In a solar cell module sealed with a resin for prevention of penetration of water, the sealing resin is formed by hardening of the starting material compsn. contg. (A) hydrocarbon series hardener having at least two hydrosilyl gps. in a molecule; (B) polymer having repeat unit with a main chain of satd. hydrocarbon, and having at least one alkenyl gp. at the molecule end, and (C) hydrosilylation catalyst.    The hardener (A) e.g. is of general formula RXa (where X is gp. having at least one hydrosilyl gp. R is mono-tetravalent 2-150 C hydrocarbon gp. a is integer 1-4) and has molecular wt. of up to 30000. X is e.g. -Si(H)n(CH3)3-n, -Si(H)n(C2H5)3-n, -Si(H)n(C6H5)3-n where n is 1-3, or -SiH2(C6H13). The catalyst (C) is e.g. Pt, Pt-olefin complex, Pt-phosphite complex, Pt-vinyl siloxane complex, or Pt-phosphine complex etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell module has excellent water penetration preventing property, and excellent weather resistance.
Metal porous material is made by applying Ni-fine powder on an urethane resin foam skeleton, and sintering it to make a battery plaque, in which ac magnetic field treatment and magnetising treatment are preformed in the application process of Ni-fine powder, to form a dense, and uniform layer of Ni-fine powder at the periphery of the skeleton, and also to make a shape-stable sheet where Ni-fine powder are magnetically bound, drying it, and dewaxing and sintering it using high freq. coil.    USE -   Used for making battery plaques having less deviation of quality, in high prodn. rate.
A solar cell module comprises a filler holding element disposed on an active solar cell element, both being encapsulated with a filler between a transparent film and a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member, filler and transparent film being bent in the direction opposite to the surface to be illuminated with sunlight, with no filler holding element at least in a bending portion.    Also claimed is installation of the above solar cell module comprising: bending the reinforcing member, filler and transparent film in the direction opposite to the surface to be illuminated, there being no filler holding element at least in a bending portion; and fixing the solar cell module via the bending portion.    USE -   The solar cell module may be installed on roofs.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell module has sufficient structural strength to be easily installed without a heavy frame and exhibits excellent long term reliability without redn. in conversion efficiency. The solar cell reinforcing member is used to install it. The fluorine resin film has good high temp., chemical and stain resistance and weatherability.
Electrolyte for use in battery contains B cpd(s). with compsn. of formula ABL2 (I) dissolved in organic solvent(s) (II) and/or polymer(s). In (I), A = Li or quat ammonium; and L = a bidentate ligand attached to B by two O atoms.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is free from explosion hazards, stable and compatible with the environment and has good cyclisation properties. Several (I) can be prepd. easily and from very cheap chemicals so that mfg. costs are low.
Prepn. of a membrane and electrode structure involves applying an electrode ink, comprising catalytically active particles (I) and a hydrocarbon (II) having an ether, epoxy or ketone link and an alcohol gp. (III), to at least one side of an ion exchange membrane.    USE -   To produce membrane and electrode structures useful as electrolytic or fuel cells for the prodn. of electrochemical prods. or electrical energy, gas generating devices and processes, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is efficient, inexpensive and reproducible, forming a uniform electrode structure which uses a small catalyst loading, does not crack or deform, or reduce the structure's ionic conductivity or strength, and adversely interact with the ion exchange polymer in the membrane.
Organic electrolyte comprises a high mol. compsn. showing a phase sepn. structure and metal salt. At least one continuous phase of this compsn. contains a polar macromolecule as a main component. The high mol. compsn. may be a block copolymer or graft copolymer.    USE -   For making sec. cells/sensors.
Prodn. comprises removing some or all of the polar organic cpds. from a high mol. compsn. and adding a polar solvent contg. a metal salt to the compsn. which may contain a metal salt.    USE -   Used for making sec. cells and sensors.
The lithium cell incorporates a positive and negative electrode with a conductive glass-like solid electrolyte inbetween them. On one side of the positive and negative electrode, a carbon paste is provided. A positive and negative terminal is drawn from the positive and negative electrodes respectively and the whole set up is covered with a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin is a high temperature hardening type resin. This covers the positive electrode, negative electrode and the solid electrolyte with a dense sealing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in portable telephones. Provides high reliability even under high temperatures. Facilitates stable cell characteristics by using hardening resin. Provides long life.
Process for treating solid prods. contg. a low m.pt. metal, in which these prods. are:- heated in a prim. zone; thermally decomposed in a sec. zone under a sub-atmospheric pressure whilst collecting by a siphon, communicating with the outside, the liq. metal flowing from the prods., then reduced in a tert. zone. These three zones are isolated from each other and from the atmos. by airlock doors.    The installation used to put this process into service is also claimed and incorporates three sealed chamber interconnected by airlocks.    USE -   The process is used for the thermal decomposition of a solid prod. contg. a low m.pt. metal, such as lead, and allow its recovery.    ADVANTAGE -   Overcomes problems associated with conventional processes for such treatment. Allows continuous control of the residual prods., an excellent global energy balance; an automated treatment in a closed environment, with reduced handling and a great redn. in the harmful effects for the operators; the removal of all pre-treatments, such as the removal of acid from electrical batteries used as feedstock; the advantageous prodn. of an intermediate prod. with a high purity, limiting the importance and the cost of the finishing treatments needed with conventional processes. The process can be used for the recovery of metals such as lead, cadmium/nickel and zinc from waste batteries, used tyres and other organic wastes.
The wt. of particles in the film is 4-20 wt.% and the particle size is pref. below 0.5 esp. 0.01-0.1. The Li salt is pref. halide and the amt. of salt in the film is 15-40 wt.%. Battery comprises the electrolyte film, cathode and Li anode.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte has improved mechanical properties and also has a greatly enhanced Li+ transport number, pref. close to unity.
The array consists of an array of linear arched Fresnel lenses with a linear tandem -cell receiver located along the focal line of each lens.    The lens consists of a glass protective superstrate with moulded silicone Fresnel grooves on its inner surface.    The tandem cell receiver consists of high efficiency cell stacks interconnected in a string with a sec. optical element adhesive bonded to each cell stack. Each sec. optical elemant entrance aperture is rectangular in shape and the optical secondaries are butted up against each other in a line to form a continuous aperture along the focal line.    ADVANTAGE -   Each secondary gives sunlight concn, in 3 dimensions so that its base is smaller in both the direction along the focal line as well as perpendicular to it. The gaps between the optical secondaries provide room for electrically connecting the cell string. The optical secondaries shield the cells against radiation damage.
The following are claimed: (a) novel thermostable, colourless and transparent polyimide resin(s) (I) having repeat unit of formula (II) and terminated with (III) or (IV), where X = -O-, -C(CH3)2-, Y = bivalent 6-15C monocyclic-, (non)condensed polycyclic-aromatic residue, Z = monovalent 6-15C monocyclic-, (non)condensed polycyclic-aromatic residue; (b) prepn. of (I) by reaction of diamine(s) (V) with 0.9-1.0 mol-fold (VI) in presence of 0.001-1.0 mol-fold (III) or (IV); (c) polyimide resin film (VII) prepd. from (I)-contg. compsn.; (d) polyamic acid(s) (VIII) corresponding to (I); and (e) varnish comprising (VIII).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) gives cured products having superior heat stability, mechanical strength and transparency (esp. visible light region). (I) is useful as material of cover lay of solar cell.
(JP6267556-A)   NOVELTY - A solid electrolyte (21) has a catalyst layer formed on its uneven plane. Electrodes (2, 3) are provided on both sides of the electrolyte.    USE - Used as an electrochemical device.    ADVANTAGE - The reaction property and the utilization factor of the electrochemical device are improved.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) an electrochemical dehumidification device,    (2) a method of manufacturing an electrochemical device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the electrochemical device.    Electrodes (2, 3)    Solid electrolyte (21)
Cell comprises: Ni electrode and H2-absorption alloy electrode alternately superposed with an interposed separator located in a metal case; alkali electrolyte in the case; a rectangular sealing plate at the open end, and an insulating gasket of synthetic resin compressed between the inner wall of the case and the rim of the sealing plate.    The case (1) comprises an inward folded portion (3) at its open end (2) and an inward projecting stepped portion (4) formed along the inner surface below the folded portion. The sealing plate (11) is fixed to the case between the folded and stepped portions, with the gasket (14) interposed. The folded portion at a corner of the open end of the case has an angle of 80-100; the folded portion at the side portions between the corners has a smaller angle.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has improved air-tightness and the metal case is not deformed during the open end folding step nor during removal of a curling mold from the case.
An allyl silane monomer has the formula R-CH=CH-CH2-Si-(R1)3 (I), where R is H or 1-3C alkyl and each R1 is -O(R4O)R5, -NR6R7, -R8(OC(:O))aOR9, or -R8(OC(:O)R10)bOC(:O)R9 where R4, R8 and R10 are each 1-4C alkylene, R5 and R9 are each H, allyl, 1-4C alkyl or Li+, Na+, K+ or Mg++, R6 and R7 are each H or 1-4C alkyl, a = 1-2, b = 1-4, p = 1-4.    The solid electrolyte pref. comprises a copolymer of (I), esp. with a urethane acrylate comonomer, LiPF6 and as solvent a mixt. of propylene carbonate and triglyme. The polymer can alternatively be a copolymer of a monomer of formula (I) in which all gps. R1 are -OCH2CH3.    USE -   The monomer is polymerised to form a polymer useful in solid electrolytes for electrolytic cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is compatible with inorganic ion salts to give a solid electrolyte of high conductivity.
Prepn. of an electrolytic soln. comprising an electrolyte solvent, a polyalkylene oxide film forming agent, a prepolymer and LiPF6 , while inhibiting decomposition of the LiPF6 , comprising: (a) mixing the electrolyte solvent and prepolymer until homogeneous; (b) mixing in the polyalkylene oxide film forming agent until a uniform dispersion results; (c) heating above 55C until the polyalkylene oxide dissolves; (d) cooling to a temp. between the polyalkylene oxide film forming agent pptn. point and 50C; and (e) adding LiPF6while maintaining the compsn. temp. above the polyalkylene oxide pptn. point but below 55C to form an electrolyte soln.    USE -   The electrolyte soln. is useful in preparing solid electrolyte for use in solid electrolytic cells.    ADVANTAGE -    The process allows dissolution of LiPF6 to form an electrolyte soln. at low temp., thus inhibiting decomposition. Thus LiPF6 can be used in place of the more toxic LiAsF6 conventionally used in solid batteries. LiPF6 provides improved capacity (improved cycle life) and approx. the same conductivity compared to LiAsF6.
A solid electrolyte comprises a solid polymeric matrix, an inorganic ion salt and an electrolyte solvent. The polymeric matrix comprises an allylic cpd. of the formula R1 CH=CR2 (CH2 )p R3 (I) in which R1 and R2 are each H or 1-3C alkyl, R3 is (II), (III) or (IV), wherein R4 is 2-4C alkylene, R5 is 1-30C hydrocarbyl and R6is 2-20C divalent hydrocarbyl or oxyhydrocarbylene or polyoxyalkylene gp., n = 0-50 and p = 1-5.    USE -   The electrolyte is interposed between anode and cathode in an electrolytic cell for use in solid batteries.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) increases the conductivity and the flexibility or swellability of the solid electrolyte.
The composite is used to make a double-sided, finely porous, insulating layer for elastic connectors.    USE -   The composite is used in the mfr. of electronic instruments with liquid crystal or electro-luminescent screens.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the composite simplifies the assembly of electronic components by increasing the clearance of the contact dimensions and it excludes fire risk during prodn..
The sec. battery comprises a receptacle made up of a metal (e.g. zinc) which acts as a negative electrode. The receptacle contains lithium chloride salt mixed with polyethylene glycol liq. which corresponds to the electrolyte, making the polyethylene glycol ion conductive. A positive electrode made of graphite is dipped into the polyethylene glycol and is placed mutually with the base of the negative electrode. Graphite powder, wrapped in by a separator (e.g. kraft paper), is placed alongside the anode. The graphite powder promotes the electrode reaction and increases the electric current generation during discharge. The positive and negative electrodes transform the heat energy to electrical energy as the excited electron helps to mix the graphite powder with the positive electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables efficient transformation of heat energy generated by low temp. (e.g. solar heat, geothermal, hot spring etc.) to electrical energy. Public hazard is avoided as waste disposal is easy and there is no environmental contamination. The cost is lowered and energy is saved.
The solid giant molecule electrolyte fuel battery system consists of a fuel battery (11). The fuel battery has an anode and cathode attached to the giant molecules electrolyte. Power is generated by the battery when hydrogen and oxidising agent are supplied from hydrogen humidifier (15) and oxidising agent humidifier (16).    The radiated heat from battery cooling water is supplied to hydrogen occlusion alloy (12) which in turn generates hydrogen to hydrogen humidifier. Heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat with the fuel battery system.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces energy loss.
The fuel battery system consists of a main fuel battery unit (1) connected with drain separators (15,16). Cooling water (7) passes through the main fuel battery unit. The fuel supply equipment (21) is connected to steamy executors (13,14), while a steam generation equipment (11) is linked with the output from the fuel supply equipment. Oxidising equipment (25) supplies oxygen to the steamy executor (14). The power supply is produced by linking the solid molecule to the anode and cathode electrodes as a result, the fuel is collected in the vicinity of anode while the oxidising agent moves towards the cathode. This allows discharge at the junction.    ADVANTAGE -   Good efficiency.
The solid giant molecule fuel battery has a pair of gas partition board (13,14) arranged on the either sides of the electrolyte electrode junction object consisting of one pair of electrodes (11,12). These electrodes are arranged such that electrolyte (10) is inserted between electrodes. The gas non permeable conductive material is arranged on either side of the electrolyte electrode junction object. Reaction gas supply flow paths (15,16) are incorporated in the gas partition boards and the reaction supply flow paths are provided with water permeable cooling water pipes (17,18).    This helps in cooling of the fuel battery and maintenance of temperature of the battery. Simultaneously humidification of the reaction gas takes place under pressure and this prevents condensation of steam in the reaction gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Realizes good solid giant-molecule type fuel battery due to effective cooling arrangement. Provides efficient generation of electric power.
The matrix of the phosphoric acid type fuel battery is supported between two gas diffusion electrodes consisting of an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer. The matrix holds the electrolyte. The matrix is formed by mixing uniformly fine boron nitride pieces (1) of mean particle diameter of 0.1-1.0 micrometers and coarse boron nitride cubes of mean particle diameter of 1-10 micrometers and adding polytetrafluoro ethylene (PTFE) which acts as a good binding agent for the two types of boron nitride. The addition of the binder is kept at about 1/3 of the total vehicle in order to maintain the maintenance nature of the electrolyte and to enable forming a thin film of the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides low internal resistance. Increases mechanical strength of matrix of thin film. Prevents crack. Improves characteristics phosphoric acid type fuel battery.
The solid macro molecular electrolyte type fuel battery uses the positive ion exchange film which consists of a perfluoro carbon polymer having a sulphonic acid group, as the solid electrolyte. This has very low electrical resistance value. The resistivity of the positive ion exchange film is 5-11 ohm cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use as power source for vehicles. Provides efficient fuel battery. Operates at low temp. Enhances power density. Enables miniaturisation of battery.
An electrolyte for an electric accumulator battery with a lithium based negative electrode comprises a soln. of at least one Li salt in an organic solvent and also contains at least one fluorinated surfactant (I).    The (I) is pref. an organic cpd. with a hydrophobic fluorinated hydrocarbon chain with 6-12C atoms and at least 9 F atoms and a polar hydrophilic gp. which may be positively or negatively charged or neutral. Pref. (I) is chosen from cpds. RAM (Ia) RBX- (Ib) RV (Ic) in which R = an organic cpd. with a hydrophobic fluorinated hydrocarbon chain with 6-12C atoms and at least 9 F atoms, opt. having one or more gps. -SONH- in the chain and one or more substituents chosen from Cl, Br and I; A = an anion chosen from SO, MPO and MSO; M = an ion chosen from Li, Na, K and ammonium ion of formula (A) in which R, R, R and R (same or different) = alkyl or aryl gps. B = a quat. pyridinium, phosphonium or ammonium gp, X = an anion chosen from I, alkyl sulphonate, arylsulphonate and carboxylate; and V = a non-charged polar gp. of formula O(OCH)H in which x = a whole number 1-12.Partic. pref. surfactants are LiCFSO and (CH)NCFSO (claimed).    USE -   In batteries where a large number of charge/discharge cycles are involved, e.g. for electric vehicles and communications satellites.    ADVANTAGE -   The presence of the (I) in the electrolyte improves the reactivity of Li with the electrolyte and improves the faradic yield in the process of deposition and redissolution which occurs during the charge and discharge cycles of the battery.
Method comprises: coating a glass substrate with a polyimide varnish and imidising; vacuum depositing and patterning a metal film, an amorphous Si film and a transparent electrode film; applying a transparent electrode film; separating the polyimide film from the glass substrate; and adding a protective film on the backside of the polyimide film.    USE -   Method is simple and low cost.
Polycarbonate polymer comprises the units (A) and (B), wherein the compsn. (mol) is (A)/((A)+(B)) between 0 and 1    R1-R6 are H, halogen or alkyl or aryl, arylated amide gps., or R1-R3 or R4-R6 may bond to form a carbon ring, hetero ring or a complex ring and X is (I)-(IX). R9-R16 are H, halogen, alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl or aryl; and y is (i), (ii), R17, R18 are H, halogen, alkyl or aryl, and may bond to form a carbon ring or a complex ring; and a, b are at least 1.    Also claimed content of (A) is up to 70 mol%. Limiting viscosity is up to 2.0 dl/g.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in electrophotography, optical device and a solar cell because of its photoconductive structure. Prod. is new having a bisazo structure.    In an example, 80.2g of Cholorodian Blue of formula (1), 22.8g of 2,2-bis(4- hydroxyphenyl)propane, 0.1g of hydrosulphite and 50mg of chlorobenzyltriethylammonium were dissolved in 500ml of 6.2 (w/v)% aq. NaOH soln. 360ml of methylenechloride was added; at 15 deg.C, 1.0g of t-butylphenol and then 30g of phosgene were introduced; polymsn. was conducted by addn. of 0.2ml of triethylamine after emulsfn.; polymsn. 1 hr. (ita) was 0.48 dl/g. Structure as shown below.
(JP6251801-A)   NOVELTY - Secondary cell has composite anode (2), cathode (4) and electrolyte (3) having ionic conductive polymer compound (C) formed by irradiation with ionizing radiation. Anode has electrochemical active substance and/or compound (C). Cathode has carbonaceous material and/or compound (C). Compound (C) is formed by polymerizing specific compounds and ionic compound having anions other than hexafluorophosphate anion.    USE - As secondary cell.    ADVANTAGE - The secondary cell has improved long-term reliability, workability and battery property.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A secondary cell comprises a composite anode, composite cathode or alkali-metal cathode, and an electrolyte which are formed by irradiation with an ionizing radiation. The anode comprises an electrochemical active substance and/or an ionic conductive polymer compound. The cathode comprises carbonaceous material and/or ionic conductive polymer compound. The electrolyte comprises the ionic conductive polymer compound. The ionic conductive polymer compound has a cross-linked network structure obtained by polymerizing an organic compound of formula (1 or 2), an ionic compound comprising anions other than hexafluorophosphate anion (PF6-), and an organic compound which dissolves the ionic compound.    R1-R6 = H, 1C or more lower alkyl group;    m = at least 1;    n and l = at least 0;    k = at least 3; and    n/m, l/k = 0-5.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional drawing of sheet-like battery.    Anode collector (1)    Composite anode (2)    Electrolyte (3)    Composite cathode (4)    Cathode collector (5)    Sealing material (6)
A solid polymer electrolyte comprises polymer having a structural unit of vinyl pyridine, an inorganic ionic salt and an organic solvent dissolving the inorganic ionic salt. The polymer solvates the organic solvent.    Specifically the polymer comprises vinyl pyridine homopolymer or vinyl pyridine polymer cross-linked by divinyl benzene. The cross-linked polyvinyl pyridine has stereographic structure and improved mechanical strength and high tearing strength. When the amount of divinyl benzene exceeds 1 wt.%, solvation is hardly carried out. The inorganic ionic salt is e.g. Licl or LiC104. the organic solvent e.g, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, amyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, glycerol or ethylene glycol blended pref. with a N-contg. heterocyclic cpd. (e.g. bispyridine, pyrrole, pyrimidine, purine or pyridine) for improving heat stability of solid electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolyte contains sufficient amt. of dissociated inorganic ion to provide high ionic conductivity. It is used as an electrolyte in a Li cell.
(JP2546480-B2)      Alkali battery has gel-like negative electrode consisting of zinc powder, an alkali electrolyte and a gelling agent contg. 0.2-0.6 wt.% of vinylon fibres including absorption multiplying factor, 0.2-0.5 wt.% of an acrylics system with absorption properties and carboxyl vinyl polymers. Vinylon fibres surround and hold zinc particles. The acrylic system acts as a buffer material to loading forces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Alkali battery is for headphones and portable cassette stereo, mountain bike devices and applications where conventional mercury batteries are used. Battery has excellent shock resistance. Improved negative electrode collector object gives stable performance in loaded and oscillating states.
(JP6243855-A)   NOVELTY - The battery consists of lead alloy positive electrode lattice of calcium with lead alloy strap. The positive electrode lattice and lead alloy strap has tin content of 1.5-4%. The calcium content of positive electrode lattice is 0.04-0.13%.    USE - Direct vent system lead storage battery used for motor vehicle and industrial purpose.    ADVANTAGE - Improves the corrosion resistance at the junction of lead alloy strap and electrode edge, thereby improving the life span property of the battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows an expanded view illustrating the strap formation process in direct vent system lead storage battery.    electrode edge (3)    melting lead alloy (4)    cast (5)
Solar panel consists of solar cells (12) equipped with a conductive grid (26) and wiring (14) forming air electrode for each cell. Cells are place don a backing layer (28) contg. moulded slots (32), optimally with a conductive material (34) in each slot and an adhesive is applied to bond cells to the backing layer. Transparent plastic sheet (38), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate film, is bonded to the top by a clear adhesive film (40). Cells are of Si-base material, backing layer is of thermoplastic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Not prone to delamination, cells flush with surface.
Method for increasing the ionic conductivity of the solid polymer electrolyte in a unit consisting of electrode, counter electrode, and solid polymer electrolyte between them. First electrical contact on the electrode, second contact on the counter electrode and a housing holding the unit and mechanically exciting it.    Also claimed is a solid state battery system made using the method.    The mechanical excitation is using a piezoelectric transducer in the frequency range 40-400 KHz. The battery is a solid state lithium cell and the unit is an electrochromic device. The polymer electrolyte is polyethylene oxide doped with LiClO4.    USE -   Rechargeable batteries, power supplies, capacitors, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Ionic conductivity is increased.
A method of mfg. thin batteries comprises depositing a patterned cathode material on a substrate (22) to form cathodes (26) which are sepd. with an insulating cathodes mask (24). A solid electrolyte/separator layer (16) is formed contacting the cathodes, and an anode layer formed by depositing a patterned solder on an anode substrate (38) to form anodes (34) sepd. by an insulated anode mask (36) and contacting the electrolyte. The separate layers are combined to form a laminated array of cells from which individual battery cells are sepd. Also claimed are (a) a method of forming thin polymer batteries as above in which the cathode and anode substances are conductive and the anodes are formed by depositing molten anode material, (b) a method as above in which the cathode and electrolyte are deposited by printing through first and second stencils, and (c) the thin battery itself.    USE -   For supplying power to microelectronic devices, watches, calculators, cordless telephones, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced mfg. costs and increased efficiency. Lightweight batteries of high energy are obtd.
The secondary battery has a container (11) with polyethylene glycol mixt. electrolyte (12), which houses a graphite anode (17) and copper cathode (18). The cap (15) seats at the top and separator (16) maintains the clearance between the electrodes. The discharge function is due to an electrolytic reaction initiated by low temperature heating of the electrolyte. During charging by a direct current voltage, the copper ions dissolved in the electrolyte diffuse into the cathode and electromotive force spent due to discharging is recovered.    ADVANTAGE -   Employs environmentally-friendly technology. Offers energy saving and cost reduction.
The solar battery module consists of a solar cell packaged inside a suitable housing. The solar cell is produced using a silicon substrate. An array of solar cells is formed by interconnecting various individual PN junctions formed on the substrate.    The housing is formed according to required dimension. A transparent material is selected to form the cover-like housing. The solar battery is kept in the cover-like housing. Amorphous fluorine resin having aliphatic ring structure is selected and poured in the space between the solar cell and cover-like housing.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides sealing structure with low hygroscopicity. Protects solar battery from environmental moisture. Does not generate degradation even on exposure to outdoors for long duration. Eliminates need for separate adhesive agent between cell and cover. Maintains good transmittivity and retains transparency.
A fuel cell is attached with cation-exchange film contg. perfluorocarbon contg. sulphonic acid gp. and reinforcing fibril or woven or unwoven cloth of fluorocarbon polymer as a solid polymer electrolyte.    The reinforcing material is e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene. The perfluorocarbon (co)polymer contg. sulphonic acid gp. comprises such polymer and perfluoro-olefin. Such perfluorocarbon is e.g. CF2=CFO(CF2)1-8SO2F. The perfluorocarbon (co)polymer contg. sulphonic acid gp. is used in a wt. ratio/reinforcing polymer = 99.9/0.1-50/50. The film is formed by impregnating a varnish of the perfluorocarbon (co)polymer into the reinforcing material, and melting the perfluorocarbon (co)polymer and the reinforcing material or continuously or batchwise flat or vacuum pressing.    ADVANTAGE -   The ion-exchange film has a low resistivity and high mechanical strength to provide a fuel cell of solid polymer electrolyte type having a high performance.
A fuel cell is attached with cation-exchange resin film comprising at least 2 perfluorocarbon polymers having a sulphonic acid gp. and each having a difference ion-exchange capacity as its polymer electrolyte.    The cation-exchange resin film is pref. copolymer of perfluorocarbon contg. sulphinic acid gp. and perfluoroolefin. The perfluorocarbon contg. perfluorocarbon contg. sulphonic acid is e.g., CF2=CFO(CF2)1-8SO2F. The perfluoroolefin is e.g., tetrafluoroethylene. The 1st perfluorocarbon polymer has pref. ion-exchange capacity = 0.6-1.3 milliequiv./g on dry bases and the 2nd polymer has pref. ion-exchange capacity = higher by 0.05 milliequiv./g on dry bases than that of the first resin and blended in a wt. ratio of first resin/second resin = 30/70-90/10.    ADVANTAGE -   The ion exchange film has a low resistivity and high mechanical strength to provide a fuel cell of solid polymer electrolyte type having high performance.
The lead alloy sheet consists of many acid proof resin composition sheets (1) placed uniformly inside a lead alloy (2). The thickness and width of each acid proof resin composition sheet are respectively smaller than the thickness and width of the lead alloy sheet.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces weight and increases productivity. (Reissued from week 9438 to add EPI classifications/ Reprinted in week 9440)
(JP6223876-A)   NOVELTY - A compound anode (2) comprises an anode active material, a conductive agent, an ion-conductive high polymer compound and a bonding agent. A cathode (4) comprises a cathode active material, an ion conductive high polymer compound and a bonding agent. An electrolyte layer (3) is made of an ion-conductive high polymer compound including several melted ionic compounds.    USE - Used in a battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since the electrolyte layer is made of an ion-conductive high polymer compound, the generation of dendrites when lithium is used as the cathode is restricted and the liquid leak resistance is improved. Long term reliability and the mechanical strength of the electrolyte is improved.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A compound anode (2) comprises an anode active material, a conductive agent, an ion-conductive high polymer compound and a bonding agent. A cathode (4) comprises a cathode active material, an ion conductive high polymer compound and a bonding agent. An electrolyte layer (3) is made of an ion-conductive high polymer compound including several melted ionic compounds. The ionic conductive polymer compound is formed by polymerization of two or more type polymer compounds of formulae (I, II or III).    R1, R2 and R3 = H, 1C or more lower alkyl group;    m = at least 1;    n = at least 0;    m/n = 0-5;    R4, R5, R6 = R1;    s = at least 3;    t = at least 0;    t/s = 0-5;    R7, R8 = R1;    p1, p2, p3 = at least 3;    q1, q2, q3 = at least 0;    p1/q1, p2/q2, p3/q3 = 0-5; and    p1+q1, p2+q2, p3+q3 = 10.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the battery.    Compound anode (2)    Electrode layer (3)    Compound cathode (4)
(JP6223802-A)   NOVELTY - A separator comprises a fine porous film formed from the mixture of macromolecular polyethylene and macromolecular polypropylene. The film has electrical resistance of less than 10 Ohm.cm2, film thickness of 10-100 mum and average pore size of less than 1 mum.    USE - For cylindrical-type electrical components used for non-aqueous battery e.g. cylindrical cell such as lithium cell, and cylindrical-type electrolytic capacitor.    ADVANTAGE - The separator has high coefficient of elasticity, low electrical resistance, low internal resistance, excellent workability and productivity. The battery formed using the separator is reliable and safe to use.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows schematic view of electrical resistance measurement assembly of porous film.
Compsn capable of providing low-gloss film or coating with a right reflectance in the infra-red range contains: (a) a binder to impart film forming properties; and (b) filler particles. (b) are a polyolefin selected from ethylene and/or propylene homopolymers and copolymers. The compsn. has an index of refraction of the polyolefin-air of at least 10% greater than that of the binder-air. (b) imparts a matt property at the visible light.    USE -   The compsn. is used as a paint (claimed). These paints can be used for greenhouses and solar collection installations where a shadowless light is required.
A high temp. battery has a cooling device with an internal heat exchanger located within the heat insulating battery housing and in thermal contact with the individual cells, the heat exchanger being connected by feed and return lines, extending to outside the housing, to an external inert gas-contg. pressure equalisation vessel, a circulation pump and an external heat exchanger in a closed high temp. coolant circuit.    The novelty is that the pressure equalisation vessel (E), acting as a supply tank, is located ahead of the external heat exchanger (F) in the coolant flow direction and the coolant flows continually through the vessel (E).    Pref. the high temp. coolant is based on silicone oil.    USE -   E.g. as a Na/metal chloride or Na/S battery for electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery employs a relatively small amount of coolant so that the battery and the cooling system can have a very compact structure. The design of the battery and the coolant circuit prevents severe thermal shock, on switch-on of the circulation pump, and thus prevents system damage and leakage in the region of the external heat exchanger.
The system includes an external platform (1) which is attached to the landing skids (2,3) of the helicopter (4). On the platform is fixed a movable boom (5) with a pump/drive assembly (6), a pump and a pump engine (8), with a pump engine fuel tank on an opposite side to counterbalance the boom.    Cleaning fluid is carried in an on-board tank (7) for pumping out to the delivery system (10) located in the boom. Controls are electrically powered from the helicopter 28 V supply system via a converter/inverter (12,13 ). The operator can control the special nozzle very precisely in vertical and horizontal directions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For efficient repair and maintenance of live high voltage transmission lines, esp. for cleaning support insulators.
The content of substances which remain in a cell due to the materials which the ionically conductive high-molecular compound is made of and cause expansion of the cell, short-circuit and deterioration of the cell performance is controlled below 0.1 wt.%. As the substances, sulphate ion, paratoluene sulphonic ion, hydrochloric ions, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid are mentioned.
Electrochemical cell and a decorative label thereon comprises a cell (10) with a cylindrical metal casing, a label (30) made from heat shrinkable polymeric film (28) e.g. polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate etc. wrapped about the cylindrical cell wall and adhered e.g. by adhesive (34), pref. solvent fusing and by heat shrinking on application of heat to the cylindrical wall of cell.    A method for applying the film label to an electrochemical cell is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Giving a protective and decorative coating to a cell and is non metallic, lustrous, protective of printed matter and has no creases.
A single phase, solid, solvent-contg. electrolyte comprises (a) a solid polymeric matrix obtd. by polymerising. an allyl carbonate monomer of formula (I); (b) an inorganic ion salt; and (c) a solvent. CH2=CHCH2R (I) R = aliphatic carbonate of formula (i) or (ii); -(OC(O))aOR1 (i) (OC(O)OR2)bOC(O)OR1 (ii), R1 = 1-4C alkyl or allyl; R2 = 2-4C alkylene; a = integer of 1 or 2; and b = integer of 1-4. Also claimed are (1) an electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode, and between them the above electrolyte; and (2) prepn. of an electrolytic cell comprising interposing an electrolyte prepd. by polymerising. (a)-(c), between the anode and cathode.    ADVANTAGE -   Batteries incorporating ionically conductive matrices provide both increased discharge capacity and longer battery life.
Organo-gel is produced by repeating the process of freezing and remelting a soln. of PVA and/or polyolefin oxide in an organic solvent or solvent mixt. with a dielectric constant of higher than 30. An electrolytic gel may be formed when a metal salt is added.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Tough organo-gel and electrolytic gel, are efficiently obtd., which contains reduced amt. of impurity and may be used for the component of a cell.    In an example, 1 pt wt. PVA having a deg. of polymerisation of 500 and saponification deg. of 86.5-98 mol.%, is solved in 9 pts. wt. of N-methyl-pyrrolidone on warming. Cooling of the soln. to freeze it and remelting at room temp. were effected. After repeating the process twice, a transparent organo-gel e.g, silicon rubber is obtd.
The electrothermal pond is a battery in which the molten salt is the electrolyte. The electrolyte is normally solid and non conductive and the battery does not generate power during storage. The ignition device (15) in this case makes the electrolyte molten to generate power when required.    The ignition device is made attachable and detachable so that it is fixed and removed on the ignition device attachment-detachment part (14) in the electrothermal pond (20). When the ignition device is required, the attachment-detachment part is protected with a resin or metal foil to ensure airtightness of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies handling and storage of electrothermal pond. Prevents unwanted activity like power generation.
The sealed type storage battery has a battery (1) and unit cells (2) which are stacked in two or more layers in the armour case (3); the case being pressurised in the direction of the layers. The armour case is put on a lower dish of resin (4) which carries the multilayered body of unit cells. Each unit cell is pressurized using pressurisation case made of metal (5) and sealed at the upper lid and lower dish by resin fusing.    The plate group which consists of a positive electrode board, a negative electrode board and an electrolyte maintenance object is wrapped in the battery jar by a film or sheet made of resin. The electrolyte is poured into the battery jar and the multilayered structure of unit cells is accommodated in the armour case.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces cost of manufacture due to less parts and simple construction. Increases manufacturing speed.
A solar concentrator (10) formed from a honeycomb arrangement of cell elements (12) usable in outer space each comprising a longitudinal mirror element (16) formed of composite material with an off axis cylindrical parabolic reflective surface for concentrating sunlight at a line, side elements (14), a front element (18) with a longitudinal aperture and solar cell means (22) positioned on the back side of the mirror for receiving concentrated light passing through the aperture of an adjacent cell.    USE -   Concentrating sunlight in a solar cell arrangement.    ADVANTAGE -   Has reduced mass, higher strength and surface accuracy of mirror.
Diaphragm is made of polyethylene having fraction with a mol.wt. range of more than 1000000 of 1-20 wt.% and a fraction with a molecular weight range of less than 10,000 of 1-40 wt.% and contg. a HDPE. Membrane thickness is 15-40 microns, porosity is 20-70% and maximum piercing load is more than 400 gf.    Pref. one of the high density polyethylene (HDPE-1) has a viscosity average molecular weight of 210000. The other high density polyethylene (HDPE-2) has a viscosity average molecular weight of 480000.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The diaphragm is used for batteries, in particular L batteries, and electrolytic capacitor. It has a low electrical resistance and a high mechanical strength.    In an example, 30 wt.% of HDPE-1, 20 wt.% of HDPE-2, 38 wt.% of DOP, and 12 wt.% of finely-divided silicic acid were mixed and extruded to give formed part. The formed part was dipped in 1,1,1-trichloroethane to extract DOP, and then, dipped in a 25% NaOH aq. solution to remove silicic acid, washed with water, and biaxially oriented to give a microporous membrane. The microporous membrane had a membrane pressure of 29 micron a porosity of 41%, a maximum piercing load of 480 gf, an electrical resistance of 1.3 l.cm2, and a modulus in M. of 8500 kgf/cm2.
A photoelectric cell comprises a photoelectric wafer (1) having charge collecting electrodes (4,7) on its principle sides (2,3) and a glass protection sheet (8) integral with the wafer (1). A grid (10) of transparent conducting material elements (11) to drain any electrostatic charges is deposited on the outer surfaces of the glass protection sheet (8). The conducting material is e.g. indium tin oxide. Also claimed are a solar panel partic. for the space industry made from the cells, and the prodn. process using a thin film of PTFE between the photoelectric wafer and glass protection sheet and treating at high temp.    USE -   Partic. for the space industry having protection against accumulated electrostatic charges.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is resistant to hostile environments, periodic illumination charges and thermal cycling, has a high power to wt. ratio and is mfd. at modest cost.
Prep. of a photoelectric cell (1) having at least one photoactive layer (2) between two electrically conductive layers (3, 5). There is a diffusion barrier (4) between the photoactive layer and the first conductive layer (3). The photoactive layer and diffusion barrier are prep. by application of a suspension on the first conductive layer.    USE -   For the conversion of light, esp. sun light, into electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is faster and cheaper than prior art processes.
The cell (1) has at least one photoactive layer (2) between two conductive layers (3, 4). A paste is used for the mfr. of the photoactive layer, applied by screen or stencil printing onto one conductive layer. The paste pref. consists of an organic solvent, binder and disperser and titanium dioxide powder of grain size of 5-50 mm.    Typically, the solvent is terpin oil. or mixt. of terpin oil, alcohol or ethylene glycol, e.g. with 20-40% wt. of alcohol or ethylene glycol w.r.t. the solvent total weight. 0.1-2% wt. of a disperser may be added related to the total weight of alcohol or ethylene glycol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells, etc. with simple mfr. of photoactive layers with preset thickness and without cracks.
The module (1), with at least two photoelectrical chemical cells (20, 30, 40), has a cell connector (1) linking them in series. Each cell connector (1) is of a compound material with at least one elastic carrier section (2) and at least one electrically conductive section (3).    USE -   The module is especially for the conversion of solar light into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure gives a low loss electrical connection between the cells in series. (Reissued from week 9435 to add EPI classifications/ Reprinted in week 9437)
Polyaminoazopyridine(s) (I) having one or more repeat unit(s) selected from (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic) is new. (n1, n2, n3 = 5-10000 wherein sum of n1, n2 and n3 is 10000 or less). Polyaminoazopyridine(s) (II) doped with cation(s) is also new. (a = 1, 2, 3, m = 0-2, at least 0.01 for a opt. unit).    Prepn. of (I) comprising oxidn. of 2,5-diaminopyridine (III) with oxidising agent (IV), prepn. of (II) comprising redn. of (I), and sec. battery comprising (I) and/or (II) as electroactive substance are also claimed.    (III) is dissolved in solvent (pref. DMSO, pyridine acetic acid) to prepare 0.01-1 (pref. 0.1-0.5) mol/l. soln. (IV) (pref. sodium perchlorate, 2-10 (pref. 2-5) mol-fold to (III) is added to the soln. portionwise at 20-80 (pref. 45-65) deg.C over 0.5-16 (pref. 2-6) hrs. The solid is filtered and washed to obtain (I). An electrode prepd. from (I) is dipped into an electrolyte soln. comprising the desired cation(s) to dope (I) and organic solvent (pref. acetonitrile, propylene carbonate, THF, 0.05-0.5 mol/l.). Electrolytic reduction is carried out e.g. application of 0.01-10 mA/cm2 current to obtain (II).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) and (II) are useful as electroactive substance for secondary batteries. (I) is useful as material for prepn. of (II). The secondary battery using (I) and/or (II) as electroactive substance is quite light, has small size and shows good electric properties. (I) is prepd. by oxidn. of (III) readily and (II) is prepd. by electrolytic redn. of (I) in presence of cation(s).
Ion-conductors comprising random copolymer consisted of repeat units of formulae (I), (II) and (III), where the ratio of ((I)/((I)+(II)+(III))) and ((II)/((I)+(III))) ranges 0.80-0.90 and 0.35-0.90 respectively. R = -H, -CH3; X,Y = H, 1-3C alkyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A polymer with improved ion-conductivities, is obtd. The polymer has many sulphonated gps. and is used esp. for a fuel cell.    In an example, 25g of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (weight-average molecular weight = 49,700, vinyl acetate content = 40 wt.%, acetoxy gp. content = 0.116 eq.) and 100 ml of toluene are mixed at 65 deg. C, 120 rpm to give soln. (A). 50 ml of methanol, 5.11 g (0.128 mol) of NaOH are added and agitated at 65 deg. C for 2 hrs. to produce the PVA. 1.75 g of NaH (0.04 mol) and 100 ml of DMSO are mixed under N2 gas atmosphere at 60 deg. C for 45 mins. to produce the DMSO soln. contg. NaCH2SOCH3. The DMSO soln. and 200 ml of THF contg. 6.92 g of PVA are mixed at 60 deg. C for 2 hrs. 20 ml of THF contg. 1,3-propane-sulphone of formula (IV), is added and agitated at 80 deg. C for 7 hrs. to produce the modified polymer. The modified polymer and 100 ml of 1 NHCl are mixed. After drying the polymer at 60 deg. C for 12 hrs., sulphonic acid-modified polymer is placed between Al plates (0.1 mm of thickness) and pressed at 130 deg. C, 50 kg/cm2 for 1 min. to produce a sheet (0.4 mm of thickness, 0.01 S/cm at 70 deg. C).
The method uses an equipment that consists of reaction tank (103) with 90% solution of an epoxy system cation electrocoating material (101). The reaction tank has a quartz window (102) for incidence of light. The solar cell (100) is immersed in the solution in the reaction tank. A light of 100 mW per cm is applied for twenty seconds through the quartz window.    The restoration method of the defective part of solar battery is to carry out filling of pin hole portion which is a transparent electric conduction layer or a conductive material layer exposes, with an insulator or a semiconductor.    ADVANTAGE -   Restores performance to original condition. Reduces manufacturing cost. Improves yield.
The process is carried out after the manufacture of solar battery by forming one part of semiconductor junction and an up electrode. By optical irradiation, the leakage electric current flowing into the defective portion such as short circuit and shunt, is increased. Then a resin is deposited on the defective portion by electrodeposition.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates selective sealing of defective portion. Raises characteristics and reliability of solar battery.
The air cell has several parts. The case (1) is a positive electrode which encloses all other parts. The air hole (2) is provided at the bottom surface. The diffusion paper is formed in the lower layer, on the inner surface of sealed case. The catalyst layer (5) is formed on water repellent film which is formed on diffusion paper.    A separator (6) is formed on catalyst layer. Electrolyte and negative electrode action substance are formed in the upper part. An insulation gasket is formed between the case an electrolyte. A sealing board (8) covers the top portion.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures long life time of punching metal die. Eliminates visual inspection. Improves production efficiency. Increases reliability.
Joining the film and the body comprises inserting a solid giant mol. electrolyte film between two electrode sheets; placing in a pressure wear metal mould consisting of a combination of scalpel type metal mould and male type metal mould; heating multilayer body while applying pressure; then supplying cool water to press board and pressing for a fixed time under fixed pressure; etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solid giant mol. type fuel battery, water electrolytic device, temp. difference battery, hydrogen concn. cell, salt electrolytic device, etc.. Prevents deterioration of solid giant mol. electrolyte film. Performs quick and effective heating and cooling.
Layered flooding type battery has positive and negative electrode boards separated by partition board (91) which forms flow path (99) for electrolyte or water to flow through layers of units. Electrodes are positioned by up space (92) and lower space (93). Concave part (95) and convex part (96) on either sides of circumferential wall (94) fit with each other on either sides.    A resin is solidified by trickling on surfaces of positive and negative electrode boards which form a separator with concave and convex parts to form utilized cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Raises productivity and surpasses electric discharge and improves operativity.
The giant molecule solid electrolyte has an electrolyte (A), an (meth)acrylate (B) and a carbonate (C). A composition of about 5 to 40 weight parts of (meth)acrylate and 0.005 to 5 parts of carbonate are used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in solid electrolyte and electrochemistry element which are used for lithium battery. Enables miniaturization. Simplifies production process of electrochemistry element.
