solids from the thermolysis appts; (ii) a thermolysis appts. which has two different chambers sepn. the heating gases from the waste and which is fed with part of the effluent from the thermolysis operation; and (iii) at least one first separator located downstream of the washer for solids to be recovered in a storage device, and purified wash liq. to be re-injected into the washer feed circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   Treats hetergeneous waste contg. high levels of e.g. heavy metals, chlorine, fluorine, sulphur, etc. without release of noxious pollutants, recovers the energy content of the waste in the form of a coke fuel, optimises the pollutant capture potential of basic materials contained in the waste and emits pollutant-free waste gas and low chlorine content waste water.    (US5302254-A)      Treating industrial and/or urban waste, using a generator supplies warm gas for drying the waste before its indirect heating in a reactor by combustion gases obtd. by burning dried waste e.g. O2-free, is claimed. Warm gases from generator to a drier are freed from water vapour and burnt dried waste residue is washed in aq. liq. for dechlorination.    Pref. a basic agent is injected into the waste before its heating to 200-700 deg.C for thermolysis.    ADVANTAGE -   No atmos. pollution by noxious substances.
NOVELTY - A layer containing a binder and a hydrogen absorbing alloy is formed on the surface of a plate to obtain a cathode (2). An anode (1) consists of metallic oxide such as nickel hydroxide. The hydrogen absorbing alloy layer formed on the cathode is linear in shape.    USE -   Nickel hydrogen alkaline battery structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Since resistance between collector and hydrogen-absorbing alloy is reduced, electron collection property of cathode is reduced. Improves discharge characteristics of nickel hydrogen alkaline battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the sectional view of nickel hydrogen alkaline battery. (1) Anode; (2) Cathode.
(US5175196-A)      Hollow fibre is of amorphous, hydroxyethylated poly-(2,6-dimethyl-p-oxyphenylene) (PPO-OH) with glass transition temp. of 180-200 deg.C and contains units of formula (I)-(IV) in its macromol. The monomeric units are randomly distributed along the chain. x+y+z+w = 100. x is 30-40. y is 10-20. z is 30-60. w is 0-10. Fibre further comprises a thin, dense layer on a macroporous backing and has an outer dia. of 450-550 microns and an inner dia. of 250-400 microns.    Pref. x is 33-38. y is 13-18. z is 39-54. w is 0-5. Permeance values are (STP; cm3/cm2.s.cmHg) at least 0.5 in O2; at least 0.2 in N2; at least 2 in CO2; and at least 0.4 x 10 power(-6) in CH4.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For gas mixt. sepn. processes. Membranes prepd. have permeability and selectivity.
(EP521357-A3)      A machine to aerate compost in large heaps in the open air or in a shed comprises a gantry or bridge crane with its beam transversely across the heaps and movable along them. A turning mechanism includes a high-speed rotary drum carrying hammers or knives, movable parallel to the beam and with its horizontal axis parallel to heap length.    Pref. a thrust drum is located in front of and above the rotary drum and the vertical position of the latter can be adjusted. The rotary drum pref. has a working position and an inactive, optionally retracted, position, and there is a system for moistening the compost. The machine can move from heap and pref. has an automatic parking system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in composting large amts. of urban waste, provides more thorough aeration and allows composting to proceed more rapidly
(EP520672-A3)      Sepn. of gases (I) with a b.pt. of -80 to +50 deg.C from a gas mixt. comprising (I), hydrocarbons (II) with a b.pt. of -170 to -80 deg.C and one or more gases (III) with a b.pt. below -170 deg.C is effected by contacting the gas mixt. with an adsorbent which adsorbs (I) but does not adsorb (II) and (III), and then desorbing (I).    USE -   For sepg. MeCl from waste gases also contg. CH4, C2H4 and N2. It could also be used to separate C3+ hydrocarbons, other halogenated hydrocarbons or organic N, O or S cpds. from gases contg. O2, N2, Ar, H2 and/or CO and C1-2 hydrocar