A mixt. (I) of anionic surfactant(s) and nonionic surfactant is added to the Zn anode of an alkali electrochemical cell having a gelled Zn anode and aq. alkaline electrolyte to inhibit load voltage instability and control H2 formation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Surfactant mixt. (I) is used in cells contg. below 50 ppb. Hg or even no Hg. Addn. of (I) gives a comparable cell performance w.r.t. conventional cells using Hg additive. Use of (I) is more environmentally acceptable than Hg.
A 2,4-polybenzooxazole having repeating units of formula (I) is new:    Pref. (I) is a homopolymer, or a copolymer with 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid or 2,3-diaminobenzoic acid.    A precursor cpd. 2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (DHAA), is prepd. by aerobically fermenting an aq. nutrient medium with a mutant strain of microorganisms of the species Streptomyces aureofaciens, (Sa-652) by a method similar to that of US3038005. The spores are grown via Sa-652 at 28 deg.C and pH 6.8 on a vegetative medium comprising sucrose, corn sepp liquor and ammonium sulphate, to produce a vegetative inoculum. The fermentation medium contains sucrose, corn steep liquor or solids, soybean meal, carboxymethylcellulose, ammonium sulphate and chloride, Fe-, Mn- and Zn- sulphates, Co chloride and sigma antifoam B, at a pH of 6.5-7.1, a temp. of 25-37 deg.C and an agitation speed of 400 rpm. The conversion of DHAA to the AB monomer 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (HAA) is effected by dehydrogenation in the presence of a Pd or C catalyst, opt. without isolation of pure DHAA from the fermentation broth.    The prepn. of 2,4-polybenzooxazole polymers is carried out by thermal (co)polymerisation or soln. (co)polymerisation in polyphosphoric acid using a P205 adjustment method.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to prepare thermally stable, transparent coatings for solar cells that inhibit ionising radiation, and in blends as reinforcements in molecular composite technology. The polybenzoxazoles are produced by an inexpensive biochemical or biosynthetic route from renewable feed-stock nutrients. They possess high modulus and high strength properties and are environmentally resistant.
A novel antistatic coating compsn. for plastics consists of (a) a mixt. of a silane cpd. (A) of formula (I) and a silane cpd. (B) of formula (II), (III), (mole ratio of (A):(B) = 80:20-20:80); (b) heteropolyacids or their salts; (c) an organic solvent; and (d) water contg. 0.01-5 wt.% of acid at a mole ratio of (a):(b):(c):(d) of 1:0.001-0.15:10-100:1-30.    In the formulae, R1 = 1-5C alkyl. R2, R3 and R4 = 1-5C alkyl; Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6 = organic gps.    Instead of (b), the coating compsn. may contains (b') perchloric acid cpds. of formula: XcClO4, where X = hydrogen, monovalent metal atom, NH4 or a quaternary ammonium of formula (V), where M1, M2, M3 and M4 = 1-20C alkyl.    (a):(b'):(c):(d) = 1:0.005-0.32:10-100:1-30.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The antistatic coating compsn. easily forms a transparent, crackle free film having excellent antistatic effect even in lower moisture conditions.
Polyamino azothiophene of formula (1) is new, where n= integer of 5-10000. Polyamino azothiophene obtd by doping anion of formula (2) is new, where n= integer of 5-10000; m= 0.01-2; a= 1, 2 or 3; X-a= anion).    A preparation of polyamino azothiophene of formula (1) carried out by oxidising 5,5'-diamine-2,2'-azothiophene or its hydrochloric acid salt in organic solvent in the presence of oxidising agent is new. Preparation of polyamino azothiophene doped with anion of formula (2) carried out by oxidising polyamino azothiophene of formula (1) is new. A sec battery using polyamino azothiophene doped with anion of formula (2) as positive electrode active substance is new.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyamino azothiophene are used to mfr lightweight sec battery with good properties, because the polyamino azothiophene is electrochemically active and shows high stability.
Solar cell module is composed of a solar cell having an electroconductive substrate board, a semiconductor optically active layer serving as a light conversion element on the electroconductive substrate board, a transparent electroconductive layer, and a surface protection layer.    The surface protection layer consists of a resin compsn. contg. organic resin having a higher flammability than fluorine resin, and solvent-soluble fluorine resin added to the flammable organic resin.    Pref. solvent-soluble fluorine resin has functional gp. such as ether gp., ester gp., or hydroxyl gp. to promote solubilisation to solvent, and the example is vinylidene copolymer, fluoro-olefin-vinyl ether copolymer, or fluoro-olefin-fluorodioxole copolymer etc., and the solvent is e.g. toluene xylene, n-butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone or butyl acetate etc.. The flammable organic resin is e.g. EVA resin, acryl resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, or amino resin etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solder cell module shows excellent scratching resistance.
(JP6196187-A)   NOVELTY - The method involves introducing humidification gas into the fuel cell during electrolysis, when electrolytic voltage is 1.3 V or more, in order to prevent dissolution of the electrode catalyst.    USE - For activating solid polymer fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - The discharge property of the unit cell is equalized efficiently in a short time.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the solid polymer fuel cell. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    gasket (1)    separator board (2)    ion exchange membrane (11)    electrode (12)    gas passageway (13)
Cell comprises catalyst of precious metal highly dispersed on carbon fine powder of which vol. occupied by fine pores of 24-70 Angstrom in dia., occupies at least 25% of total fine pore vol..    Specific surface area of the carbon fine powder is at least 800 m2/g. The carbon fine powder contains no sulphur. The carbon fine powder is made of acetylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The solid high polymer type fuel cell having improved discharge and life characteristics can be obtd..    In an example, 300 ml of aq. soln. of 1g H2PtCl6 was mixed with 10g of NaHSO3 and 150 ml of H2O2, and also 100 ml of sq. soln. of Pt oxide colloid to obtain Pt colloid. The Pt colloid was mixed with dispersion liq. of acetylene black of 835 m2/g in specific surface area to prepare the catalyst A. The catalyst A was mixed with carbon fine powder treated with fluorine resin, then the mixt. was formed with press on a conductive carbon paper to prepare the electrode. Ion exchange resin was applied on the surface of the electrode. The electrodes were hot-pressed with ion exchange film (Nafion 117 made by DuPont Co.) to joint cathode, ion-exchange film, and anode.
In a high polymer solid electrolyte contg. solid solvent and inorganic salt, the solid solvent is a high polymer prepd. by polymerisation of N-methacryloyl oxyethyl oligo oxyalkyl carbamate, N-acryloyl oxyethyl oligo oxyalkyl carbamate, bis(N-methacryloyl oxyethyl carbamyl)-oligo oxyalkylene or (N-acryloyl oxyethyl carbamyl)-oligo oxyalkylene of formula (I).    Pref. inorganic salt is e.g. LiCF3SO3, LiPF6, LiClO4, LiI, LiBF4, LiSCN, LiAsF6, NaCF3SO3, NaPF6, NaClO4, NaI, NaBF4, NaAsF6, KCF3SO3, KPF6 or KI etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A high polymer solid electrolyte having excellent film strength and high ion conductivity can be obtd. It is suitable for use in prim. battery, sec. battery or display device etc.
Unit comprises an IC and a battery enclosed in a low thermal conductive material of thermal conductivity constant less than k = 10, and suspended by multiple pointed suspension tips (35) of the same material. A pref. material is a polyester.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pref. as an RF transceiver system comprising first and second sending/receiving units, the second unit comprising a communication IC and battery arranged as above (claimed), RF identification device or tag. Conductive and convective heat loss from the unit, e.g an RFID tag, when operating at low temps. is reduced.
The compsn. contains in pts.wt.: epoxy-bisphenol A resin (100.0); phosphoric acid (5.0-12.5); and polyethylenepolyamine (0.5-3.0). Epoxy-bisphenol A resin and polyethylene-polyamine are mixed for 5-20 minutes; phosphoric acid is added, mixing is continued for 30 s, and obtd. compsn. immediately poured in moulds. The characteristics of prod.: shrinkage null, brittleness temp. of -35 to -10 C., gelation time 8-65 minutes, and liq. residue 8.5-12 g/sq.cm..    USE -   In prod. and application of polymeric binders in chemical industry; in partic. in hermetisation of alkaline batteries, and for injection in alkaline grounds.    ADVANTAGE -   Widened functional possibilities due to release of free acid after hardening; the acid reacts with alkalis forming salts which can improve sealing; in grounds phosphates are formed which enhance fertility.
In a solar cell arrangement, in which the solar cells are interconnected with a fluid for heat abstraction, the novelty is that the fluid is transparent and flows directly around the front and back of the solar cells (1). The fluid may be an oil, e.g., silicone oil.    Also claimed is a heat insulating arrangement with a front and rear housing wall (2, 3), in which the walls (2, 3) are transparent and are sepd. by a small gap. (t1, t2), e.g., of 5-10 mm, the novelty being that the interspace is filled with a latent heat storage material, esp. based on paraffin.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement combines thermal and electrical energy prodn. in an extremely advantageous manner.
An ion exchange membrane comprises a soln. graft copolymer comprising: (a) a backbone polymer (A) with a main chain contg. aromatic rings with at least one initiation site on an aromatic ring or on a benzylic carbon per mol.; (b) at least one polymerised vinyl monomer or ring contg. cpd. having ion exchange functionality anionically grafted onto the backbone initiation site.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is used in aq. electrodialysis sepn. processes, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, piezo:dialysis, diffusion dialysis, pervaporation, and in water electrolysis and fuel cells. The prepn. process provides a wide range of ion exchange membrane with controlled properties which can be tailored to the requirements of specific sepn. processes.
Silicon power generating device comprises sealing material films provided on both sides of each device. The devices and the sealing material films are heated and pressed to form a unitary configuration to form a solar cell module. Each sealing material film comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer sheet having a melt flow rate of up to 14 g/10 mins. At least one layer of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer sheet contains an organic peroxide having a half life at 130 deg.C of up to 1 hr. The ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film on the back cover side of each silicon power generating device contains a colouring agent. Each ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer sheet is struck to a metal layer and/or plastic film layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solar cell. the solar cell module is produced in a short time without losing solar cell efficiency and has no release of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer from glass. Films having good productivity are produced at low cost.
(JP6176795-A)   NOVELTY - Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a chargeable-dischargeable positive electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a chargeable-dischargeable negative electrode, and the positive electrode is made C5N.    USE - Used as a non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery.    ADVANTAGE - The battery has a high energy density and excellent shelf life since C5N was used for the positive electrode. The battery has excellent voltage, capacity and storage properties.
(JP2816070-B2)      The battery includes a multilayered body comprising several cells each provided with an electrolyte sandwiched between air pole and fuel pole having gas passageway. Several manifolds (10) are fixed around the multilayered body. A metallization coating is formed on a flange portion (10c) of the manifold at the inner side that contacts the multilayered body by performing metallization of metal or ceramic material. An insulation coating is formed on the upper surface of the metallization coating. The ratio of thickness of the insulation coating and that of the flange portion is set within 1/1.5-1/5.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents peeling of coating due to pressure fluctuation, during operation condition.
Alkaline storage battery comprises a metal oxide anode, a cathode composed of powders of a H-storing alloy or a hydride and contg. at least one of Y and Y cpd. as an additive, a separator and an alkaline electrolyte.    Also claimed is a method for producing an alkaline storage battery where the negative electrode is prepd. by adding at least one of Y and Y cpds. to powders of a H-storing alloy or a hydride, kneading the powders to prepare a paste and coating the paste on a conductive substrate of the negative electrode or filling the conductive substrate with the paste.    Also claimed is a method for producing a battery where the negative electrode is immersed in a soln. contg. a Y salt and is then dried, dipped in aq. alkaline soln., washed with water and dried.    ADVANTAGE -   The charge-discharge cycle characteristics of alkaline storage batteries is improved, without an increase in the prodn. costs.
The capacity of this secondary cell is hardly decreased when charging and discharging are repeated. The material of the cathode and/or anode of the cell is either bonded to the surface of the collector by a binder containing a bridged polymer or formed by coating on the collector a compound containing an active material and a polymer compound binder which contains a fluoric polymer compound which can be cured by radiation application. After the coating, radiation is applied to the material to cure the fluoric polymer compound.
The battery consist of lithium ion doped carbon fiber as the cathode active material. Since the carbon fiber used is of a high conductivity, the coulomb efficiency of a battery is 90% or more. The electrolyte is capable of being recharged, thus no metal is used as electrode, allowing a reduction in battery weight.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact and lightweight batteries of high discharge capacity are obtained.
The metal surface has multiple holes punched in it. The hydrogen occlusion alloy powder is applied as a coating on this metal surface along with a layer of mixed powder of polytetrafluoroethylene fiber and electric conduction metal powder. This arrangement prevents the exfoliation of the hydrogen occlusion alloy coating from the substrate.    When used in a nickel hydrogen battery, the gas pressure decreases and the lifetime and discharge characteristics are improved. The presence of the PTFE fiber coating gives better adhesion of the hydrogen occlusion alloy to the metal substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   Nickel hydrogen batteries with good electric discharge characteristics are obtained.
(JP6163079-A)   NOVELTY - An electrode pressing plate (15) comprising a thermosetting resin such as phenol resin, is arranged on the upper portion of an electrode group. The upper end portion of the jar (1) is sealed by caulking a seal cap (2) having a valve hole (3) and a vent hole (5) to form a cylindrical battery.    USE - Used as a non-aqueous electrolytic battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since the pressing plate is arranged on the upper portion of an electrode group, short circuit, heating, deformation of electrode and explosive rupture of the battery caused by blocking of the valve hole and vent hole, are prevented even if the internal pressure in the battery is raised by overcharge.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of non-aqueous electrolytic battery.    jar (1)    seal cap (2)    valve hole (3)    vent hole (5)    electrode pressing plate (15)
(JP6163048-A)   NOVELTY - The negative electrode (2) of battery (BA1), comprises a carbon material which occludes the discharge of zinc ion.    USE - Alkali zinc storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - Increases the life period of battery and improves the charge-discharge efficiency of battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the battery.    positive electrode (1)    negative electrode (2)    separator (3)    positive electrode lead (4)    negative electrode lead (5)    external terminals (6,7)    battery (BA1)
(JP6163043-A)   NOVELTY - The surface of the hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode is coated with a specific coating material which dissolves in an alkali electrolyte liquid and has ductility w.r.t pressurization compression of the electrode surface.    USE - Used for a hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode for nickel-hydrogen battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since the hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode surface is coated with specific coating material, exposure of active surface during pressurization compression of electrode surface is avoided and thereby preventing oxidation of the active surface.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode manufacture.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a graph illustrating change of activation characteristic with respect to hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode in pressurization compression and non-pressurization compression states. (Drawing includes non-English language text).
A gas-tight maintenance-free battery, esp. a prismatic battery, has positive nickel oxide electrodes with a fibre structure, gas impermeable dividers between the main surfaces of the electrodes, fixed alkali electrolyte, and negative metal electrodes with a fibre structure and with higher charge and discharge capacity than the positive electrodes. Gas diffusion bodies with a metallic fibre structure are electrically connected to each of the negative electrodes. The battery functions according to the oxygen cycle. The novelty is that the separators have a free pore volume capable of being filled with the electrolyte of 0.8-2.2 cm3/Ah, Ah being the unit of the dischargeable capacity.    ADVANTAGE -   Under different charging conditions, the dischargeable capacity is not reduced.
To produce a solar generator a transparent setting resin (1) is placed in a mould with smooth surfaces and a wire solar cell module is laid on it, and further resin (1) is applied to embed the module with covering resin and the two resin layers are bonded together. A further resin layer (1) has its under side bonded at the covering resin layer for the solar cell module (2) and a bonded synthetic resin laminate with glass fibre reinforcement (3). The outer surface of the laminate (3) is covered with a sealant (4). The finished solar generator is finally removed from the mould.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is for the prodn. of solar cell generators to be fitted to roofs, outer walls of caravans, outer and deck surfaces of boats, parking ticket machines and for advertisement illumination, display cabinets and illuminated direction signs and the like. The technique gives solar cell generators without frames to be fitted to surfaces with a variety of shapes and structures. The units are self-supporting and have a good appearance, while exploiting all the available daylight.
A prismatic Zn-air cell comprises: a prismatic container having one or more oxygen access openings; an air cathode disposed in the container in gaseous communication with the oxygen access openings; a separator having a first side in electrolytic communication with the air cathode; a Zn anode including an electrolyte and disposed in the container in electrolytic communication with a second side of the separator, the separator isolating the air cathode and the Zn anode from direct electrical contact and allowing passage of electrolyte therebetween; an expansion space within the container adjacent to the Zn anode and accommodating expansion of the Zn anode during discharge of the cell; a foam member generally occupying the expansion space and tending to oppose movement of the Zn anode away from the separator and to collapse upon expansion of the Zn anode during discharge; one or more vent openings disposed in the container in gaseous communication with the expansion space to minimise pressure increase within the container as the foam member collapses during discharge of the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin-wall plastic prismatic Zn-air cells designed to minimise pressure build up during discharge. Collapsible foam members disposed in an expansion space within the cell cooperate with vents to minimise pressure increase within the cell, and achieve a reliable commercially viable cell.
Process comprises: (A) providing a polymeric interlayer; (B) tackifying a portion of this by applying solvent; (C) adhering a photovoltaic cell to the tackified portion; (D) interposing the assembly between glass sheets; and (E) laminating the glazing assembly.    Pref., the interlayer is made of polyvinyl butyral, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, PVC, polyesters, polyurethanes and polyolefins (blends, copolymers and laminates). The solvent is selected from alcohols, acetone, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone, butyl ether CCl4, (diethylene) glycol, and/or toluene; and, prior to step (D), a further interlayer pref. from the same materials, may be interposed between the glass sheets, adjacent the first interlayer. The laminating step may include a prelamination to remove entrapped air and gases, and lamination is pref. performed at 200-300 deg.F and 150-300 psi.    The glass sheets may be planar; or may be curved sheets of soda-lime-silica glass.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used esp. in the mfr. of automotive windscreens and architectural laminated glazings. The photovoltaic cells are positioned without destroying the textured surface of the interlayer and designed to allow escape of entrapped air during lamination so eliminating entrapped air bubbles.
Corrosion- and vibration-resistant battery terminal has a post projecting from the battery container (2) and engaged by a connector. A creep-resistant metal blade (26) has an aperture at one end to receive the post (14) and a tin-based coating (28) covering the other end which is for coupling to a cable connector.    A Pb-based alloy collar (44) is bonded and embeds the blade first end and has an opening for the post. The alloy is richer in tin adjacent to the blade than elsewhere. Pref. a porous polyester felt washer (48) is sandwiched between a radial annular flange (12) on the post and the container.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for a lead-acid traction battery. Provides low-resistance coupling between connector and battery which remains tight and corrosion-free.
The device consists of a copper laminate (3) placed above the solar cell (4) on top of which reinforced glass wafer (1) is placed acting as a protective layer. The solar cell is fixed to terminal box (5) and frame (6) using enclosure resin (2) made of polyisobutylene material. The terminal box is provided with terminals (7) so that external connections are taken out. After applying the material, the device is subjected to heating under normal temperature. Hardening is carried out as a continuous process. Mixing of air bubble with resin material is avoided.    ADVANTAGE -   Since polyisobutylene material is used, protective film and use of expensive terminal device are eliminated. This reduces manufacturing cost and increases reliability.
The device consists of electrode layer made of amorphous silicon material, which has high selection degree of freedom. Sealing resin layer is formed on top of this electrode layer by applying polyisobutylene material, which acts as a protective film to the electrode material. Solar battery wafer (1) is placed on the belt (2) and carried to slot orifice coater (3), which applies polyisobutylene material on the wafer from boring head (5). Recovery tank (6) collects the excess resin material and the immersion pump (7) pumps it back to storage room. Viscosity of the resin material is lesser than or equal to 2000 P, so that resin of fixed thickness is applied to electrode layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Manufacture of large size solar batteries is easy and the cost is reduced. Outdoor installation is also facilitated.
The device consists of photo electric conversion layer (2) made of amorphous silicon placed above reinforced glass wafer (1). Since the solar module is installed outside, it is necessary to protect the electrode element from corrosion due to moisture present in the atmosphere. Therefore sealing resin is applied on the surface photoelectric conversion layer. Thermosetting sealing resin (4),(5) applied on the surface of the layer acts not only as a protective layer but also as an adhesive agent. The terminal box (6) and frame (7) are fixed to the solar cell simultaneously thereby making the production process simple. After fixing up the above component, sealing resin material is hardened.    ADVANTAGE -   Production of solar module becomes simple and also manufacture cost is reduced.
The device consists of printed circuit board (1) on which the electrode pattern (2) of solar cells is printed. The solar cells (4,5) are then assembled on the printed board (1) according to the electrode pattern. Electrode of solar cell (4) is soldered to printed circuit board. Permeability material is applied to light intercepting face of the solar cell (5) by either spraying process or dipping. This permeability material acts as a protective layer to the solar cell. Solar cell is fixed to the printed circuit board by soldering its terminals to the board.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable and light weight solar module is manufac tured.
The device consists of an electrode (2) and a transparent electrode (4) with an photoelectric conduction layer (3) inbetween. This layer is composed of electric charge generating paints and electric transportation material. Combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the conduction layer, a pn junction is formed. The photoelectric conduction layer is predominantly made up of conductive giant-molecular material such as composition colouring matter - chlorophyll, paints, polyacetylene etc. This layer is formed by vacuum deposition method, cast method and dipping method and has high photoelectric conversion efficiency.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable characteristics on continuous duty is obtained.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer of organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy. In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. These are compounds chosen from type (1). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
The device consists of an electrode (2) and a transparent electrode (4) with an optical electric-conduction layer (3) in between. The electric-conduction layer is composed of a cpd. of structural formula (I) (Structure not available) in which R1 and R2 = alkoxy gp. having hydrogen or halogen atoms, opt. substd. gp., alkenyl gp., hydroxy gp., carboxy gp., alkoxy carbonyl gp., acyl gp., allyl gp., or cyano gp.. A coupler residue of R1 and R2 can be formed. Optical conductive layer is predominantly made up of conductive giant molecules such as composition colour matter - chlorophyll, paints, polyacetylene etc. This thin film like layer is formed by a vacuum deposition method, a casting method or a dipping method and has high photoelectric conversion efficiency.    ADVANTAGE -   Excellent photoelectric luminous efficiency and stable characteristics even during continuous operation are obtained.
An optical electric conduction layer is prepared between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge generating paints and electric charge transportation material. The compound for this layer is chosen from type (1) groups like alkoxy group which may have a hydrogen atom, a halogen, alkyl group, alkenyl group, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxy carbonyl group or the acyl group. Inside a type, R1, R2 and R3 are same. A and B are either same or different. By making a pn junction or by combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in photoelectric conversion efficiency. Stable characteristics are obtained during continuous operation.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer of organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy. In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. These are compounds chosen from type (1). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer of organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy. In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. These are compounds chosen from type (1). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium, and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. They may be compounds chosen from type (1) or type (2). Inside a type, A and B are the same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
The organic solar cell comprises photoconductive layer, contg charge-generating pigment and charge-transporting material, which is formed between two electrodes. The charge generating pigment consists of a cpd of formula (I), where A and B = coupler residues, which may be same as or different from each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having improved photoelectric efficiency and stable characteristics in continuous operation can be obtd.    In an example, on a glass plate, Al electrode of 500nm thickness was vapour-deposited in vacuum. 10 pts wt of the organic charge-generating pigment of formula (D), 10 pts wt of the organic charge-transporting dye of (H), 10 pts wt of polyvinylbutyral resin, and 50 pts wt of cyclohexanone were mixed and dispersed for 24 hrs in a ball mill. Prepd dispersion liquid was applied on the Al electrode, and dried to form the photoconductive layer of 0.5 microns thickness. Metal electrode was deposited on the layer to complete the solar cell. Photoelectric conversion efficiency of the product was improved, compared to that of the conventional-type organic solar cell.
The organic solar cell comprises a photoconductive layer, contg charge generating pigment and charge transport material, which is formed between two electrodes. The charge generating pigment consists of cpd of formula (I), where A and B=coupler residues.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having improved photoelectric efficiency and stable characteristics in continuous operation can be obtd.    In an example, on a glass plate, an Al electrode of 500nm in thickness was vapour-deposited in vacuum. 10 wt parts of the organic charge generating pigment of formula (D), 10 wt parts of the organic charge transporting dye of formula (H), 10 wt parts of polyvinylbutyral resin, and 50 wt parts of cyclohexanone were mixed and dispersed for 24 hrs with a ball mill. Prepd dispersion liquid was applied on the Al electrode, and dried to form the photoconductive layer of 0.5 microns in thickness. Metal electrode was deposited on the layer to complete the solar cell. Photoelectric conversion efficiency of the product was improved compared to that of the conventional type organic solar cell.
An organic solar cell comprises a photoconductive layer, contg charge generating pigment and charge transport material, which is formed between two electrodes. The charge generating pigment consists of cpd of formula (I), where A and B= coupler residues.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having improved photoelectric efficiency and stable characteristics in continuous operation can be obtd.    In an example, on a glass plate, an Al electrode of 500 nm in thickness was vapour-deposited in vacuum. 10 wt parts of the organic charge generating pigment of formula (D), 10 wt parts of the organic charge transport dye of formula (H), 10 wt parts of polyvinylbutyral resin, and 50 wt parts of cyclohexane were mixed and dispersed for 24 hrs with a ball mill. Prepd dispersion liquid was applied on the Al electrode, and dried to form the photoconductive layer of 0.5 microns in thickness. Metal electrode was deposited on the layer to complete the solar cell. Photoelectric conversion efficiency of the product was improved compared to that of the conventional type organic solar cell.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium, and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. They are compounds chosen from type (1) or type (2). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
An optical electric conduction layer is prepared between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge generating paints and electric charge transportation material. The compound for this layer is chosen from type (1) groups like alkoxy group which may have a hydrogen atom, a halogen, alkyl group, alkenyl group, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxy carbonyl group or the acyl group. Inside a type, R1, R2 and R3 are same. A and B are either same or different. By making a pn junction or by combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in photoelectric conversion efficiency. Stable characteristics are obtained during continuous operation.
The method deals with defective portion (109) insulated by defective sealing method. Electrocoating resin is accumulated onto the defective portion. During electrocoating, a current density less than 10mA/cm2/sec is maintained using the impression of sweeping voltage on the electrocoating paints.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly reliable solar cell is obtained. Short circuit and shunt generated by production process of solar cells in conventional method are eliminated.
The device consists of chlorinated polyethylene glycol electrolyte (12) stored in reservoir (11), which has an internal copper cathode sleeve (13) and a cylindrical graphite anode (15) inside a separator sleeve (16) suspended from the cover (14). The temperature of the bottom of the reservoir is maintained low. Heat from the exterior is absorbed by the endoergic fins (17) attached circumferentially around the reservoir, and transmitted to the electrolyte (12). This causes electrolysis inside the electrolyte, and with the flow of current, copper compounds precipitate to the bottom of the reservoir. A motor (19) driven stirrer (18) periodically agitates the electrolyte re-distributing the copper precipitates throughout the electrolyte solution, and enables recovery of copper ions and maintenance of the current flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves upon other electro-thermal energy convertors based on Seebeck effect, cheaper than solar batteries. Uses any heat source, even in the absence of light. Electrolyte is environment friendly and safe.
The device consists of a glass container (5) inside which the electrode elements namely action pole (1), opposite pole (2) made of lithium metal and reference pole (3) made of lithium metal are placed. Lithium chloride is used as an electrolyte (4) and it is placed inside the glass container. When battery is under operating condition positive electrode gives an active material which consists of lithium ion, at the same time emits transition metal compound namely fluorine. This material then dries the base material and prevents the formation of slurry.    ADVANTAGE -   Results in miniaturisation of battery. Temperature rise due to repeated use is also reduced.
Pad includes: expansion pathways (17) located across the width of the elastomeric material (13) of sufficient vol. to allow the material to maintain its overall uncompressed length while in a compressed state; and electrical pathways (23) formed across the width of the material while in a compressed state but not in an uncompressed state. The Shore A durometer hardness of the elastomeric material (13) is greater than 50, the resistivity of the conductive material (15) in the electrical pathways (23) is less than 0.1 ohm.cm and the elastic strain of the pad is less than 70% up to pressures of 3000 psig.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for compensating dimensional variations in the components of a cell (claimed) e.g. a fuel or electrolysis cell (stack). Pad maintains uniform contact at pressure differentials up to about 3000 psig (claimed).
Prepn. comprises dissolving in an organic solvent, a polyvinyl alcohol and an alkali metal salt, a transition metal salt and/or a metal hydroxide slightly soluble in the organic solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mfg. method can give polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) organogels with good durability and electric deterioration resistance and opt. strength and toughness from PVA organic solvent solns. effectively. The gel electrolytes are useful for batteries.    A soln. dissolving PVA and another metal salt forming metal hydroxide slightly soluble in the organic solvent is dipped in an alkali organic solvent soln. to give a PVA gel. When a Li salt is added in the method, a gel electrolyte with good ion conductivity is also obtainable.    The PVA has a polymerisation degree of 500-5000 and a saponification degree of up to 80%. The concn. of the PVA organic solvent soln. is up to 30 wt.%.    In an example, 2g KCl was added to 30 ml 20 wt.% soln. of PVA with a polymerisation degree of 2000 and a saponification degree of 99% in dimethyl sulphoxide, the mixt. was stirred under heating, immediately after dissolution of the KCl, the mixt. increased the viscosity abruptly and it was stood for 24 hrs. to give an organogel showing silicone rubber-like behaviour.
Prepn. comprises cooling-treating a polyvinyl alcohol aq. soln. contg. an alkali metal salt, a transition metal salt and/or a metal hydroxide slightly soluble in water.    An aq. soln. of PVA contg. another metal salt forming metal hydroxide slightly soluble in water is dipped in an alkali aq. soln. and cooling-treated to give a PVA gel. When a Li salt is added in the method, a gel electrolyte with good ion conductivity is also obtainable. The PVA has a polymerisation degree of 500-5000 and a saponification degree of up to 75%. The concn. of the PVA aq. soln. is up to 30 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mfg. method can give polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gels with excellent environmental health properties, durability and electric deterioration resistance and opt. strength and toughness from PVA aq. solns. effectively. The gel electrolytes are useful for batteries.    In an example, 1g NaOH was added to 100 ml 20 wt.% aq. soln. of PVA with a polymerisation degree of 1400 and a saponification degree of 95%, the mixt. was stirred under heating and put in a test tube with a dia. of 10 mm, the tube was freezed in a mixed cooling medium of dry ice and ethanol and melted at room temp. and the operations were repeated to give a hydrated PVA gel self-supporting in the melt state 3 hrs. after NaOH addition.
A photoconductive layer contg. an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting material is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-generating pigment comprises a cpd. of formula (I). In (I), R1 and R2 = H, halogen, opt. substd. alkyl, alkenyl gps., hydroxyl gps., carboxyl gps., alkoxy carbonyl gps., acyl gps., aryl gps., cyano gps., or opt. substd. alkoxy gps.. Z = O or S; A and B = coupler residues.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) has superior electric charge generation capability. The cpd. in the photoconductive layer increases photocarrier generation. The resulting organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and has continuously stable characteristics.
A photoconductive layer contg. an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting material is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-generating pigment comprises a cpd. of formula (I) (where A and B = coupler residues).    The electrodes comprise Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, quat. ammonium salt-dissolved high polymer, SnO2, or ITO.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) has superior electric charge generation capability. The cpd. in the photoconductive layer increases photocarrier generation. The organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and has continuously stable characteristics.
Solid electrolyte comprises a polymer mixt. of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol and a metal salt and an organic solvent dispersed in the polymer mixt.    Pref. the polymer of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide is e.g, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, random or block ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer. The polyvinyl alcohol is used in a wt. ratio/alkylene oxide (co)polymer : 0.3 - 3.0. The mixed polymer is used as its film having a thickness : up to 500 microns, fibre, fibre or unwoven cloth. The metal salt is e.g, an alkali metal salt (e.g, a combination of an anion (e.g, Li, Na or K) and a cation (e.g, I, CF3SO4, BF4, C1O4, AlC14, PF6 or AsF6)-7. The organic solvent is pref. dimethylsulphoxide capable to convert the polyvinyl alcohol into an elastomer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The co-use of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol provides a solid electrolyte having high mechanical strength, handling workability and ionic conductivity. The solid electrolyte is used for forming a thin electrical cell.    In an example, a solid electrolyte was prepd. by pressing a mixt. comprising 100 pts.wt. polyethylene oxide having an average mol. wt. : 500000 and 100 pts.wt. polyvinyl alcohol having an average mol. wt. : 22000 to provide film having a thickness : 100 microns, immersing the film in a propylene carbonate soln. contg. 1 mol/lit. LiC1O4 at 50 deg.C for 24 hr, exposing the impregnated film in vapour of dimethylsulphoxide and acetonitrile for 2 min, allowing the film to stand in an oven at 50 deg.C. for 6 hr and repeating such steps 5 times. The film had rubbery elasticity and did not broken by picking up the film with forceps. It had an ionic conductivity : 2.5 x 10power(-3) S/cm.
(JP6140033-A)   NOVELTY - The metal hydride storage battery consists of mixture of electroconductive material and water repellent material or electroconductive material which is fixed to the surface of the active material of metal hydride electrode by the pasting agent. The pasting agent is polyvinyl pyrrolidone.    USE - Metal hydride storage battery e.g. nickel-hydrogen alkali storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - The battery has favorable consumption of oxygen gas and suppresses the battery internal pressure at the time of charging. The hydrogen occlusion alloy is oxidized and battery suppresses the discharge of electrolyte liquid out of the battery. The battery has excellent cycle characteristics and larger reduction of the cell voltage at the time of charging the battery.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The amount of polyvinyl pyrrolidone pasted into the surface of the metal hydride electrode is 0.05-3 mg/cm2.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the section of nickel-hydrogen alkali storage battery. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Anode (1)    Cathode (2)    Separator (3)
Dry Mn cell comprises a Zn case which forms a cell unit and shrink tack label which covers the outer side surface of the case through a resin layer which may be made of dry type acrylic resin or acryl-denatured resin.    USE -   For making portable power sources.
Organic solid electrolyte comprises (a) at least one monosaccharide or deriv. of general formula (I): (CH2O)n as at least part of a substrate, where n=5-7; and (b) a salt.    Also claimed are: a thin film form of the electrolyte; colour-discolouring device comprising a transparent electrode, a counter electrode, and an electrochromic substance and an electrolyte interposed between; and an electrochromic device where the organic solid electrolyte is interposed between the electrode and counter electrode.    (I) = pentose, hexose, heptose, sugar alcohols, aldonic acids, uronic acids or saccharic acids. Salt = LiClO4, KClO4, NaClO4, LiBF4, KBF4, NaBF4, LiAsF6, KAsF6, NaAsF6, KSCN, LiSCN, NaSCN, LiCF3SO3, KCF3SO3, NaCF3SO3, LiBr, NaBr or KBr, more pref. LiClO4, KClO4, NaClO4, LiBF4, KBF4, NaBF4, LiAsF6, KAsF6, or NaAsF6. A further substrate is combined in the organic solid electrolyte. Electrochromic substance = at least one of phenylene, naphthalene, anthracene, azulene, thiophene, alkylthiophene, selenophone, pyrrole, pyridine, furan, or aniline polymers, polymer with a side chain ferrocene, phthalocyanine, or these polymers modified by addition of an alkyl side chain or terminal gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are used as an electrolyte for solid batteries and electrochromic devices. Easier processing of the electrolyte, which has excellent ionic conductivity, and is inexpensive and readily available commercially.    11
The device consists of a maintenance rail (8) which is arranged perpendicular to the direction of flow of water on a ground. Fixation by construction is carried out at effective length interval of the solar panel. A solar panel is slid to the water bottom so that the connection part (16) of solar panel comes closer to the connection part (12) of the maintenance rail. Attachment and detachment of the panel to the rail is made in many ways. A polymer sheet (9a) covers the water bottom panel and sheet (9b) covers the water top panel. A combined cover (25) is also provided over the sheet (9b).    ADVANTAGE -   Maintenance and repairs are done easily since either the water top or water bottom panel alone is separately removable.
A transparent conductive film has transparent gas-barrier membrane (B) made from metal oxides comprising, mainly, silicon oxide or metal nitrides comprising, mainly, silicon nitride formed on a transparent film substrate (A), and a transparent conductive membrane (C) made from metal oxides comprising, mainly, indium oxide formed on (B).    The transparent conductive film is prepd. by the magnetron-sputtering method.    (A) is pref. made of a polyarylate film. (B) has a thickness of 10-100 nm and (C) has a thickness of 10-400 nm. (B) has a permeability to oxygen of less than 1cc/m2/day and a permeability to steam of less than 1g/m2/day. (C) has a sheet resistance of less than 100 l/. (A)+(B)+(C) has a light transmittance of more than 70%. The membrane-forming power densities on targets of (B) and (C) are 0.5-5.0 W/cm2 and 0.1-2.0 W/cm2, respectively. The membrane-forming process pressures on targets of (B) and (C) are 1 x 10 -3 - 3 x 10 -3 Torr and 3 x 10 -3 - 9 x 10 -3 torr, respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The transparent conductive film is used for liq. crystalline display elements and solar-cell photoelectric transfer elements. It has good barrier properties to oxygen and steam, and a high alkali resistance, conductivity and transparency.    In an example, a transparent conductive film comprising a polyarylate transparent film substrate, a transparent gas-barrier SiO1.5 membrane, and a transparent conductive ITO (stannic oxide content: 10%) membrane had a thickness of 100 nm, a sheet resistance of 75 l/, a permeability to oxygen of 0.5 cc/m2/day a permeability of steam of 0.5 g/m2/day, a light transmittance of 79%, and a high alkali resistance.
(JP6132038-A)   NOVELTY - Fuel cell (10) has single cells laminated between bipolar plates. Each single cell has solid-state polymer film laminated on both sides with fuel electrode (3) and oxidant electrode (4). Reactive gas path (6, 7) is formed between bipolar plate and each electrode. Reactive gas from reactive gas path is humidified in humidification gas chamber of humidification device and supplied again to gas path.    USE - As solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Drying of solid polymer electrolyte film can be prevented. Replenishment of external heat source or water is not needed. The reactive gas humidification device used in solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell, has simple structure, large capacity and reduced size.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The solid-state polymer film (2) has ionic electro-conductivity. The gas humidification device (11, 21) comprises water vapor permeable film, humidification gas chamber (13) and humidified gas chamber.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the block diagram of solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Solid-state film (2)    Fuel electrode (3)    Oxidant electrode (4)    Reactive gas path (6, 7)    Solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell (10)    Gas humidification devices (11, 21)    Humidification gas chamber (13)
An electric current producing cell (I), comprises (A) a solid anode (II) comprising one or more alkali(ne earth) metals, Li-Al alloys, Na alloys or Li and Na intercalated carbon: (B) a composite cathode (III) contg. cathode active material, one or more conjugated carbon-sulphur cpds of formula (IIIa) which don't involve the forming and breaking S-S bonds in the polymer backbone, a polymer electrolyte for transporting ions and conducting carbon for electron transport; and (C) a polymer electrolyte (IV) contg. Li or Na salt (IVa), which is chemically inert with respect to (II) and (III) and permits ion transport between them.    Also claimed are a method of forming a solid state rechargeable battery by: forming (II) pref. from one or more alkali(ne earth) metal or an intercalated carbon; forming (III) by coating a substrate with an effective amount of poly(carbon disulphide), and (IV) and conducting carbon, pref. acetylene black; and enclosing (IV) between (II) and (III); forming (III) as described above; and (III) comprising a cathode material of formula (CSx)n (IIIa), where x = 1.7 - 2.3 and n is pref. greater than 20.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is a rechargeable solid state electric current producing cell. (I) are inexpensive and have long cycle lives, high specific energy and current. They also have long shelf storage and low discharge rate. (IIIa) does not undergo polymerisation and depolymerisation during oxidation and reduction.
A prelaminate for a laminated window has two layers (20, 22) contg. plasticised polyvinylbutyral bonded respectively to the reflecting coating (18) and heat-shrinkable thermoplastic substrate (16) layers of a solar control film. The coating has one or more metal layers susceptible to atmos. corrosion.    The substrate is pref. of polyethylene terephthalate and there is a peripherally continuous partial cut through at least one outer layer and the coated substrate, and pref. partly through the second outer layer. The cut is pref. 0.125-0.250 inch inwardly of the prelaminate edge.    The prelaminate is conventionally assembled with glass layer on either side.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for a vehicle window. Heating the substrate shrinks it away from the cut to form a channel into which the polyvinylbutyral flows to seal the coating from atmos. and prevent its deterioration.
A hydrazone cpd. of formula (I) is new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl; R5, R6 = alkyl, H, aryl or halogen; and n = 1-3.    Pref., cpd. (1) is used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (1) is useful in an electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery or EL element. (1) has good charge transporting ability and good chemical stability. The photoreceptor using cpd. (1) has high sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
A hydrazone cpd. of formula (I) is new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl; and R5, R6 = alkyl, H, aryl or halogen.    Pref., cpd. (1) is used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (1) is useful in an electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery or EL element. (1) has good charge transporting ability and good chemical stability. The photoreceptor using cpd. (1) has high sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
Hydrazone cpds. of formula (1) and (2) are new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl.    Pref., (1) and (2) are used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpd. (1) and (2) are useful in electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery, and EL element. They have good charge transporting prop. and good chemical sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
Hydrazone cpds. of formula (1) and (2) are new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl.    Pref., (1) and (2) are used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpd. (1) and (2) are useful in electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery, and EL element. They have good charge transporting prop. and good chemical sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
Hydrazone cpds. of formula (1) and (2) are new, where R1, R2 = alkyl or aryl; and R3, R4 = aryl.    Pref., (1) and (2) are used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpd. (1) and (2) are useful in electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery, and EL element. They have good charge transporting prop. and good chemical sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
A screw hole is formed in a mounting fixture bonded to one of two skin sheets between which a honeycomb core is sandwiched.    ADVANTAGE -   Because the panel is constructed with no filler, the wt. of the panel can be reduced.
In a solar battery, the layer to which the light is incident is to be scratch and crack free for maximum energy absorption. Water proofing is done by forming the multilayer insulation with fluorine resin coating providing hardened surface and insulation layer with inorganic coupling.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved performance of solar battery by water proofing to avoid cracks and scratches and maximum light incidence surface.
A liq. heater has a liq. container with a liq. inlet and liq. outlet. Part of the container allows heat transfer into the liq. and is arranged to face a moving unidirectional heat source, e.g. the sun.    Pref. the container wall has inner shell (14) enclosing the liq. and an outer shell (12) permanently secured to it. The liq. inlet and outlet pass through the outer shell. The part of the outer shell (16.1) facing the sun may be inclined so it fully faces the fully risen winter sun. It has an outer shell of glass or high impact acrylic to allow substantially uninterrupted passage of radiant energy into heat the liq. with an air gap (24) between it and the inner shell. The remainder of the container has an outer shell of low thermal conductivity and with insulation (26) between the shells. The inner shell may be metal that is painted black on its inner surface with fins (28) in the region adjacent the radiation transmitting part of the outer shell. The heater may be permanently connected to a water circulation system or free standing for batchwise heating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A liq. heater, partic. a portable domestic solar water heater. Has a wall of a material that maximises radiant heat transfer from an external source to the water being heated and minimises conductive heat loss from the water. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9418 based on complete specification)
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of hydrazone cpd of formula (1) (in which each of R1-R8 is H, alkyl gp, aralkyl gp, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; R1 and R2 are not simultaneously H; R3 and R4 are not simultaneously H).    The organic solar cell e.g. consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc. The charge generating pigment is eg Se, Se-Te, Se-As, amorphous silicon, phthalocyanine, perylene, azo or indigo series pigment etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of hydrazone cpd of formula (1) (in which each of R1 and R2 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aralkyl gp, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; R1 and R2 are not simultaneously hydrogen; each of R3 and R4 are alkyl gp, aralkyl gp, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of Ar1 and Ar2 is alkyl gp, aralkyl gp or aryl gp; p and m are 0 or 1; m is 1-3; p and n are not simultaneously zero).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductor layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consists of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc, and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc. The charge generating pigment is eg Se, Se-Te, Se-As, amorphous silicon, phthalocyanine, perylene, azo or indigo series pigment etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of phenanthrene cpd of formula (1) (in which each of R1-R4 is alkyl group, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of R5 and R6 is hydrogen, halogen atom, alkyl gp or aryl gp; n is 1-4).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc, and can be produced by vapour deposition of sputtering etc. The charge generating pigment is eg Se, Se-Te, Se-As, amorphous silicon, phthalocyanine, perylene, azo or indigo series pigment etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of cpd of formula (1) (in which, each of R1-R4 is hydrogen, alkyl gp or alkoxy gp; n is 1-5; A is gp of formula (2) or (3); each of R5 and R6 is hydrogen, alkyl gp or alkoxy gp; m is 1-5).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consists of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc, and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of cpd of formula (1): (in which, each of R1-R4 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of R5 and R6 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or heterocyclic gp; A is sulphur atom or gp of formula (2); each of R7 and R8 is hydrogen, halogen atom, alkyl gp or aryl gp; n is 1-4).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consists of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of stilbene cpd of formula (1): (in which, each of R1 and R2 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp or aralkyl gp; R3 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or amino gp; A is of formula (2) or (3)).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of a cpd of formula (1): (in which, R1-R6 = H, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy; A = formula (2) -Si(R8R9)-,    -Si(R10)(R11)-Si(R12)(R13)-, Si(R14)=Si(R15)-, -Si(O)-, or -Ti(O)-; R7= H, alkyl or alkoxy; m is 1-5; R8-R15, alkyl or aryl).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of a cpd of formula (1): (in which each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is H, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of R3 and R4 may form a ring structure; A is a gp. of formula (2) or (3); each of R5 and R6 is H, aralkyl gp, aryl gp. or heterocyclic gp; each of R7 and R8 is H, halogen, alkyl gp. or aryl gp.).    The organic solar cell e.g. consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
Electrochemical energy storage cell based on sodium and sulphur, having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment which are sepd. from one another by an alkali metal ion-conductive solid electrolyte and are bounded, at least zonally, by a metallic casing, there being arranged in the cathode compartment a sulphur electrode which has an insulating zone and an electron-conductive zone. The adjoining surfaces of the zones and are bonded together without gaps, and in that the electron-conductive zone is penetrated in part, by ion-conductive paths of the insulating zone.    The electron-conductive zone consists of mat of graphite felt based on polyacrylonitrile or cellulose and the insulating zone of ceramic pref. alpha alumina or glass fibres or a mist.    ADVANTAGE -   Has good rechargeability.
A polymeric solid electrolyte comprises a high molecular cpd. and a salt. The high molecular cpd. is a product formed by graft-polymerising an alkylene oxide to the saponification product of a copolymer of ethylene with a vinyl ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid.    The high molecular cpd. is a product formed by graft-polymerising ethylene oxide to the saponification product of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The salt is an alkali metal perchlorate. The mixing ratio by wt. of the high molecular cpd. to the salt is 99:1 to 50:50, pref. 95:5 to 70:30.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolyte can be used as the solid electrolyte of various electrochemical devices such as batteries. The electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity even at room temp.
Material is produced by (1) applying small particles composed of photoelectric conversion material such as Ti dioxide or SrTi trioxide etc. onto mother particles composed of matrix high polymer such as polystyrene, divinyl benzene polymer, polyolefin, PVC or PTFE etc., and ion exchange gp. selected from strong acid gp. such as -SO3H etc. and weak acid gp. such as -COOH etc. introduced in the matrix high polymer, to obtain microcapsule-shaped complex particles, and (2) forming the complex particles into desired shape.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The obtd. ion exchange type photoelectric conversion material shows a large electromotive force, a large hydrogen generation radio, and excellent stability and durability and it is suitable for photo-electric generator i.e. photo-electric cell etc.
The metal collector object with metal lithium (1) has improved adhesion of metal lithium to the metal side or foil with a thin resin film (3). The resin film (3) consists of an adhesive agent is arranged in a fixed pattern with holes (2) that do not contain resin.    The prodn of metal lithium foil is facilitated and uniform thickness of resin film (3) is achieved.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improves metal lithium yield and facilitates arrangement; improves adhesion to collector object; prevents internal short circuits and controls dentrite short circuit of lithium; increases productivity.
The silicic acid concns. amount to between 2 and 4 percent by wt. the concn. of the non-ion tensid amounts to 0.025-0.1 percent by wt. the concn. of the non-ion tensid amounts to 0.05 percent by wt.    A sulphuric acid electrolyte is used contg. only the silicic acid components, for the filling of the accumulator, which is delivered with dry, charged or uncharged plates. The tensid is only added to the electrolyte, after the accumulator is put into service.    ADVANTAGE -   Accumulator can be used with or without the strengthening of thickening. Components do not come out of soln. or mixture, so that no adverse effects on electrical performance results.
Sealing leaks in the gas chambers and/or gas channels between the individual units of high temp. fuel cells comprises using at least 2 different gases. The first (I) contains gaseous cpd(s). which can be autoxidised to an oxide which conducts metal and/or O ions, whilst the second (IIA) and any other gas (IIB) contains or liberates O2. These gases are supplied to the chambers and/or channels at high temp. so that the first gas flows to one side and the other(s) to the other side.    Pref. (I) flows to the outside. (IIA) flow to the cathode side and (IIB) to the anode side or vice versa. The gas pressure is ca. 10 power -3 to 10 power -5. The (I) pressure pref. is higher than the (II) pressure at times, pref. for 1 to 10 power -3 s, and vice versa. In particular, the pressure of both gases is increased alternately in stages.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealed high temp. fuel cells are claimed per se. The cells can be sealed effectively at min. cost.
Battery assembly (10) comprises a battery cell (12) having a cell body (14) and two terminals (16,18), encased within two flexible sheets (20,22) surrounded by a band (29) and sealed by heat and pressure. The band (24) also incorporates a check valve (30) by means of which moisture, air and any other gases may be excluded from the battery chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For evacuating battery assembly, esp battery using lithium anode. The battery chamber may be evacuated.
A solar collector has a glazing layer (12) and a backing layer (14) sandwiching and contacting an absorber layer (15). The absorber layer is woven or non-woven fabric fibre material of a radiation absorbing colour and having radiation absorption surfaces defining capillary channels. Inlet and outlet manifolds (20, 24) are located at the ends of the absorber layer in open channels. Heat transfer fluid flows by gravity through the capillary channels.    Pref. the glazing and backing layers may be transparent rigid polycarbonate. Alternatively they may be of flexible plastic so the collector can be rolled up for storage. Pref. the absorber is a dark synthetic felt material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar collector which heats a trickle feed of a heat transfer fluid. Has polycarbonate glazing and backing layers sandwiching a fibre material absorbing layer giving improved absorber surface area to volume ratio.
The element consists of a sandwich structure incorporating an n-type inorganic semiconductor, an organic polymer (poly-N-epoxypropyl carbazole) doped with antimony pentachloride, and a semitranslucent layer of gold. The solid-state photovoltaic element for the transformation of light energy into electrical energy is more effective and has greater stability.    The element comprises: (1) single crystal of n-type silicon; (2) gallium-indium eutectic; (3) copper wire; (4) poly-N-epoxypropylcarbazole doped with antimony pentachloride; and (5) thin layer of gold.
A semiconductor with a porous structure gives rise to higher coefficient of absorption of light radiation. A porous structured silicon is built over an Si wafer (1) over which players and n layers are built.    Since the crystal lattice of the thin hole surface of the porous structure expands from the wafer-side, it is easy to carry out epitaxial growth with resolution in the order of the lattice constant. It is easy to manufacture this solar battery with higher conversion efficiency.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency and easy to manufacture.
(JP6103983-A)   NOVELTY - An area of gaseous diffusion layer, having water- repellent property, is covered by a vaporized polymeric material. The hydrophilic area (2) of the gaseous diffusion layer is exposed after heat processing the covered area.    USE - For manufacturing fuel electrode of solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell used in electric power unit of vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The Heating-gas supply function and water supply function are performed simultaneously, without accompanying a complicated process.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the hydrophilic process with respect to a fuel electrode.    carbon paper (1)    hydrophilic area (2)
(JP6096799-A)   NOVELTY - A safety valve (9) that prevents the interruption of outside air into a battery is opened when the internal pressure of the battery is raised to 100degrees or more, to exhaust the non-aqueous electrolyte and expose the anode to outside air. The metal lithium contained in the anode is reacted with evaporated iodoethane, to form lithium iodide which is a non-metal, so that ignition is not caused.    USE - Used as a secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - The occurrence of ignition and fire is prevented, by appropriately operating the safety valve.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the secondary battery.    battery vessel (1)    conductive plates (2, 3)    insulating plate (4)    hole (5)    safety valve (9)
(JP6096760-A)   NOVELTY - A paste-type cadmium cathode plate is charged and discharged in an alkali electrolyte liquid. The cathode plate is rolled before the charging and after discharge of the cathode plate.    USE - Used for the manufacture of a paste-type cadmium cathode for a closed-type nickel-cadmium storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - Avoids the generation of a blister and non-uniform swelling of the cathode plate, thereby achieving high-energy densification of cathode plate at low cost.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional drawing of the closed-type nickel-cadmium storage battery.    anode (1)    cathode (2)    separator (3)    electroconductive tab (5)    sealant (8)
A compsn. of matter comprises, as separate components in admixture, carbon and manganese cpds. which are substantially all of ? The above compsn. is used in air cathode (5) for a metal-air electrochemical cell. The compsn. forms an active layer (8) disposed on a current collecting substrate which can be connected to electrical circuitry. The resulting current collecting sub-luminate has a barrier layer (9) disposed on one side thereof and an air diffusion layer (10) on the other side.    The mixture of carbon and ? cpds. is produced by adding activated carbon particles to an aqs. soln. of KMnO3. Pref. the cell has a metal anode (7). The cathode(s) is impregnated with an alkaline electrolyte. The active layer (8) is 0.002-0.05 inch thick, pref. 0.007-0.009 inch.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cathode(s) used in small alkaline electrochemical written cells. The cell has high current density and high closed circuit voltage. The air cathode has improved mechanical integrity and service life. The manganous cpds. act as catalysts for the reduction of oxygen.
The laminator is provided with a heating medium vessel, a sealing cover, and a vacuum pump. Rubber diaphragms are attached to the open ends of both the heating medium vessel and the sealing cover through packings. After the back sheet, filler, solar cell, filler, and surface sheet are superimposed between the two rubber diaphragms, they are welded by heating as a solar cell module while air is removed from the space between the rubber diaphragms by the vacuum pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Various kinds of solar cell modules different in curvature are laminated efficiently.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer containing electric charge generating pigment and electric charge transporting dye between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the electric charge transporting dye is phenylene diamine cpd. having the general formula (1); (wherein, R1, R2, R3 and R4 = H, halogen, alkyl gp., or alkoxy gp., R5 and R6 = H, halogen or alkyl gp., m = 0 or 1).    One of the electrodes is normally a transparent electrode e.g. composed of metal such as Al, Cu or stainless steel, electroconductive polymer such as polyacetylene, or oxide such as SnO2 or ITO. The electrodes can be produced by vacuum vapour deposition or sputtering etc. The electric charge transporting dye can be used along with electron accepting or donating compound. Binder resin for the photoelectroconductive layer is e.g. polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, acryl polymer, polyethylene or polyester etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell shows a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and stability for a long period.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer containing electric charge generating pigment and electric charge transporting dye between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the electric charge transporting dye is a phenylene diamine cpd. having the general formula (1); (wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 = H, halogen, alkyl gp., or alkoxy gp. Z is thio gp., oxy gp., seleno gp., telluro gp., alkylene gp., or gp. having the general formula (2) or (3). n is 1 or 2, Y is S, O or N atom).    One of the electrodes is normally a transparent electrode e.g. composed of metal such as Al, Cu or stainless steel, electroconductive polymer such as polyacetylene, or oxide such as SnO2 or ITO. The electrodes can be produced by vacuum vapour deposition or sputtering etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell shows a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and stability for a long period.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer containing electric charge generating pigment and electric charge transporting dye between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the electric charge transporting dye is a cpd. of formula (1); (wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 = H, halogen, alkyl gp. opt. having substitution gp., or alkoxy gp. opt. having substitution gp. A is gp. having following formula (2), (3) or (4)).    One of the electrodes is normally a transparent electrode e.g. composed of metal such as Al, Cu or stainless steel, electroconductive polymer such as polyacetylene, or oxide such as SnO2 or ITO. The electrodes can be produced by vacuum vapour deposition of sputtering etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell shows a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and stability for a long period.
NOVELTY - Two porous carbon layers (40) of fixed thickness sandwich two precise quality carbon layers (41). Two porous charcoal base plates with thin thermosetting resin film on one side are laminated on one side of carbon structure. Heat processing is done to change thin film into precise quality carbon layer with seal property. Then rib for air flow path (2a) is formed.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for separator manufacturing method.    USE -   For phosphoric acid fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient yield is obtained by changing thin film into precise quality carbon layer. Electrical and thermal resistance is restrained to minimum.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional drawing of separator. (40) Porous carbon layer; (41) Precise quality carbon layer(2a) Air flow path.
To form a solar module, for photovoltage generation, a viscous paste mass (3) is placed between the semiconductor cell (2.1) and the front plate (1.1) and between the cells and the shrouding to fix at least one cell in place. Before the adhesive mass (3) is set, measured pressure is applied at the first cross linking point and successively, without air entry, on the cell to force the mass into place.    Also claimed is a solar module with a curved front plate (1.1). It has at least one cylindrical photovoltage semiconductor cell (2.1) held by a voltage transparent adhesive mass (3) for the whole of its surface to be bonded to the front plate (1.1). The semiconductor cells (2.1) have no inherent mechanical tension, with a shape which does not match the front plate (1.1) curvature.    Also claimed is an assembly appts. with a spray beam with a given number of at least two jets for the simultaneous delivery of a number of spaced droplets of adhesive mass on the front plate (1.1) and shrouding. A holding beam has a number of holders for the semiconductor cells (2.1) so that each droplet is applied to a cell at the same time and pressed into place.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of solar modules. The system allows curved solar modules to be produced, simply and cost-effectively.
Material is formed by: forming a green substrate of ceramic particles and volatile binder and plasticiser; mechanically contacting the substrate surface with a patterned surface to embed a pattern in the substrate surface; sizing the substrate into a desired configuration; firing to form a sintered substrate with a patterned surface; and depositing a film of semiconductor material.    The patterning pref. comprises embossing to form a textured, light-reflective surface on the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mfr. of semiconductor solar cells. Textured, light-reflective substrates for thin-photovoltaic cells are formed at low cost. The textured surface provides superior light trapping and collection for increasing photo-conversion efficiency.
The battery includes an outer cladding case (1) in which several case division bodies (2) made of synthetic resin, are formed. A unit cell is arranged in the outer cladding case. A wall presses plate group of the unit cell. The plate group is arranged between the wall of the case division body and the synthetic resin body.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents crack generation. Prevents peeling from collector of positive pole active material.
A polymer solid electrolyte comprises an organic polymer bearing an alkyl quat. ammonium gp. in the branch terminal and a metal salt.    The alkyl quat. ammonium gp. includes gps. of formulae (I) and (II), where m = 1-3; n = 1-4; X- = anion, the counter ion of the alkyl quat. ammonium gp. Cl-, Br- and I-, the metal salt AlCl3, AlBr3 and AlI3 and the organic polymer a copolymer of at least 90 mol% of a vinyl monomer bearing an alkyl quat. ammonium gp. and another vinyl monomer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolytes have excellent film-forming properties, mechanical strength and flexibility and mixts. of the electrolytes and electroconductive Al carriers have excellent ion conductivity at room temp. of 10 power(-4) Scm(-1) or higher without electron conductivity and are used for solid batteries.
Tank head insulation cover (4) comprises (a) panels (6) of thermoformable foam material e.g. PVC etc. each defined by a pair of sides having flanges to allow overlapping between adjacent panels during assembly and joined at outer ends (16) by a convex arcuate base having a flange (12) and converging at the inner ends (14) and (b) a cap (8) for covering the centre area of the tank head.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for insulation of domed tank head. Allows assembly of different sized heads by varying amt. of overlap between panels.
An appts. comprises a closed container system having a first chamber for a liq.; a second chamber for a desiccant; means for circulating an inert gas between the 2 chambers comprising a wet gas pipe to carry gas from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a dry gas pipe to return gas from the second chamber to the first chamber; means for stirring a liq. in the first chamber; means for introducing the inert gas to the closed container system; a dry box chamber where the atmospheric water content is in the range 1 to 50 ppm contg. the closed container; means for introducing the inert gas into the dry box chamber.    Pref. fan is interposed in at least one of the wet or dry pipes to circulate the gas between the chambers and through the desiccant; the inert gas is Ar; the desiccant is a zeolite 3A or 4A material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prepn. of non-aq. liq. polymer host network electrolytes for batteries, by removal of water. Contact between the liq. and a desiccant agent is avoided, thus avoiding liq. contamination, and disposal of contaminated desiccant with associated handling problems and costs.
A lead-acid battery, having a capacity indicator, comprises a container (12) partitioned into cells (16,18) including positive and negative plates (20) and a separator (21), cover, positive and negative terminals, and electrolyte (30). A reference electrode (48) contacts the electrolyte and the voltage between this and the negative electrode (24) indicates the battery capacity.    Pref. the reference electrode is placed at the negative terminal and is a PbO2 electrode, being in an electrolyte-permeable container. A Ti rod current collector is in contact with the reference electrode and is coated with an SnO2 layer where it contacts this electrode. The sensor includes a cover, a protective sleeve around the Ti rod, and a plastic plug around the rod by the sleeve. This plug closes the cover hole, the cover being of hot-melt adhesive, and the container is of polyester fabric.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For lead-acid batteries in which the capacitive state may be instantly determined permitting warning displays or charge management, e.g. in vehicles. The capacity indicator is reliable and efficient, is independent of acid stratification within the battery, and is usable with sealed batteries.
(JP6068896-A)   NOVELTY - Fuel electrode (3) and oxidizing agent electrodes (4) are formed on both sides of electroconductive solid state polymer film (22). A fuel gas humidification portion (36) comprises a water replenishment path (24) which is formed in a bipolar plate (25B) and opposes fuel gas humidification path (26) formed in a bipolar plate (25A). The fuel gas humidification path is connected to a fuel gas path (6).    USE - Solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Eliminates the need for humidification tank and gas piping. Hence, fuel cell is simplified. Thermal efficiency and performance of the fuel cell are improved. The number of components is reduced and manufacturing cost is reduced.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An oxidizing agent humidification portion (37) comprises water replenishment path (23) which is formed in the bipolar plate (25A) and opposes oxidizing agent humidification path (27) formed in the bipolar plate (25B). The oxidizing agent humidification path is connected to an oxidizing agent path (7). The oxidizing agent and fuel gas humidification paths are arranged mutually at symmetrical position with respect to the solid polymer film.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Fuel electrode (3)    Oxidizing agent (4)    Fuel gas path (6)    Oxidizing agent path (7)    Electroconductive solid polymer film (22)    Water replenishment paths (23,24)    Bipolar plates (25A,25B)    Fuel gas humidification path (26)    Oxidizing agent humidification path (27)    Fuel gas humidification portion (36)    Oxidizing agent humidification portion (37)
(JP6068884-A)   NOVELTY - A fuel cell comprises a cooling plate between a fuel separator and an oxidizer separator for each unit cell. The cooling plate comprises a cooling water separator with a humidification water transparency plate made of metal or carbon having hydrophilic property and conductivity, for humidifying the polyelectrolyte film formed on the fuel electrode.    USE - Used as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.
Metal-free accumulator with protic electrolyte comprises (a) positive active compsn. of crystalline graphite; (b) negative active compsn. of a mixt. of anthraquinone and conducting soot; and (c) electrolyte of H2SO4, HClO4, HF or HBF4 in water or protic solvent.    Pref. the graphite positive has a porous structure of crystalline graphite produced by pressing at 0.001-100 bar and 20-200 deg.C a homogeneous mixt. of (A) 50-98 wt% crystalline graphite, (B) 1-25 wt% binder, e.g. PP pr PTFE and (c) 1-25 wt% pore former, e.g. Na2SO4.OH2O or polyvinyl alcohol powder extracted in hot water; or has a porous structure as above but with a highly dispersible component (c), e.g. conducting soot, SiO2, Al2O3, SiC.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides good cycle stability.
A high capacity accumulator has positive (2) and negative (3) electrode plates and separators (4). Free spaces are created i) between the plates (2,3) and the housing cover (11), ii) between the side edges of the plates (2,3) and the housing walls and iii) between the plates (2,3) and the base. At the top of the accumulator, in the upright position is a filler opening (21) and a safety valve (12). Both sets of plates (2,3) are connected via terminal bridges (7,8) to terminals extending out of the housing cover (11).    The electrolyte is a thixotropic gel which covers the terminal bridges (7,8). Absorbent pads (10,22) collect fluid and gaseous electrolyte when the accumulator lies on one sides and give it up according to the condition of the accumulator. The pads (10,22) are located either in the free area above the plates (2,3) or at the side of the plates (2,3). Pads (10,22) comprise a porous fleece mfd. in glass, mineral or plastic fibres.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For portable electrical supply. Can be used in horizontal and vertical positions without requiring two different designs and the positive or negative terminal can be the top.
An ion-conductive polymer compsn. contg. a plasticiser comprising an alkylene glycol block copolymer obtd. by block-copolymerising an ethylene oxide unit with a polymerisation degree, n, of 1-4 and a propylene oxide unit with a polymerisation degree, m, of 1-4 with m+n between 2 and 8 and blocking the terminals of the obtd. block copolymer is new.    The alkylene glycol block copolymer pref. is one in which propylene oxide units are added to both terminals of an ethylene oxide polymer unit or ethylene oxide polymer units are added to both terminals of a propylene oxide unit. The terminal blocking gp. in the block copolymer includes 1-7C alkyl, allyl or cycloalkyl. The polymer compsns. pref. have a plasticiser content of 30-90 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ion-conductive polymer compsns. have high ion conductivity at room and a low temp. without evaporation and dissipation at a high temp. and are useful for electrochemical devices such as electrolytic capacitors and batteries.    In an example, soln. of 4g of a polymer of formula (I), 1g poly(ammonium disalicylate), 0.06g diethylene glycol and 4g of an ion conductive polymer plasticiser of formula (II) in 8 ml methyl ethyl ketone was cast from the film, most methyl ethyl ketone was distilled off and the residue was left to stand for 3 hrs. at 90 deg.C to cure, giving a sheet of a polymer solid electrolyte with ionic conductivities at 25 or -10 deg.C before or after 24 hrs. standing at 100 deg.C of 0.00033 (25 deg.C:before standing (BS), 0.000024 (-10 deg.C:BS), 0.00022 (25 deg.C:after standing (AS)) or 0.000021 S/cm (-10 deg.C:AS).
An ion-conductive polymer compsn. contg. a plasticiser comprising an alkylene glycol block copolymer obtd. by addition-reacting an ethylene oxide unit with a polymerisation degree, n, of 1-4 and a propylene oxide unit with a polymerisation degree, m, 1-4 with m+n between 2 and 8 is new.    The alkylene glycol block copolymer pref. is one in which propylene oxide units are added to both terminals of an ethylene oxide polymer unit or ethylene oxide polymer units are added to both terminals of a propylene oxide unit. The polymer compsns. pref. have a plasticiser content of 30-90 wt.%    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ion-conductive polymer compsns. have high ion conductivity at room and a low temps. without evaporation and dissipation at a high temp. and are useful for electrochemical devices such as electrolytic capacitors and batteries.    In an example, soln. of 4g of a polymer of formula (I), 1g poly(ammonium disalicylate) and 4g of an ion conductive polymer plasticiser of formula (II) in 8 ml methyl ethyl ketone was cast, from the film, most methylethyl ketone was distilled off and an electron beam was irradiated onto the residue to cure it, giving a sheet of a polymer solid electrolyte with ionic conductivities at 25 or -10 deg.C before or after 24 hrs. standing at 100 deg.C of 0.0003 (25 deg.C:before standing (BS), 0.00002 (-10 deg.C:BS), 0.00029 (25 deg.C:after standing (AS)) or 0.000019 S/cm(-10deg.C:AS).
A foam sheet is rounded into a circular tube, after heating one side of the sheet which is to be the inner surface of the tube, and then the opposed end parts of the sheet are welded. To heat the one side of the sheet, a contactless heating unit is used.    A hot jet unit (20) for jetting a hot gas at a controlled temp. to contactlessly heat one side (11) of a foam sheet is followed by a former (30) having a tubular mould having a tapered inner face.    USE -   For making heat insulated pipes and buffers for electric appts., buildings or air conditioners. The finished pipes have a good off-roundness.
(JP6060881-A)      NOVELTY - The paste includes plumbic acid compound added with organic type thixotropy property providing agent. The moisture content of the paste is 5-20% by weight.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The thixotropy property providing agent is a mixture of polyethyleneglycol, poly amino methacrylate, quaternary salt, an amphoteric polymer, carboxymethylcellulose salt, polyvinyl alcohol or beta- naphthalene sulphonate.    USE -   For adhesion on collector of lead storage battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Paste filling is simplified as thixotropy property of paste is high. Eases filling of collector with viscous active material paste and raises adhesion with collector.
Cell comprises: container; central cylindrical Zn negative electrode; aq. electrolyte; annular MnO2 positive electrode; electrode separator; closure member; and terminals to each electrode. The aq. electrolyte contains alkali metal hydroxide(s); H2SO4, H3BO4 and/or H3PO4; or ZnCl2, NH4Cl, NaCl and/or KCl.    The ratio of theoretical discharge capacity of the Zn electrode to the theoretical one-electron discharge capacity of the MnO2 electrode (the electrode balance) is 60-120% pref. 70-100%. The dimensions of the MnO2 electrode are maintained by interference with the container, separator and closure member.    In an embodiment, the cell is a button cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The mechanical integrity of the MnO2 electrode can be maintained during cycling without need for physical confinement of the electrode or large amts. of binder, so that the cells have improved cycle life and drain rate.
(JP6052893-A)   NOVELTY - The positive and negative electrodes (2,3) of battery consists of metal lithium or its alloy. A solid electrolyte consisting of 3-30% of ion dissociative metallic salts, 75% of polyethylene oxides and 3-25% of polysiloxanes is provided in electrolyte cell.    USE - Solid electrolyte cell in batteries.    ADVANTAGE - A solid electrolyte cell having high ionic conductivity in a low temperature region is obtained. The cyclic characteristic of solid electrolyte cell is improved and the reliability of battery is also improved.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a model sectional drawing of the solid electrolyte cell.    solid electrolyte (1)    positive electrode (2)    negative electrode (3)    collector (4b)    negative electrode cap (5)    insulator (7)    solid electrolyte cell (D)
(JP6052863-A)   NOVELTY - A slurry comprising electrode material with preset sized particles mixed with organic solvent, is impregnated into carbon felt, dried and baked at 1000degreesC or more to form a porous electrode portion (1b). The slurry is impregnated on the porous electrode portion, dried and baked at 1000degreesC or more to form an electrode portion (2b) with 5-50% porosity and 0.1-10 microns diameter air holes over the porous electrode portion.    USE - Used for manufacturing a self-support double structure, e.g. fuel and oxygen side lateral electrodes for self-support solid electrolyte fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE - A stable electrode having small gas diffusion resistance is produced with good reproducibility. The process resistance of the electrode at the joining surface with solid electrolyte film is reduced. The adhesion between electrode portions is strong.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the self-support solid electrolyte type. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    porous electrode portion of fuel side lateral electrode (1a)    porous electrode portion of oxygen side lateral electrode (1b)    electrode portion of fuel side lateral electrode (2a)    electrode portion of oxygen side lateral electrode (2b)    sheet (3)    solid electrolyte film (4)
Electrochemical cell having 5-layered sandwich structure comprises current collector (2) of cathode, cathode (3), ion exchange membrane (4), anode (5) and current collector (6) of anode which are assembled by applying inward force to a pair of tightening plates (1, 7) located on outer sides of respective current collectors, the ion exchange membrane not being located to either electrode before tightening.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrochemical cell is a fuel cell suitable for powering an electric car or a spacecraft and capable of producing high electrical powder density. The cell is constructed to enable the use of an inexpensive hydrocarbon ion exchange membrane, essentially by obviating such a procedure as hot pressing or sintering. Because only tightening means such as bolts (10, 11) are necessary to assemble the cell, assembling is easy and ion exchange membrane, anode, and cathode may be stored separately before use. The ion exchange membrane is not susceptible to damage during tightening unlike membranes subjected to hot pressing.
Opt. aq. solid alkaline polymer comprising a polar organic polymer matrix which is solid at room temp. and one or more basic cpds. chosen from alkali(ne earth) and ammonium hydroxides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolytes are esp. useful in the prodn. of thin film electrochemical generators and secondary batteries consisting of thin film active metal electrodes bonded together and sepd. from each other by a thin layer a few hundredths of a mm. thick of the solid alkaline electrolyte compsn. The solid electrolytes can be processed easily by extrusion, moulding etc., and solidified into the desired shape by cooling. The electrolytes have a very high ionic conductivity, e.g. greater than 10 power-3 S.m. power-1 and often greater than 10 power-1 S.m. power-1. The electrolytes bond well to the active surfaces of positive and negative electrodes esp. in thin film electrochemical generators, and also prevent short circuiting between the electrodes, thus allowing the fabrication of bi-electrodes capable of providing high energy density and power without auto-discharge by leakage currents. Secondary generators are obtd. having prolonged life w.r.t. charge/discharge cycles esp. in generators with negative electrode of Zn.
A battery pack has a header frame detachably mounted to a housing with an integrated latch and circuitry on the header to couple cells inserted into the housing. A laminar second housing is attached to the first housing.    The second housing pref. also serves as a label for the pack. The header frame is pref. made of polyether etherketone, polycarbonate and/or polyimide, and the circuitry is a flex circuit with a poly switch. The pack pref. has contacts for recharging the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The pack is used in a two-way radio. It has reduced wt. and cost and can be consumer loaded.
The compsn. contains as essential components, (A) hydrocarbon-based hardener which contains at least two hydrosilyl gps. in the molecule and has a molecular weight of lower than 30,000 and a total chlorine content of lower than 1 wt%, (B) polymer which contains at least one alkenyl gp. in the molecule has backbone chain consisting of satd. hydrocarbon repeating unit and has a total chlorine content of lower than 1 wt% and (C) hydrosilylation catalyst which has a total chlorine content of lower than 100 ppm.    Pref. (A) is shown by formula RXa, where X is gp. which contains at least one hydrosilyl gp.; R is 2-150C mono- to tetra-valent hydrocarbon gp.; a is 1 to 4. (B) pref. includes isobutylene polymer, hydrogenated polyisoprene polymer, hydrogenated polybutadiene polymer etc.    Pref. (B) contains more than 50 wt% of repeating unit derived from isobutylene.    (A) and (B) pref. have a total chlorine content of lower than 0.2 wt%. Pref. (C) are platinum-olefin complex and platinum-vinyl siloxane complex.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. for potting of back surface of solar battery can be applied by coating, has high electrical insulating property and flexibility and does not cause electrode corrosion.
A solid oxide fuel cell comprises at least one kind of an electroconductive film formed by spraying and has a permeability constant for N2 gas of less than 9x10 power (-8) cm4/g sec.    The electroconductive film is an interconnector or a solid electrolyte film. The substrate is an air electrode substrate of a self-supporting type. Prior to spraying, the substrate surface is roughened, suitably masked and preheated to more than 120 deg C. The thermal treatment is at 1300-1600 degC.    ADVANTAGE -   The electroconductive film having extremely high gas tightness can be economically mass produced using a conventional spraying plant and electric furnace. Film thickness can be reduced lowering the inner resistance of the cell unit and allowing increased emf.
The solar street sign is composed of the solar panel (1) on which is mounted a transparent plate of plexiglass, glass, etc., illuminated by a linear light source (3), forming a unit. The solar panel is connected to an accumulator (5) via an accumulator charge regulator (4), which is connected with the linear light source (3) via a switch (7) and a movement reporter (6) with built-in dimming switch.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to display publicity or information on a road. The use of solar energy obviates the use of mains electricity for illumination purposes.
The roof joist (1) and roof laths (2) support heat resistant components (3). An S-shaped hook (22) is inserted, which bridges over the gap between the heat resistant components and the surface format of the glass bearer rail (23).    The heat resistant components are so formed on their top sides that they can act as locations for absorbers. Such absorbers can either locate directly on the heat resistant components or on a coating of foil completely or partly reflecting heat radiation, or via distance holders an air gap is produced between the insulation and the absorbers. The top side of the heat resistant components is flat. Hooks suspended in the roof laths are additionally fixed by fixture components and are used for fixture of the glass bearer rails.    Pref., the absorber comprises an EPDM material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a roof solar collector panel. The system used is modular and makes use of existing spars and battens.
A solid electrolyte comprises: (a) a solid polymeric matrix; (b) an inorganic salt; and (c) a solvent of formula (I). In (I) m = 0 or 1; X = O or -(CR1R2)-; Y = O or -(CR9CR10)-; provided that when Y = O then X = -(CR1R2)-; R1, R3, R5, R7, R9 = H; R2, R6, R8, R10 = H 1-4C alkyl or alkoxy; R4 = H, 1-4C alkyl or alkoxy, or -CH2O(CH2CH2O)nCH3; and n = 0-3; provided that when m = O, then at least one of R2, R4, R6, and R8 is higher alkyl when R4 is not -CH2O(CH2CH2O)nCH3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolytes are used in the construction of rechargeable "solid batteries". The solid electrolytic cells have improved cumulative capacity compared to cells of prior art through the use of the above solvents, which have lower volatility than commonly used solvent, e.g. dioxolane and tetrahydrofuran, and are safer to use.
Silane acrylates of formula (I) are new in (I), R1-R3=(a) -(-Y - CH2CH23-)x-H (x = 1-20; Y = O, S, NH or NR; and R = 1-10C alkyl); (b) 1-6C alkyl; (c) 1-6C alkoxy; (d) -O-(-R4 - O-)p-R5 (R4 = 1-4C alkylene; R5 = 1-4C alkyl; and p = 1-4); (e) -SR6 (R6 = 1-6C alkyl); (f) -NH2; (g) -NHR7 (R7 = 1-6C alkyl); or (h) -NR8R9; - O - C(O) - C(R10) = C(H)(H) or - O - (CH2)y - O - C(O) - C(R11) = CH2 (R8, R9 = 1-6C alkyl; R10, R11 = H or methyl; and y = 3-10).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polymers of the new silane acrylates are used to make solvent-contg. electrolytes for use in rechargeable "solid batteries". The monomer contains a Si atom that can have up to three reactive sites, as opposed to one for acrylic gps., which can be used to provide pendent gps. that can given enhanced conductivity within an electrolyte, and can allow the polymer chains to spread more, giving the matrix greater flexibility and swellability.
(JP6036776-A)   NOVELTY - An insulator comprising inorganic material is dissolved in perfluoro carbon sulfonic acidic resin or mixture of organic solvent and water. A reaction layer surface containing catalyst with gas diffusion electrode is impregnated with mixed dispersion solution of solid acid particle in sulfuric acid. The reaction layer is sandwiched between two electrode sheets, heat-crimped and applied on insulator.    USE - None given.    ADVANTAGE - An electrical resistance of the electrolyte layer is reduced by using larger ion exchange capacity electrolyte. Solid-polymer-electrolyte type fuel battery with enhanced reaction rate is obtained.
(JP6036760-A)   NOVELTY - A cathode plate consists of inclusions of carbonaceous materials containing natural or artificial graphite. The dedope capacitance A and B of two types of carbonaceous materials obtained when lithium from graphite is set to 1.0 V. X-ray wide angle diffraction of graphite and carbonaceous materials of face distance 002, is 3.35-3.42 Angstrom and 3.43-3.9 Angstrom .    USE - Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery e.g. lithium secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE - Since cell voltage can be maintained stably and highly using graphite cathode-plate material during discharging condition, battery expiry occurring suddenly is prevented.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the graph during discharge of lithium from natural graphite. (Drawing includes non-English language text).
Non-aq. electrochemical cell comprises an alkali metal anode, a glass fibre separator, a liq. cathode-electrolyte and a porous carbonaceous cathode collector, the liq. cathode electrolyte contg. 0.01-30 wt.% PET.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a min. voltage delay even at high ambient temp. or on prolonged storage. It has sufficient mechanical strength and can be made with high reproducibility and at low cost.
The protective seal battery label has a heat shrinkable inner plastic layer (5) with a central portion the same length as the battery circumferential surface length. An outwardly visible imprint layer (6) is disposed above the inner plastic layer. An inner adhesive layer (3) of equal length is disposed beneath the inner plastic layer. An outer adhesive layer (7) is disposed above the imprint. A non-shrinkable outer plastic layer (8) of similar size, is disposed above the outer adhesive layer. A metal layer (4) is disposed adjacent to the inner heat-shrinkable layer.    The shrinkable layer is shrunk onto the battery and fixed to it by the inner adhesive layer. The outer non-shrinkable plastic layer is adhesively secured to the inner shrinkable layer by the outer adhesive layer and is drawn over the ends.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reduced defects. Improved overall appearance.
Water heater storage tank (12) is thermally insulated by positioning a jacket structure (20) around it to define a hollow, enclosed insulation space (32) and injecting liquid foam insulation material (38) into the space essentially to fill it with insulation. The jacket structure has a pipe opening which the liquid foam is prevented from escaping from by installing a hollow, tubular, foam stop member (42) made of relatively thin resilient material, the member being axially inserted through the opening into snap-fitting engagement with the jacket structure so as to be axially compressed between it and the tank before injecting the foam.    Pref. the storage tank includes an outward projecting threaded pipe coupling (34) and the circular pipe opening in the jacket structure is spaced outward of the end of the pipe coupling. The hollow, foam stop member has a side wall portion (48) extending between opposed open ends with a laterally indented axial section facilitating resilient axial compression, the axial length of the member being slightly greater than the distance between the storage tank and the jacket structure as measured from adjacent the pipe coupling fitting to adjacent the pipe connection opening. The outer end of the member has an annular exterior surface groove (58) circumscribing its axis which snap fits into a circular edge portion of the jacket structure when it is installed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The tubular, foam stop member replaces and eliminates any need for a fibreglass block which must be very carefully sized to block a pipe hole and has inferior insulation properties or the tedious fitting of foam-filled bags.
(JP6029042-A)   NOVELTY - An electrolyte liquid-proof synthetic resin film or thin metal film (L') is provided on the inner wall of the battery container (I).    USE - Square metal-hydride storage battery for hydrogen occlusion or storage.    ADVANTAGE - Prevents generation of heat from the negative electrode plate, while assembling the battery, by providing the thin resin or metal film in the inner wall of the container.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the square metal-hydride storage battery.    negative electrode plate (F)    separator (G)    positive electrode plate (H)    thin metal film (L')    battery container (I)
(JP2627033-B2)      An organic electrolyte secondary battery has a lithium salt electrolyte. The anode is formed from a powder mixture of aromatic condensation polymer comprising polyarene structure having H:C atomic ratio of 0.05-0.5:1, electroconductive complex of insoluble infusible base having BET specific surface area of 2g/600 ml, V205 of average particle size 0.1 micron or less. The pore volume has a pore diameter of 0.1 micron or less. The condensation polymer is subjected to heat treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery has high capacity and exhibits fast charging characteristics.
NOVELTY - The electrodes has hydrogen storage alloys with particles of different dimensions that are mixed at a ratio of 5:95 using a binder to form a paste. The paste is applied to the surfaces of a collector with punched metal, and dried.    USE - Hydrogen storage alloy electrode for battery.    ADVANTAGE - Improves the oxygen gas absorbing characteristics of the battery by using hydrogen storage alloy with particles of different dimensions.
Polymeric electrolyte is produced by crosslinking a terminally-modified polyalkylene oxide of formula (I) and/or (II): Z is residue of active-H-contg. cpd.; R2 is H, alkyl or Ph; k is 1-12; m is 1-240; p is 1-220; and R1 is a gp. of formula (III): n is 0 or 1-25; and R is 1-20C alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl; having a mean mol.wt. 500-50000 to produce an organic polymer, and introducing a soluble electrolyte salt into the polymer, the terminal gps. Y being partly alkyl, alkenyl or aryl, with the remainder being polymerisable functional gps. R2 is pref. H or Me.    Pref., polymerisable functional gps. are (meth)acryloyl or allyl; alkyl, alkenyl or aryl Y gps. pref. comprise 50-98%, the polymerisable functional gps. Y comprising 2-50%. The polymer is pref. prepd. by irradiation with heat, light or electrons beam, in the presence of initiator or sensitiser, if necessary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In batteries operating under high load, e.g. in electrically-powered vehicles. Have high ionic conductivities and are useable in large batteries at high operating temps.
A photovoltaic cell (1) comprises a substrate (2) with a supporting face (4) over which extends a first electrode (6); a second electrode (10) isolated from the first electrode (6) by layers (14,16;14,24,16) including at least one first layer (14) of a semiconductor material having an active junction (J) at one interface, characterised in that the active junction (J) has an enlarged area which is greater than its projected area.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are photovoltaic cells which may be of the metal-semiconductor (MS) junction Schottky diode, metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS), semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor (SIS) or homojunction or heterojunction type, which give a high level of conversion of incident light energy into electrical energy per unit of area. The active junction is formed on a surface with a high degree of irregularity which gives a surface area greater than the projected area. This greatly increases the efficiency of collection of incident photons in comparison to prior art cells, due to multiple diffusion of light into the semiconductor layer in association with the large active junction.
(JP6013079-A)   NOVELTY - An active material paste is prepared by mixing and kneading 100 parts by weight of cadmium oxide, 2 parts by weight of polyvinyl alcohol, 20 parts by weight of ethylene glycol, and 3 parts of weight of ceramic staple. The paste is applied to a nickel-plated punched metal base, dried and then molded to form a paste-type cadmium cathode plate.    USE - Used as a paste-type cadmium cathode plate for an alkaline storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - The cathode plate exhibits good electrolyte holding property, improving the energy density, the electrode strength and heat resistance and the active material utilization rate of the battery for a long period.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a graph depicting the active material utilization rate of a paste-type cathode plate. (Drawing includes non-English language text).
(JP6013076-A)   NOVELTY - The nickel hydroxide positive electrode plate for alkaline cells equipped with nickel board in which nickel and cobalt powder are sintered, cobalt and nickel hydroxide that forms solid solution, and nickel or cobalt and cadmium hydroxide that does not forms solid solution.    USE - Alkaline cells.    ADVANTAGE - Provides long life high energy density battery and battery for quick charges.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows comparison of volume retention accompanying charging and discharging cycle of the closed-type nickel cadmium cell which used the positive electrode plate. (Drawing includes non-English language text).
(JP6013073-A)   NOVELTY - The cadmium negative electrode has an inner layer consisting mainly of cadmium oxide, and surface layer consisting mainly of cadmium metal. The inner layer is a paste coating layer containing a reinforcing material, and the surface layer is a paste coating layer which does not contain the reinforcing material.    USE - For alkali storage battery.    ADVANTAGE - Manufacture of the cadmium negative electrode is performed economically and efficiently. Oxygen generated at the time of overcharge of battery, is absorbed immediately. Charging of the alkali storage battery is enhanced. Industrial utilization value is increased. Oxygen gas absorbing property of the negative electrode is enhanced.
(JP6013063-A)   NOVELTY - An insulated gasket (3) is inserted between a cathode sealing board (1) and an anode case (4). An upper punch presses down the sealing board, so that crimp die moves down with constant pressure at the rate of less than 100 mm/sec to crimp and seal the opening in the anode case.    USE - For manufacturing alkaline cell e.g. button-type silver oxide battery.    ADVANTAGE - Provides good leakage resistance to the battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the silver oxide battery.    Cathode sealing board(3) Insulated gasket (1)    Anode case (4)
Non-woven hydrophilised separator fleece material (I) for use in electro-chemical accummulators with aq. alkaline electrolyte consists of a mixt. (II) of polyamide and/or polyolefin fibres with different softening points and is consolidated by heating and pressing to weld the fibre fraction (IIA) with the lower softening point. The novelty is that, before use, (I) is moistened with 0.5-7 (wt)% deionised water (III). $    (I) is made by laying up (II) contg. 30-50% (IIA) on a card, heating in an oven to soften (IIA) only, followed by calibration by pressing to the required final thickness and cooling, spraying at room temp. with 0.5-1% (III) and winding it up for 1 hr. $    ADVANTAGE -   The technique dispenses with the need to add surfactants before or after prodn. of (I) and ensures that it can be wetted with 30% aq. alkali soln. and is compatible with all materials of the accumulator.
A solid, single-phase solvent-contg. electrolyte comprises: (a) a solid polymeric matrix; (b) an inorganic ion salt; and (c) a solvent comprising by wt. ratio of 10:1-1:10 mixt. of an organic carbonate and a glyme of formula (I) RO(R10)pR2. In formula (I), R, R2 = 1-6C alkyl, 7-12C alkylphenyl or phenyl with 1-3 substituents from: 1-4C alkyl or alkoxy, Cl or Br; R1 = -(CR3R4CR5R6)-; R3-R6 = H or 1-4C alkyl; and p = 2-6. $    Also claimed are: (1) an electrolytic cell that uses the above electrolyte (2) a method for enhancing the cumulative capacity of a solid, secondary electrolytic cell comprising using the above electrolyte between he anode and cathode; (3) a cathodic paste compsn. and (4) a solid cathode comprising the cured reaction prod. of the paste. $    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solid-electrolyte, rechargeable batteries. Use of the specified mixts. of organic carbonate and triglyme (I) as the solvent enhances the cumulative capacity of solid batteries through repeated charge-discharge cycles, and the effect is further enhanced by using an alkali metal salt as the inorganic ion salt e.g. LiPF6.
Electrolyte comprises (a) a solid polymeric matrix; (b) an inorganic ion salt; and (c) a solvent comprising a wt. ratio of 10:1-1:2 of an organic carbonate and a triglyme of formula RO(R1O)3R2 (I), R, R2 = 1-6C alkyl, 7-12C alkylphenyl or phenyl with 1-3 substituents from 1-4C alkyl or alkoxy, Cl or Br; R1 = -(CR3R4CR5R6)-; and R3-R6 = H or 1-4C alkyl).    Also claimed are (1) a solid, sec. electrolytic cell that uses the electrolyte (detailed below): (2) a method of preparing the electrolyte used in the cell (detailed below); (3) a method for enhancing the cumulative capacity of a solid, sec. electrolytic cell comprising using the above electrolyte between the anode and cathode; (4) a cathodic paste compsn. (detailed below); (5) a solid cathode comprising the cured reaction prod. of the paste; and (6) a battery comprising multiple cells as (1) above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solid-electrolyte, rechargeable batteries. Use of the specified mixts. of organic carbonate and triglyme (I) as the solvent enhances the cumulative capacity od solid batteries through repeated charge-discharge cycles, and the effect is further enhanced by using an alkali metal salt as the inorganic ion salt, pref. LiPF6.
Li sec battery has a positive electrode active material formed of at least one of Li phosphate, Li-Co phosphate, Co oxide and Li-Co oxide such that the molar ratio of Co:P:Li is more than 0.1: more than 0.2:1, pref. 0.2-1.75:0.25-1.8:1.    The material is pref. amorphous and has an average particle size of 0.01-20 micron and a BET surface of 1-1000 sq. m/g.    Positive electrode material comprises a binder and a conducting agent having a particle size 0.02-20X that of the active material. The positive electrode has a porosity of 25-60%. The negative electrode may be formed with an L ion-conductive PECVD polymer film on the surface of an Li (alloy) electrode; or may be an Li electrode with an electrodeposited layer of Li ion and a metal alloyed with Li on the electrode surface; or may be a C electrode of material selected from a hollow C molecular structure Cn (n = at least 60), a carbonised organic material of d(002) not less tha 3.37 Angstrom, and graphite.    ADVANTAGE -   Material provides high energy density leading to high discharge capacity, high emf and high discharge voltage, and excellent cycle properties.
Method of sealing solar cell element between a glass plate and an Al foil efficiently comprises forming element (10) on a glass plate (6). The glass plate (6) and the Al foil (3) and then set on the heating jig (9) so that the element (10) is in contact with the thermoplastic resin coating (12) of the Al foil (3). Then they are pressed to the heating jig (9) by the press means (13) and the Al foil (3) is heated through the heating jig (9) instantly by activating the high frequency power source (5). Thus the thermoplastic resin coating (12) located around the element (10) melts so that the element (10) is sealed between the glass plate (6) and the Al foil (3).    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell element is sealed without thermal deterioration.
A solid electrolyte is prepd. by impregnating a carrier base board with a mixed soln. of (A) an alkali metal salt, (B) polar polymer, (C) a solvent for the alkali metal salt and (D) an organic solvent compatible with (C) and swelling the base board.    The carrier base board is e.g, polydimethylsiloxane, polymethylvinylsiloxane or polymethylphenylvinylsiloxane. (A) is e.g, LiClO4, LiAsF6, LiPF6, LiBF4, LiB(C6H5)4, LiCl or LiBr and used in a concn. = up to 20 wt. % (B) is e.g, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer, polyepichlorohydrin, polyarylate, polysulphone, polyetherimide, polyethersulphone, polyetherether ketone, polyoxybenzoin or polyphenylene sulphide and used in a wt. ratio/(A) = 0.05-10.0. (C) is e.g, methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol or acetonitrile. (D) is e.g., toluene, benzene, isooctane, ethyl acetate, CCl4 or methylene chloride and used in a concn. = 3-25 wt. %.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Th mixed soln. catches the electrolyte into carrier base board to disperse uniformly the electrolytes to provide high ionic conductivity. It is used for forming batteries of high output.
(JP2516845-B2)      The body and cap of the battery comprise a polyolefin-system resin compsn. The battery is sealed by irradiating the contacting sections of the body and cap with UV radiation of wavelength 185nm, and sealing with curing sealant. The polyolefin system resin comprises a monomer contg. a carboxyoic acid gp., a carboxylic acid ester gp. or an acid anhydrous gp., a monomer contg. an epoxy gp., a monomer contg. an hydroxyl gp. and a monomer contg. an amino gp. Added to the system are monomers selected from alkenyl imino ether derivs. and multi-organic functional unsatd. monomers to react with the compsn.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is of low cost. Bonding between body and cap is strong.
A solid electrolyte is prepd. by impregnating an electrolytic liq. contg. an electrolyte and a polar polymer cpd. into a dried carrier film maintaining swelling state by a swelling agent.    The carrier film is e.g, silicone rubber or silicone resin of crosslinking type (e.g polydimethyl-siloxane, polymethylvinylsiloxane or polymethylphenylvinyl-siloxane). The swelling agent is e.g, toluene, benzene, isooctane, ethyl acetate, CCl4 or methylene chloride. The electrolytic soln. comprises an electrolyte (e.g, LiClO4, LiAsF6, LiPF6, LiBF4, LiB(C6H5)4, LiCl or LiBr) and a polar polymer (e.g, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer, polyepichlorohydrin, etc. The electrolytic soln. contains up to 20 wt. % electrolyte and the polar polymer in a wt. ratio/electrolyte = 0.5-100.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The carrier film has high catching activity of the electrolyte to disperse the electrolyte and the polar polymer uniformly in higher amt. and to improve markedly the ionic conductivity. The solid electrolyte is used for forming a battery having high output.
A fibre-reinforced substrate (I) comprises (a) a number of fibres; (b) a resin; and (c) an anti-agglomerating agent. (c) Inhibits fibre handling during prepn. of (I).$    Also claimed are (A) a method for the prepn. of (I) comprising the steps of (i) mixing (a), (b) and (c) to form a mixt.; (ii) forming the mixt. into a layer; and (iii) thermally curing the resin in the layer; and (B) a fibre reinforced substrate for use in a fuel cell comprising (a) a number of C baked fibres; (b) a thermosetting polymer resin; and (c) a C-based anti-agglomerating agent.$    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are useful in fuel cells to support anode and cathode catalysts and to support electrolyte, thereby forming the electrolyte reservoir plate. (I) Have improved structural integrity, flowability during prodn., and uniform porosity and fuel, oxidant, and/or electrolyte diffusion rates, giving fuel cell stacks able to obtain optimum efficiency.
A solid ionically conductive material comprises a crosslinked polymer selected from polyorganosiloxanes and organo-siloxane/polyoxyalkylene copolymers wherein at least some of the Si atoms of the polymer are bonded to the S of a metal sulphonate gp. (I) by means of a hydrocarbylene or oxyalkene radical (S03)nMn+. (I) where Mn+ = Gp. I or II metal ion; and n = 1 or 2.    When the crosslinked polymer is a polyorganosiloxane, the material contains a non-aq. electrolyte.    Also claimed is the solid ionically conductive material further including a finely divided solid immobilised within wherein the S in (I) is bonded to the surface of the solid by means of the hydrocarbylene or oxyalkylene radical.    USE -   The ionically conductive materials are useful as solid electrolyte in the mfr. of batteries and electronic devices e.g. display elements.    ADVANTAGE -   The material have a high ionic conductivity at room temp., and can be made into a positive ion-monoconductive ionically-conductive material.
The procedure includes the processing of alkaline cellulose by monochloroacetic acid or its sodium salt, and in 30-60 mins. the addition of calcium chloride. The molar ratio of monochloroacetic acid to calcium chloride is 1:0.08-0.25. The mixing is continued for 20-30 mins.. The mixt. is left to ripen at 80 deg.C in 2 hours. The prod. is purified by 50% aq. soln. of ethanol. The solubility in water is 98.0-99.0%, the structural viscosity of paste is 120-180mm, and the specific electrical resistance of electrolyte is 2.4-4.0 Ohm.cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In prodn. of simple cellulose esters, in partic. in obtaining the calcium-sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose, that is useful in electrical industry as a densifier of alkaline electrolytes in chemical power sources. The homogeneity and stability of pastes are increased. Bul.1/7.1.93
The following are claimed: (i) an ionic conductive electrolyte comprising a polymer contg. ether-type oxygen and a plasticiser of formula HO-(C2H4O)n-H (I), RO-(C2H4O)n-H (II), R10-(C2H4O)n-R2 (III), R10-(C2H4O)n- (C3H6O)mH (IV) or R10-(C2H4O)n (C3H8O)m-R2 (V); (ii) an ionic conductive electrolyte comprising a polymer as per (i) above, an ammonium salt and a plasticiser which is monoethylene glycol, gamma-butyrolactone, propylene carbonate and/or ethylene carbonate; (iii) an electric double layer capacitor in which a pair of opposed electrodes made of activated C and electrolyte (i) or (ii) sandwich a layer made of an ionic conductive polymer electrolyte having, as charge carrier, the same kind of ion as the moving ion in the polymer electrolyte used in the electrodes; (iv) an electrolytic capacitor comprising a layer including the electrolyte as per (i) above, a dielectric layer including a metal oxide, and an elec. conductive electrode; and (v) a Li sec. battery comprising a positive and a negative electrode and an electrolyte as per (i) above with the proviso that the plasticiser is of formula (III) and/or (V). In (I), n = 2-5; in (II), R = 1-4C alkyl, and n = 3-5; in (III) R1=R2=Me or Et and n=4,5 or 6; or R1=R2=propyl and n=3,4,5 or ; or R1=R2=Bu and n=2,3,4 or 5; or R1=Me and R2=Bu and n=4,5,6.    ADVANTAGE -   The solid polymer electrolytes have excellent low temp. characteristics and show high reliability even after long term, high temp. storage. The capacitors are of low impedance and withstand high temps. and the Li battery has good low temp. performance and long life on high temp. storage.
An absorption assembly for contacting alkaline battery electrolytes comprises a porous interior chamber (14) contg. an absorption member (16) including a cpd. to neutralise alkali to give a safe, non-toxic, and disposable cpd.. The neutralising cpd. and the binder are thermally bonded to the adsorption member.    The neutralising cpd. is included in a porous substrate and is citric acid with a filler admixed to control the rate of neutralisation, and with an indicator of complete neutralisation. 100 ml of 8N alkali can be neutralised and all the water therein absorbed. The porous member is of nonwoven filter paper or cloth, treated paper, recycled polyethylene, polymer foils, or sponges, and the absorber is cotton, cotton blends of nylon, or acetate polyesters.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An absorption assembly for contacting alkaline battery electrolytes (claimed) is provided which is useful for alkaline solns. in batteries. Leakage of toxic contents is avoided and the problems of recycling and disposal of such batteries are reduced.
A positive temp. coefft. (PTC) device comprises (A) a PTC element, (B) metallic boards laminated on the upper and lower surfaces of (A), (C) metallic lead wires and (D) ABS (acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene) resin of phenylmaleimide type coated around (C) (except the outgoing lines).    Also claimed are a composite battery where such a PTC device is attached between batteries and such a composite battery located in an ABS resin housing.    The PTC element is used for protecting overcurrent and heat. It is prepd. by pressing 2 metal plates each attached with metallic lead wire. It has a resistivity of several tens of miliohms at normal condition. When it is heated by an abnormal overcurrent, its resistivity increases rapidly to a level of several tens of ohms. When an external load is stopped, the resistivity is restored to normal level. The ABS resin of phenylmaleimide type has a repeat unit of formula (I). It is prepd. by copolymerising acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene in the presence of phenylimide. It has high resistance against heat, abrasion and impact higher by 2-3 times than those of conventional ABS resin. The PTC element comprises a polyethylene resin dispersing an electroconductive micropowder (e.g. carbon black or graphite) and has a thickness of several microns. The metal sheet is e.g. Ni, Ni alloy, Cu or Cu alloy and has a thickness of several ten microns and press bonded to the PTC element and connected with metallic lead wire of the same material as the metal sheets.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ABS resin of phenylmaleimide type for PTC devices and housings provides high resistance against heat and heat shock and mechanical properties. The device is used for prim. battery (e.g. Li battery, Mn battery or alkali Mn battery) and sec. battery (e.g. Ni/Cd battery or Ni/H/Ag battery).
A collector comprises a header conduit with radial apertures, and a mat of tubes associated with respective apertures. Each tube is externally of octagonal cross-section (20) with at least one upper surface of each tube having mutually perpendicular facets (28). Each tube thus has flat external longitudinal surfaces so that radiation reflected from these can be absorbed by an adjacent tube.    The apertures pref. contain nipples to receive the tubes which are secured with adhesive, and the mat is pref. of chemically-resistant ethylene-propylene diene monomer elastomer, with adjacent tubes joined by a web (26). The header is pref of ABS.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for commercial or residential water heating or to heat water for swimming pools or hydrotherapy tubs, greatly enhances solar radiation absorption efficiency.
In a galvanic cell type oxygen sensor consisting of anode (5) consisting of catalyst electrode for electrochemical redn. of oxygen, cathode (8) consisting of lead, electrolyte (2), diaphragm (4), and vessel, carbon having the function of supporting the electrolyte and the function as electricity-collecting matter of the anode is used as anode (5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As carbon inactive to the deposition of lead is used as the anode, even when it is stood for long period in an atmos. of oxygen concn. O, no deposition of lead on the anode is caused and stable output can be obtd..    An example of the galvanic cell type oxygen sensor comprises inner cap (1) of ABS resin, O-ring (2), porous PTFE film (3), diaphragm (4) consisting of tetrafluoroethylene- hexafluoropropylene copolymer, anode (5) consisting of carbon, lead wire (6), electrolyte (7), cathode (8) consisting of lead, holder body (9), and cap (10) of holder. The anode consisting of carbon holds the electrolyte and acts as a matter of collecting electricity. The sensor is effective for detecting the concn. of oxygen in a gas permeated through porous PTFE film (3).
In a mould comprising core moulds having roof mirror surfaces corresp. to a shape of roof mirror and arranged in a line to the longitudinal direction and mould case extended in the longitudinal direction together with the core moulds to support the core moulds at its inner surface, a standard surface is provided at the inner surface of mould base extending almost parallel with the arrangement direction of core moulds and the mould case supports the core moulds by contacting the surfaces of core moulds crossing at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of core moulds with the standard surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To attach core moulds to a mould base easily in moulds for moulding roof mirror arrays.
Solar module comprises a glass substrate coated in order; (a) conductive metal oxide, (b) amorphous semiconductor, (c) back metal electrode d) passivating resin comprising a coater vapour barrier layer having a permeability to water vapour of not more than 1g/m2 day measured at a thickness of 100 microns.    At least one part of the passivating resin layer is pref. formed by coating, and thermal curing. The water vapour barrier is pref. polyisobutylene resin. The passivating resin layer pref. comprises an oxygen barrier layer having a permeability to oxygen of not more than 0.1cc mm/m2 day atm. of copolymer of ethylene vinyl alcohol. The active area of the module is not less than 0.1m2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar modules for outdoor use. Has improved passivation.
Prepn. comprises hardening a compsn. comprising (A) an acrylol-modified polyalkylene oxide structure contg. an acrylol gp. of formula CH2=C(R1)-C(O)-O- (I) and polyalkylene oxide of formula -(CH2-CHR-O)-n (II); (B) an inorganic salt and (C) a crown ether cpd. and uses a thin electrolytic film. (I), R1 is H or a lower alkyl gp., R2 is H or a lower alkyl gp. and n is 1-30.    (A) is e.g. triethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, tetramethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate etc. (B) is e.g. LiClO4, LiPF6, NaI, NaClO4, (CH3)4NSCN, etc., used in a mol. ratio of (B)/ethylene oxide of 0.05-50 mol.%. (C) is e.g. 1,4,7,10-tetraoxycyclododecane, 1,4,7,10,13 -pentaoxacyclo -pentadodecane, 1,4,7,13,16 -hexaocacyclo -octadecane, 2,3,11,12- dibenzo -1,4,7,10-tetraoxacyclo -octadeca -2,11-diene or 2,3,11,12-decyclohexyl -1,4,7,10,13,16 -hexaoxacyclo -octadecane.    An opt. added polyalkylene glycol having a mol.wt. of up to 2000 is e.g. tetraethylene glycol, hexaethylene glycol or octaethylene glycol or tetrapropylene glycol. An opt. added organic solvent is e.g. propylene carbonate, sulpholane etc. Such a polyoxyalkylene oxide or a solvent is added in an amt. of up to 500 wt.% of (A) for the ionic conductivity and the transport number.    The compsn. is hardened by heating in the presence of an initiator (e.g. benzoyl peroxide, methylethyl ketone peroxide or diisopropyl peroxycarbonate) or by irradiating it with active ray (e.g. UV ray, visible ray or electronic ray) in the presence of a photopolymerisation initiator (e.g., benzoin, 2-methylbenzoin, trimethylsilylbenzophenone, 4-methoxybenzophenone, benzoin methyl ether, acetophenone, anthraquinone or 2,2-dimethoxyacetophenone).    ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolytic cell has high charge and discharge performance.
(JP5315002-A)   NOVELTY - A water treatment unit (31) consists of an electroconductivity sensor (34) arranged between the main and auxiliary ion exchange tubes (32,33). The amount of resin for discharging water with low electric conductivity is stored in an auxiliary tube until ion exchange is finished in the main tube, when conductivity of water is high.    USE - Fuel cell power generator.    ADVANTAGE - The usage remnants of ion exchange resin in the auxiliary tube is reduced, hence the running cost of the generator is reduced. Provides a simple device which requires less installation space, hence initial cost of the generator is reduced.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the block diagram of fuel cell power generator. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Water treatment unit (31)    Ion exchange tubes (32,33)    Electroconductivity sensor (34)
A polyphosphazene cpd. of formula (I) is new, where n is an integer and R1 and R2 are aromatic gp., gp. contg. a tert.-amine or alkyl.    Polydichlorophosphazene, a phenol e.g. hydroxytriphenylamine or alcohol e.g. (N,N'-diphenylamino) phenoxy-2-ethanol and alcohol for introducing alkyl e.g., 1,1,1-trifluoroethanol are reacted to give a polyphosphazene cpd..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpds. (I) have heat resistance and film-forming properties by solvent application methods, e.g., spin coat method, and form smooth transparent thin films. Cpds. (I) are useful as hole transport materials for organic thin film..EL devices and organic thin film photocells and carrier transport materials in electrophotography. Low m.pt. and/or low mol. wt. carrier transport substances may be introduced into cpds. (I) as branches, enabling formation of thin films.    In an example, 3.3g sodium hydride was added to a soln. of 35.9g 3-hydroxytriphenylamine in a mixed solvent of THF and dioxane. 60 Ml soln. of 4g polydichlorophosphazene in THF was dropped in the mixed soln.. The mixt. was reacted for 8 hrs. at 70 deg.C and the reaction prod. was crystallised from methanol to give bis(N,N-diphenylaminophenoxy) phosphazene with a m.pt. of over 250 deg.C and a Mw of 430,000 without an absorption in the visible region down to 400nm.
Liquid epoxy resin is mixed with crosslinking agent and finely-divided nickel powder, and cured in a mould or on a surface, using vibration or additives to prevent bubbles in the product. The parts may be coated with a layer of copper or nickel to improve electrical properties and appearance, or surface-modified by redox systems to optimise electrical, electrochemical and electromagnetic properties. They can be used in accumulators, in construction and cables, in electro-optical devices and in electrical and electrochemical devices in general.
In a solar cell module sealed with a resin for prevention of penetration of water, the sealing resin is formed by hardening of the starting material compsn. contg. (A) hydrocarbon series hardener having at least two hydrosilyl gps. in a molecule; (B) polymer having repeat unit with a main chain of satd. hydrocarbon, and having at least one alkenyl gp. at the molecule end, and (C) hydrosilylation catalyst.    The hardener (A) e.g. is of general formula RXa (where X is gp. having at least one hydrosilyl gp. R is mono-tetravalent 2-150 C hydrocarbon gp. a is integer 1-4) and has molecular wt. of up to 30000. X is e.g. -Si(H)n(CH3)3-n, -Si(H)n(C2H5)3-n, -Si(H)n(C6H5)3-n where n is 1-3, or -SiH2(C6H13). The catalyst (C) is e.g. Pt, Pt-olefin complex, Pt-phosphite complex, Pt-vinyl siloxane complex, or Pt-phosphine complex etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell module has excellent water penetration preventing property, and excellent weather resistance.
Method comprises depositing thin film contg. a complex Cu oxide with a principal component of formula A-Cu-O (I) on a base while controlling the 02 or oxidising gas partial pressure to 10-2 Torr or lower. In (I), A is at least one of Ca, Sr, Ba, Nd, Sm, Pr, Ce, Th and Ln (lanthanides).    The complex Cu oxide pref. has an A-Cu-O-F crystal structure. The thin film is pref. deposited on the base while controlling the base temp. to 200-1100 deg.C. The thin film base is pref. heated to 100-1100 after deposition. The temp. of the base is most pref. controlled to 500-700 deg.C. The resulting film has a resistivity of 10 power (-4) ohm.cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides optoelectronic conversion element in high efficiency but which is highly stable and reproducible.    .D
The process involves using closed type electrolytic appts. with gas diffusion electrode (e.g. Pd) as an anode, and hydrogen storage metal as a cathode, and electrolysis is carried out in an electrolyte contg. 100-700 microns of S contg. inorganic or organic cpd., and cathode occludes H2 more than 0.97 of H/Pd atomic ratio, and D2 more than 0.90 D/Pd atomic ratio.    In the electrolytic appts. (15) is porous film, (21) is anode of H2 storage metal, (22) is cathode of Pt, (23) is electrolyte of 1 M LiOH contg. 100 microns thiourea, (24) is ceramic anticorrosion coating, (26) is pressure vessel, (27) is potentiostat, (28) is gas supplying device, (29) is gas controlling device, (30) is reference electrode to measure overvoltage of ionising reaction, (34) is carbon paper.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high occlusion gas/metal atomic ratio of more than 0.97 for H2, and more than 0.9 for D2 are obtd., and this process is expected to be used as a fuel cell.
Process comprises using Ca phosphate type glass as a sputtering target and forming an amorphous Ca phosphate film on a substrate by sputtering.    Also claimed is the formation of a crystalline Ca phosphate film, in which Ca phosphate type glass is used as a sputtering target, an amorphous Ca phosphate film is formed on a substrate by sputtering, and the amorphous Ca phosphate film is heat-treated to crystallise.    Pref. the Ca/P ratio of the Ca phosphate type glass is pref. 0.2-0.8.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ca phosphate films obtd. can be used in artificial bones, artificial teeth, humidity sensors, H2 sensors, and solid electrolyte fuel cells, or in the prodn. of H2. Amorphous Ca phosphate films with desired Ca/P ratios can be formed on various substrates.
Appts. has a reaction tube, a honeycomb form catalyst, heat transfer promoting part, and a heater. The raw material gas is passed through the reaction tube. Honeycomb catalysts are stored in a reaction tube leaving a constant space. The heat transfer promoting part occupies the constant space between the honeycomb catalysts. The reaction tube is heated by the heater from the outside.    Honeycomb catalyst was packed in a reaction tube of an appts. Heat transfer body was packed between the honeycomb catalyst. A heater was closed to the external face of a reactor. The heat transfer body was metal honeycomb of Ni. The reaction tube was formed by cylindrical stainless steel. The heater was an internal face combustion burner.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst layer is arranged to fuel reformation appts. of fuel cell system. Lowering of temp. in the catalyst layer is suppressed. Temp. distribution of the raw material gas is equalised. Reactivity of reformation is improved.
Appts. has a reaction tube, a flat honeycomb form catalyst, and a heater. The reaction gas is passed through the reaction tube. In the reaction tube, the honeycomb form catalyst is stored. In the flat honeycomb form catalyst, heat transfer distance from the outer circumference part to central part is short. By the heater, the reaction tube is heated from the outside.    Raw material gas of which principal component was methane and steam was introduced to a reaction tube. The reaction tube was heated by a heater. Chemical reaction of the raw material gas was carried out while the gas was passed through the honeycomb pore of the catalyst. The raw material gas became hydrogen rich reformed gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel reformation appts. is for producing H2. By improving heat conductivity of the catalyst, lowering of temp. in the catalyst layer is suppressed. Temp. distribution of the raw materials gas is equalised. Reactivity of reformation is improved.
A conductive bottom less crucible in which at least part of its axial direction is split in the peripheral direction is installed in an induction coil. Si. in non-contact state to the inner wall of the crucible is dissolved by electromagnetic induction in the crucible. The melt is gradually pulled down and is coagulated. In initially dissolving the raw material Si in the crucible, a dummy block is used. The dummy block supports the raw material Si and coagulates the dissolved Si in the recessed part of the upper surface of the dummy block to bond the dissolved Si to Si ingots, and provides Si ingots with suspending force. Part of the dummy block is split to open the recessed part at its upper surface to the side direction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method casts the Si used for a solar battery. Splitting part of the dummy block to open its recessed part of the side direction separates the split part from the other part in the dummy block. The result separates the Si ingots and the coagulated Si in the recessed part from the dummy block. High force is not applied to the coagulated Si, preventing the coagulated Si from destruction. In subsequently using the dummy block, dissolved Si is poured in the recessed part to completely connect the coagulated Si in the recessed part to the Si ingots. The result reduces temp. in the dummy block to prevent fusion of the dummy block.
Compound thin film formation is applied to a glass substrate (1). Initially, ITO transparent electrode (2) is formed on the reverse surface of the glass substrate. The N type CdS film (3) for windows, is formed on the transparent electrode (2). A CdS target is positioned below the substrate. YAG pulse laser radiation (11) is directed on the CdS target to generate P type CdS film (4) on the N type CdS film, by laser ablation.    CdTe film (5) is formed by similar process on the P type CdS film. The substrate is kept in a vacuum chamber and vacuum deposition of CdTe is executed, to shape the CdTe film. Reverse side electrode film (6) is formed on the CdTe film, by vacuum deposition.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in solar battery production. Simplifies manufacturing method through simple substrate movement. Reduces cost of solar battery. Eliminates unnecessary impurities by using target produced by powder metallurgy.
Semiconductor device is made by allowing accelerated gp. 1a, 3a or 7a atoms to be present at a desired location with a desired concn. in ZnO of the ZnO film formed on the matrix of a semiconductor film to form hetero-, or homo-junction, to reduce the electric resistance, simultaneously for doping a charge carriers to an arbitrary depth of the semiconductor film, as a matrix, by controlling velocity of ion beams.    USE -   For high-efficiency solar cells, or display units.
A polysilicon layer is provided on a cloth composed of silicon carbide fibre. Electrodes are formed on the polysilicon layer.    Prodn. of the polysilicon solar battery comprises (a) forming silicon carbide cloth, using silicon carbide fibre, (b) soaking the silicon carbide cloth in melted silicon to form a polysilicon layer on the silicon carbide cloth, and (c) forming electrodes on the polysilicon layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The polysilicon layer is formed on the silicon carbide fibre cloth having good affinity to the silicon. A crucible or a low-pressure chamber is not required. Any shape of polysilicon solar battery can be formed during cooling and solidification of the melted silicon.
Prodn. involves formation of polycrystal silicon solar battery on cloth. The cloth made with oxidised silicon fiber, is arranged from a supply roller (1). The take up roller (7) is arranged on the other side. Between these two rollers, a melting pot (3) is positioned.    Molten silicon (4) is poured in the melting pot. The cloth is drawn the supply reel and is dipped in the molten silicon and the end is joined to the take up reel. As the take up reel is rotated, the oxidised fiber cloth passes through the molten silicon continuously and is rolled on the take up reel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use as power source. Forms solar battery without using special melting pot. Produces solar battery without constraint on width. Obtains arbitrary shapes.
The manufacturing method involves the formation of polycrystal silicon solar battery on a cloth. The cloth made of carbonised silicon fiber (12), is supplied from a roller (1). The take up roller (7) is arranged on the other side. A melting pot (3) is positioned between these two rollers.    Molten silicon (4) is poured in the melting pot. The cloth is drawn from the supply reel and is dipped in the molten silicon and the end is joined to the take up reel. As the take up reel is rotated, the carbonised fiber cloth passes through the molten silicon continuously and rolled on the take up reel.    ADVANTAGE -   A special melting pot is not required. Good conductivity and improved battery efficiency. An arbitrary shape can be produced.
The manufacturing method involves deposition of amorphous silicon semiconductor film (11) on a glass substrate (10). The film has a thickness of 300-1000 microns. This film is annealed at a high temperature or for longer duration at a lower temperature using excimer laser pulse irradiation repeatedly under vacuum.    The irradiation treatment completely removes the free oxygen and hydrogen in the film and allows the amorphous film to crystallise. Grain growth of the crystallised grains takes place on prolonged annealing. The final grain size distribution contains 50% or more of the grains having grain diameter greater than one micron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in solar battery, liquid crystal display. Improves performance characteristics of device using semiconductor film.
The supply equipment consists of a pipe (1) which is made up of a material resistant to corrosion by sodium. An outlet (2) is formed at the end of the pipe. A saving room (7) made up of the same corrosion resistant material is connected to the middle of the pipe. A part of wall of this saving room is formed with a bellows object (5). This bellows object is connected to a piston rod (8a) of a cylinder (8) through a movable board (6). A bellows is made to contract or expand by the movable board. The capacity of the saving room is altered by the projection of the rod and drive of the cylinder. As a result the liquified sodium in the pipe is discharged out of the saving room and flows through the outlet to the exterior.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For supplying a predetermined amt. of liq. sodium to the receptacle of a sodium sulphur battery. Improved safety of supply operation. Simplified equipment.
The suction agent for steam, is constituted from a mixture of alumina and silica. This mixture is present in the melted carbonic acid salt type fuel battery which contains silica, by weight of the electrolyte. The steam that is generated from the fuel cell during operation is absorbed by this solution agent mixture.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves absorption speed of corrosive steam. Prevents deterioration of particles due to reaction of alumina with corrosive steam. Cuts off difference that arises due to the solution agent reaction.
The fuel-battery electrical power generating method consists of fuel battery (1) and an inverter (8). Circuit breakers are used to disconnect the battery from the inverter. The inverter is used to convert DC voltage to AC voltage. During interruption of gas valves of fuel battery, surplus gas is generated which causes rise in the pressure difference between the poles of the battery. Excess electrical energy outputted during interruption is stored in a capacitor (10), shunted between battery and invertor.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids pressure difference between poles of fuel battery during interruption. Saves energy in the capacitor. Avoids use of external resistance to absorb excess energy thereby avoiding abrupt ambient temperature rise.
The processing equipment (10) of fuel battery consists of a demister (3) placed near a conductive entrance (1) formed in one side of a reaction pipe (10a). The fuel gas discharged from a melt carbonic acid salt type fuel battery is passed into the reaction pipe through the reaction entrance. The gas then passes through a suction agent (4) placed at a discharge mouth (2) of the reaction pipe. The steam and mist of the fuel gas are removed after the fuel gas is allowed to pass through the suction agent and the demister.    ADVANTAGE -   Removes mist and steam from fuel gas efficiently. Obtains efficient processing.
The fuel electric power generator has fuel pole (1a), air pole (1b), fuel modifier (7) and cooler (1c). The fuel modifier supplies hydrogen gas to supply the quality of fuel. The steam separator is heated by the reaction heat energy of the fuel fixed electric generator main part and it divides the cooling water whose phase is changed into gaseous phase and water phase. A cooling water circulation pump circulates the water separated by this steam separator through the cooler. Super heated steam is generated by the secondary steam generation system using heat recovered from steam separator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in warm water supply system. Improves heat recovery efficiency. Makes system compact. Economises whole system. Simplifies control system which executes simultaneous control operation of secondary steam generation system and heat recovery unit.
The solid electrolyte fuel battery includes a porous supporting pipe (1) which supplies air, a solid electrolyte (2), a fuel pole (3) and a interchange connector (4). A electrolyte is structurally formulated using three elements A, B, C. A is chosen from Y, Yb, Sc and Er elements. B is either Ca, Ba or Sr and C is either Co, Ni, Zn or Ce elements. Impurities like aluminium and silicon constitutes 0.2 percentage of the total electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves stability of battery. Enables prolonged power generation. Provides superb battery operation.
The fused carbonic acid type fuel battery includes a separator (1) with a flange (2) and a cathode (5) with a spring (14). The cathode side spring is mfd. from ceramics. The projection parts (14a) are circular in nature and formed on the spring at regular intervals. The five cathode side springs are inserted into the flange so that the projection parts of the upper row contact with the flat region of the lower part. Similarly, an anode side spring is inserted into the flange.    The battery places an elastic board positioned with a fuel pole and an air pole to each face of an electrolyte layer. The bending part is in contact with the electrolyte layer thereby dividing the fuel gas and an oxidising gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents leakage of fuel gas or oxidising agent. Provides improved electric power efficiency. Improves reliability of battery.
The fuel battery has an anode collector board (5) which is furnished with a gas flow path for passage of oxidising agent and fuel substance. A cathode collector board (4) is used for forming cathode (2) onto one face of an electrolyte board (1). On the other side of the electrolyte board, an anode (3) is formed in contact with the electrolyte board and anode collector board. An extension part (13) is formed at the anode so that it may cover anode edge board (7) from the edge of anode collector board. An anode holder (11) is arranged between anode edge and separator board (6). The pitch of the holder and anode edge board are equalised to that of the anode collector object.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains good gas sealing property. Maintains contact of cathode with anode in desirable state. Improves battery performance.
Electrolyte coating involves using two processes. The first process involves metallisation coating by sintering, on the electrode substrate (1). The metallised electrodes are sintered in sol-like liquid to allow sol-like particles to be filled up in the surface holes of the metallised electrodes. The diameter of the sol-like particles is lesser than that of the surface holes, fine coating is possible.    The second process involves formation of electrolyte sol liq. sintering layer on the layer formed by the first process. This is done by the sintering electrode obtained in the first process in the sol-like electrolyte slurry formed with zirconium and stabilising agents.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces prodn. cost. Ensures precise coating of SOFC.
The electrolyte coating method involves electrolyte metallisation coating (2) the sintering, on the electrode substrate. The metallised electrodes are again sintered in the sol-like liq. The particle diameter of the sol-like liquid is smaller than the surface hole diameter of the metallised electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures fine coating on electrode. Increases mechanical strength of electrodes. Reduces manufacturing cost.
The separator is used between the fuel pole and air pole and is furnished with a flow path to supply fuel gas and oxidising gas to their respective poles. An anode collector board (21) which contains a central thin hole is used as the circumference part for an anode edge board (23). The anode collector board is equipped with a difference part into which the anode edge board is inserted. A cathode collector board (22) of similar structure to the anode collector board with central hole and difference part is also formed to constitute the upper circumferential part of the cathode edge board (24). The cathode edge board is inserted into the difference part of the cathode collector board.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains desirable contact state. Raises performance of fuel battery. Reduces amount of transformation. Reduces cost of production.
The transparent enclosure is made of chemical compound structure. A hardener polymer and a light stabiliser polymer is compounded to the basic ethylene-vinyl-acetate copolymer.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents discolouration of enclosure.
Heat generator has an elongate, metal, heat generating core unit (26) with an affinity for adsorbing hydrogen supplied to it and a heat sink adjacent a heat transfer surface of the unit. The heat sink sets up a temp., gradient along the longitudinal axis of the unit in conjunction with a thermal priming device. A magnetising device adjacent the core unit produced a magnetic field transverse to the temp. gradient.    USE -   Heat generation appts. using the Nernst-Ettinghausen Effect for research into cold fusion and water fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Creation of conditions in metal conductor that assure a finite negative potential in the metal.
A solar cell module comprises a filler holding element disposed on an active solar cell element, both being encapsulated with a filler between a transparent film and a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member, filler and transparent film being bent in the direction opposite to the surface to be illuminated with sunlight, with no filler holding element at least in a bending portion.    Also claimed is installation of the above solar cell module comprising: bending the reinforcing member, filler and transparent film in the direction opposite to the surface to be illuminated, there being no filler holding element at least in a bending portion; and fixing the solar cell module via the bending portion.    USE -   The solar cell module may be installed on roofs.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell module has sufficient structural strength to be easily installed without a heavy frame and exhibits excellent long term reliability without redn. in conversion efficiency. The solar cell reinforcing member is used to install it. The fluorine resin film has good high temp., chemical and stain resistance and weatherability.
Electrocatalyst comprises a C support contg: 0.1-10 wt.% Pt or 0.17-20 wt.% Pd; and 0.1-90 wt.% H2 MoO4 or 0.1-90 wt.% H2 WO4 . Cell comprises an anode of noble metal-base metal multicomponent H2 oxidn. catalyst in which the noble metal has a surface area of at least 50 sq.m/g. Also claimed is a method of producing a noble metal multi-component electrocatalyst comprising said carbon support. The C is pref. graphite particles. A prefd. catalyst contains up to 4 wt.% Pd and up to 50 wt.% H2 MoO4 or H2 WO4.    USE -   Electrocatalyst is used in an electrode of an acid fuel cell (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -    Low-cost electrocatalyst permits a fuel cell to operate at high voltages and current densities on commercially available H2.
A fuel cell has current conductors (1), solid polymeric electrolytes in the shape of membranes (4), gas distributing rings (2) and current distributors (3). All the parts are made from a thermoplastic, solvent-soluble polymer. The polymer has been modified so that the current conductors are electrically conductive, the membranes are ionically conductive, the current distributors are gas permeable and electrically conductive, and the gas distributing rings are an unmodified and/or electrically conductive polymer. The parts are assembled without the use of seals.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows the use of extremely thin, mechanically stable membranes, prevents problems caused by the prior art use of sealants such as diffusion of sealant components including plasticisers, prevents changes of shape caused by presence of a sealant.
Prepn. of a membrane and electrode structure involves applying an electrode ink, comprising catalytically active particles (I) and a hydrocarbon (II) having an ether, epoxy or ketone link and an alcohol gp. (III), to at least one side of an ion exchange membrane.    USE -   To produce membrane and electrode structures useful as electrolytic or fuel cells for the prodn. of electrochemical prods. or electrical energy, gas generating devices and processes, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is efficient, inexpensive and reproducible, forming a uniform electrode structure which uses a small catalyst loading, does not crack or deform, or reduce the structure's ionic conductivity or strength, and adversely interact with the ion exchange polymer in the membrane.
A mfg. method for a ruthenium tri-nuclei complex or its salt of formula (IV) comprises reacting a ruthenium complex of formula (I), a ruthenium complex of formula (II) and a ruthenium complex of formula (III) in organic solvent, hydrolysing the reaction prod. and opt. adding a substance capable of forming a salt of the hydrolysate: Ru(II)(L1)2X2 (I), where Li = bipyridine-carboxylic acid ester or phenanthroline-carboxylic acid ester and X = halogen. Ru(II)(L2)2(CN)2 (II) L2 = bipyridine, phenanthroline or residues of their nucleus-substd. derivs. Ru(II)(L3)2(CN)2 (III) L3 = bipyridine, phenanthroline or residues of their nucleus-substd. derivs. [Ru(II)(L4)2(mu-(CN)Ru(II)(L2)2(CN))(mu-(CN)Ru(II)(L3)2(CN))]Ya (IV) L4 = bipyridine-carboxylic acid, phenanthroline-carboxylic acid derived from L1 or their salt; Y = mono- or divalent anino or cation; a = 0-14.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ruthenium tri-nuclei complexes have photosensitivity and are suitable as photoelectric transfer materials for solar cells and the mfg. method gives the complexes in high yield with good reproducibility.
Prodn. of porous sintering body is made up of perovskite-type composite oxides contg. La and Mn, and it is fired in non-reducing atmos during which its oxygen partial pressure is decreased by than 0.2 atm. Thereafter, it is increased to than 0.2 atm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for producing solid-type electrolytic fuel cell. Heat resistance is improved.
The prepn. of hydrogen-contg. gas comprises: (a) Introducing methanol, oxygen, 0.01-0.5 mol per mol of methanol, and water in a catalyst layer previously heated to at least 100 deg. C for reaction; (b) Adjusting the temp. at the outlet of the catalyst layer to up to 200 deg. C after the reaction have reached stationary state.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method prepares the hydrogen-contg. gas used for a solid high polymer fuel cell, or a phosphoric acid type fuel cell. The hydrogen-contg. gas lowly depresses the growth of Co while retaining high methanol invert ratio and reduces heating value supplied from outside. The method efficiently and economically prepares the hydrogen-contg. gas.
H2 and O2 are generated from a solid electrolyte cell by excess power from a nuclear power plant, and stored into their respective tanks. H2 and O2 from the tanks are supplied to the electrolyte cell which operates as a fuel battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Excess power of the nuclear power plant can be stored effectively.
The manufacturing method involves filling molten sodium (1) which is the negative electrode active material, inside the solid electrolyte pipe (2). The negative electrode receptacle (3) is found on the top side of the battery. An annular ring contains the carbon fibre (4) which is an electrically conductive material. The positive electrode receptacle (5) contains the solid electrolyte pipe. The positive electrode structure is constituted by carrying out the mould of the sulphur which is the positive electrode active material to the carbon fibre. Compression moulding of the slit is thus formed.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces stress in solid electrolyte and improves reliability due to shape of annular ring. Prevents fall in performance by temperature drop or repeated charge/discharge.
The fuel battery consists of a square pole like cell stacks sandwiching the electrolyte layer. One pair of porous electrodes and the cooling board for coolant to cool the battery are layered in two or more numbers. Two such stacks, stack A(1) and stack B(2) are arranged in the body (3) between the board with a base bundle (3a) and an up bundle (4).    The two stacks are treated as one unit. There is a manifold (7) for reaction gas and the reaction gas flow path is formed between the sides of the concerned cells stack. The polarity is different from each other in the two stacks in the bottom and top base boards.    ADVANTAGE -   Realises compactness and reduces cost. Ensures easy operation. Simplifies structure with less number of parts.
The fuel battery is made up of layers of two or more cells (4) consisting of fuel pole (2) and an oxidising agent pole (3) with the electrolyte (1) in between. The direction of circulation of fuel gas at each oxidising agent pole side is in the reverse direction for every cell. The fuel gas supply side is at a lower temperature compared to the high temperature discharge side of fuel gas, due to the chemical reaction of fuel gas and oxygen.    Due to reverse flow of fuel gas in each cell, a uniform battery face internal temperature is obtained in each fuel pole and oxidising agent pole. The uniform internal temperature of battery face helps in controlling deterioration of battery component.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures stable battery characteristics over long period of time. Increases life time of battery.
The fuel battery has a separator (4A) which sandwiches interchange connector (1A) by anode edge board (2A) and cathode edge board (3A). This is stuck firmly to anode (12) and cathode by electrolyte layer (11A). The anode collector board (13) and the cathode collector board are positioned by the anode and cathode respectively.    The fuel battery has openings at the end of layers of cells to form the manifold with the cross sections of the flow path of the anode entrance manifold and anode exit manifold (15) differing. Similarly the cross section of the flow path of the cathode entrance manifold (16) and the cathode exit manifold (17) before. This enables equal supply of fuel gas and oxidising agent gas to each cell in the layers.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves efficiency and increases life of battery.
The external manifold system has a manifold (9) to supply reaction gas as well as for exhaust purposes. Between the reaction gas supply and exhaust face of the battery stack (5) and the manifold a porous ceramic sheet (6) is interposed for gas ceiling purposes. The electrolyte from each electrolyte board (10) is made to impregnate into the manifold.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte migration is restrained between positive and negative ends. The output characteristics of the cell are improved as is the life time and reliability of battery.
The fuel battery incorporates mono fluoro carbon copolymer and an ion membrane. The mono fluoro carbon copolymer is formed by the copolymerisation of a fluoro vinyl compound which has a sulphonic acid group and mono fluoro olefin group. The olefin group is a solid electrolyte. The ion film or membrane consists of the mono fluoro carbon copolymer with the solid giant molecule electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high efficient fuel battery. Requires low operating temperature and high power density. Miniaturises size of battery. Improves mechanical intensity of battery by using solid electrolytes. Facilitates thin film membrane and low electrical resistance. Improves battery characteristics. Prevents transmission of hydrogen gas to positive pole controls the supplement reaction. Reduces degree of swelling.
The system consists of a hydrogen storage means (2) to store hydrogen which is supplied as a fuel to the fuel battery main part (1). The battery main part generates power with hydrogen as fuel. A recycling means (5) with a blower (6) is provided to recycle the unreacted hydrogen, coming out of the battery main part. The unreacted hydrogen is the hydrogen which does not take part in the chemical reaction in the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Makes use of unreacted hydrogen, discharged out of battery. Lowers cost of battery system.
The setting includes an air supply system which is responsible to supply air to the air pole of the modifier combustion chamber (5). This combustion chamber is responsible for the generation of fuel for the fuel battery (3). The air supply is regulated by the air supply valve (6). The fuel generated in the chamber is supplied to the fuel battery by means of fuel supply valve.    The cooling of the modifier combustion chamber is done by the water carried by the modifier combustion cooling water line. This line is branched and prepared with make-up water line (10), in order to carry out conservation of the water grade of the steam separator. This line is connected to the modifier and the flow of water is regulated by the combustion temperature cooling valve (21). The cooling water spray (22) which prepared on the same line at the opening of the modifier in order to supply water to the modifier.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves combustion temperature of modifier combustion chamber at the time of load change. Reduces combustion chamber temperature.
The temperature control method uses a fuel battery (2) which has one or more cells. The fuel battery units are placed in an air tight receptacle (1) having liquid (4) upto a particular level. The liquid has a boiling point equivalent to the maximum operation temperature of the fuel battery. When the maximum operation temperature of the fuel battery is reached, the liquid starts to evaporate. The latent heat of evaporation of the liquid causes a cooling process. The control of the temperature is thus achieved.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in temperature control device of fuel battery. Simplifies system to perform cooling operation.
The portable phosphoric acid type fuel battery consists of layers of cells which have the electrolyte matrix holding the phosphoric acid electrolyte interposed between positive and negative electrodes. The operation temperature of this battery changes depending on the ambient temperature. When the battery is shut down and the battery temperature falls to the ambient temperature by controlling freezing of phosphoric acid, it enables starting of the fuel battery.    The operation temperature is controlled and the phosphoric acid density is set below 91.6% of weight in all the cells of the battery stack. The ambient temperature is 23.5 deg C or less. The changing of operation temperature of battery according to the ambient temperature is done after shut down of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates easy starting since increase of electrolyte resistance is controlled.
The fuel battery stack (1) consists of multilayer body of unit cells, fuel gas and air supply equipment. The DC power generated by the fuel battery is converted into AC power by the power convertor (4). Between the fuel battery and the power convertor the compensation means of load tracking nature (11) is connected. This compares the actual voltage current with the preset figure and changes output current through compensation control part (15).    During light load operation, the fuel battery charges the electric capacitor (12). Any mismatch of load and generation by fuel battery due to gas shortage is set right by applying discharge current (ic) from electric capacitor to the power convertor by closing the semiconductor switch (13). This compensates fall of output voltage. The rate of rise of load which is usually for about 2 - 3 seconds is compensated.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids voltage drop of fuel battery during rapid load increase.
The fuel battery (1) and a room air conditioner are used in combination. The fuel battery system has an air flow path switch means (8) which changes the flow path of air during air conditioning to cool the interior of the room during summer. The warm air discharge from the outdoor unit (4) of the air conditioner is supplied to the fuel battery main part.    By this the reaction air is heated with warm air of about 40 deg C. Due to the chemical reaction in fuel battery between the fuel gas and oxygen in air, a high temperature gas is generated. The exhaust gas low path switch means (7) which changes the flow path of the high temperature gas from the fuel battery main part to outer unit supplies warm air to the indoor unit (3) during winter.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables efficient recovery of heat. Ensures stable and efficient operation of fuel battery.
The system consists of steam separation device (5) which is responsible for separation of steam (8), from water (7). The circulation means (4) sends water for cooling to the co- transformer (3) and fuel battery (1). The heat absorbed by the water is brought back to the steam separation device and helps in increasing temperature of water to generate steam. The steam generated is fed to the modifier (2) and to an external equipment which uses the heat. The main regulator (21) control the supply of water to the steam separation device by means of the adjustment valve (24), in proportion to the amount of supply of steam. The amount of supply of steam is detected by the steam rate of flow detector (25).    The supplement regulator (22), does a secondary operation command, by controlling the amount of water supply, in correspondence with the level of water detected by the water grade detector (28).    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilises supply rate of flow of steam to heat load, by controlling water supply to steam separation device.
The piping structure consists of an insulation material (2) which surrounds the gas discharge piping (1). The gas discharge pipe carries reacted exhaust gas. Any rise in temperature in the gas discharge piping is carried onto the external circumference insulation material (4) by means of temperature rise means (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Lessens difference in temperature between internal and external circumference of insulating material. Reduces loss of heat. Supplies high temperature gas efficiently. Facilitates miniaturisation of system.
Process involves using a pressure receptacle (9) having many cells (I) layered one above the other sepd. by a separator (4) to form a stack (S). Atmospheric gas contg. N2 and 2-10% O2 is poured into the pressure receptacle. The battery is operated under atmospheric conditions and the density in the carbonic acid salt is raised. This makes a passive region to stop etching.    ADVANTAGE -   Controls etching of separator with stabilised operation for long period.
The molten carbonic acid salt type fuel battery system has recycling system (11) which recycles carbon dioxide gas in the fuel exhaust gas discharge from fuel pole (1), to the oxidising agent pole (2). This battery system also has a catalyst combustion device (15) which carries out combustion of inflammable gas in the fuel exhaust gas system. On the upstream side of the catalyst combustion device, the hydrogen in the fuel exhaust gas is admitted through hydrogen suction facilities (7a, 7b).    The catalyst combustion device decreases the concentration of hydrogen gas below the explosion limit. Since the quantity of air supplied to the catalyst combustion device and the drive conditions of the blower or stabilised, it enables supply of air as required as oxidising agent gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilised operation of battery without depending on its operating conditions. Improves efficiency. Realises miniaturised system.
The molten carboxylic acid type fuel battery system has a battery main part (5) which discharges a fuel exhaust gas and an oxidising agent exhaust gas. The battery cover (9) encloses fuel gas supply manifold (6) and oxidising agent gas discharge manifold (8). The fuel gas supply pipe (10) enters through the cover to the manifold. A pressure regulator (18) controls the fuel gas pressure.    A fuel gas discharge pipe (11) removes the spent fuel gas. A gas pressure control device (21) is linked to gas supply systems. The pressure control device circulates the cover gas to make the pressure of cover gas almost equal to the pressure of the reaction gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates tank, extension sets etc., for cover gas. Reduces size of equipment. Reduces cost. Controls gas leak generation due to pressure difference. Simplifies gas pressure control device.
The molten carbonate type fuel battery uses ceramic powder in the thin plate separator. Bending of a unit cell by the electrolyte layer is made the main material. Magnesium, manganese and calcium carbonate, boric acid, titanium oxide, chrome oxide, silicon and feldspar powder are used as sintering support agent at the separator end. Coke material is used to raise the sealing nature of reaction gas in separator end to improve the performance of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves performance of battery.
The internal heat exchange consists of a electric power part which contains a cell (12). There is an anode gas (fuel gas) introduction pipe (20) for the solid electrolyte fuel battery with the gas insertion opening (22) of fuel gas introduction pipe and gas exit part (24) of fuel gas introduction pipe. The heat exchanger surface is processed to raise the emissivity for better heat transfer.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves cooling performance to correct temp. slope of cell effectively.
The washing process removes any foreign material adhering to the electrocatalyst layer and the electrolyte conservation material from the raw material stage or during mfr.. A bath (11) stores the washing liq. (10) which is an organic solvent like alcohol or ketone which has good solubility in water. The electrode catalyst layer (4) and the electrolyte conservation material (2) are immersed in the washing liq. and cleaned using N2 pressure (14) and by stirring with a stirrer (13). A tank (12) supplies washing liq. to the bath.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel battery. Removes any impurity remaining on the electrode catalyst layer and electrolyte conservation material giving high impurity removal effect compared to conventional method. Increases lifetime of fuel battery.
The fuel battery has an electrolyte layer impregnated with the electrolyte (6) which is inserted between the anode pole (7) and cathode pole (8). The battery block is constituted by layering between cooling boards (1) and unit cell which arranges the gas diffusion electrode consisting of one pair of porous objects. Two or more such cells are layered. The side of the fuel battery is provided with the manifold for fuel gas and oxidising agent gas supply and discharge. The electrode has a dia. equiv. to the dia. of a blow hole of the porous object. The gas diffusion electrode projects in the shape of stars in a manifold from the side of the unit cell for catching the electrolyte supplied from outside. Due to the capillary effect, the electrolyte travels to the inside of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains high accuracy. Increases lifetime of battery.
The battery involves a gas constructor (1B) in contact with the hydrogen pole (anode) side in water repellent porous material which has conductive porous material. A gas separator constructor (1A) in contact with an air pole or oxygen pole (cathode) side is a conducting substance. A cooling water flow part (6) is formed inside the concerned gas separator. The capillary effect of porous body supplies water to the hydrogen pole and water from air pole is discharged continuously and automatically. The electrolyte membrane is always maintained moist. Humidification of hydrogen is carried out by giving uniform hydrogen gas without gas-liq. multiphase. The air flow path wall face is cooled by the cooling water on air pole side and condensed moisture is discharged.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives good electric power generation capability. Provides effective method for humidification of fuel hydrogen.
The battery has a hydrogen pole (2) and an air pole (3) which are set on either side of the solid big mol. electrolyte membrane (1). A gas diffusion layer is prepd. outside the gas diffusion electrode which carries the catalyst layer. H2 and O2 or air is supplied to each electrode. The fuel battery is constituted by a binder which does not have the carbon carrier and is water repellent.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves battery output characteristics.
A solar cell has a chalcopyrite absorber layer of compsn. CuIn1-xGaxS2-ySey (where x = 0-1 and y = 0-2) located at the substrate-side, over a layer of Cr, Ti, Ta or TiN.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell exhibits improved adhesion between the substrate and the absorber layer, contains no additional toxic materials and has prodn. costs not significantly higher than prior art cells.
A solar cell (12) comprises an anti-reflective/protective beta-SiC coating 10 nm to 10 thick (10,15) on an outer surface of the cell (11). Also claimed is a method for providing the coating above comprising co-sputtering a film of a-Si and a-C on the cell surface and irradiating with pulsed energy to form the SiC. Also claimed is a method as above in which laser pulses provide the energy and the film has a Knoop hardness of over 2000.    ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells and when hard coatings are required.
The array consists of an array of linear arched Fresnel lenses with a linear tandem -cell receiver located along the focal line of each lens.    The lens consists of a glass protective superstrate with moulded silicone Fresnel grooves on its inner surface.    The tandem cell receiver consists of high efficiency cell stacks interconnected in a string with a sec. optical element adhesive bonded to each cell stack. Each sec. optical elemant entrance aperture is rectangular in shape and the optical secondaries are butted up against each other in a line to form a continuous aperture along the focal line.    ADVANTAGE -   Each secondary gives sunlight concn, in 3 dimensions so that its base is smaller in both the direction along the focal line as well as perpendicular to it. The gaps between the optical secondaries provide room for electrically connecting the cell string. The optical secondaries shield the cells against radiation damage.
The following are claimed: (a) novel thermostable, colourless and transparent polyimide resin(s) (I) having repeat unit of formula (II) and terminated with (III) or (IV), where X = -O-, -C(CH3)2-, Y = bivalent 6-15C monocyclic-, (non)condensed polycyclic-aromatic residue, Z = monovalent 6-15C monocyclic-, (non)condensed polycyclic-aromatic residue; (b) prepn. of (I) by reaction of diamine(s) (V) with 0.9-1.0 mol-fold (VI) in presence of 0.001-1.0 mol-fold (III) or (IV); (c) polyimide resin film (VII) prepd. from (I)-contg. compsn.; (d) polyamic acid(s) (VIII) corresponding to (I); and (e) varnish comprising (VIII).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) gives cured products having superior heat stability, mechanical strength and transparency (esp. visible light region). (I) is useful as material of cover lay of solar cell.
The following are claimed: (a) novel heat stable, colourless and transparent polyimide resin(s) (I) having repeat unit for formula (II) and terminated with (III) or (IV) is new. Where X = -SO2-, -O-, -CO-, -CH2-, -S-; Y = bivalent 6-15C monocyclic-, (non)condensed polycyclic-aromatic residue; Z = monovalent 6-15C monocyclic-, (non)condensed polycyclic-aromatic residue; (b) prepn. of (I) comprising reaction of diamine(s) (V) with 0.9-1.0 mol-fold (VI) in presence of 0.001-1.0 mol-fold (III) or (IV); (c) polyimide resin film (VII) prepd. from (I)-contg. compsn.; (d) polyamic acid(s) (VIII) corresponding to (I); and (e) varnish comprising (VIII).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) gives cured products having superior heat stability, mechanical strength and transparency (esp. visible light region). (I) is useful as material of cover lay of solar cell.
In surface treatment for transparent conductive film, the surface of the transparent conductive film is brought into contact with alcohol-vapor. At that time, the transparent conductive film is heated to 300 deg.C or over prior to contact with alcohol-vapor, so that formed an organic matter-layer contg. alkoxy group on surface of the transparent conductive film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for producing transparent conductive film of amorphous solar cell.
(JP6267580-A)   NOVELTY - Ejector (4) supplies carbon monoxide mixed fuel which is made to react with water vapor in a carbon monoxide conversion device (3). The generated hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to fuel electrode of a fuel battery (1). A boiler (8) combusts the surplus fuel with air from air blower (7).    USE - For cogeneration application.    ADVANTAGE - Economical and compact, as modifier is eliminated and comprises only carbon monoxide conversion device. Thermal efficiency and electricity generation efficiency are increased, as heat of unreacted hydrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon is recovered as steam and utilized effectively.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the components of fuel cell power generating device. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Fuel battery (1)    Carbon monoxide conversion device (3)    Ejector (4)    Air blower (7)    Boiler (8)
NOVELTY - The ratio of rated capacity of a battery stack (S) to that of entire battery is multiplied by a desired output current value, to generate a command value. The command value is compared with a detected output current to generate a signal which controls input fuel gas (B), air (A) for output current control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The ratio of rated capacity of the battery stack to that of the entire battery is multiplied by the actual comprehensive output current value to generate another command value. The detected output current is compared with the command value generated, to generate a control signal for pressure control by varying the supply of fuel gas and air. The temperature control unit of the controller controls the temperature of cooling water of each fuel battery stack. A blower is provided above the gas concentration control unit between the fuel inlet and supply port of air of each fuel battery stack.    USE -   For controlling characteristic parameter of phosphoric acid fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   As the output current of a fuel battery with parallel connected fuel battery stacks is controlled according to the rated capacity value, a load allocation can be rationalized automatically resulting in improved reliability and efficient maintenance. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the systematic diagram of multiple fuel battery stack with characteristic parameter controller. (A) Air; (B) Fuel gas; (BL) Blower; (S) Fuel battery stack.
(JP2771090-B2)      The fuel battery consists of a solid electrolyte film laminated with a lateral fuel electrode film and a lateral oxygen electrode film, respectively. A collector board contacts the lateral fuel electrode film. The collector board consists of a nickel cermet formed by coating NiO with NiAl2O4.    ADVANTAGE -   Endures high temperature for long time.
(JP6267556-A)   NOVELTY - A solid electrolyte (21) has a catalyst layer formed on its uneven plane. Electrodes (2, 3) are provided on both sides of the electrolyte.    USE - Used as an electrochemical device.    ADVANTAGE - The reaction property and the utilization factor of the electrochemical device are improved.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) an electrochemical dehumidification device,    (2) a method of manufacturing an electrochemical device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the electrochemical device.    Electrodes (2, 3)    Solid electrolyte (21)
Electrochemical accumulator comprises a sealed gas chamber and several cells each contg. a solid body electrode made of electrochemically reversible oxidisable material and a counter electrode. Each cell (7) is provided with a stackable frame-like distance spacer (12), made of electrically insulating, heat insulating material, enclosing the edge (14) of a metallic cell container (13), in which is arranged a matrix (15) impregnated with electrolyte, the solid body electrode (16), a separator (17) and the counter electrode (18). In a stack, the counter electrode (18) of each cell (7) lies against the cell container (13) of the subsequent cell (7).    ADVANTAGE -   Service life is increased.
An electrocatalyst material for use in an acidic electrolyte environment comprises Pt alloyed with at least one alloying element and Au supported on a conductive support. The at. ratio of Pt to alloying element is 80:20 to 20:80. Au is present in an amt. of 0.001-3 wt.% of total catalyst wt..    The alloying element is pref. one or more OF Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zr and Hf with Ni being most pref.. Rh may also be present at 0.05-0.5 wt.%.    Used as an electrocatalyst in acid electrolyte fuel cells e.g. phosphonic acid fuel cell (PAFC).    ADVANTAGE -   Improved performance, including operation over a wide range of test conditions with different carbon support materials is achieved compared to similar electrocatalyst materials not including Au.
The amorphous silicon solar cell is mfd. by (a) forming an optical transmitting layer on the transparent electrode of the glass substrate by the glow electric discharge decomposition of the gas mixt. of SiH4 and CH4 , and forming an electroconductive layer on the transmitting layer by the glow electric discharge decomposition of B2 H6 to form a P type amorphous silicon layer, (b) forming a I type amorphous silicon layer on the amorphous layer silicon by using SiH4 , gas, (c) forming a N type amorphous silicon layer on the I-type by using the gas mixt. of SiH4 and PH3, and (d) depositing an aluminium electrode on the silicon layers by the sputter or the E-beam coater.
The metal material is of an austenitic stainless steel comprising (by wt.) up to 0.1% C, 0.5-3.0% Si, up to 3.00% Mn, 15-30% Cr, 20-60% Ni, 2.5-5.5% Al, balance Fe and incidental impurities.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for constituent members of solid electrolyte fuel cells with good oxidn. resistance and electric conductivity even in high temp. oxidising atmos. e.g. at least 600 deg.C.
Prodn. comprises forming a raw material contg. C fibres of 15-30 microns and binder into a board, hardening it and baking it. The aspect ratio (L/D) of the C fibre may be 3:1-30:1 and C fibre content may be 50-80 wt.%.    USE -   Used for making electrodes of fuel cells.
Production of beta-alumina ceramic comprises blending (by wt.) one of ZiO2 or HfO2 : 1 - 15%, remainder beta-alumina. Grain dia. of the whole raw material is less than 3.7 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for producing of a solid type electrolytic fuel cell. No ion sensor and humidity sensor. A close-grained beta-alumina of high ion conductivity is obtained.
Silicon material contg. 0.0.99 mol of carbon w.r.t. 1 mol of silicon is produced by thermally decomposing poly(monoalkylsilane) under a reduced pressure below 1 x 10 power (-3) Torr at a temp. above 500 deg.C for 0.1-3 hrs. The poly(monoalkylsilane) contains alkyl gps. having up to 3C atoms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Silicon material contg. carbon is produced, which is used for solar cells or as optical, luminescence, refractory, or coating material. The silicon material can be processed in any shape.    In an example, in 3000 ml of dehydrated toluene were dispersed 280 g Na; 40 g of 18-crown-6 were added; 450 ml of n-propyltrichlorosilane which was diluted with 500 ml of dehydrated toluene were dropped; after 1 hr. reaction, the reaction mixt. was cooled to room temp. and unreacted Na and insoluble polysilicon were removed by ultracentrifuge; 5 g of n-propyl lithium were added gradually to the soln. separated; 20 ml MeOH were further added; the resultant pptes. were removed from the soln.; solvent was evapd. to obtain 28 g of poly(n-propylsilane), which were then heated to 800 deg.C under a reduced pressure for 2 hrs. Si/C(75.1/23.9 wt.%) material was obtd. at a pressure of 1 x 10 power (-3) mmHg, Si/C(89.2/10.8) was at 1.5 x 10 power (-5), and Si/C(100/0.0) was at 1 x 10 power (6).
The amorphous photovoltaic solar battery is formed by the repeating the quality process by controlling the ingredients of the film-forming process. The Si type thin-film materials to p-i boundary face layer and exposing it in the electric-discharge in a the gas-atmosphere of an unaccumulating nature. The thickness of the film of the amorphous system is less than 100 nm having an optical-band airgap upto 20 nm.    ADVANTAGE -   Offers undisclosed higher opto-electric conversion efficiency
Resin sealing type semiconductor device consists of multiple inner leads for signals (14) connected electrically with semiconductor chip (22) using bonding wires (28). Multiple drawer leads (18) are pulled out from a common use inner lead (12) in such a way that they prolong between the adjacent inner leads for signals. The drawer lead and the inner leads for signals are pasted up by interposing and an insulator (20) between them.    ADVANTAGE -   Raises heat dissipation and reliability. Eliminates short circuit of bonding wires. Controls package crack generation. Decreases insulation film area.
The phosphoric acid fuel battery stack consists of cooling board (3) above which a cell layer (1) and a separator (2) are arranged. Fuel and air are supplied to the battery through fuel manifold (6) and air manifold (5). Each cell has an air pole (7) and fuel pole (11). Grating (14) in the centre of the cell is surrounded by fuel catalyser layer (12) and air catalyser layer (10).    The primarily platinum content of the catalyser layers are increased to meet the reduction reaction of hydrogen, Carbon monoxide present in fuel supplied is absorbed by alloy catalyser of platinum thus preventing poisoning of the battery contents.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases output without increase in cost of battery.
The battery stack (10) consists of an electrode junction object (11) which has an anode and cathode prepared on both sides of the electrolyte. The fuel flow path (12) and the oxidizing agent flow path (13) are on either face of the electrode junction object. Two or more such units from the solid giant molecule electrolyte fuel battery stack. If fuel is supplied through the fuel supply pipe (17) after humidification by pure water (16) contained in the external manifold (15). Pure water is circulated from the external manifold through the cooling water flow path (14) to cool the fuel battery stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides efficient solid giant molecule electrolyte fuel battery system.
The electrolyte circulation-type battery with an electrolyte readjusting device has an electrolyte readjusting device part, a battery reaction cell and a positive and negative electrode.    In the process, a metal ion (Fe3+) of high atomic value is taken from the positive electrode bath to the electrolyte readjustment tank contg. the reaction catalyst. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the readjustment tank which reacts with the metal ion of high atomic value and changes it into a metal ion (Fe2+) of lower atomic value, which then returns to the positive electrode bath.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a cheap and highly reliable battery due to the simple and compact structure of the electrolyte readjusting device. The battery capacity is maintained and it enables the removal of reaction catalyst mixed with positive electrode liq..
A fuel modifier unit (2) puts a raw fuel to streamed modification to obtain a H2-rich fuel gas suitable for supply to a fuel battery (1). The control decides the raw fuel flow rate, steam to carbon ratio and the termination of the temp. rise for the modifier unit (2). A raw-fuel components sensor (11) detects the components of the fuel entering the fuel modifier; the detected data (IID) is converted into a set of automatic entry data (12D) by a data conversion unit (12); a setting data computing unit (9) accepts these entry data for comparison with the stored data; and if a difference should exist between the two data, a fresh automatic entry data set is generated and stored as a renewal data set, on the basis of which a new modifier setting is computed and the control signals (6S, 7S, 8S) are issued.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Applicable to battery fuel modifiers which supply a modified hydrogen-rich fuel gas to the fuel electrode of a fuel battery. The system automates a series of operations from the raw gas compsn. check to data storage. The storage of the raw gas compsn. has been complex enough in conventional methods. The optimum reaction data setting is possible in this set-up meeting the change of the raw gas compsn.
The solid giant molecule electrolyte fuel battery system consists of a fuel battery (11). The fuel battery has an anode and cathode attached to the giant molecules electrolyte. Power is generated by the battery when hydrogen and oxidising agent are supplied from hydrogen humidifier (15) and oxidising agent humidifier (16).    The radiated heat from battery cooling water is supplied to hydrogen occlusion alloy (12) which in turn generates hydrogen to hydrogen humidifier. Heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat with the fuel battery system.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces energy loss.
A fuel cell generating system with a water electrolysis device possessed of sec. battery has fuel cell which generates the DC by fuel and oxidant, an inverter device which converts the direct current which is generated with the fuel cell to the alternating current, sec. battery which provides the stable electric energy with converting the electric energy of the direct current to the chemical energy and water electrolysis device which executes the water electrolysis with receiving the electric energy by the sec. battery and generates the hydrogen and the oxygen.    ADVANTAGE -   Life of a water electrolysis can increase and the electrolysis efficiency can be improved.
The fuel battery system consists of a fuel battery stack (1) with electrode junctions (3). Each electrode junction has an anode and a cathode on either sides of a solid giant molecule electrolyte fuel or an oxidising agent is used as a coolant. Fuel path is formed on one side of the electrode junction and oxidising path is formed on the other side.    The power is generated by supplying fuel from fuel supply unit (6) to the anode side of electrode junction and oxidising agent from supply unit (5) to the cathode side. Pure water equipment (8) sends water to cooling surface (4) and the water is recirculated by pump (9) and heat exchanger (11) arrangement.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables easy maintenance checks. Circulates water effectively.
The fuel battery system consists of a main fuel battery unit (1) connected with drain separators (15,16). Cooling water (7) passes through the main fuel battery unit. The fuel supply equipment (21) is connected to steamy executors (13,14), while a steam generation equipment (11) is linked with the output from the fuel supply equipment. Oxidising equipment (25) supplies oxygen to the steamy executor (14). The power supply is produced by linking the solid molecule to the anode and cathode electrodes as a result, the fuel is collected in the vicinity of anode while the oxidising agent moves towards the cathode. This allows discharge at the junction.    ADVANTAGE -   Good efficiency.
The fuel battery system consists of a fuel battery with an electrode junction. The electrode junction has an anode (2) and a cathode (3) attached to a solid giant molecule electrolyte (1). The oxidising agent is supplied to the cathode through oxidising agent line (16) from supply unit (13).    Fuel is supplied to the anode through fuel line (14) from fuel supply (11) to generate power. Carbon monoxide from fuel which is poisonous mixes with the anode. This anode is then reproduced by supplying oxidising agent from supply unit through a bypass line (21) and partition valve (22) to the anode with carbon monoxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Reproduces anode easily.
The fuel battery stack creates spaces (30) to enclose an electrode junction (22). The electrode junction encloses a solid giant molecule (23) as electrolyte on either side of which electrodes (24 to 27) are arranged. Inert gases and water are circulated on the periphery of the gas separators (21, 30). Grooves (31, 32, 34) are made on the periphery of the electrode junction to allow flow of hydrogen, oxygen and cooling water respectively. Gas seal packing (28) in the electrode junction region prevents the disclosure of fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents disclosure of oxidizing gas, coolants. Improves gas sealing.
The solid giant molecule fuel battery has a pair of gas partition board (13,14) arranged on the either sides of the electrolyte electrode junction object consisting of one pair of electrodes (11,12). These electrodes are arranged such that electrolyte (10) is inserted between electrodes. The gas non permeable conductive material is arranged on either side of the electrolyte electrode junction object. Reaction gas supply flow paths (15,16) are incorporated in the gas partition boards and the reaction supply flow paths are provided with water permeable cooling water pipes (17,18).    This helps in cooling of the fuel battery and maintenance of temperature of the battery. Simultaneously humidification of the reaction gas takes place under pressure and this prevents condensation of steam in the reaction gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Realizes good solid giant-molecule type fuel battery due to effective cooling arrangement. Provides efficient generation of electric power.
A unit cell is formed by interposing an electrolyte plate of a carbonate between a fuel electrode and an oxidising agent electrode. A fuel cell is composed of a cell main body formed by stacking unit cells and a plate-type reforming unit, which contains material gas pre-heating region at upper stream side of the fuel gas flow and reforming catalyser at down stream side, adjoining to the cell main body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The structure of the fuel cell is simplified by eliminating necessity of pre-heating of material gas in advance because material gas pre-heating region and a reforming region are provided in the plate type reforming unit.    Specifically a plate type reforming unit (1), whose shape is similar to that of bipolar plate of a unit cell (2), is interposed between unit cells (2). The reforming unit (1) can be operated as a part of the fuel cell by combining a fuel electrode (3), an electrolyte plate (4), and an oxidising agent electrode (5). A material gas supplying internal manifold port (6), fuel gas manifold port (7), an oxidising gas manifold (8), and exhaust gas manifolds (9 and 10) formed through stacked reforming units (1) and unit cells (2) are connected to a header at the bottom of fuel cell.
The matrix of the phosphoric acid type fuel battery is supported between two gas diffusion electrodes consisting of an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer. The matrix holds the electrolyte. The matrix is formed by mixing uniformly fine boron nitride pieces (1) of mean particle diameter of 0.1-1.0 micrometers and coarse boron nitride cubes of mean particle diameter of 1-10 micrometers and adding polytetrafluoro ethylene (PTFE) which acts as a good binding agent for the two types of boron nitride. The addition of the binder is kept at about 1/3 of the total vehicle in order to maintain the maintenance nature of the electrolyte and to enable forming a thin film of the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides low internal resistance. Increases mechanical strength of matrix of thin film. Prevents crack. Improves characteristics phosphoric acid type fuel battery.
The fuel battery (30) consists of a matrix (14) holding the electrolyte, a fuel electrode (11) and an oxidizing agent electrode (15), supported by the porous electrode base material so that an electrode catalyst layer sticks firmly to the surface. The electrolyte plate (10) is layered on the other side of the matrix by the side of one of the electrodes and holds the electrolyte. The electrolyte supply passage (31) is formed in the electrode located between the matrix and electrolyte plate.    The special feature of the fuel battery is that the distances (d1,d2,d3, etc) between the electrolyte supply passages gradually increases from the high temperature side reaction gas entry side to the low temperature reaction gas exit side corresponding to the temperature distribution in the electrode. This ensures electrolyte supply is proportional to electrolyte reduction speed in the material which is reaction temperature dependent.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides stable and good electrical characteristics due to optimum supply of electrolyte.
The battery has a gas diffusion electrode on which a positive ion exchange film is deposited. The positive ion exchange film is made up of perfluoro carbon polymer having a sulphonic acid gp.. This film is stuck firmly to the gas diffusion electrode of the fuel battery. In order to obtain a capacity 0.95-1.6mm equivalence/g for the ion exchange process of the film, dry resin is distributed in the gas diffusion electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a power source for vehicles. The energy loss is reduced and the efficiency increased. Low temp. operation and a high power density result. Battery miniaturisation is possible.
The solid macro molecular electrolyte type fuel battery uses the positive ion exchange film which consists of a perfluoro carbon polymer having a sulphonic acid group, as the solid electrolyte. This has very low electrical resistance value. The resistivity of the positive ion exchange film is 5-11 ohm cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use as power source for vehicles. Provides efficient fuel battery. Operates at low temp. Enhances power density. Enables miniaturisation of battery.
Cell is produced by (a) applying a Pt paste (2) onto both sides of a solid electrolyte layer (12) to form an electrode(s), (b) applying Pt wire net(s) (3) onto the solid electrolyte layer, and (c) subjecting to heat treatment for sintering.    The solid electrolyte layer e.g. consists of yttria-stabilised zirconia. The Pt paste e.g. consists of Pt 70% and balance binder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode has good electroconductivity. The solid electrolyte has a long life owing to good resistance to deterioration caused by passing of electricity. The Pt wire net has a small electric resistance, the current density distribution in the solid electrolyte is uniform. The electricity collecting resistance can be decreased esp. when the thickness of the sintered Pt paste electrode layer is smaller than the thickness of the Pt wire net.
Fuel battery incorporates a thin film interchange connector (12) made up LaCrO3 which has a dope of an alkaline earth metal. This film is formed over a portion of air pole (10). A metal film (14) is formed on the thin film interchangeable connector of LaCrO3 cpd. The metal film is normally nickel. Then a thin film electrolyte (16) of Y2 O3 stabilised with ZrO2(YSZ) is formed by EVD over the remaining portion of the air pole. On this layer, a Ru film (18) is formed to get a thin film of cermet Ru/YSZ (20). This gives a solid electrolyte fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides simple prodn. Lowers cost of solid electrolyte fuel battery.
The method involves using a cation exchange film of the fluorine system to apply pressure over proton exchange film-type fuel batteries. Alkali metal of gp. I is introduced into the exchange gp. as the counter ion of an exchange gp. and the ion exchange process of film/membrane undergoes a swelling process with two or more solvents (e.g. glycols and amines) and water at a temp. ranging from 120 to 220 deg.C. The membrane and the gas diffusion electrode are joined by heat pressing after transformation of the exchange gp. to an acid type.    ADVANTAGE -   The output characteristics are improved.
The separator mfg. method involves the usage of a thermosetting layer (1a) made up of phenol resin. Separator units (2A) and (2B) are joined to form the separator (1) on both sides of the layer. Separator units formed have a flat board structure obtained by sintering of minute carbon particles. There are grooves of slots (51,52) formed for supplying fuel gas and oxygen along the sides (21a,22a) of the unit respectively. The fuel battery generates direct current power by supplying fuel gas and oxidising gas through different sides of the separator.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces leakage of reaction gases. Prevents leaks between two sides of thermosetting layer. Lowers cost and enables easy mfr.. Prevents increase of electrical or thermal resistance of capacitor.
An electron-conductive barrier wall is formed with lanthanum-chromite composite oxide a part of which is replaced with metal atoms.    ADVANTAGE -   The electron conductivity of the barrier wall can be stabilised regardless of oxygen pressure drop in fuel gas.
Prodn. of organic aerogels, improved by extracting the fluid from the aerogel pores by air drying.    Also claimed are: (1) prodn. of an aerogel having density 0.4 - 1.2 g/cc comprising: (a) forming a mixt. of polymeric material and solvent: (b) allowing the mixt. to gel while minimising evaporation: (c) curing to form an aquagel: (d) exchanging water in the aquagel with a selected solvent: (e) allowing the solvent to at least partially evaporate: and (f) air drying, (2) a resorcinol/formaldehyde aerogel produced as above, having density 0.6 g/cc; and (3) a carbonised aerogel produced as above, having density 0.9 g/cc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Use of the organic aerogels include thermal and acoustic insulation. Uses of the carbonised aerogels include rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and chemical sensors. Air drying is inherently simpler, quicker and cheaper than conventional extraction procedures, having lower capital equipment and processing costs.
A process for making thin-film semiconductor devices, comprises (a) forming a Cu-rich, phase-sepd. cpd. mixt. contg. Cu(In,Ga)Se2:CuxSe on a substrate; and (b) covering CuxSe in the mixt. to Cuw(In,Ga)ySez by exposing the CuxSe to (In,Ga) and Se.    USE -   Used to form semiconductor devices esp. for photovoltaic or solar cell applications.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides better quality Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-films more consistently and more predictably. The films are smooth and require no further processing for photovoltaic response. The ratio of Cu/(In,Ga) does not require precise control during processing. High quality homojunctions can be produced.
Method comprises: coating a glass substrate with a polyimide varnish and imidising; vacuum depositing and patterning a metal film, an amorphous Si film and a transparent electrode film; applying a transparent electrode film; separating the polyimide film from the glass substrate; and adding a protective film on the backside of the polyimide film.    USE -   Method is simple and low cost.
Thermo-photovoltaic device comprises a) porous ceramic burner comprising a base fibre layer allowing combustion gas and air to pass through it selected from silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, gallium oxide, thorium oxide, yttrium oxide, erbium oxide, zirconium oxide, or other metal oxides or mixed metal oxides, borides, nitrides, carbides, and silicides; b) an outer fibre layer which is thermally stimulated to emit radiation of specific wavelengths above a threshold temperature; c) photovoltaic collector matched to the emitter for selectively absorbing radiation in the same wavelength; d) a means to remove heat from the collector.    Also claimed is a central firing symmetrically designed porous burner as (I) in which the burner produces 30,000-3,000,000 watts/m2.    Also claimed is a central fired cylindrical fibre matrix burner designed to emit radiation as (I) comprising an outer distribution shell, a fibre matrix attached to an inner distribution shell for supporting a combustion zone and a central heat exchanger.    Also claimed is a combustion device including a porous ceramic burner as (I)-(III).    USE -   High heat and photon flux producing devices for lighting, cooking, laser pumps, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Photons are produced cheaper than other methods.
An electroconductive polymer comprises a polysilane polymer (I) bearing biphenyl branches doped with an oxidative dopant.    Pref. the polysilane polymer bearing biphenyl branches has a formula (I) where R1 = -pC6H4-pC6H4-(CH2)n-; R2 = R1 or opt. substd. 1-18C monovalent hydrocarbon; m = at least 2; and n = 0-6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electroconductive polymers have high electroconductivity, shaping properties and flexibility and are useful in electrical and electronic and communication fields such as for battery electrodes, solar batteries and housings for electromagnetic shielding.
Process comprises intervening fluorine-bronze mica (Si-Al-Mg-O-F system ceramics) between joining ceramics. Then pressurising joining ceramics at high temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilised strength and high airtightness is obtd.
Prepn. comprises contacting 1 mol of methanol, 0.01-0.5 mol of O2, and water with a catalyst heated to 100-200 deg.C and reacting.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the prodn. of fuels for solid polymer fuel cells and phosphoric acid type fuel cells. Methanol can be converted to H2 at a high rate while the prodn. of CO is inhibited.    The catalyst pref. contains Cu.    In an example, a sodium carbonate aq. soln. was added to an aq. soln. contg. copper nitrate trihydrate, zinc nitrate hexahydrate, and aluminium nitrate enneahydrate. The ppte. produced was filtered, washed with water, dried at 120 deg.C for 12 hrs, and sintered at 450 deg.C for 2 hrs. to obtain a Cu-contg. coprecipitated catalyst. In a quartz glass reaction tube, 5 ml of the Cu-contg. coprecipitated catalyst and 10 ml of silicon carbide were packed to form a catalyst bed to a length of 8 cm. The catalyst bed was reduced with H2 at 300 deg.C for 2 hrs. and heated to a given temp. in N2. A raw material gas contg. methanol, O2, and water in the mole ratios of water/methanol of 1.2 and O2/methanol of 0.25 was passed through the catalyst bed and reacted to produce H2. When the average temp. of the catalyst bed before the reaction was 100-200 deg.C, methanol was converted to H2 at high rates and the concn. of CO was as low as less than 1.0%.
Regenerative power from the motor is stored into a capacitor to supply power to an electrolytic bath, and H2 gas from the bath is supplied to a fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The sec. battery can be prevented from deteriorating by boost charging with regenerative power.
Organic solar cell has porphyrin deriv. thin film between a pair of electrodes. The porphyrin deriv. consists of mixt. of porphyrin deriv. (I) and porphyrin deriv. (II). Where X1-X4 is N or CR1, R1 is H, alkyl gp. or aromatic hydrocarbon gp., L1-L4 is H, alkyl gp. or aromatic hydrocarbon ring, M1 is metal or oxide or halide, Y1-Y4 is N or CR2, R2 is H, alkyl gp. or aromatic hydrocarbon gp., Q1-Q4 is H, alkyl gp. or aromatic hydrocarbon gp., Q1-Q4 is H, alkyl gp. or aromatic hydrocarbon ring, at least one of Y1-Y4 and Q1-Q4 is pyridine ring, pyrazine ring, quinoline ring or quinoxaline ring, M2 is vacancy or metal).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high energy conversion efficiency can be obtd.
A solid polymer electrolyte comprises polymer having a structural unit of vinyl pyridine, an inorganic ionic salt and an organic solvent dissolving the inorganic ionic salt. The polymer solvates the organic solvent.    Specifically the polymer comprises vinyl pyridine homopolymer or vinyl pyridine polymer cross-linked by divinyl benzene. The cross-linked polyvinyl pyridine has stereographic structure and improved mechanical strength and high tearing strength. When the amount of divinyl benzene exceeds 1 wt.%, solvation is hardly carried out. The inorganic ionic salt is e.g. Licl or LiC104. the organic solvent e.g, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, amyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, glycerol or ethylene glycol blended pref. with a N-contg. heterocyclic cpd. (e.g. bispyridine, pyrrole, pyrimidine, purine or pyridine) for improving heat stability of solid electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolyte contains sufficient amt. of dissociated inorganic ion to provide high ionic conductivity. It is used as an electrolyte in a Li cell.
Fuel cell (7) consists of an electrolyte element (4), impregnated with an electrolyte placed between an anode (3) and a cathode (5), with separators (1). Channels (2) in the separators pass a reaction gas to the electrodes. A large number of sealed capsules (6) to supply electrolyte are distributed within the cell and are mfd. from material soluble in the electrolyte, liq. at the working temp.    Sealed capsules contg. electrolyte to be supplied to the electrodes and the method of supplying that electrolyte are also described for use in the fuel cell defined above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High temp. fuel cells with long working life and good reliability. A constant supply of electrolyte over the working life of the cell is proposed, without needing additional and costly replenishing equipment.
Laminate comprises a heat resisting metal matrix, an electroconductive substrate film formed on the matrix surface and a polycrystal Si film formed on the substrate film. The substrate film is formed by introducing an electroconductive ceramic of carbon, ZrB2 or TiB2 and electroconductive material of metal into high temp. plasma, melting or pyrolysing the electroconductive matter, and forming a film of the melt or pyrolysed matter on the matrix.    USE -   Used for solar cells.
La-chromite film is made by forming a thermal sprayed film on a matrix, and heat treating it to obtain the La-chromite film having the following chemical compsn.: La(1-x) Ax Cr1-yO3, where A= Ca or Sr, x=0-0.4, and y= 0-0.05.    USE -   Used for inter-connectors and separators of solid electrolyte fuel cells.
Thin film of CdSe-MnSe solid soln. is made by evaporating CdSe and Mn simultaneously for two evapn. sources by resistance heating to form Cd1-xMnxSe solid soln. thin film on a glass substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for solar cells with high efficiency.
A solid electrolyte uses an oxygen ion conductor having a compsn. of    (1-x-y)ZrO2-xSc2O3-yAl2O3.    Where, x+y = 0.07 - 0.13; y = 0-.005 - 0.02. An air electrode uses a compsn. of La1-zSrzCoO3. Where, z = 0-0.8.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid fuel cell uses the ZrO2-Sc2O3-Al2O3-based cubic crystal system stabilising zirconia. The result reduces operating temp. down to 800 deg. C by 200 deg. C compared to conventional solid electrolytic fuel cells. Thus, the air electrode is allowed to use La1-zSrzCoO3 having high oxygen ion activity and high electron conductivity. The resulting solid fuel cell contributes low temp. operation.
A cell has a solid electrolyte with an anode and cathode on either side respectively. Separators on each side of the all isolate fuel and oxide gases. A sealant is inserted among the cell and separator made of a mixture of ceramic fibre and glass.    Each of the separators have grooves to distribute a gas to the anode or cathode evenly. A conductive porous sheet and a nickel mesh are inserted between separator and cathode and separator and anode respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces leakage, repetitions of operation and stopping does not cause cell breakage, reduced thermal stresses.
Tube is made of ZrO2:Y2O3. The inner electrode is pref. a spiral wire (4) in contact with porous layer of conductive ink; and the outer electrode is pref. a spiral wire (5) in contact with a porous layer of doped a manganite.    Fuel cell system incorporating a number of the above tubular SOFC structures is claimed.    Gas tight planar interconnect (40, 41) for a planar SOFC comprises a ceramic sheet with conductive ceramic bodies (42) extending through it to provide conductive paths.    Stacked SOFC structure comprises sub-assemblies of anode, electrolyte plate and cathode with passageways between adjacent sub-assemblies for fuel gas and air; and fuel gas supply conduits extending between adjacent sub-assemblies to deliver fuel gas to central regions of each anode such that delivered gas flows outwards from the central regions of the anode towards the stack edges.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The structures are capable of rapid temp. change without cracking and are simple to seal.
SOFC stack comprises an array of cells with interconnects between adjacent anodes (5) and cathodes (7) and defining channels (1) along which fuel and oxidant are delivered. The cells are connected in a series chain transverse to the channels, the interconnects (3) being formed in structures each comprising a (partially) closed shape around at least 40% of the cross-section area of each channel.    The channels are pref. parallel and square, rectangular or hexagonal in shape. A number of series connected chains are provided across the channels and are connected in parallel.    ADVANTAGE -   Structure has superior thermal and mechanical properties and may be mfd. by simple, low cost co-extrusion and co-firing (claimed).
Electrochemical prodn. of CnHx (where n = even number of 20 or above; and x = from m (to n) is by hydrogenation of Cn (esp. a fullerene with n = 60) by applying electric current across a pair of electrodes (103,104) in contact with a proton donor electrolyte (102), with one of the electrodes (103) being of Cn in contact with a conductive material.    The electrode (103) mixt. pref. takes the form of a fullerene deposited on a metal (esp. Ag) substrate or of a mixt. of powdered fullerene with powdered conductive material (esp. carbon amounting to 10-50 vol.%). Electrolyte (102) is an aq. KOH soln. and the other electrode is an air electrode or is of Ni hydroxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogenation of fullerene is safer and less complex than Birch redn. and gives better yields than prior-art catalytic methods, while providing a fuel cell or battery for storing hydrogen and electrical energy.
Solar panel consists of solar cells (12) equipped with a conductive grid (26) and wiring (14) forming air electrode for each cell. Cells are place don a backing layer (28) contg. moulded slots (32), optimally with a conductive material (34) in each slot and an adhesive is applied to bond cells to the backing layer. Transparent plastic sheet (38), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate film, is bonded to the top by a clear adhesive film (40). Cells are of Si-base material, backing layer is of thermoplastic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Not prone to delamination, cells flush with surface.
Hermetic film is made by thermal spraying raw material powder on a matrix, and heat treating the obtd. thermal sprayed film, for forming the hermetic film, in which the raw material powder has mean particle size of 20-40 microns, and the value of (d90-d10)d50 of 1.1-1.6. d50 = mean size of the powder, d90 = 90% dia. of volumetric cumulative particle size distribution of the powder, and d10 = the 10% dia.    USE -   Used for solid electrolyte film of solid electrolyte fuel cells, or interconnectors.
The electrolyte comprises a Ba2M2O5 or BaM2O4 where M is a trivalent metal element. It has 0.95-1.1 on ionic radius of 0.95-1.1 assuming that coordination number is 6. It has at least 80% density ratio w.r.t. theoretical and has an O2 deficiency order-disorder transition point between 250-400 deg.C on temp. decrease.    USE -   Used as a fuel battery cell material.
Masking and processing of a surface of a substrate (SS) comprises cooling the substrate to below 0C., providing a 1st. region of the surface with a thin ice layer (ES), processing a 2nd. region not covered by the ice layer and removing the ice layer by heating the substrate to above 0C..    Processing pref. comprises etching, doping, chemical conversion with a reagent, coating, oxidising, metallising or electroplating. The 1st. region is made hydrophilic before the prodn. of the ice layer. Initially, an ice layer (ES) is produced on a surface and before processing, parts of the layer corresponding to the required pattern (G) are removed, pref. using a hot tool (N) or with a laser. The ice layer is produced by freezing water contg. a material, absorbing the laser beam, dispersed, suspended or dissolved in it. A semiconductor wafer can be used as the substrate (SS).    USE -   In the prodn. of solar cells, esp. to produce current deviating contacts and in the prodn. of micro-mechanical systems.
Mfr. comprises (a) cleaning a P-type silicon wafer, (b) forming an oxide film on the back surface of the wafer by the chemical deposition, (c) diffusing phosphorus on the whole surface by the use of a solid source, (d) forming a three layered electrode on the whole and back surface of the wafer, (e) making the solar cell by silicon etching and (f) coating with a silicon nitride to form an antireflection film.
The battery has a unit cell consisting of a pair of electrodes (1). The rib formation of the electrode acts as the circulation slot for fluid fuel and oxidizing agent. The electrode end (2) is filled by heat and acid proof granular filler material (3) which stores phosphorous acid. The free space of the filler material raises the capacity by 50%. The unit cells are grouped together to form a fuel battery which transforms the fuel energy into electrical energy directly.    ADVANTAGE -   Offers highly reliable power source. Improves gas sealing capacity.
In the copolymerisation of a perfluorocarbon monomer bearing a sulphonic acid functional gp. and a perfluoroolefin, the improvement comprises that soln. polymerisation using a hydrochlorofluorocarbon as medium is carried out.    The perfluorocarbon monomer bearing a sulphonic acid functional gp. includes CF2= CFOCF2CF(CF3)OCF2CF2SO2F, the perfluoroolefin tetrafluoroethylene and the hydrochlorofluorocarbon 1-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,3-dichloro-1,2,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 2,2-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane and 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mfg. method uses no solvent causing ozone layer depletion in the atmosphere and gives perfluorocarbon polymers bearing a sulphonic acid functional gp. with a high ion exchange capacity in high yield easily. The ion exchange membranes of the perfluorocarbon polymers are useful for diffusion dialysis, ozone generation electrolysis, electroreduction, fuel cells, macromolecular catalysts and cation exchange membranes with corrosion resistance for alkali electrolysis.
The solar battery module consists of a solar cell packaged inside a suitable housing. The solar cell is produced using a silicon substrate. An array of solar cells is formed by interconnecting various individual PN junctions formed on the substrate.    The housing is formed according to required dimension. A transparent material is selected to form the cover-like housing. The solar battery is kept in the cover-like housing. Amorphous fluorine resin having aliphatic ring structure is selected and poured in the space between the solar cell and cover-like housing.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides sealing structure with low hygroscopicity. Protects solar battery from environmental moisture. Does not generate degradation even on exposure to outdoors for long duration. Eliminates need for separate adhesive agent between cell and cover. Maintains good transmittivity and retains transparency.
The solar battery is formed on glass substrate (1). A porous lower electrode (2) is formed on glass substrate. A window layer (3) is formed on lower electrode. This window layer consists of three sub layers. The n-type dopant layer (3a) is at the lowest level. Next, ZnO thin film containing aluminium dopant is formed. The last sub layer is formed using CdS (3c).    CdTl thin film or CuInSe2 thin film (4) is formed on window layer. Next, upper electrode (5) is formed on this layer. The upper electrode consists of metals such as gold, nickel etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases photoelectric current. Improves conversion efficiency. Maintains quality of junction. Simplifies production process.
The photovoltaic element consists of several layers formed one above the other. The lower electrode (14) forms the lowest layer. An amorphous organic compound layer (3b) is formed above lower electrode. The organic compound layer with a specific chemical bond (3a) is formed above amorphous organic compound layer. The upper electrode is formed on organic compound layer with a specific chemical bond. The support body (1) is formed on upper electrode. A lead is formed is formed on upper electrode for terminal connection. In the lower electrode a second lead is joined for terminal connection.    ADVANTAGE -   Decreased pinholes, and improved conversion efficiency and yield.
The photovoltaic element is formed on a suitable substrate (901). The n type semiconductor layer (902) is formed on the substrate. Layer (903A) is the n type layer formed by chemical vapour deposition method by radio frequency plasma followed by intrinsic type semiconductor layer (904A) formed by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method.    The intrinsic type semiconductor layer (905A) is formed by radio frequency chemical vapour deposition method on the previous intrinsic type semiconductor layer. The p type semiconductor layer (906) is formed by plasma doping on intrinsic type semiconductor layer formed by radio frequency chemical vapour deposition method. Finally collector electrodes (907) are formed on p type semiconductor layer (906).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides uniform characteristics over wide area. Generates device at high speed. Curtails optical deterioration. Delivers high photoelectric efficiency.
The photovoltaic element is formed on a suitable substrate (901) on which n type semiconductor layer (902) is formed. The layer (903A) is formed on n type semiconductor layer by chemical vapour deposition method through radio frequency plasma, followed by intrinsic type semiconductor layer (904A) formed by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method.    The intrinsic type semiconductor layer (905A) is formed by radio    frequency plasma chemical vapour deposition method on previously formed intrinsic type semiconductor layer. The p type semiconductor layer (906) is formed by plasma doping on intrinsic type semiconductor layer formed by radio frequency deposition method. Finally collector electrodes (907) are formed on p type semiconductor layer (906).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides uniform characteristics. Generates device at high speed. Curtails optical deterioration. Delivers high photoelectric efficiency.
A fuel cell system calculates the heat value of anode exhaust gas at an entrance of a modification device combustion part based on each detecting value of material supplying level and steam supplying level which are supplied to a modification device reaction part, outlet port temp., modification reaction pressure, direct current level which is generated and voltage between an anode and a cathode. When the calculated value is over the fixed value, the air vol. is increased which is supplied the combustion part of the modification device or restricts the exhaust gas supplying level of a cell anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A fuel cell system supplies the exhaust gas of the cell anode to a modification combustion part.
A fuel supplying method for a melting carbonate type fuel cell comprises increasing air supply level for the combustion and supporting combustion level before supply of modification material to a reaction part of a modification device is increased and further air for the combustion is supplied by fixed supplying level temporarily and excessively after the reaction is stabilised.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A fuel supplying method for a melting carbonate type fuel cell with a modification device which applies the combustion head. The method can correspond to the rapid load variation smoothly and safely.
A fuel cell is attached with cation-exchange film contg. perfluorocarbon contg. sulphonic acid gp. and reinforcing fibril or woven or unwoven cloth of fluorocarbon polymer as a solid polymer electrolyte.    The reinforcing material is e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene. The perfluorocarbon (co)polymer contg. sulphonic acid gp. comprises such polymer and perfluoro-olefin. Such perfluorocarbon is e.g. CF2=CFO(CF2)1-8SO2F. The perfluorocarbon (co)polymer contg. sulphonic acid gp. is used in a wt. ratio/reinforcing polymer = 99.9/0.1-50/50. The film is formed by impregnating a varnish of the perfluorocarbon (co)polymer into the reinforcing material, and melting the perfluorocarbon (co)polymer and the reinforcing material or continuously or batchwise flat or vacuum pressing.    ADVANTAGE -   The ion-exchange film has a low resistivity and high mechanical strength to provide a fuel cell of solid polymer electrolyte type having a high performance.
A fuel cell is attached with cation-exchange resin film comprising at least 2 perfluorocarbon polymers having a sulphonic acid gp. and each having a difference ion-exchange capacity as its polymer electrolyte.    The cation-exchange resin film is pref. copolymer of perfluorocarbon contg. sulphinic acid gp. and perfluoroolefin. The perfluorocarbon contg. perfluorocarbon contg. sulphonic acid is e.g., CF2=CFO(CF2)1-8SO2F. The perfluoroolefin is e.g., tetrafluoroethylene. The 1st perfluorocarbon polymer has pref. ion-exchange capacity = 0.6-1.3 milliequiv./g on dry bases and the 2nd polymer has pref. ion-exchange capacity = higher by 0.05 milliequiv./g on dry bases than that of the first resin and blended in a wt. ratio of first resin/second resin = 30/70-90/10.    ADVANTAGE -   The ion exchange film has a low resistivity and high mechanical strength to provide a fuel cell of solid polymer electrolyte type having high performance.
A solar cell prodn. process involves (a) electrochemically etching through-holes (4) in a first surface (2) of an n-doped single crystal silicon wafer to form a perforated detached layer (7) of the silicon; (b) forming a pn-junction in the layer (7) by producing n-doped (10) and p-doped (9) regions adjacent a first main face (2) of the layer which is parallel to the first surface (2); and (c) forming contacts (15, 14) to the n-doped (13, 10) and p-doped (9) regions on the first main face (2) so that the pn-junction is connected as a solar cell in which light incidence can occur via a second main face (52) opposite the first main face (2).    ADVANTAGE -   The contacts are formed on the reverse side of the solar cell to avoid shading and are designed for minimal ohmic loss. The elasticity of the free-standing layer allows reverse-side connection of solar cells by laying conformally on a non-flat support provided with conductor lines.
The electro chemical, multi cell battery, has polymer electrolyte membranes and a bipolar plate (1,2) in a frame structure which is clamped and pressed into place with space-saving integration to give a compact and low cost battery with a high power density. The sealing (7) between the plates (1) and the frame (2) is an elastic sealing and adhesive mass such as polydimethyl siloxane (silicon rubber), a fluorided polydimethyl siloxane or an epoxy resin. The end plates are of a high tensile but low density material such as aluminium alloy, titanium alloy and fibre compared material. The current capture plates are highly conductive such as of copper, copper or aluminium alloys coated with gold or platinum.    USE -   The battery is designed as a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The multi cell battery has a high power density in an optimum structure as a fuel cell.
A H2-O2 electrochemical generator contains a battery of fuel elements connected by an electrolytic contour, supply systems of reagents, and a water and heat removal system. The O2 supply system is connected to the last element in the direction of supply of H2 and the H2 is supplied in the opposite direction.    USE -   Used for electrochemical generation using H2-O2 fuel elements.    ADVANTAGE -   Better working reliability and reduced energy consumption.
Desulphurisation comprises contacting raw material with desulphurising agent comprising copper, nickel and zinc oxide and prepd. by co-pptn. prior to reforming of the material to a hydrogen-based fuel gas by steam reforming.    Pref. desulphurising agent is typically prepd. by reacting precipitating agent with aq. soln. of copper, nickel and zinc cpd(s). to co-precipitate. Pref. metal cpds. are copper nitrate, nickel nitrate and zinc nitrate. The precipitating agent is e.g. one or a mixt. of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides and carbonates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method ensures efficient and sufficient desulphurisation even at relatively low pressures and is useful for desulphurisation of kerosene, light oil, LPG, city gas and natural gas, thus reducing deterioration of the related catalysts. Notably high desulphurising performance of the desulphurising agent allows for a redn. in the amt. of the catalyst used, resulting in significant compaction of fuel cell system.
Purificn. comprises placing silicon in a crucible which does not oxidise silicon and melting the silicon in a nonoxidising atmos. while keeping the molten silicon under a reduced pressure of up to 10Pa.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high purity silicon can be used in solar cells. High-purity silicon with low content of P, As, Ca, O and N can be obtd. at low costs in a short time using inexpensive metallurgic silicon as a starting material.    In a graphite crucible, 100g of metallic silicon contg. 30ppm P, 5ppm As, 20ppm Ca, 30ppm O, and 20 ppm N was placed and molten in an Ar atmos. in a vacuum melting furnace and kept at 1500 deg.C under 1Pa for 1 hr.. The purified silicon contained 5ppm P, 5ppm As, 5ppm Ca, 3ppm O and 3ppm N and the yield was 96%. When 100g of metallic silicon was molten in a copper crucible in a nitrogen atmos. and kept at 1500 deg.C under a pressure of 1 x 10 power(-1) Pa for 1 hr., the purified silicon contained 1ppm P, 0.1ppm As, 1ppm Ca, below 1ppm O, and below 1ppmw N and the yield was 94%.
A fuel gas is led to a reforming section contg. a reforming catalyst and reformed to a H2 rich gas under a heated condition. The reforming section consists of a structure composed of conductive metallic plates on which a reforming catalyst is supported. The passages of the fuel gas are formed by the surfaces of the plates on which the reforming catalyst is supported and electricity is supplied across the electrode terminals of the structure to generate heat through electric resistance in the plates on which the catalyst is supported.    In the reforming section, the passages of a fuel gas are pref. formed by the surfaces of the plates on which a reforming catalyst is supported, the passages of a heat source gas are formed by the opposite sides of the plates, and these fuel gas passages and heat source gas passages are pref. layered alternately. The total resistance of the plates on which the catalyst is supported is pref. 0.1-10 ohms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reform hydrocarbon fuels which are to be supplied to engines and fuel cells. The reforming section of the reformer has good thermal conductivity, the starting performance of the reformer is improved and the reformer can be down sized.
Production method comprises a metal electrode insulation wafer i.e. glass wafer (21) on which a transparent electrode (22) is formed. Over the electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer (23) is formed and over this an insulation layer (24) is grown. A metal electrode (25) is formed on top of this insulation layer.    Multiple pin holes are formed on top insulation layers. The holes provides electrical connection between the metal electrode and photoconversion layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in low luminance requiring environment e.g. for producing white fluorescent light. Prevents short circuit generation. Improves field of the production process. Reduces probability of leakage from photoelectric conversion layer to a very small value. Raises overall device characteristics and reliability of product.
An ion exchange membrane for a fuel cell of proton exchange membrane type, which is produced from a polymer having repeating units represented by the general formula (1) and has an electric conductivity at 25 deg.C of 0.11-0.20omega-1-cm-1, a hydrogen gas permeation coefficient at 40 oC of 9.0 x 10-9-24.0 x 10-9 cc-cm/(cm2-sec.cmHg), an oxygen gas permeation coefficient at 40 oC of 5.0x1-9-11.0x10-9cc-cm/(cm2-sec.cmHg), and a moisture content of over 100 to 250 wt.%, wherein X is 0, 1 or 2; Y is 2 or 3; and L and m are each a positive number provided L/m represents a positive number of up to 10.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention can provide an ion exchange membrane to be used for a fuel cell of proton exchange membrane type and having excellent performance as both diaphragm and electrolyte.
A hot compression process for making edge seals for fuel cells comprises steps of: (1) forming an electrode assembly to a nominal size; (2) applying at least one bead of elastomer to a peripheral band adjacent the peripheral margins on each opposed side of the electrode assembly; (3) compressing the assembly with the elastomer between press platens heated to 180 to 230 C for a sufficient period and with a force sufficient to cause the beads to permeate the entire thickness of the adjacent assembly; (4) removing the assembly from the platens and allowing it to cool before trimming it to a finished size.    USE -   For forming edge seal for a phosphoric acid fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Integral edge seal that does not depend on the electrolyte to form the seal.
The method comprises (a) forming a metal electrode layer under the N-type semiconductor substrate (2) and an N-type epitaxial layer (3) on the substrate (2), (b) forming an equi-spaced silicon oxide layer (4) on the N type epitaxial layer (3), (c) etching the N-type epitaxial layer (3) to form a V-type groove (6) using the silicon oxide layer (4) as a mask, (d) removing the silicon layer (4), (e) forming a p+ type epitaxial layer (7) on the silicon oxide-removed n type epitaxial layer (3) and (f) forming a metal electrode layer (8) of desired pattern and the p+ type and N type epitaxial layers.    ADVANTAGE -   The efficiency of solar cell is improved.
Prodn. comprises electrolysis of water or sea water (6) to produce H2 gas (7) using electric power (5) generated by an engine with the engine (4) driven by solar energy (1), hydrogen (2) or lake water (3).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel source emits no CO2.
Prepn. comprises contacting hydrogen donor with one electrode (anode) and olefin and oxygen with another electrode (cathode) of ion-conducting matter which has catalytic electrodes.    Catalytic electrodes pref. contain gp. VIII, IX or X metal and/or metal cpd. and electroconductive carbonaceous materials such as active carbon, graphite, carbon black and/or carbon whisker, olefin pref. is propylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Alkylene oxide is obtd. under extremely mild conditions without producing large amts. of by-prods. Energy changes of the reaction can be taken out as electric energies outside of the reaction system, which allows electric power as by-prod. to be utilised.
The high temp. conductive sintering body is composed of Ni metal and/or Ni group alloy and lanthanum chromite system composite oxides, and has the formula (La1-xMx)a(Cr1-y M'y)b O3, where M = one of Mg, Sr, Ca and Ba, M' = one of Co, Ni, Fe, Ti, V, Mn, Al, Si, Zn, Mo, Pb, W, Rh, Ir and Pt. x = 0 to 0.5, y = 0 to 0.5, b/a = 0.95 to 1.05). It has a perovskite structure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for producing a separator of solid electrolytic fuel cell. Approximately the coefficient of expansion as the solid-electrolyte materials.
Process comprises mixing 0.5-5 mol.% of Al alkoxide into stabilised zirconia powder and zirconia to make a slurry, moulding the resulting slurry and heat treating the slurry under air.    The starting stabilised zirconia is pref. zirconia stabilised by adding 8 mol.% Y2O3. The Al alkoxide pref. includes Al isopropoxide and Al ethoxyethoxide, pref., from the viewpoint of ease in synthesis and availability.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in solid fuel cells or solid electrolytic cells for water vapour. Has improved strength.    In an example, a pref. high strength stabilised zirconia was obtd. by sintering a mixt. comprising a commercially available stabilised zirconia (8-mol% Y2O3 stabilised zirconia) added therein Al(OC3H7)3. The zirconia slurry obtd. by mixing a zirconia powder, an amine dispersant, and benzene (solvent) was further mixed with Al iopropoxide was added dropwise to liq. N2 for freeze dry. The resulting powder was uniaxially pressed under 100 kg/cm2, and was further CIPped at 2,000 kg/cm2 for 10 minutes. A sintering was finally obtd. by sintering it at, e.g, 1,400 deg.C.
The device has a cathode partition and an anode partition and a partition common to both. In this battery, poles are spliced externally so as to generate an electric current. The cathode is in contact with the strong acid e.g., phosphoric acid with phosphoric acid ammonium used as the operation fluid. During generation of electric current, hydrogen ion is consumed and hydrogen gases liberated produce a cathode solution. The hydrogen ion in the positive pole solution is reduced by the negative ion of the chloride giving a self reaction product. The positive ion of the chloride is decomposed by heat and generates hydrogen ions.    The cathode solution is transported to the thermochemical reproduction unit from the cathode partition and the acid formed in this unit is transported to the cathode partition. By combining the cell reaction product from the positive pole partition and the material in the chemical reproduction unit, a middle reproduction product is formed and the heat is removed. The electrothermal evaporation device consists of a positive pole reproduction method to supply the molten salt consumed and to transport the molten salt which is required for sustained electricity generation.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves operativity.
The control method uses a modifier (10), natural gas (1) and steam (2) which combine to form the fuel gas (3). This is heated to form the anode gas (4) which includes hydrogen. The anode gas is supplied to the anode (A) of the fuel battery (20). The exhaust gases from the anode of the fuel battery are used for combustion in the combustion vessel of the modifier. The whole of the combustion exhaust gas (8) is supplied to the cathode diode side (C) of the fuel battery.    The temperature sensor (16) detects the abnormal rise in temperature of the heat transfer equipment. The load command signal (15) which has a precedence opens the steam control valve (33, 33') and hence controls the temperature.    ADVANTAGE -   Lowers temperature of the heat transfer part. Prevents increase of carbon deposition in a modifier.
The control method uses a modifier (10), natural gas (1) and steam (2) which combine to form the fuel gas (3). This is heated to form the anode gas (4) which includes hydrogen. This anode gas is supplied to the anode (A) of the fuel battery (20). The exhaust gases from the anode of the fuel battery are used for combustion in the combustion vessel of the modifier. The whole of the combustion exhaust gas (8) is supplied to the cathode side (C) of the fuel battery.    The temperature sensor (16) detects the temperature rise in the heat transfer equipment. This control the combustion pneumatic control valve (22) for supplying air (12) through air heating part (24) where air is heated by combustion exhaust gas (8). The hot air through line (14) is supplied to the combustion part of the modifier. Through the temperature sensor or through load command signal (15) which has precedence, a combustion pneumatic control valve is opened and admits much more air than the normal rate of flow into the combustion chamber of the modifier. This lowers the temperature of the combustion gas of the modifier.    ADVANTAGE -   Helps lowering temperature of combustion gas. Prevents damage to equipment during load reduction.
The electric power generation system consists of a modifier (1a) which inputs the fuel gas, and the shift converter (6) of the modifier changes the carbon monoxide in the gas obtained into hydrogen and carbon dioxide thereby resulting in a rise in temperature in the converter. Air (105) is introduced into the shift converter, for oxidizing the catalyst at the beginning of its operation, through the flow adjustment valve (12) and air line (15).    The nitrogen recycling line (13) is used for circulating the nitrogen through the shift converter entrance heat exchanger (7) and the shift converter. This results in an efficient temperature rise of the catalyst and the shift converter, thereby reducing the time of complete heat rise of the shift converter. The fuel battery generates power with air and hydrogen generated in the shift converter.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures less consumption of fuel due to short starting time. Provides cost effective device. Enables high power generation.
The collection object of film electrode consists of a porous conductive sheet material and solid polymer ion exchange process film inserted inbetween this material. The layer of the sheet material covers and supports the film over the entire surface and also contains a catalyst which makes it electrochemically active. All these are combined and made into a unit to form the collection object. Suitable openings are provided in the collection object for entry    and exit of fuel gas and air. By infiltrating seal material into the layer of the sheet material, the seal is formed to enclose the active portion thereby making it electrochemically active.    USE -   For use in electrochemical fuel battery
The fuel battery uses an ion exchange process film/membrane as an electrolyte. It has a separator with slot which serves as the flow path for the reaction gas. On the top face of the separator, there is a continuous slot which is the flow path for the reaction gas in the fuel battery. The total length from the entrance of one slot of this slot part to the exit is more than the length of the circumference of the main surface of the separator.    The special feature of this fuel battery is that the total of top surface area of the opening of the slot part in the separator is 30-70 % of the main surface area of the separator.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves output performance. Facilitates low temperature operation. Obtains high power density.
The fuel battery has a multiple layer of cells consisting of anode, cathode and electrolytic board. The material gas is admitted between the cells, from the modifier (2) through the material gas introduction pipe (8). The material gas comes out in the dissolving carbonic acid salt battery which mixes and changes. The diffusion partition (12) inside the modifier is parallel to the side wall (11) by the side of the high temperature part of the battery. The material gas flowing through the passage (13) diffuses through the diffusion partition to the side wall.    As the material gas is distributed uniformly from the upstream side to the downstream side of the modifier, chances of the gas stagnating are remote. The endothermic reaction of decomposition of material gas of high density takes place efficiently. While the heat from the high temperature side of the cell is removed, that from the downstream side is not removed. Due to optimum matching of the cell and modifier, the temperature difference in the internal face of the battery is kept small.    ADVANTAGE -   Controls thermal stress to battery. Improves battery characteristics and stability.
The solid electrolyte type fuel battery has an electric power generating layer (21) which consists of a fuel electrode (23), a solid electrolyte (22) and an oxygen electrode (24). There is also a connector layer (28). On the outer side of hollow part (25), an electric junction is made to convex part (26a) by the side of fuel electrode through the first conductive adhesive agent (27).    The convex part (26a) has a counter part (26b) and another convex part which is joined to the connector layer (28) by the side of the oxygen electrode through the second conductive adhesive agent (29).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides low electrical resistance. Reduces cost. Provides compactness. Improves luminous efficacy.
Prodn. of integrated high temp. fuel cell comprises: (a) forming a planar composite body (NIP, PEN, GIG) of three functional layers, where each layer is a ceramic green foil and has a function selected from gas transport layer (G), bipolar layer (I), anode layer (P), cathode layer (N) and electrolyte layer (E); (b) stacking the function layers to give electrolyte layer (E) between an anode (P) and cathode layer (N) and a gas transport layer (E) between an anode (P) and cathode layer (N) and a gas transport layer (G) on top; and (c) pressing and sintering the stack to a fuel cell stack.    USE -   In prodn. of solid electrolyte high temp. fuel cells connected in series.    ADVANTAGE -   High mechanical stability.
Electrolyte foil comprises a ceramic multi-layered structure having a mechanically stable, free-carrying layer (1) of a ceramic material, whose ion conductivity is larger than that of Y-stabilised Zr oxide, and a relatively thinner electrolyte layer (2) of Y-stabilised Zr oxide, or a mechanically stable layer alone comprising tetragonal partially stabilised Zr oxide. Prodn. of the foil is also claimed.    USE -   The foil is used for a planar high temp. fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell comprising the foil can be used at lower temps.
A photoelectric cell comprises a photoelectric wafer (1) having charge collecting electrodes (4,7) on its principle sides (2,3) and a glass protection sheet (8) integral with the wafer (1). A grid (10) of transparent conducting material elements (11) to drain any electrostatic charges is deposited on the outer surfaces of the glass protection sheet (8). The conducting material is e.g. indium tin oxide. Also claimed are a solar panel partic. for the space industry made from the cells, and the prodn. process using a thin film of PTFE between the photoelectric wafer and glass protection sheet and treating at high temp.    USE -   Partic. for the space industry having protection against accumulated electrostatic charges.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is resistant to hostile environments, periodic illumination charges and thermal cycling, has a high power to wt. ratio and is mfd. at modest cost.
Pref. both surfaces of the solid electrolyte are roughened, or a grainy electrolyte is included at the interface between the solid electrolyte and each electrode. .    PREFERRED EMBODIMENT - Pref. the solid electrolyte is ZrO2:Y2O3, the fuel electrode is a mixt. of NiO and ZrO2:Y2O3 and the air electrode is La manganite    ADVANTAGE -   A larger effective electrode area is obtd. resulting in improved power generation efficiency.
Appts. for continuous formation of a photo-voltaic element by layered non-mono Si on a belt-like substrate comprises: an unwind chamber; successive deposition chambers for each of the above film layers, the chambers being connected by gas gates; and a wind-up chamber. In a further embodiment, a triple layer tandem photovoltaic element comprises: first-type layer (high frequency CVD); i-layer (microwave CVD); i-layer (high-frequency CVD); second-type layer (plasma doping); first-type layer (high-frequency CVD); i-layer (microwave CVD); i-layer (high-frequency CVD); second-type layer (plasma doping); first-type layer (high-frequency CVD); i-layer (microwave CVD) (I); i-layer (high-frequency CVD); and second-type layer (plasma doping).    Also claimed is where (I) is replaced by a first-type layer (high-frequency CVD). Appts. for continuous mfr. of these elements is also claimed.    USE -   Esp. in mfr. of solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Multilayer element is continuously formed with high uniformity over a large area at high reproducibility and a high rate.
The cell (1) has at least one photoactive layer (2) between two conductive layers (3, 4). A paste is used for the mfr. of the photoactive layer, applied by screen or stencil printing onto one conductive layer. The paste pref. consists of an organic solvent, binder and disperser and titanium dioxide powder of grain size of 5-50 mm.    Typically, the solvent is terpin oil. or mixt. of terpin oil, alcohol or ethylene glycol, e.g. with 20-40% wt. of alcohol or ethylene glycol w.r.t. the solvent total weight. 0.1-2% wt. of a disperser may be added related to the total weight of alcohol or ethylene glycol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells, etc. with simple mfr. of photoactive layers with preset thickness and without cracks.
The module (1), with at least two photoelectrical chemical cells (20, 30, 40), has a cell connector (1) linking them in series. Each cell connector (1) is of a compound material with at least one elastic carrier section (2) and at least one electrically conductive section (3).    USE -   The module is especially for the conversion of solar light into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure gives a low loss electrical connection between the cells in series. (Reissued from week 9435 to add EPI classifications/ Reprinted in week 9437)
Process comprises (1) forming the rear surface electrode by applying metallic paste principally consisting of trivalent metal and sintering, and (2) forming the soldered part on the rear surface electrode with Pb-Sn type solder contg. Zn as a trace element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for forming a soldered part on the rear surface electrode of the solar cell. The soldered part can be directly formed on the rear surface electrode. Sintering of the rear surface electrode and the light receiving surface electrode can be done at the same time at high temp.
The silicon multilayer body is fabricated using high temperature plasma. Silicon particles introduced into the plasma are dissolved in plasma gas. This plasma gas is then supplied on the surface of carbon fibre cloth (21) and heated to 1500 deg.C, to form an intermediate film (22) of SiC. The temp. of the carbon cloth is lowered below the m.pt. of silicon, i.e. 1400 deg.C. As a result, silicon particles previously dissolved condense and form a polysilicon film (23). The grain of silicon in this film has a large diameter.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced stress in silicon film. Improved rate of silicon film production.
The silicon multilayer body is fabricated using a high temperature plasma. Silicon particles introduced into the plasma are dissolved in plasma gas. The plasma gas is then supplied on the surface of carbon fibre cloth (21) and heated to 1500 degC to form an intermediate film (22) of SiC.    The temp. of the carbon cloth is lowered below the m.pt. of silicon, i.e. 1400 deg.C. As a result, silicon particles previously dissolved condense and form a polysilicon film (23). The grain of silicon in this film has a large diameter.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced stress in silicon film. Increased rate of silicon film prodn.
The fuel cell system (1) combined with gas/air storage system (8) consisting of a high voltage air compressor (9). The air compressor pressurises the oxidising gas stored in gas storage device (13) after passing through heat exchanger (11). The heat energy recovered by heat exchanger is stored in emergency saving equipment (12) for use as a driving heat source when needed. The gas/air in storage tank is expanded in expansion turbine (15) to recover the energy as power from the generator (16).    ADVANTAGE -   Economical, simple and efficient system.
The phosphoric acid type fuel battery uses phosphoric acid as the electrolyte. The acid in the reaction gases is dispersed as a fine mist and not in liquid form, for easy collection. If this acid is not removed for a long period of time, the electrical characteristic of the fuel battery deteriorates and the phosphoric acid electrolyte has to be replenished periodically. To remove the phosphoric acid from the off gases from the oxidising agent pole and fuel pole, a reaction type phosphoric acid collection equipment and a cyclone (7) are provided. The phosphoric acid collection equipment uses a material of metal for collecting the acid in liquid form. The downstream gas (37a) from this equipment containing phosphoric acid which is not removed, is admitted into the cyclone which has an adsorption layer (73) for phosphoric acid which is porous carbon or sintered material.    By centrifugal force, the cyclone removes simultaneously both the powdered metal compound exfoliated from the reaction type phosphoric acid collection equipment and phosphoric acid mist. It is possible to wash the phosphoric acid from the phosphoric acid adsorption layer and discharge it from the cyclone. This design gives an efficient performance for removal of phosphoric acid mist with a small equipment and without the necessity for additional machinery. In this design the adsorption of phosphoric acid mist is carried out in the adsorption layer in the cyclone by capillary action which is quite efficient.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides simple and compact equipment. Maintains electrical characteristics of fuel battery.
Process comprises dipping a conductive material into an aq. soln. contg. ions of a metal such as Zr, Ag, Cu, Pb or Cd and a reagent such as thioacetamide, thioacetic acid, thiosulphuric acid, thiourea, thiocarbonate, thioformamide, ammonium thiocarbamate or selenosulphite; and applying current to the conductive material to cathodically polarise to attach chalcogen of each metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for solar cells.    In an example, a reaction liq. contained 5kg/m3 zinc sulphate and 5kg/m3 thioacetamide at 70 deg.C.. The metal used was Ti. The anode was Pt. The applied current density was 0.4A/dm2. The metal was coloured red in 120 minutes and coated with zinc sulphide.
Ion-conductors comprising random copolymer consisted of repeat units of formulae (I), (II) and (III), where the ratio of ((I)/((I)+(II)+(III))) and ((II)/((I)+(III))) ranges 0.80-0.90 and 0.35-0.90 respectively. R = -H, -CH3; X,Y = H, 1-3C alkyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A polymer with improved ion-conductivities, is obtd. The polymer has many sulphonated gps. and is used esp. for a fuel cell.    In an example, 25g of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (weight-average molecular weight = 49,700, vinyl acetate content = 40 wt.%, acetoxy gp. content = 0.116 eq.) and 100 ml of toluene are mixed at 65 deg. C, 120 rpm to give soln. (A). 50 ml of methanol, 5.11 g (0.128 mol) of NaOH are added and agitated at 65 deg. C for 2 hrs. to produce the PVA. 1.75 g of NaH (0.04 mol) and 100 ml of DMSO are mixed under N2 gas atmosphere at 60 deg. C for 45 mins. to produce the DMSO soln. contg. NaCH2SOCH3. The DMSO soln. and 200 ml of THF contg. 6.92 g of PVA are mixed at 60 deg. C for 2 hrs. 20 ml of THF contg. 1,3-propane-sulphone of formula (IV), is added and agitated at 80 deg. C for 7 hrs. to produce the modified polymer. The modified polymer and 100 ml of 1 NHCl are mixed. After drying the polymer at 60 deg. C for 12 hrs., sulphonic acid-modified polymer is placed between Al plates (0.1 mm of thickness) and pressed at 130 deg. C, 50 kg/cm2 for 1 min. to produce a sheet (0.4 mm of thickness, 0.01 S/cm at 70 deg. C).
Thin films with thicknesses of 5-300 microns in which at least one of CaO and rare earth oxides is dissolved in a solid state and in which the thickness of crystal composed of a single crystal grain in the direction of thickness is at least 50% of the total thickness is new.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The thin films are used in solid electrolyte fuel cells and oxygen sensors. Since the films have practically a single grain structure in the direction of thickness, they have electric characteristics similar to those of single crystal thin films and have good conductivity.    In an example, ZrOCl2.8H2O, YCl3.6H2O, TiCl4, and Ce(NO3)3.6H2O were dissolved in water, to which aqueous ammonia was added to coprecipitate homogeneously Y2O3 and ZrO2. The precipitate was washed thoroughly with water, dried, calcined at 1100 deg.C for 3 hours, crushed, and milled. The powder consisted of 92 mol.% ZrO2 and 8 mol.% Y2O3 and contained 0.004 wt.% Al2O3, 0.005 wt.% SiO2, 0.005 wt.% Fe2O3, and 0.003 wt.% Na2O as impurities. To 100 parts wt. of the prepared powder, 10 parts wt. of polyvinyl butyral as a binder, 7 parts wt. of dioctyl phthalate as a plasticiser, and 33 parts wt. of toluene and 22 parts wt. of ethanol as solvents were added and mixed using a ball mill for 7 days. The viscosity of the slurry obtained was adjusted to 4000 CPS and a green sheet was produced from the slurry by the doctor blade method, dried, and sintered.
The solar battery module covers the surface of light incidence using an optical permeable covering material of fluorine resin system coating material (5) which is uneven after the module substance part material i.e. the metal board (3). An adhesive agent of EVA resin (4) and a solar cell (1) are laid in layers. The space between the solar cell and the substance part material surface filled with the adhesive agent which is made gently sloping.    The vacuum sealing of the solar cell is carried out with a sheet-like resin and sheet-like adhesive agent and the marginal part of the sealing portion is inserted in the slit portion of the frame material which is flexible. The covering material is formed throughout the solar battery module surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents electric short circuit of internal wiring. Possesses good characteristics and increases high reliability. Provides good conversion efficacy. Prevents steam entry through sealing.
The Si solar cell is produced by (1) depositing an insulating layer onto surface of a metal substrate, (2) depositing an Si layer onto the insulating layer surface, (3) introducing impurity into the Si layer and then heat treating in an inert gas atmos. to enlarge the crystal grain in the Si layer (4) heat treating in an active gas atmos. to form Si crystal grains on the insulating layer, (5) growing island-shaped single Si crystal by a liquid process in a supersaturation state by using the Si crystal grains as seed crystals, (6) heat treating in an active gas atmos. to promote the solid phase reaction between the Si crystal grains and the insulating layer to make the metal substrate surface and the bottom of the Si crystal grains contact with each other, and then (7) further growing the Si crystal grains to cover the insulating layer surface with an Si layer.    The metal substrate e.g, consists of W, Mo, Cr, Ni or Ti etc., and has a thickness of 0.05-0.5 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A high quality solar cell containing limited amount of impurities can be produced economically.
The thin-film semiconductor solar battery has a layer of aluminium (102A) which is formed on the wafer (101) so that it may be a metal of different kind exposed through minute hole (102B). The back reflective layer is a transparent layer (103) that has an uneven surface on the metal layer and changes by forming layer (102A) of aluminium on the wafer. Then the thin-film semiconductor junction (104) and transparent electrode (108) are formed.    By forming the portion of metal not influenced by partial oxidation, the high reflection factor of the metal layer can be employed efficiently. Increase in series resistance is suppressed and growth of structure can be controlled. A transparent electrode is formed.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high conversion efficiency and allows mass production. Possesses good characteristics.
Solar cell is made by forming a back side reflection layer comprising a sputtered transparent layer on a smooth sheet metal substrate at least of which surface has high reflectance against sunlight, forming a semiconductor junction layer on the reflection layer. A transparent electrode is formed on the junction layer.    The surface of the reflection layer is textured structure while applying a controllable bias voltage is applying to the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for making thin film semiconductor solar cells.
The thin-film solar battery has a wafer (101) on which a metal electrode (102) transparent layer (103), semiconductor layer (104) and transparent electrode (108) are formed. There is also a collector electrode (109). The transparent layer of the back reflective layer of the solar battery is made of two domains where the resistance differs. The resistance of first domain of the transparent layer which touches the metal electrode is relatively low. The value of the resistance of the whole transparent layer is fixed at a value decided by the optimum characteristics of the semiconductor layer.    ADVANTAGE -   High reliability in severe environments, increased performance, easy mass production, and stoppage of leakage electric current due to defects such as pinholes in semiconductor layer is prevented.
Thin-film semiconductor solar battery consists of a metal substance (110) on which is formed a back reflective layer (120), which contains layer of Ag or Ag as the main ingredient (121), a mixed layer (122) and a transparent electric conduction layer (123). On the back reflective layer (120) are formed a semiconductor junction layer (130) and a surface electrode (140) containing transparent electrode (141) and collector electrode (142).    The mixed layer (122) includes a transparent insulator, metal except Ag, and Ag on semiconductor junction layer side.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased conversion luminous efficiency, reliability and efficiency are obtained. Allows mass production. Short circuits of surface electrode are prevented.
The method requires a wafer (117) to be mounted on a holder (116) that is located in the accumulation chamber (111) heated by a heater (112). Vacuum is maintained in the accumulation chamber by means of a vacuum pump (115). In a particle generation chamber (101) there is a melting pot (106) which contains a molten metal (107). The metal is one component at least among silver, palladium, copper apart from aluminium. The particle generation chamber is also maintained at a negative pressure by means of another vacuum pump (105). Cylinders of suitable chemicals are also connected to the accumulation chamber and the particle generation chamber.    The grid electrode of solar battery is formed by spraying the particles of molten metal on to the wafer through a nozzle (109) and allowing the metal particles to accumulate on the wafer.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates mass production. Provides good characteristic solar battery with high reliability and endurance.
The method requires transparent conductivity film layer in the up electrode to be formed on conductive substance (101) after forming the lower electrode (102) and semiconductor layers viz. N layers (103), I layers (104) and P layers (105). Etching by electrolysis is used for removal of the portion of transparent conductivity film layer. As a result of the removal of the portion of transparent conductivity film layer, the resistance becomes high.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high photoelectric conversion luminous efficacy to give solar battery of high reliability. Facilitates mass production and reduces cost.
The solar battery consists of a permeable insulation glass wafer (101) and conductive thin wire (102) laid under the entire surface of the wafer. A transparent electric conduction layer (103) and a solar cell layer (104) together constitute the first electrode. An electric conduction layer (105) formed on the entire surface is the second electrode. The permeable insulation glass wafer is softened at temperatures between 400 and 600 deg.C. The diameter of the conductive thin metal wire is between 10 and 200 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   Involves simple process for production. Costs less and has an improved reliability.
The consists of metal layer of conductive silver (102) mixed with one of Ni, Zn, Sn and Au. The alloy is made by applying a RF bias to electric discharge space during dc sputtering.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides efficient solar battery at low cost which perform with high reliability and endurance.
The solar battery has a semiconductor junction on a wafer having a metal layer (102) on which there is transparent layer (103). The semiconductor junction side surface is a concave-convex structure. The transparent layer has an X-ray diffraction pattern and constitutes the back reflective layer. It consists of zinc oxide such that the peak (2,0,0) intensity of ZnO2 is 1/200 or less than peak (0,0,2) intensity of ZnO and peak (1,0,1) intensity of Zn is 1/200 or less than peak (0,0,2) intensity of ZnO. The non-absorbed light from semiconductor layer is returned to semiconductor layer again by reflective layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Realises high conversion luminous efficiency. Achieves high reliability and is amenable to mass prodn..
The optical electro motive force element uses a wafer (101). The I layer (103) is formed between `N' type semiconductor layer (102) and `P' type semiconductor layer (104). Then a transparent electrode (105) and a collector electrode (106) are prepared.    The N type and P type layers contains amorphous silicon semiconductor material with hydrogen atoms. The insulator layer is made of amorphous silicon germanium semiconductor with hydrogen atoms. The fine crystals germanium content varies in the direction of thickness of I layers. The layers are formed by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition method using a temperature of 400-600 deg.C. The diameter of germanium crystal particle is 50-500 Amps.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves sensitivity for long wavelength, photoelectric conversion efficiency and temperature characteristics. Reduces optical deterioration.
The method uses an equipment that consists of reaction tank (103) with 90% solution of an epoxy system cation electrocoating material (101). The reaction tank has a quartz window (102) for incidence of light. The solar cell (100) is immersed in the solution in the reaction tank. A light of 100 mW per cm is applied for twenty seconds through the quartz window.    The restoration method of the defective part of solar battery is to carry out filling of pin hole portion which is a transparent electric conduction layer or a conductive material layer exposes, with an insulator or a semiconductor.    ADVANTAGE -   Restores performance to original condition. Reduces manufacturing cost. Improves yield.
The process is carried out after the manufacture of solar battery by forming one part of semiconductor junction and an up electrode. By optical irradiation, the leakage electric current flowing into the defective portion such as short circuit and shunt, is increased. Then a resin is deposited on the defective portion by electrodeposition.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates selective sealing of defective portion. Raises characteristics and reliability of solar battery.
The solar battery (100) has its defective portion (110) covered with an insulation covering of electrocoating resin (109). The mean particle size of the electrocoating resin during emulsification or suspension is 0.2 to 10 micrometers.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in battery characteristics and is highly reliable. Has high photoelectric conversion luminous efficacy.
The solar battery utilises a amorphous silicon germanium and amorphous silicon carbon as main materials and a profile with band air gap of i-layers is formed. The band air gap differs in the direction of film thickness of i-layers. The band air gap of i-layers decreases gradually and then increases again w.r.t. preset prodn. conditions regarding the band air gap.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use is mass prodn. Element characteristics are good with luminous efficiency.
P-type semiconductor is doped into a zinc layered in the form of an island. A second layer of Au or Ag is formed over it. Alloying of second metal layer over first is done by heat treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode has excellent ohmic characteristics.
The solid electrolyte fuel cell consists of a stack (7) connected in series. It has a cylindrical single cell (8) in which the solid electrolyte is sandwiched and the electrode is formed. The lead (20) connects the external surface end sides of the stack while lead (21) connects the inner sides. Power extraction from the stack is done through the leads. As the leads are connected inside the end of the stack, they are pulled out from the other end side (1) of the stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimized size and reduced cost. Allows exposure to high temperature oxidn. atmosphere.
The battery consists of a single cell (8) formed by inserting a solid electrolyte within one pair of electrodes; and a cell stack (7), with a single cell allowing the flow of air and fuel gas, in the electric power furnace supported by a casing. Both ends of the cell stack are supported by support part materials (1a, 3) made of material with no difference in heat expansion with cell stack. The part material (3) serves as a separator for air and gas.The cell stack is positioned in the upper and lower side direction of the electric power generation furnace.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates stress on cell stack.
The solid electrolyte fuel battery furnace is supported by material part (1a) which is the casing and has cell (8) within cell stack (7). The stack is supported by air gas partition board (support pack material) (3) and casing at both ends.    The single cell is formed by inserting a pair of solid electrolyte. The stack allows fuel gas and air flow along its path which generates power from air heated by gas. The bellows are capable of controlling the expansion and contraction due to heat expansion difference by gas and air.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides cell stack without producing big stress.
The solid electrolyte type fuel battery furnace consists of stack (9) which encloses single cell (10). Gas enters through lower side (17) and takes first gas flow path (16). Air takes second gas flow path (15) from the top side and flows adjacent to the cell.    The stack with single sandwiched cell takes the thermally conductive gas along its path with air heated before entering the stack. In the lower side of first gas flow path, a coupling is made to let in uniform gas temperature along the whole flow path. Thus the second path which is air, gets uniformly heated and performs power generation.    ADVANTAGE -   Maintains uniform temperature through coupling. Provides good thermal conductivity through gas.
The fuel gas system has main part (2) connected to modifier (1). Burner (12) carries out the combustion process. The inert gas is stored in tank (6) and is connected to the modifier through passage (D) with valve (7).    The fuel battery main part with modifier generates hydrogen in the modifier, and oxygen in air reacts electromechanically to perform power generation. Exhaust from the main part gets combusted in the burner. The oxygen removal device removes oxygen from combustion and separates the inert gas in tank. The system opens the valve if the operation of main part stops and purges out the inflammable gas. After purging is over, valve is closed and the process continues.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves purge system. Eliminates exchange of tanks and provides excellent operation.
The fuel battery is an electric power generation device where in the main part hydrogen and oxygen in air react electrochemically to generate power. A quality device of change (1) generates hydrogen for fuel battery main part (2). When the fuel battery main part is shutdown for any maintenance in the system it is necessary to purge out the inflammable gas present in the fuel battery system. For this purpose an inert gas generation device (8) with inert gas storage tank (6) is provided. This storage tank is connected to the quality device and the fuel battery main part valve.    The amount of generation of inert gas changes according to the gas pressure in the inert gas storage tank. When the operation of the fuel battery main part stops, valve (7) is opened automatically. This allows entry of inert gas into the quality    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids exchange of tanks etc. Effects automatic operation enabling quick and easy purging.
The fuel battery has a fuel gas system (11) with battery entrance and exit pipe (13, 15) with a change valve (14) and an oxidizing gas system (12) with battery entrance and exit pipe (16, 18) with change valve. Both the system valves (14, 17) are positioned where the entrance and exit pipe intersect.    The fuel battery main part comprises many cells. The fuel gas flows in the fuel pole of cell and the oxidizing agent gas flows through the oxidizing agent pole, causing an electrochemical reaction which generates power. The flow of gases in the cell is reversed by changing the valve positions of the respective gases so that the flow changes.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents degradation of cell by reversal of flow direction. Extended lifetime of fuel main part.
The gas rate flow control device consists of an opening entrance manifold (2) and exit manifold (3) of the multilayer unit cell (10). A regulation valve (4) controls the flow rate of reaction gas at a point near the gas supply mouth. Insulation tubes (22, 23) are placed along a pressure difference detector (24).    The stack which consists of a multilayer body of unit cell passes the fuel gas through the entrance manifold and the exit manifold. The excess and deficiency detector with insulation tubes at either end of the entrance and exit indicates the pressure difference in the flow rate by the pressure difference detector. If the difference exceeds the predetermined limit the control value increases the quantity of rate of flow of reaction gas and vice versa.    ADVANTAGE -   Easily analyses and controls operation of the system. Eliminates lack or over supply of fuel gas.
The fuel cell consists of a package (1) with main part (2) reaction and combustion air blowers (4, 5) with a fuel modifier (3) together with a side wall, ventilator (6) and air louvres (3) and air intake ducts. A pair of (12, 14) hoods hides the fuel cell main part and fuel modifier from the upper hood (13).    The pair of hoods which hide the fuel cell main part and the modifier in the shape of an umbrella connects the intake suction side of the reaction and combustion air blowers. Without increasing the fan ventilation the flame and inflammable gas detector are exposed to high temperature by hot air and becomes over heated.    ADVANTAGE -   Reuse of heat dissipated in fuel cell and fuel modifier to pre-heat reaction air. Improved thermal efficiency. Fan ventilation helps generation of power without overheating.
The fuel cell electric power generation furnace consists of single electrode cell (8) supported by the cell stack (7). Seal material (16) made of compound oxide is attached to the circumference of the cell stack. An air gas partition board (3) is provided with a clearance.    The cell within the cell stack allows the air and fuel gas along its flow path with the partition board inbetween axial gas chambers to generate power. When the generation goes into a regular operation at about 1000 deg.C gas leaks to the partition board which carries a predetermined amount of oxide compound. The compound to adheres to the circumference of the cell stack due to the heat swelling in the stack and closes the clearance. The clearance is regained when the temperature is optimum for the system.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents gas leakage from cell stack. Long-term chemically stable oxide compound.
The interconnector consists of the Sr doped Cr excessive LaCrO3 for which doping amt. of Sr is 11.5-13.5%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The interconnector is used for the solid electrolyte fuel cell. The interconnector has no difference in heat expansion performance in oxidising atmos. side and in reducing atmos. side when temp. is elevated from ambient temp. to 1000 deg. C, and also agrees with YSZ performance.     In an example, Sr doped LaCrO3of the following compsn. La0.88Sr0.12Cr1.01O3+/-8, La0.87Sr0.13Cr1.01O3+/-8, were examined for their heat expansion coefficients, in the air (oxidising atmos.) and in the mixed gas of H and steam (reducing atmos., oxygen partial pressure = 10 power (-14) - 10 power (-15) atm). Results of the tests were obtd. The examined compsns showed almost same heat expansion performances as that of YSZ in both of the oxidising atmos. and reducing atmos. in temp. range from ambient temp. to 1000 deg. C.
The solid electrolyte type fuel battery consists of layers of cells (9) and interchange connectors (10). The single cell which has the solid electrolyte (1) has a fuel pole (3) and air pole (2) on the two faces of the solid electrolyte. A number of such cells are stacked with interchange connectors on top and bottom. The interchange connector is made of lantern chromite material of specific gravity (6). The size of the interchange connector is 30 x 30 cm and the loading is proportional to the thickness. The load proof per thickness of 1 mm is 5kg.    If nth interchange connector from top has minimum thickness 't' expressed by the following expression, t=0.5(mm),(1-10 nano    ), t=0.54x1.108n-11(mm) (nano at least 11). The interchange connector will not be damaged by the load of the fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Weightless. Avoids breakage of interchange connectors.
Joining the film and the body comprises inserting a solid giant mol. electrolyte film between two electrode sheets; placing in a pressure wear metal mould consisting of a combination of scalpel type metal mould and male type metal mould; heating multilayer body while applying pressure; then supplying cool water to press board and pressing for a fixed time under fixed pressure; etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solid giant mol. type fuel battery, water electrolytic device, temp. difference battery, hydrogen concn. cell, salt electrolytic device, etc.. Prevents deterioration of solid giant mol. electrolyte film. Performs quick and effective heating and cooling.
Prodn. involves mixing catalyst contg. Pt and C with solvent to dil. the ion exchange resin catalyst, and a suspension is then made. An electrode base material is made water repellent by distributing the suspension, as required, by filtering it through electrode base material under pressure and suction to form a film giving an electrode sheet. Two of these sheets are joined and made into one unit by hot pressing.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies prodn. process and enables generation of large electric current at low temp..
The method involves mixing catalyst containing platinum and carbon with a solvent solution and the solvent for dilution of ion exchange resin. A slurry is then made. The electrode base material is made water repellent by applying the slurry uniformly and then vacuum drying to evaporate and remove solvent. Thus the film is made on electrode base material, forming electrode sheet.    Two such electrode sheets having ion exchange resin film as solid giant molecule electrolyte film, are joined and made into one unit by hot pressing.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies production process and enables generation of large electric current at low temperatures without using polytetrachloroethylene.
The solid electrolyte type fuel battery has metal or conductive metal compound on fuel pole side of solid electrolyte surface. In this type of battery, air pole is on one side. By inserting solid electrolyte board, the face of the other side is made fuel pole. On the fuel board side of solid electrolyte, 90% or more is 0.3 to 10 micrometer size particles of metal or conductive metal compound, and 30 to 80% of the surface is stuck firmly with the particles. Nickel is the desired metal for this application.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents increase in polarisation voltage even when current is high, thereby maintaining steady power density and luminous efficiency.
The system deals with regenerative braking of a vehicle. When a brake pedal (32) is pressed, the change switch in the brake mechanism is activated and the drive motor becomes a generator to power the brake. The modifier (15) takes in methanol (M) and water (W) through a vaporizer (16) in the vehicle. This enables the supply of power to the drive motor (34) by the hydrogen-oxygen type fuel battery through the controller (33). Operation of the brake pedal performs the regenerative braking to an invariable speed machine (41). With the power available, the force feed pumps (11,21) compress the air, hydrogen and carbon dioxide and performs the sepn. of oxygen and hydrogen in an oxygen gas sepn. vessel (22) and in a fuel gas separation vessel (12) respectively. The oxygen and hydrogen are supplied to the oxygen tank (23) and to the hydrogen tank (13) from where they are supplied to the fuel battery (31) for generation of power. The unreacted gases are led to the modifier (15) through the circulation routes (20c,10c). The system has bypass routes (10b,20b), check valves (18,28) and backing pressure valves (19a,19b, 29a and 29b) etc., for increasing the partial pressure of hydrogen and oxygen supplied to the fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high output and efficient operation of fuel battery regardless of load. Improves gas utilization factor.
The solid vapour fuel battery involves circulation of the fuel pole side gas (11) including CO2 using solid acid vapour fuel battery (1). A condensation vessel (5) and a CO2 separation device (6) are incorporated in the circular flow path.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in large scale power generation, the source of tidal power etc. Minimizes the percentage of CO2 present in exhaust gas released to the atmosphere. Reduces global warming due to the release of fossil fuel gases.
The solid giant-molecule electrolyte type fuel battery has a gas diffusion electrode having a catalyst layer and an electrolyte of ion exchange process film. The catalyst layer contains proton conducting material. The pores in the catalyst layer after it joins the ion exchange process film, increase to 90% from 65% capacity. There is no reduction in the output voltage, as the reaction gas supplied reacts well on the face of electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides constant output voltage and sharp improvement in performance.
Process consisting of dissolving Zr alkoxide in solvent; hydrolysing the Zr alkoxide with dil. soln. of nitric acid (1-3N); concentrating obtd. soln. dispersed solvent; gelling the hydrosol under room temp.; moulding the hydrogel and drying; and firing the mouldings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for solid electrolyte fuel cell. A homogeneous crystal structure is obtd..
Solar cell module is composed of a solar cell having an electroconductive substrate board, a semiconductor optically active layer serving as a light conversion element on the electroconductive substrate board, a transparent electroconductive layer, and a surface protection layer.    The surface protection layer consists of a resin compsn. contg. organic resin having a higher flammability than fluorine resin, and solvent-soluble fluorine resin added to the flammable organic resin.    Pref. solvent-soluble fluorine resin has functional gp. such as ether gp., ester gp., or hydroxyl gp. to promote solubilisation to solvent, and the example is vinylidene copolymer, fluoro-olefin-vinyl ether copolymer, or fluoro-olefin-fluorodioxole copolymer etc., and the solvent is e.g. toluene xylene, n-butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone or butyl acetate etc.. The flammable organic resin is e.g. EVA resin, acryl resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, or amino resin etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solder cell module shows excellent scratching resistance.
The method is used for manufacture of silicon multilayer body using reaction vessel (3). This has high temperature plasma generating device (1), heater (8) and holder (7) on which carbon system base material (2) is mounted in carbon fibre cloth (21).    A metal tuning of Al, Ga or In is formed on carbon system base material surface by decomposition of suitable material. Introducing silicon material into high temperature plasma and heating the carbon fibre cloth to 1400 deg. C fuses the materials forming polycrystal silicon film. Heating of silicon and metal component of tunic gives rise to alloy layer of SiAl, SiGa or SiIn on carbon system base material. The polycrystal silicon film with the heat diffusion of pico type dopant metal component is formed on alloy layer. The ohmic nature junction between carbon system base material and polycrystal silicon film is maintained due to interposing of alloy layer. Control of valance electron in polycrystal silicon film is also possible.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves electrical property due to low electrical resistance of alloy layer.
(JP2740625-B2)      The method involves transferring a sodium-sulphur battery with its cap part opened, into a heating tank (4), such that the opening is at lower side. Sodium enclosed in the battery is made to fuse and flow down through the opening, by heating. The inner cylinder of the battery is then chucked to the extraction position and it is extracted downwards.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables automatic separation and removal of inner and outer cylinders. Prevents contact of sodium and air. Enables complete collection of sodium and effective reusage.
Compsn. film of a solid electrolyte type fuel cell is made by fixing a plate to be spray-coated on a jig body, rotating a surface of the plate to be spray-coated with the circumferential speed 400-1000 mm/sec. and spray coating material of the compsn. film on the plate to be spray-coated.    ADVANTAGE -   Film thickness of the spray-coating is decreased and, uniform and precise spray-coated film is obtd. because spray-coating is operated with rotating of the jig body.
Solid electrolyte fuel cell comprising fuel electrodes, electrolyte films, and air electrodes laminated in sequence is made by forming the electrolyte film with low-pressure plasma spraying, followed by sealing the surface layer by ion implanting or by the combination with sputtering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for making solid oxide fuel cells.
Cell comprises catalyst of precious metal highly dispersed on carbon fine powder of which vol. occupied by fine pores of 24-70 Angstrom in dia., occupies at least 25% of total fine pore vol..    Specific surface area of the carbon fine powder is at least 800 m2/g. The carbon fine powder contains no sulphur. The carbon fine powder is made of acetylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The solid high polymer type fuel cell having improved discharge and life characteristics can be obtd..    In an example, 300 ml of aq. soln. of 1g H2PtCl6 was mixed with 10g of NaHSO3 and 150 ml of H2O2, and also 100 ml of sq. soln. of Pt oxide colloid to obtain Pt colloid. The Pt colloid was mixed with dispersion liq. of acetylene black of 835 m2/g in specific surface area to prepare the catalyst A. The catalyst A was mixed with carbon fine powder treated with fluorine resin, then the mixt. was formed with press on a conductive carbon paper to prepare the electrode. Ion exchange resin was applied on the surface of the electrode. The electrodes were hot-pressed with ion exchange film (Nafion 117 made by DuPont Co.) to joint cathode, ion-exchange film, and anode.
Film comprises transparent base film, transparent barrier film of a metal oxide comprising Si nitride and having a thickness of 20-100nm and transparent electroconductive film comprising In oxide having a thickness of 20-200 nm where the base film and the barrier film have an O2 permeability of upto 1ml/m2/day and moisture permeability of upto 1 g/m2/day and the adhesion of the barrier film with the base film or at least 100 g/cm.    Also claimed is a process for forming transparent electroconductive film comprising (a) forming transparent barrier film of metal oxides comprising Si oxide or metal nitrides comprising Si nitride by magnetron sputtering and (b) forming transparent electroconductive film metal oxides comprising In oxide on the barrier film by magnetron sputtering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The transparent electroconductive film has high O2-permeability, moisture permeability, electroconductivity, transparency and adhesion between the base film and the barrier film of at least 100g/cm, impact resistance, flexibility and workability and light wt.. It is used as transparent electrodes for liq crystal display elements or photoelectric conversion elements for solar cells.
In a process for pelletising or granulating a material or a mixt. of materials, one of the materials is reactive with a liq. to form a gas. Prior to final compaction to form a granule or pellet the reactive material is treated to coat all the outer surfaces with a substance that is less soluble in the liq. than the reactive material. The coating thickness and type are selected to provide control over the reaction of the material.    A pellet or granule made by the claimed process.    Prior to coating the material or mixt. is lightly pressed or ground to densify it. The reactive material may be calcium hydride. The coating is formed by passing a mixt. of carbon dioxide and water vapour over and/or through the hydride to form a coating of calcium carbonate and optionally calcium hydroxide on the hydride. This controls subsequent hydration of the pellets or granules to produce hydrogen gas. The coating may be formed by treating with atmospheric air for between 8 and 16 hours to dry it to 1500 ppm of water and 400 ppm of carbon dioxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Coating of calcium hydride pellets for prodn. of hydrogen for use in fuel cells. Enables controllable reaction of the pellets with water to produce hydrogen.
Material (I) contg. radiation-sensitive biomolecules (II) comprises an ionotropic gel formed from poly-electrolyte (III) contg. oriented (II).    (III) is pref. natural or synthetic and has a filamentary mol. structure. Pref. (III) is a pectinate, arabonate or esp. Na alginate or a (co)polyacrylate or Na cellulose xanthate.    (II) are pref. rhodopsin, chlorophyll or bacteriorhodopsin, pref. in the form of the purple membrane (PM).    (I) pref. also contains an effector, e.g. vitamin A, and is in the form of a film or other moulding, pref. a film on a transparent support.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful in photoelectronics and solar energy technology. (I) can be easily produced in various forms and converts radiation energy into electrical energy or other signals.
Microporous active carbon sorbent (I) comprises activated carbon (II) supported within an inorganic matrix (III) of pillared clay or pillared clay like material in the form of microscopic sheets sepd. from each other by pillars of suitable material (IV) defining slit-like interstices. (II) Is intercalated between the sheets of matrix (III).    (I) is obtd. by contacting (III) with organic polymer precursor (V) to fill interstices in (III) with (V) followed by carbonising.    Also claimed is (I) comprising microscopic sheets of (II) spaced apart to define therebetween to define slit-like micropores of a desired width. This is obtd. by removing the matrix after the carbonising stage.    (III) Is synthetic hydrotalcite or montmorillonite. (IV) is an organic anion or polyoxometallate. (V) Is a polystyrene-sulphonate anion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) Stores H2 for use as an energy source. Other utility is in membrane sepn., fuel cells, catalyst supports, fuel cell electrodes, poison scavenger in medical treatments, etc. Materials for prepn. are conventional. (I) Has uniform pore structure, high strength and is lightweight.
Si-laminated body comprises a heat resisting metal substrate, an electroconductive substrate film comprising one of C, metal, electroconductive ceramics of ZrB2 or TiB2, Si, silicide, SiC, and cermet, formed on the surface of the metal substrate, and a polycrystalline Si-film formed on the substrate film.    Si-laminated body is made by forming the electroconductive substrate film using sputtering, thermal CVD, plasma CVD, solid phase epitaxy, melt recrystallisation, or liquid phase epitaxy.    USE -   Used for solar cells as it is.
An electrically conductive oxide comprises a solid-liq. contg.: (a) an oxide contg. magnesium oxide and indium oxide with a mol. ratio of (1+X):1; where, X = 0-0.1; and (b) at least one oxide selected from zirconium oxide, hafnium oxide, and germanium oxide; and having a spinel type crystal structure. The content of (b) oxide is 1-20 mol.% per the total oxides. A transparent electrode uses the electrically conductive oxide as a film forming material, where a film is formed on a transparent substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrically conductive oxide is used for a transparent electrode for a display or a solar cell and has electrical conductivity and transparency at the visible region. The oxide has higher electrical conductivity that that of ITO and visible transparency equal to that of ITO. The resulting oxide produces the transparent electrode having low resistance, 50 ohms/cm2, and a transmittance of at least 90% at the visible region. The resulting oxide is suitable for the display having large panel area and a fine electrode pattern.
A transparent conductive oxide comprises a solid soln. contg. an oxide contg. magnesium oxide and aluminium oxide, and at least one oxide selected from Zn, Cd, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi, and having a spinel type crystal structure.    The transparent conductive oxide is of formula (I).    MxMg1-xAl2O4-(1-m/2)x (I)    M = at least one element selected from Zn, Cd, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Sb, and Bi; x = 0.01-0; m = the number of oxidations of M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The transparent conductive oxide is used for transparent electrodes for a liq. crystal display, EL display, or solar cell; or an anticlouding heater for a freezing show case, a heating coil reflecting film for building or motor car glass window, etc. The transparent conductive oxide has transparency to ultraviolet light, and has good electrical conductivity.
A crystalline Si thin plate is produced by cooling the interface between gas and Si melt in a crucible and depositing Si. The Si melt is obtd. by fusing Si in specific flux selected from In, Sn, or Ga.    Solid Si is put in the crucible to keep the super-satd state of Si in the melt. A cooling means having a temp. gradient along the face of the interface is put over the melt to cool the interface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to produce crystalline Si thin plates for solar cells. The temp. of Si melt can be lowered. Si thin plates can be produced continuously until all of the Si charged in a crucible is consumed.    In an example, Si melt was prepd. in a quartz crucible placed in a reactor tube by dissolving satd. amt. of Si in Sn flux (99.9999% purity). High purity Ar gas (1 atmos.) was passed through the reactor tube at 200 cc/min. A p-type Si plate 40 x 40 mm, 0.5 mm thick was obtd., which had a resistivity of 2 ohm.cm and 300 micron crystallite size.
Prepn. comprises placing a crucible in a tube whose atmos. is replaced with H2 or an inert gas, cooling the interface of molten Si in the crucible and a gas phase, and depositing Si on the interface. An n- or p-type dopant gas is fed together with H2 or an inert gas into the tube in the early stage of cooling the interface of molten Si and a gas phase and the feeding of the n- or p-type dopant gas is discontinued Si starts to deposit to obtain crystalline Si thin plates in which an n- or p-type dopant is partially mixed on one surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The crystalline Si thin plates obtd. can be used in solar cell substrates. While Si thin plates are being prepd., PN junctions can be formed at the same time.    In an example, the appts. consisted of an electric furnace, a quartz reaction tube placed in the electric furnace, a crucible placed at the bottom of the reaction tube, and a cooler placed above the crucible. After Si was placed in the crucible, high-purity tin was placed in the crucible, the reaction tube was evacuated to 10 x power 6 Torr, and high-purity Ar gas was introduced into the tube at a rate of 200ml/min. to bring the pressure of the system to 1 atmos. The electric furnace was heated to 950 deg.C and kept at that temp. for 1 hour so that Si was dissolved in molten tin to saturate. The cooler was placed 5mm above the surface of the molten tin satd. with Si. From 2 min. before the start of cooling to 2 min. after the start of cooling, 1% PH3 was added to Ar gas at a rate of 200ml/min. and the Si was cooled with high-purity Ar gas alone again and deposited. After 30 min., a crystalline Si thin plate with dimensions of 40mm x 40 mm x 0.5 mm was obtd.
Prepn. comprises cooling the interface of molten Si and a gas phase and depositing Si on the interface. The interface of molten silicon and a gas phase is cooled by placing above the molten Si surface a cooler which has a temp. gradient over the interface plane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The crystalline Si thin plates can be used in solar cell substrates. Highly crystallised Si with large average particle sizes can be obtd. easily and securely.    In an example, the appts. consisted of an electric furnace, an alumina reaction tube placed in the electric furnace, a crucible placed at the bottom of the reaction tube, and a cooler placed above the crucible. High-purity Si was placed in the crucible, the reaction tube was evacuated to 10 x power -6 Torr, and high-purity Ar gas was introduced into the tube at a rate of 200 ml/min. to bring the pressure of the system to 1 atmos. After the Si was made molten completely by heating the electric furnace to 1500 deg.C, the temp. was kept at 1450 deg.C. The cooler, which could have a temp. gradient over the horizontal surface, was placed 5 mm above the surface of the molten Si and the Si was cooled. After 10 min., a crystalline Si thin plate with dimensions of 40mm x 40mm x 0.6mm was obtd. The average particle dia. was 600 microns.
Device comprises at least one layer between a pair of facing electrodes. An island-like Ag distribution layer is formed between at least one of the facing electrodes and at least one layer sandwiched by the facing electrodes.    An electroluminescence (EL) device comprises an organic layer between a cathode and an anode. The organic layer contains an organic phosphor, and a 1-280 Angstroms thick island-like Ag distribution layer between the cathode and the organic layer.    Also claimed is an EL device in which the organic layer comprises from the anode side, a hole injection layer and a light emitting layer. A 1-280 Angstroms thick island-like Ag distribution layer is formed between the light-emitting layer and the cathode.    Also claimed is an EL device in which the organic layer comprises from the anode side, a light-emitting layer and an electron injection layer. A 1-280 Angstroms thick island-like Ag distribution layer is formed between the electron injection layer and the cathode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as light-emitting devices, solar cells, and photoreceptors.
Appts. comprises polyhedral-columnar net cages mounted on 2 shafts disposed in a tank, motor coupled with a chain belt to drive the 2 shafts, and float switch to detect the lowering of the liq. surface.    USE -   For degreasing small metal parts.
Cell comprises a cathodic chamber for flowing an electrolytic soln. of VII/VIII, an anode chamber for flowing an electrolytic soln. of VV/VIV and ion-exchanging membrane of polysulphone resin.    The polysulphone resin is of formula (I) (where Ar is e.g. Ph, diphenylpropyl, diphenyl or naphthyl, X, Y and Z are each -O- or -S-, l is 0-1, m and n are 2-50 and m/n is 2-10. It is prepd. by introducing an ion-exchanging gp. of polymer contg. -SO2- gp. in its main chain and forming the ion-exchanging polymer into film and has high ionic selectivity, resistance against oxidn. and film strength.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ion-exchange membrane has high resistance against oxidn. to V(V) to provide durable vanadium redox flow cell. It has low membrane resistivity which does not increase by increasing the current density to enhance the output/unit area and to minimise the cell size. It is used in electric automobiles.
In an organic solar battery having a photoconductive layer including an electric charge generating pigment and an electric charge conveying material provided between 2 electrodes: the electric charge generating pigment is a cpd. shown by the general formula (1), (where, R1 and R2 = the same or different hydrogen atom, halogen atom, alkyl gp. which may have substituent, or aromatic gp. which may have a substituent; m and n = integer of 0 to 2; and A and B = the same or different coupler residue).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in organic solar batteries, esp. in organic solar batteries of a functional separative type using an organic pigment and an organic material. The organic solar batteries having high photoelectric conversion efficiency and having stable properties when continuously used can be obtd.. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9428 based on complete specification).
In an organic solar battery having a photoconductive layer including an electric charge generating pigment and an electric charge conveying material provided between 2 electrodes; the electric charge generating pigment is a cpd. shown by the general formula (1), where, R1 = hydrogen atom, halogen atom, alkyl gp. which may have a substituent, aryl gp., or aromatic gp.; X1, X2 and X3 = bivalent organic residue having aromaticity; and A, B and C = the same or different coupler residue.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in organic solar batteries, esp. in organic solar batteries of a functional separative type using an organic pigment and an organic material. The organic solar batteries having high photoelectric conversion efficiency and having stable properties when continuously used can be obtd.. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9428 based on complete specification.
A current connection element, for planar fuel cells with a ZrO2-based solid electrolyte, consists of a combination of (a) a cell-side ceramic plate of compsn. (I) where in (I() x = 0 to 0.3, y = 0 to 0.5; sigma = 0 to 0.05, Me = Ca and/or Sr, and M = Al, Mg, Co, Fe or their mixts.; (b) an interlayer of conductive glass with a thermal expansion coefficient (at 20 deg. C to the transition temp.) of 8x10power-6 to 12x10power-6/k, a transition temp. below 1000 deg. C and a minimum conductivity (at 1000 deg. C) of 0.1 S/cm., the glass contg. up to 20 wt.% alkali or alkaline earth metals and 12-85 wt.% one or more multivalent metal oxides; and (c) a current connection plate of a Cr, Fe, Ni or Co based alloy which contains up to 40 wt.% additional alloying elements and up to 10 wt.% dispersed oxides and which has a thermal expansion coefficient (at 20-1000 deg. C) of 8x10power-6 to 12x10power-6/K.    Also claimed is a process for prodn. of the above current connection element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a bipolar plate within a fuel cell stack for series-connection of the cells (claimed). The element can function at 800-10000 deg. C in air and provides a planar, low ohmic and durable electrical connection between the fuel cell stack and the current leads to a consumer.
Prodn. of fluid active material pastes, for (esp. vibratory) filling of foamed and fibrous electrode frameworks for voltaic cells, with an active material content of 15-55 vol.%, is carried out by mixing and grinding of starting materials, the paste having, in the unvibrated state, a flow limit of 5-250 Pa and a plastic viscosity of 0.05-3.5 Pa.sec.,, a collected particle size of 4-10 microns (63.2% passed) with 25% passed at 0.2 microns and a grindometer value of 8-23 microns, the paste contg. one or more dispersing agents.    The novelty is that (1) all the individual starting materials are loaded, in predetermined wt. and vol. ratios, directly into a turbulent mixer without any preliminary steps such as disintegration or dispersion; (b) the mixt. is processed n the turbulent mixer until the paste has the requisite viscosity properties; and (c) the particle size distribution and the grindometer value are obtained.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple, rapid and efficient.
The high-corrosion resistant Al-thin film is obtd. by disposing an Al-electrode becoming cathode in a vacuum unit becoming anode, applying dc voltage between the vacuum unit, and the Al-electrode for generating arc discharge, and applying negative bias voltage with respect to the vacuum unit to a substrate, forming the Al-thin film on the substrate.    USE -   Used for separator material and wet-seal members for fused carbonate fuel cells.
A sinter contains a 1:9 - 1:1 powder mixt. of a solid soln. expressed by ((1-y)(xCe(1-x)ZrO2)-ySrO) (where x is 0.5 - 0.9 and y is 0.02 - 0.1) and a stabilised zirconia.    The powder of the solid soln. is obtd. by mixing a 1:1 - 9:1 mixed powder of CeO2 and ZrO2 with SrCO3 powder at a ratio of 98:2 - 90:10, calcining the resulting powder mixt. at 1500 - 1680 deg. C for duration of 1 - 10 hours. The SrCO3 powder used is pref. a commercially available powder contg. 0.5% or less of an impurity. The stabilised zirconia is pref. an yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) contg. 6 mol.% or more yttria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for oxygen sensors, solid electrolyte type fuel cells, water vapour decomposition appts., etc..
Each cell (c) in the stack has a solid electrolyte plate (1), 02 electrode (2), fuel electrode (3) and a conductive flow channel member (4) opposing the 02 electrode for forming an 02-gas channel or opposing the fuel electrode for forming a fuel gas channel. The cells are stacked with a space in between for forming the 02 or fuel gas channels, in which an elastic conductive member (12) is provided for allowing conductivity and elasticity as well as gas permeability between adjacent cells.    A conductive film element (6) is interposed between the flow channel member (4) and the elastic member (12) being conductively bonded to the former and fused to the latter.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement for providing a conductive connection between adjacent cells minimises internal resistance and provides large power output.
In a solar cell arrangement, in which the solar cells are interconnected with a fluid for heat abstraction, the novelty is that the fluid is transparent and flows directly around the front and back of the solar cells (1). The fluid may be an oil, e.g., silicone oil.    Also claimed is a heat insulating arrangement with a front and rear housing wall (2, 3), in which the walls (2, 3) are transparent and are sepd. by a small gap. (t1, t2), e.g., of 5-10 mm, the novelty being that the interspace is filled with a latent heat storage material, esp. based on paraffin.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement combines thermal and electrical energy prodn. in an extremely advantageous manner.
An ion exchange membrane comprises a soln. graft copolymer comprising: (a) a backbone polymer (A) with a main chain contg. aromatic rings with at least one initiation site on an aromatic ring or on a benzylic carbon per mol.; (b) at least one polymerised vinyl monomer or ring contg. cpd. having ion exchange functionality anionically grafted onto the backbone initiation site.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is used in aq. electrodialysis sepn. processes, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, piezo:dialysis, diffusion dialysis, pervaporation, and in water electrolysis and fuel cells. The prepn. process provides a wide range of ion exchange membrane with controlled properties which can be tailored to the requirements of specific sepn. processes.
Prodn. of electrically conductive synthetic peptide complex (A) comprises combining two peptides, (I) and (II), both having helical structures with complexing agents (B) which bind (I) and (II) to form a complex having a preselected electrically conductive path. Also new are (A) comprising (I) and (II), spaced apart but parallel plus (B) with redox potential asymmetry. Partic. the peptides are linked to form a dimer (a) by oxidn. of Cys residues in aq. soln. or (b) by reacting (I) having a disulphide bond and N-terminal leaving gp. with (II) having N-terminal Cys. The dimer is then titrated with at least 2 equiv (B).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (A) are useful in electronic devices, partic. nanometer scale, single molecule units, e.g. they have unidirectional current paths similar to diodes. A typical application is in gas (CO, NO) sensors. (A) can also be used as the basis for blood substitutes and in conversion of light to electrical energy. By suitable selection of amino acids, (A) can be designed for use in all types of microelectronic devices. The peptides can be produced by usual solid phase methods without including interfering domains present in natural proteins. The gas sensors can be regenerated (gas displaced) by application of a voltage pulse, so are resistant to poisoning, sensitive and long lasting. The conductivity of (A) should be almost independent of temp. over the range 4-298K.
Hydrazone type cpds. of formula (I) are new. In (I) R1 to R4 = alkyl gp. or aryl gp.; or R5 - H, alkyl gp. or aryl gp.    An electrophotographic light-sensitive material comprises an electro-conductive substrate and a photo-sensitive layer formed on the substrate. The photo-sensitive layer contg. an electric charge transport material, an electric charge generating material and a binder resin, and the electric charge transport material being a hydrazone cpd. (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are used as charge-transfer materials of electrophotographic light-sensitive material, and also as solar battery and charge transfer material of electron device of, for example, EL element. The electrophotographic light-sensitive material comprising the cpd. (I), in which the cpd. with excellent charge transfer property and chemical stability is used, has a high sensitivity and static characteristics and repeating characteristics.
Silicon power generating device comprises sealing material films provided on both sides of each device. The devices and the sealing material films are heated and pressed to form a unitary configuration to form a solar cell module. Each sealing material film comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer sheet having a melt flow rate of up to 14 g/10 mins. At least one layer of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer sheet contains an organic peroxide having a half life at 130 deg.C of up to 1 hr. The ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film on the back cover side of each silicon power generating device contains a colouring agent. Each ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer sheet is struck to a metal layer and/or plastic film layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solar cell. the solar cell module is produced in a short time without losing solar cell efficiency and has no release of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer from glass. Films having good productivity are produced at low cost.
(JP2816070-B2)      The battery includes a multilayered body comprising several cells each provided with an electrolyte sandwiched between air pole and fuel pole having gas passageway. Several manifolds (10) are fixed around the multilayered body. A metallization coating is formed on a flange portion (10c) of the manifold at the inner side that contacts the multilayered body by performing metallization of metal or ceramic material. An insulation coating is formed on the upper surface of the metallization coating. The ratio of thickness of the insulation coating and that of the flange portion is set within 1/1.5-1/5.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents peeling of coating due to pressure fluctuation, during operation condition.
In the prepn. separator composed of lanthanum calcium chromite principally consisting of (La1-xCax)CrO3-z, where x = 0.18-0.22, or non-stoichiometric lanthanum calcium chromite principally consisting of (La1-xCax)1+yCrO3-z, where x = 0.18-0.22, and y is larger than zero but up to 0.02, and electrolyte consisting of stabilised zirconia are primarily made to attach each other, and sintered. Then the fuel electrode and the air electrode are attached on the electrolyte through sintering.    Pref. separator composed of non-stoichiometric lanthanum calcium chromite principally consisting of (La1-xCax)1+yCrO3-z, where x = 0.18=0.22 and y is larger than zero but up to 0.02 and electrolyte consisting of stabilised zirconia, and the fuel electrode are made to attach each other, and sintered at the same time. Then the air electrode is attached to the electrode through sintering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for prepn. of the solid electrolyte fuel cell with the separator of lanthanum calcium chromite and electrolyte of stabilised zirconia. The separator and electrolyte can be gas-tightly jointed through sintering at high temp., without glass sealing.
Reformer consists of required stages of reformer units arranged in a container. A unit comprises a combustion chamber filled with catalyst for burning and an air diffusion plate at the front surface. The combustion chamber is placed between heat transfer partition walls at both sides. An air feed pipe is connected to an opening of the container and the air fed by the air feed pipe is fed to the combustion chamber. The container is used as the common use air diffusion chamber for plate reformer units.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for making produced gas from fuel for making fuel gas feed to the fuel battery anode in the fuel battery generation system. The reformer is significantly simplified. It dispenses with air or fuel dispersion chamber for exclusive use for the unit and the header. It can exchange degenerated unit only when required.
Reformer has a reforming pipe and a burner. The reforming pipe comprises an intermediate cylinder erected vertically, and outer and inner cylinders. The cylinders are concentrically arranged with intervals between them. The upper part of the outer and inner cylinders are joined with the intermediate cylinder. The lower ends are connected with a ring-shaped bottom plate sepd. from the lower end of the intermediate cylinder. Reforming catalyst particles are put into the space between the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder. A burner is provided inside the reforming pipe and feeds heating medium for the reforming pipe.    The unit reforms raw hydrocarbon fuel to a gas rich in hydrogen by steam reforming. The reforming pipe has a presser device on the upper side of the filled layer of reforming catalyst. The presser device consists of a number of pressure balance particles (stainless steel balls).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing fuel gas for fuel battery. The catalyst is uniformly pressed constantly, even when the reforming gas flow speed is high.
Thin film photovoltaic device comprises a metal back contact (12), a multinary semiconductor doped film (14) on this, followed by a thin interfacial film of transparent insulating metal oxide (16) and an oppositely doped transparent metal oxide semiconductor film (18).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For high efficiency thin film solar cells and photovoltaic devices. The risks of using toxic Cd are eliminated without loss of efficiency and performance may even be improved. The method is suitable for mass prodn. and is economical.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell device(10) with an internal water management and transfer system comprises adjacently arranged proton exchange assemblies (11). Each assembly(11) includes a proton exchange membrane component having two oppositely facing major (21, 21') surfaces and a pair of porous anode(23, 23') and a cathode catalyst layers (22, 22') each situated at a different major surface of the proton exchange membrane (21, 21') substantially coextensively with the other. Porous plate(26) is interposed between and in contact with each two adjacent ones of the proton exchange membrane assemblies(11).    Porous plate(26) has two major surfaces: one surface faces the anode catalyst layer(23) of one of the adjacent assemblies(11); the other surface faces the catalyst layer (23') of the other of the adjacent assemblies(11). Plate(26) includes oxidant gas supply channels(29, 29') opening onto one major surface of plate(26); and fuel gas supply channel openings (30, 30') opening into the other major surface of the porous plate(26).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Proton exchange membrane fuel cell device with an internal water management and transfer system. It has a more simpler and efficient cooling system. Fuel cell of this invention is simple in construction, inexpensive to mfr., and easy to use and is reliable. The need for a solid separator plates between adjacent fuel cells of the device is avoided.
An electrochemical cell comprises (a) a working electrode comprising a first encapsulant layer having a set of nanostructured elements embedded by one end, therein, the other end being coincident with the first conductive surface of the encapsulant layer; (b) a counter electrode comprising a second encapsulant layer and nanostructured elements as above; and (c) an electrolyte(s) which is in intimate contact with the conductive surface of both sets of nanostructured elements.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The nanostructured composite film is used as an electrode membrane in an electrochemical cell or an analyte sensor and in fuel cells and batteries. The solid polymer electrolyte is free from leakage and packaging corrosion and is adaptable for size reduction e.g, for microsensors. Using the solid electrolyte, the prepn. of the membrane is economical and environmentally friendly due to elimination of the solvent casting step. The film is conductive to large area coated web prodn. and embedding helps to protect the nanostructured elements from abrasive forces. Less electrically conductive material is required for the same or larger sensitivity. The membrane has enhanced catalytic activity.
Solid oxide fuel cell having a series of individual cells using a conventional interconnect material with each of the cells comprises: an anode consisting essentially of the conventional interconnect material; a cathode consisting essentially of the conventional interconnect material with electrolyte disposed between the anode and cathode, the anode and cathode being thin enough to provide short conduction paths with low voltage losses; an interconnect element consisting of the conventional interconnect material coupled to the anode and the cathode with the interconnect element.    Interconnect element: (a) comprises Sr-doped lanthanum chromite; (b) can be constructed of at least one of a porous material and a dense material; (c) defines an air channel of reduced size, and a fuel channel, in each cell; and (d) the material is compatible with sulphur-containing fuels.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compact solid oxide fuel cell. Novel, improved solid oxide fuel cell constructed using only 2 basic materials, i.e. an electrolyte and a Sr-doped lanthanum chromite; reduced size gas flow channels enabling mfr. of a compact cell with shortened conduction paths; tolerant of sulphur-contg. fuels.
Modifying a fluorinated ion exchange membrane comprises irradiating the membrane, in an environment free of a monomer which would graft polymerise with the components of the membrane, with a non-spark-producing ionising electron beam radiation with a dose of 1-10 mega-rads.    Also claimed is a fluorinated ion exchange membrane made by the above process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes are used in electrochemical cells partic. fuel cells and chloralkali cells. The water absorption and/or ionic conductivity of the membrane is increased.
The device uses stand support material (1) which is made up of a heat insulating hard material layer (14) placed on a hard metal stand (1B). A solar battery substrate (2) is pressed on to the layer (1A). A heating fusion lead wire (3) is heated using a heater tip (4) and is fused to the solar battery substrate (2).    Since the material (1A) just below the substrate (2) is heat insulating in nature, there is no unwanted dissipation of heat by material. Thus the heat of the tip is effectively used for fusing the wire. There is no need to cool the support stand since it does not get heated up.    ADVANTAGE -   Lead wires of solar batteries is fused at low temperature without loss of electrical characteristics.
Conventionally coal and petroleum have been used as sources of fuel for power generation. Since these fossil fuels are fast depleting and since they are linked with serious environmental problems like global warming, alternate sources of energy are being developed.    Solar energy is a potential alternate source of energy which is available everywhere and is used effectively. Hence batteries that convert solar energy into electrical energy are being developed. By providing looseness layer from the light interceptor side of a silicon semiconductor to a fixed depth, the efficiency is improved.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple technique of manufacturing solar batteries with high conversion efficiency is provided.
The device consists of N+ layer (2) formed at the front of a P type silicon substrate (1). The front electrode (3) of comb form is formed on the N+ layer. A reflective prevention film (4) is formed over N+ layer and front electrode. An insulation film (6) is formed at the base of the substrate. Openings (6a) are also formed in the insulation layer. Back electrode (7) is formed below the insulation layer.    The area which two or more P+ domains occupy all over the back of    substrate (1) is less than 9%. These solar batteries are used for converting optical energy into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Output voltage of silicon solar batteries is improved.
The high temperature type fuel battery has electrolyte board (11) with cathode (12) and anode (13) on either side. Collectors (14) are placed on both sides of the electrolyte board. The collectors have slots on both sides, in two different directions. One set of slots are for fuel gas and the other set of slots are for oxidizing agent gas. Multiple electrodes are stacked one over the other by using electrodes and collector objects alternately. The entire arrangement is kept on a base and completely surrounded by a cylindrical part. This ensures separate discharge spaces for circulation of oxidizing gas and fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas sealing effect and battery efficiency are improved.
Mfr. comprises steam reforming MeOH or a hydrocarbon to produce H2 for fuel cells, H2 produced by steam reforming is passed through a hydrogen sepn. functional membrane, and taken out together with water vapour.    An apparatus for producing H2 has an H2 sepn. functional membrane neighbouring to one end of the portion in which the reforming catalyst is charged and a means for supplying the material comprising a hydrocarbon or MeOH with water vapour, a heating portion provided neighboured to the other end of the portion in which the reforming catalyst is charged and a means for supplying water vapour to take out the hydrogen passed through the hydrogen sepn. membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To supply H2 to fuel cells, partic. those operating at 200 deg.C or lower.
The device consists of an ion exchange process type water processing device (26) and a water recovery device (30). The water recovery reservoir (35) is located at the bottom. The catchment board (47) has a catchment pipe (49) and a channel tube (48). The lower portion of the stack contains water channels (51) and passage (52) for phosphorous acid compounds. Recovery water which condenses as moisture flows into a generation water recovery device and is collected in the reservoir through the catchment pipe. Moisture from the combustion exhaust gas of the fuel cell is thus collected. The precipitation room positioned at the lower part removes the phosphorous acid compounds from the water.    ADVANTAGE -   Reprocessing of ion exchange resin and maintenance work in are reduced.
The method uses fusing carbonic acid chloride type battery. A quality catalyser records the temp. change at the starting of electric power generation and at the end. As the temp. drops, the restarting of the generation of electric power supply is made using fuel gas. The fuel gas is used for the generation of electric power upto a temperature of 150 deg C and mined gas is used for higher temp. power generation. The mined gas contains oxidizing agent.    ADVANTAGE -   Simpler operation as this avoids using unnecessary gases as in earlier method. Cost is reduced. Use of expensive gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen and carbonic acid gas are minimised.
The battery consists of an electrode substrate (1) comprising solid electrolyte (2), electrode (3) and an interconnector (4) with an arrangement of non-permeable gas layers (5) and a gas passage penetration entrance (6). The latter uses a hollow electrode substrate and electric power cell (7) to function as a conduit for the passage of gas mixture.    Such electric power cells in series construct the fuel battery. The adjacent cells do not need perfect gas sealing. The oxygen gas contained in each electrode is sandwiched and arranged with an oxidizing agent pole and fuel pole on either side, using the solid electrolyte which usually has the permeability to oxygen ion and hydrogen gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The system is leak-proof and has overcome the need for perfect gas sealing arrangements. Prevents punctures due to the local heating.
The fuel battery comprises two or more unit cells having a thin plate structure which has a supply path of fuel gas to individual unit cells. The crack (22) produced on the surface of separator of thin plate structure being very deep will be on the first aluminium alloy layer (21) which increases operational life time of the fuel battery. The crack (22) adjacent to the second aluminium layer (23) increases the corrosion resistance of the thin plate structure with better heat diffusion of first aluminium alloy layer (21).    ADVANTAGE -   The operational life time of fuel battery increases.
A solar cell comprises a TiO2 insulator layer (2) on a glass plate (1), with a cpd. semiconductor layer (3) on the insulator layer.    Also claimed is a method of mfg. the cell above comprising forming the insulator layer on the glass plate and forming a contacting heterojunction by laminating n- and p-type semiconductors on the insulator.    USE -   For solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Degradation of the CdS element by alkali metal atoms from the glass is controlled and light conversion efficiency is increased.
Electric power reserve device has fixed flow direction of hydrogen, oxygen or vapour supplied for vapour electrolysis at the electrolysis and electric power generation.    The electric power reserve device produces hydrogen and oxygen with a vapour electrolysis cell which has solid oxide electrolyte. The gases are reserved temporarily and the hydrogen and the oxygen are flowed reversely again to the vapour electrolysis cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Operation is simple. Outbreak of repeat thermal stress and the thermal stress fatigue due to temp. variation is decreased.
(JP2766756-B2)      The plate (21) is made of a conductive material and has several penetration openings (20) arranged in parallel. The penetration openings are formed on one planar surface (22). The openings are formed at a position whose distance from the edge of the planar surface is less than 1/10 of the total thickness of the planar surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates production of plate by thermo compression bonding. Reduces internal resistance of SOFC.
Electrolysis system using fuel cell comprises: a fuel cell using a gas contg. H2 as the fuel; an electrolytic bath receiving the power generated from the fuel cell; a condenser to separate the pure water discharged from the fuel cell into steam and warm water; a tank holding the sepd. warm water as cleaning liq. bath feeding liq. and sealing liq. a piping system to circulate the sepd. steam as the heat source and pure water source.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolytic bath is used as plating bath, etching bath etc. The whole system is a closed system.    In an example, a cation exchange membrane (0.6mm thick) of polystyrene having H+ sulphone gp was used. The fuel cell generated 4000KW of power. The generated power fulfilled the requirement of an anode oxidn line at a rate of 1500 ton/month. The fuel cell discharged 70 deg.C water of 2485Kcal and 160 deg.C steam of 1720Kcal.
To produce a solar generator a transparent setting resin (1) is placed in a mould with smooth surfaces and a wire solar cell module is laid on it, and further resin (1) is applied to embed the module with covering resin and the two resin layers are bonded together. A further resin layer (1) has its under side bonded at the covering resin layer for the solar cell module (2) and a bonded synthetic resin laminate with glass fibre reinforcement (3). The outer surface of the laminate (3) is covered with a sealant (4). The finished solar generator is finally removed from the mould.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is for the prodn. of solar cell generators to be fitted to roofs, outer walls of caravans, outer and deck surfaces of boats, parking ticket machines and for advertisement illumination, display cabinets and illuminated direction signs and the like. The technique gives solar cell generators without frames to be fitted to surfaces with a variety of shapes and structures. The units are self-supporting and have a good appearance, while exploiting all the available daylight.
Composite plate-shaped fuel cell component is mfd. by assembling at least two electrically conductive porous plates (18,20) with a sheet-shaped sealant body (58) coextensively sandwiched between them including two coextensive layers of different sealant materials, one of which is initially flowable at a relatively low temp. but eventually solidifies as an elastomer and will remain solid even if heated and the other of which is a solid at the low temp. but becomes flowable when heated, at least one of the sealants being a fluoroelastomer. The porous plates are pressed towards one another initially at the lower temp. causing the flowable sealant material to flow into and completely fill and solidify in the pore of a sealant region extending a predetermined distance into one of the plates. The plates are subsequently pressed towards one another at a higher temp., after the first sealant material has solidified, causing the second sealant material, which is flowable at the higher temp., flow into and completely fill the pores of another sealed region extending to a predetermined distance into the other of the porous plates.    At least on layer of sealant is a fluoroelastomer, esp. a fully-saturated fluorinated polymer contg. more than 60 wt.% fluorine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is used to plug the pores of pairs of porous electrolyte retention plates to prevent fluid flow between them. Method assures that the sealant penetrates to a desired depth into each porous component without creating high residual stresses which can cause cracking and fluid leakage. It is simple and inexpensive to perform.
Prepn. is effected by heating crude substrates comprising Si or SiO2 contg. impurities in Cl2 gas or a Si chloride vapour to remove impurities on and near the surfaces of the substrates as chloride vapours.    The silicon chloride is pref. SiCl4.    The temp. of heat treatment is pref. 500-1000 deg.C.    The O2 partial pressure in the heat treatment atmos. is pref. 10 power 5-10 power -7 atmos.    The crude substrates pref. consist of Si with purities of 97.0-99.9% on the surfaces of which SiO2 films are formed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The substrate may be used in thin-film type solar cells and thin-film transistors for LC displays. The substrates have high purities only on and near the surfaces and may be produced at low cost.
Cell having anode, electrolyte and cathode includes a porous metal compression pad for compensating component dimensional variations at pressures above 1500, pref. 1500-10000 psig. The metal has sufficient porosity of pref 15-85, esp. 20-60% to attain an elastic strain of 3-40% at 2500 psig. Pref. the metal is pref. Cu, Ni, stainless steel or an alloy of these.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Use is in a fuel cell (stack) or electrolysis cell stack (claimed). Compression pad permits operating pressures of up to 10000 psig (or more) while maintaining a conductive path; uniform contact pressure and fluid tight seals and preventing movement of the electrolyte.
A transparent conductive film comprises a substantially amorphous oxide contg. In and Zn as the principal cationic element and has an atomic ratio In/(In+Zn) of 0.50-0.90.    In the prepn. of the film, a coating solution, prepared by melting an In-compound and a Zn compound in such a way that the atomic ratio In/(In+Zn) attains a predetermined value, is coated on a substrate, baked at 300-650 deg.C, and then subjected to reducing treatment so as to obtain the transparent conductive film.    When the transparent conductive film is formed by a thermal decomposition method, the atomic ratio of In/(In+Zn) in the film is 0.6-0.8. When the film is formed by a spattering method, the ratio of In(In+Zn) is 0.6-0.90 (pref. 0.8-0.90).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The transparent conductive base material such as a film or a glass is useful as the main material for transparent electrodes in liq. crystal displays, for electroluminescence elements and for solar batteries. It is also useful as an anti-static electricity film or as a defrosting heater on windows. It is used as material for conductive paint and conductive ink etc. The film has reasonable transparency and conductivity and excellent etching properties and resistance against moisture and heat.
The device consists of a copper laminate (3) placed above the solar cell (4) on top of which reinforced glass wafer (1) is placed acting as a protective layer. The solar cell is fixed to terminal box (5) and frame (6) using enclosure resin (2) made of polyisobutylene material. The terminal box is provided with terminals (7) so that external connections are taken out. After applying the material, the device is subjected to heating under normal temperature. Hardening is carried out as a continuous process. Mixing of air bubble with resin material is avoided.    ADVANTAGE -   Since polyisobutylene material is used, protective film and use of expensive terminal device are eliminated. This reduces manufacturing cost and increases reliability.
The device consists of an electrode layer made of amorphous silicon, which has high degree of freedom. The solar battery wafer (1) is then placed on a belt (2), which carries the wafer and places it below the dice (3). The dice applies polyisobutylene material on the wafer to form a sealing resin layer. Rotary pump (8) pumps the excess resin material back to the resin tank (6). The ball valve (7) connected to the tank (6) opens and feeds the resin material to gear pump (5). The resin material is then pumped to dice, which pushes and applies it as a layer of fixed thickness onto the wafer through a lip (4). The viscosity of resin material is maintained in the range of 100-100000 poise, so as to obtain fixed film thickness.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves productivity of the module and reduces the manufacturing cost. Large solar batteries are manufactured. Suitable for outdoor installation.
The device consists of electrode layer made of amorphous silicon material, which has high selection degree of freedom. Sealing resin layer is formed on top of this electrode layer by applying polyisobutylene material, which acts as a protective film to the electrode material. Solar battery wafer (1) is placed on the belt (2) and carried to slot orifice coater (3), which applies polyisobutylene material on the wafer from boring head (5). Recovery tank (6) collects the excess resin material and the immersion pump (7) pumps it back to storage room. Viscosity of the resin material is lesser than or equal to 2000 P, so that resin of fixed thickness is applied to electrode layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Manufacture of large size solar batteries is easy and the cost is reduced. Outdoor installation is also facilitated.
The device consists of photo electric conversion layer (2) made of amorphous silicon placed above reinforced glass wafer (1). Since the solar module is installed outside, it is necessary to protect the electrode element from corrosion due to moisture present in the atmosphere. Therefore sealing resin is applied on the surface photoelectric conversion layer. Thermosetting sealing resin (4),(5) applied on the surface of the layer acts not only as a protective layer but also as an adhesive agent. The terminal box (6) and frame (7) are fixed to the solar cell simultaneously thereby making the production process simple. After fixing up the above component, sealing resin material is hardened.    ADVANTAGE -   Production of solar module becomes simple and also manufacture cost is reduced.
The device consists of two or more solar batteries (1A-1L) placed on the installation part (1a) and provided with ventilation duct (1c) for cooling purpose. In addition, slots are provided on the back side of solar battery, which carry water for cooling purpose. On either side of the solar batteries, end plates (5),(6) are provided. Since the output power delivered by the device depends on the amount of solar energy available, the solar batteries are connected in series parallel connection for a maximum output. In addition, cooling medium for these solar batteries, circulates in a fixed direction preventing temperature rise of battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery supplies reliable power to the load. Construction is simplified.
The device consists of printed circuit board (1) on which the electrode pattern (2) of solar cells is printed. The solar cells (4,5) are then assembled on the printed board (1) according to the electrode pattern. Electrode of solar cell (4) is soldered to printed circuit board. Permeability material is applied to light intercepting face of the solar cell (5) by either spraying process or dipping. This permeability material acts as a protective layer to the solar cell. Solar cell is fixed to the printed circuit board by soldering its terminals to the board.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable and light weight solar module is manufac tured.
The method uses ZnSe and Mn evaporated simultaneously from two sources and a thin film of Zn-MnSe is formed on a glass wafer. The film thickness is about 0.5 micrometers and the temperature used about 150 degrees celsius. The composition of MnSe in the film of ZnSe-MnSe is more than 10 mol %. The semiconductor thin film of ZnSe-MnSe has a large band air- gap and hence the conversion efficiency of a solar battery is sharply improved. The composition of MnSe is used even beyond 55 mol %.    ADVANTAGE -   Conversion efficiency of solar batteries is improved enormously. This is used in photo-electric conversion devices such as optical penetration window layer, optical device etc.
The device consists of an electrode (2) and a transparent electrode (4) with an photoelectric conduction layer (3) inbetween. This layer is composed of electric charge generating paints and electric transportation material. Combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the conduction layer, a pn junction is formed. The photoelectric conduction layer is predominantly made up of conductive giant-molecular material such as composition colouring matter - chlorophyll, paints, polyacetylene etc. This layer is formed by vacuum deposition method, cast method and dipping method and has high photoelectric conversion efficiency.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable characteristics on continuous duty is obtained.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer of organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy. In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. These are compounds chosen from type (1). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
An optical electric conduction layer is prepared between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge generating paints and electric charge transportation material. The compound for this layer is chosen from type (1) groups like alkoxy group which may have a hydrogen atom, a halogen, alkyl group, alkenyl group, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxy carbonyl group or the acyl group. Inside a type, R1, R2 and R3 are same. A and B are either same or different. By making a pn junction or by combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in photoelectric conversion efficiency. Stable characteristics are obtained during continuous operation.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer of organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy. In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. These are compounds chosen from type (1). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer of organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy. In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. These are compounds chosen from type (1). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium, and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. They may be compounds chosen from type (1) or type (2). Inside a type, A and B are the same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
The organic solar cell comprises photoconductive layer, contg charge-generating pigment and charge-transporting material, which is formed between two electrodes. The charge generating pigment consists of a cpd of formula (I), where A and B = coupler residues, which may be same as or different from each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having improved photoelectric efficiency and stable characteristics in continuous operation can be obtd.    In an example, on a glass plate, Al electrode of 500nm thickness was vapour-deposited in vacuum. 10 pts wt of the organic charge-generating pigment of formula (D), 10 pts wt of the organic charge-transporting dye of (H), 10 pts wt of polyvinylbutyral resin, and 50 pts wt of cyclohexanone were mixed and dispersed for 24 hrs in a ball mill. Prepd dispersion liquid was applied on the Al electrode, and dried to form the photoconductive layer of 0.5 microns thickness. Metal electrode was deposited on the layer to complete the solar cell. Photoelectric conversion efficiency of the product was improved, compared to that of the conventional-type organic solar cell.
The organic solar cell comprises a photoconductive layer, contg charge generating pigment and charge transport material, which is formed between two electrodes. The charge generating pigment consists of cpd of formula (I), where A and B=coupler residues.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having improved photoelectric efficiency and stable characteristics in continuous operation can be obtd.    In an example, on a glass plate, an Al electrode of 500nm in thickness was vapour-deposited in vacuum. 10 wt parts of the organic charge generating pigment of formula (D), 10 wt parts of the organic charge transporting dye of formula (H), 10 wt parts of polyvinylbutyral resin, and 50 wt parts of cyclohexanone were mixed and dispersed for 24 hrs with a ball mill. Prepd dispersion liquid was applied on the Al electrode, and dried to form the photoconductive layer of 0.5 microns in thickness. Metal electrode was deposited on the layer to complete the solar cell. Photoelectric conversion efficiency of the product was improved compared to that of the conventional type organic solar cell.
An organic solar cell comprises a photoconductive layer, contg charge generating pigment and charge transport material, which is formed between two electrodes. The charge generating pigment consists of cpd of formula (I), where A and B= coupler residues.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having improved photoelectric efficiency and stable characteristics in continuous operation can be obtd.    In an example, on a glass plate, an Al electrode of 500 nm in thickness was vapour-deposited in vacuum. 10 wt parts of the organic charge generating pigment of formula (D), 10 wt parts of the organic charge transport dye of formula (H), 10 wt parts of polyvinylbutyral resin, and 50 wt parts of cyclohexane were mixed and dispersed for 24 hrs with a ball mill. Prepd dispersion liquid was applied on the Al electrode, and dried to form the photoconductive layer of 0.5 microns in thickness. Metal electrode was deposited on the layer to complete the solar cell. Photoelectric conversion efficiency of the product was improved compared to that of the conventional type organic solar cell.
By combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium, and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy In the improved organic solar battery, an optical electric conduction layer is formed between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge conducting paints and electric transportation material. They are compounds chosen from type (1) or type (2). Inside a type, A and B are either same or different.    ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved. Capable of stable continuous operation.
An optical electric conduction layer is prepared between two electrodes. This layer consists of electric charge generating paints and electric charge transportation material. The compound for this layer is chosen from type (1) groups like alkoxy group which may have a hydrogen atom, a halogen, alkyl group, alkenyl group, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxy carbonyl group or the acyl group. Inside a type, R1, R2 and R3 are same. A and B are either same or different. By making a pn junction or by combining metal and organic colouring matter between inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and germanium and the optical electric conduction layer or organic colouring matter, a conventional organic solar battery transforms optical energy to electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in photoelectric conversion efficiency. Stable characteristics are obtained during continuous operation.
The device has a wafer base (1) with, in the order listed, a glass wafer (2) , an electric conduction layer (3), an intrinsic semiconductor layer (4), an opposite electric conduction semiconductor layer with an adhesion of phosphor (5), a pico type silicon layer (6), a transparent electric conduction film containing phosphorus and chromium (7), a chromium film (8) or a chromium electrode (9). A window (10) is formed by etching on the chromium film (8) or alternately using a mask, thus exposing the transparent electric conduction film.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention has a superiority over the conventional ITO film method. Process has advantages in terms of time and equipment and increased productivity.
The method deals with defective portion (109) insulated by defective sealing method. Electrocoating resin is accumulated onto the defective portion. During electrocoating, a current density less than 10mA/cm2/sec is maintained using the impression of sweeping voltage on the electrocoating paints.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly reliable solar cell is obtained. Short circuit and shunt generated by production process of solar cells in conventional method are eliminated.
The method uses an oxide or nitride film (2) formed on semiconductor substrate (1) main side. Into this film, reverse electric conduction impurity of n-type is diffused. Etching process is used to selectively etch and remove this oxide or nitride film. The diffusion of reverse electric conduction impurity facilitates the easy removal of oxide or nitride film. Surface electrode (5) is of narrow structure arranged in such a manner as not to interrupt incident light. Back electrode (6) formed on back side of substrate reflects the light. Reflective prevention film (3) changes to light interceptor layer on the semiconductor substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   Density of semiconductor substrate is lowered. Improved solar cell is obtained. Selectivity of etching forms a low concentration reverse electric conduction layer easily.
The method relates to the formation of a semiconductor device. Channel domain (22) is formed out of element separation domain (14) on p-type silicon wafer (10). Source, drain domain (2b) and channel domain are formed. In the vertical direction two impurity density peaks are formed. The more shallow peak corresponds to source and drain domain (26), by the side of element formation domain (12). The impurity density peak formed does not affect the operation of the device by the channelling phenomena. A wide range of structures, such as PN junction, PNP junction and NPN junction or PNPN junction and NPNP junction are produced easily by one time ion implantation.    ADVANTAGE -   A wide range of devices are manufactured easily.
The arrangement consists of reaction chamber (3), which contains the wafer (1) supported by wafer holder and heater (9) used for heating the wafer. A plasma is formed in the chamber, which is used for chemical deposition. The pressure maintained in the chamber is 5 Torr or more. Power density of the radio frequency applied is 0.1 W/cm.    ADVANTAGE -   Device is fabricated at lower temperature. Silicon grain size is big, used for solar battery manufacture.
The device consists fuel battery main part (2), main tank (3) and auxiliary reserve tank (4) containing hydrogen occlusion alloy. Fuel battery main part generates power from hydrogen air mixture. The hydrogen occlusion alloy from main tank is supplied into the fuel battery main part smoothly. When the hydrogen supply from the main tank diminishes, hydrogen supply is provided from the reserve tank. Hydrogen from reserve tank is supplied based on the difference in hydrogen occlusion alloy balance characteristic from the main tank. As hydrogen is supplied only from one tank at a time the supply is given smoothly even while switching from main to reserve tanks.    ADVANTAGE -   Prolonged, continuous power generation. Portability of power generator is feasible. the auxiliary and main tanks do not get heated up. Efficiency of luminous power generation increases. Smooth, uninterrupted power supply is made possible.
The device has an anode blower (30) which supplies the anode exhaust gas to the combustion chamber of a modifier. The anode exhaust gas is taken from the modifier (10). An anode gas line and an anode exhaust line are connected, by-passing the fuel battery (20). In the upstream of the modifier, the gas is circulated in a closed loop, by-passing the modifier, connecting the combustion gas line and fuel gas supply line. The gas passes between these by-pass lines and existing line thereby heating nitrogen gas by heat exchange. Thus the temperature rise of nitrogen gas is carried out.    ADVANTAGE -   Nitrogen gas heating is hastened and supplied at the time of starting of any electric power equipment.
The device consists of an electrode wafer made of lithium aluminate powder. To this powder, solvent binding material and plasticizer are added and slurry material obtained from this is used to produce electrode wafer of different shapes. In addition to that the electrode wafer has passivated surface layer. The electrolyte material alkali metal carbonic acid is placed inside the electrode wafer to obtain electrolyte board. Since the surface has passivated layer, deterioration of lithium aluminate during operation as well as storage is controlled efficiently. It controls the hydrolysis reaction of solvent material used, thereby improving the reliability of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Cost of lithium aluminate is less and manufacture of good electrolyte board becomes easy.
Transparent electroconductive film consists of a substrate board and a transparent electroconductive film on the substrate board. The improvement is that the transparent electroconductive film consists of Sn-added In oxide orientated in the crystal direction of (100).    More specifically, the transparent electroconductive film can be produced by a spattering in a rare earth element gas atmos. contg. oxygen using a target composed of Sn oxide-contg. In oxide sintered body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Film has a good transparency, and has small resistance even in the case of an increased thickness. Film is suitable for transparent electrode of a displaying device or solar cell, heat reflecting glass plate, dewing prevention, water proof or electrification prevention glass plate, an electromagnetic wave shielding glass etc.
The film comprises a film made of a polycrystalline or fine crystalline Ga nitride; the light refractive index of 2.1 or more, pref. 2.2 or more and electric resistivity of 0.1 m/cm or less, pref. 0.01 ohms.cm or less.    USE -   Used for making solar cells.
Solid electrolytic element comprises a solid electrolytic body and a reinforcing ceramic body for reinforcing the solid electrolytic body. The solid electrolytic body is unitedly connected to the reinforcing ceramic body through a declined ceramic body in which ceramic layers having different thermal property are arranged, so that declined structure may be formed by subsequently changing thermal property, including coefft. of thermal expansion. In the declined ceramic body, the layer kept in contact with the solid electrolytic body has thermal property similar to that of the solid electrolytic body. The layer kept in contact with the reinforcing ceramic body has thermal property similar to that of the reinforcing ceramic body.    Prodn. of the solid electrolytic element comprises mixing ceramic raw material for solid electrolyte, with ceramic raw material for declined green sheets having different compsns. This results in declined structure between the solid electrolytic body and the reinforcing ceramic body. Subsequently the green sheet is laminated to form the electrolyte, declined green sheets, and the reinforcing green sheet to form a layered prod. The declined structure between the green sheet for forming electrolyte and the reinforcing green sheet is thus formed. Finally, the layered prod. is burnt at a predetermined temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method produces the solid electrolytic element used for an oxygen sensor. The method forms the solid electrolytic element in plate shape and simplifies its shape. The result provides large solid electrolytic element while thinning the solid electrolytic body. The resulting sensor has enhanced reliability. The solid electrolytic element may be used for a flat plate-type solid electrolytic fuel cell.
Raw material comprises La chromite grains and Cr oxides grains dispersed in the La chromite grains; the specific surface area may be 0.9 sq.m/g or less.    USE -   For making interconnectors for cells.
A photoconductive layer contg. an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting material is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-generating pigment comprises a cpd. of formula (I). In (I), R1 and R2 = H, halogen, opt. substd. alkyl, alkenyl gps., hydroxyl gps., carboxyl gps., alkoxy carbonyl gps., acyl gps., aryl gps., cyano gps., or opt. substd. alkoxy gps.. Z = O or S; A and B = coupler residues.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) has superior electric charge generation capability. The cpd. in the photoconductive layer increases photocarrier generation. The resulting organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and has continuously stable characteristics.
A photoconductive layer contg. an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting material is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-generating pigment comprises a cpd. of formula (I) (where A and B = coupler residues).    The electrodes comprise Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, quat. ammonium salt-dissolved high polymer, SnO2, or ITO.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) has superior electric charge generation capability. The cpd. in the photoconductive layer increases photocarrier generation. The organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and has continuously stable characteristics.
System comprises a reformer for generating hydrogen from fuel gas; a device for oxidising CO into CO2; and a fuel cell etc. The shift reaction catalyst layer in which CO is introduced and changed into H2 and CO2 is sepd. into two portions along the direction of the flow, provided that the upstream side is completely furnished with the catalyst layer and the downstream side comprises a catalyst layer equipped with a heat conduction pipe or wall for cooling.    A system similar to above, which further comprises a CO conversion device for introducing water vapour from the entrance of the low-temp. shift modifier or the previous heat exchanger to reduce CO from the reformer gas to be charged into the fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The CO concn. at the exit of the shift modifier can be lowered to 1.0% or lower at the exit even when a material having high CO concn. is charged; the S/C ratio of the material to be fed can be lowered to 3 or even lower.
An InP photo-receiving semiconductor device consists of: a) a first layer (14) of p-InP having a front surface (15) for receiving light; b) a second layer (12) of n-InP forming a semiconductor junction with the first layer; and c) a light-transmitting window (16) of p-InAlAs disposed on the front surface (15) of the p-InP and being 10-100 mm thick, lattice-matched to the p-InP and having a wider bandgap than the p-InP.    The window layer forms an energy barrier to reduce recombination of electrons and holes at the front surface (15), thereby increasing the efficiency of the device. Also claimed is a method of improving the efficiency of a multilayer InP semiconductor device as above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for InP photo-receivers, esp. solar cells. Reduces the effect of high surface recombination velocities in InP and allows the use of p-on-n type cells.
Cell comprises porous cylindrical fuel electrode which also acts as the supporting material; oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical fuel electrode; and porous air electrode attached to the solid electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High temp. steam electrolyte cell and fuel cell electrolytic cell are provided. The structure gives a reduced resistance.    In an example, the porous cylindrical fuel electrode (1) consisted of a mixt. of NiO and ZrO2-Y2O3. The solid electrolyte (2) consisted of ZrO2-14 wt.% Y2O3. The air electrode (3) consisted of a perovskite composite oxide, La0.9Sr0.1MnO3.
The porphyrin deriv. of formula (I) is new, where R = gp. (A) (n = 0, 1 or 2); R1, R2 = H or alkyl, aldehyde, vinyl, acetyl or phenyl gp., opt. having a substituent. M = metal forming the complex. The metal complex of the porphyrin of formula (II) is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new porphyrin deriv. is used as photoconductor-, photocell-, electrophotographic-, photomemory- and photocatalyst- material.
Interconnector material for a solid electrolyte fuel battery, which is calcium doped lanthanum chromite mainly comprising La:Ca:Cr=(1-x):x:(1+y) and x is greater than 0-0.4 and y is greater than 0-0.05. Synthesis of the interconnector material, where the raw materials of La, Ca and Cr are mixed in the given molar ratios and/or citrate method is carried out.    Formation of the interconnector at a fuel electrode of a cylindrical solid electrolyte fuel battery, where a tentatively burned fuel electrode supporting tube is dipped in the slurry of the above material then co-sintered to form a dense interconnector on the fuel electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a dense interconnector having high chemical stability, electron conductivity can be formed by burning process. As the film-forming of the interconnector can be carried out by slurry dipping method without requiring any expensive equipment, SOFC prodn. cost can be lowered.
Non-electrolytic plating liq. of the other base metal for the Pt alloy is mixed in Pt cpd. soln. In the mixed soln., carbon carrier wetted with boiling water is added, then the soln. is made alkaline with alkali hydroxide soln. with stirring to reduce it. The soln. is then filtered and washed, then heated in H2 gas flow to convert it into alloy to prepare the catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the prepn. of Pt alloy catalyst for the fuel cell. All of the metal particles carried by the carrier can be converted into alloy. Compsn. ratio in the Pt alloy can be easily controlled.    In an example, 103ml of Ni-Co non-electrolytic plating liq. contg. 0.025 mols/l of nickel chloride, 0.025 mols./l of cobalt chloride, 0.4 mols./l of sodium tartrate and 1.0 mol./l of hydrazine hydrochloride was mixed with chloroplatinic acid soln. contg. 1.00g Pt, then 2.0g of carbon carrier was added. pH of the soln. was adjusted to 12.8 with 50 wt.% NaOH soln. The soln. was stirred for 1 hr. for redn., then prod. was filtered and washed. The filtered material was heated at 900 deg. C for 60 mins. in H2 gas flow to prepare the catalyst.
Appts. comprises positive charged ions or metal atom clusters. When H-atoms enter in a polarisation field of the ions or clusters, the H-atoms are polarised to combine the atoms with the ions or clusters.    USE -   For making fuel cells. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9421 based on complete specification).
A hydrazone cpd. of formula (I) is new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl; R5, R6 = alkyl, H, aryl or halogen; and n = 1-3.    Pref., cpd. (1) is used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (1) is useful in an electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery or EL element. (1) has good charge transporting ability and good chemical stability. The photoreceptor using cpd. (1) has high sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
A hydrazone cpd. of formula (I) is new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl; and R5, R6 = alkyl, H, aryl or halogen.    Pref., cpd. (1) is used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (1) is useful in an electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery or EL element. (1) has good charge transporting ability and good chemical stability. The photoreceptor using cpd. (1) has high sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
Hydrazone cpds. of formula (1) and (2) are new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl.    Pref., (1) and (2) are used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpd. (1) and (2) are useful in electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery, and EL element. They have good charge transporting prop. and good chemical sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
Hydrazone cpds. of formula (1) and (2) are new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl.    Pref., (1) and (2) are used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpd. (1) and (2) are useful in electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery, and EL element. They have good charge transporting prop. and good chemical sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
Hydrazone cpds. of formula (1) and (2) are new, where R1, R2 = alkyl or aryl; and R3, R4 = aryl.    Pref., (1) and (2) are used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpd. (1) and (2) are useful in electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery, and EL element. They have good charge transporting prop. and good chemical sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
Hydrazone cpds. of formula (1) are new, where R1, R2, R3, R4 = alkyl or aryl; and R5, R6, R7, R8 = H, alkyl, aryl or halogen.    Pref., cpd. (1) is used as charge transport material in an electrophotographic photoreceptor which comprises a conductive base and a photosensitive layer contg. a charge transporting material, a charge generation material and binder resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (1) is useful in an electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery or EL element. Cpd. (1) has good charge transporting ability and good chemical stability. The photoreceptor using cpd. (1) has high sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.
A crystalline (silicon or AlSIP) ribbon 5 is drawn from a melt 3 in a pressure container 1 under application of a pressure difference between the inner melt and the outer melt. The combination of the drawing force and the force lifting the (inner melt) by the pressure difference facilitates the rapid drawing of the crystal in a film form.    In the dia 2 is pressurised argon gas, 4 is crucible holder, 6 is crystal/melt interface, 7 is holder for carbon plates 8 and 9 is crucible.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the conventional methods the drawing speed is slow and difficulty increases with the thinner film crystal, that rapid cooling causes polycrystallisation but the new procedure accepts causes polycrystallisation but the new procedure accepts rapid cooling without causing a drop in the conversion efficiency in the solar panel.
A screw hole is formed in a mounting fixture bonded to one of two skin sheets between which a honeycomb core is sandwiched.    ADVANTAGE -   Because the panel is constructed with no filler, the wt. of the panel can be reduced.
Parent particles comprise platinum-gp. metal or a water-repellent substance. Child particles comprise the other component not used for the parent particles. Child particles are stuck on the surface of the parent particles.    Pref. the platinum-gp. metal comprises Pt, Ir, Rh, or Ru. The water repellent substance comprises a fluoro resin, including PTFE.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The redn. catalyst is used for reducing an oxidant, using hydrogen gas. The redn. catalyst finds its application in a redox-type battery re-balance system. In reducing an FeCl3 soln. into an FeCl2 soln. using hydrogen gas, its reaction is accelerated at the contact region (three-phase interface) of the platinum-based metal, the soln. and the hydrogen gas. Presence of the hydrogen gas on the water repellent substance surface repels moisture. The reaction region becomes contact sections (S) of the parent particle (1) and the child particle (2). This increases the reaction region, increasing catalytic activity, and assures efficient reduction.
In a solar battery, the layer to which the light is incident is to be scratch and crack free for maximum energy absorption. Water proofing is done by forming the multilayer insulation with fluorine resin coating providing hardened surface and insulation layer with inorganic coupling.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved performance of solar battery by water proofing to avoid cracks and scratches and maximum light incidence surface.
The solar battery device, formed with a transparent electrode facilitates protection. The electrode (102) is fabricated with binder resin, indium tin oxide and a solvent. The electrode is formed above the photoelectric conversion layer (101) which in turn is formed above the conductive substance (100). The electrode layer (102) is hardened before forming a protection film or surface layer (103). The transparent electrode contains 50ppm of less of indium tin oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher productivity. Improvement in environmental characteristics like heat proof, weather resistant and moisture resistant. Stabilised characteristics for prolonged periods.
Catalyst comprises supporting C material on which alloy fine particles are kept. The alloy fine particle comprise Pt, Au and Co.    The alloy fine particles pref. comprises 3-25 wt.% Co, 8-40 wt.% Au, and balance Pt.    Prepn. of the catalyst comprises: (1) adding C black to pure water, (2) adding water-soluble chloroplatinic acid and chloroauric acid into the prepd. liq., adjusting it to pH 10 with alkaline soln., and depositing Pt and Au at the same time on the surface of C black by redn. with hydrazine soln. at 40-90 deg.C., (3) filtering catalyst contg. Pt and Au, and dispersing the catalyst cake in pure water, (4) dissolving water-soluble Co salt into pure water to add the soln. to the catalyst dispersed liq., adjusting it to pH 11 with alkaline soln., and (5) filtering the catalyst, and heat-treating it at 800-1000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used for a phosphoric acid type fuel cell. The catalyst has improved higher initial activity and stability. Output and life of the cell may be improved.
Amorphous organic layer element contains dye molecule which has the ratio of Sigma Delta Str, m(J/(K.Kmol))/MW at most 60 (where Sigma Delta Str,m(J/(k.kmol))=total of entropy of melting and entropy of transfer from glass transition point to m.pt; MW = mol wt).    Amorphous organic polymer compsn. contains the dye molecule.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is used for various electronics devices, e.g., organic electroluminescence element, optical switch element, solar cell element, etc. The material has improved stability for long period.
Laminating carbonate melt fuel cells have a porous matrix layer (I) impregnated with alkali carbonate melt (II) with an anode layer (III) on one side and a cathode layer (IV) of porous lithiated Ni oxide on the other side. (IV) contains at least 2 (wt.)% Li and also 2-20 (wt.)% In, Y, La and/or lanthanide oxide(s) (V).    The fuel cell is produced by (a) making a foil from a suspension of fine Ni powder, fine (V) powder and a liquid binder (VI); (b) laminating this with (I) and (III); (c) heating to max. 450 deg C, pref. in the presence of synthesis gas (VII), to expel (VI) and sinter the Ni powder to Ni sponge; then oxidising and sintering in an atmos. contg. O2 in contact with (II), pref. under the cell operating conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Compared with conventional cathode layers, (IV) has a longer life, since (V) reduces the solubility of Ni oxide in (II) (from 30 ppm to 10 ppm if La2O3 is used); and also much larger conductivity and higher intrinsic surface area, which gives greater current density.
A highly efficient single heterojunction solar cell comprises: (a) a substrate; (b) an absorber layer supported by the substrate, consisting of GaAs; and (c) an emitter layer in contact with the absorber layer, comprising AlyGaxIn1-x-yP, where x+y = 0.47 - 0.57, and the emitter layer has a band gap energy of at least 1.8 (pref. at least 2.3) eV.    The absorber and emitter layers are of complementary conductivity types. The substrate is a semiconductor, and is coated with a passivating layer.    Two further configurations of the above cell are also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The conversion efficiency of the solar cell is at least 25.7%. The substrate comprises GaAs, Ge, Si, or GaInP. The passivating layer comprises GaInP2. The substrate is p-type and the absorber also p-type. There may be an anti-reflection coating, of ZnS and MgF2, over the emitter layer. A particular emitter layer compsn. is Ga0.52 In0.48 P.    In an example, a single heterojunction GaInP/GaAs solar cell with an AR coating was prepd. in a vertical, air-cooled reactor by CVD using InMe3, GaMe3, AlMe3, AsH3, PH3, and ZnEt2 and H2Se dopants. The growth temp. was 700 deg.C, and the GaInP2 layer was grown at 80-100 nm per min., and the GaAs layers at 120-150 nm per min. The front and back contacts were electroplated with Au. The AR coating was a double layer of 0.12 micron ZnS and 0.065 micron MgF2. The thicknesses of the emitter and absorber layers were 500-2000 A and 1-5 microns.
Carbon fluoride particles where the number-average particle dia. is 0.01-50 microns, and the particle size distribution falls within the range from the number-average particle dia. minus 20% to the number-average particle dia. plus 20% amts. to at least 50% of the whole, the true specific gravity is 1.7 to 2.5, the F to C ratio of the particle as a whole is 0.001 to 0.5, and the F to C ratio at the surface of the particle is greater than that of the particle as a whole and is 0.1 to 2.0.    The carbon fluoride particles are produced by reaction of carbon particles with fluorine at 350-600 deg.C for 1 minute to 6 hrs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The particles have excellent dispersibility and powder fluidity and are used as such or in the form of composite material as water- and oil-repellent, detackifying agent, solid lubricant, conductivity improver, additive for electrostatic development toner, additive for resinous coating layer of electrostatic development carrier, composite material for fixing roller, phosphate-type fuel cell, air/zinc battery and nickel/hydrogen storage battery.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of hydrazone cpd of formula (1) (in which each of R1-R8 is H, alkyl gp, aralkyl gp, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; R1 and R2 are not simultaneously H; R3 and R4 are not simultaneously H).    The organic solar cell e.g. consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc. The charge generating pigment is eg Se, Se-Te, Se-As, amorphous silicon, phthalocyanine, perylene, azo or indigo series pigment etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of hydrazone cpd of formula (1) (in which each of R1 and R2 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aralkyl gp, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; R1 and R2 are not simultaneously hydrogen; each of R3 and R4 are alkyl gp, aralkyl gp, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of Ar1 and Ar2 is alkyl gp, aralkyl gp or aryl gp; p and m are 0 or 1; m is 1-3; p and n are not simultaneously zero).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductor layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consists of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc, and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc. The charge generating pigment is eg Se, Se-Te, Se-As, amorphous silicon, phthalocyanine, perylene, azo or indigo series pigment etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of phenanthrene cpd of formula (1) (in which each of R1-R4 is alkyl group, aryl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of R5 and R6 is hydrogen, halogen atom, alkyl gp or aryl gp; n is 1-4).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc, and can be produced by vapour deposition of sputtering etc. The charge generating pigment is eg Se, Se-Te, Se-As, amorphous silicon, phthalocyanine, perylene, azo or indigo series pigment etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of cpd of formula (1) (in which, each of R1-R4 is hydrogen, alkyl gp or alkoxy gp; n is 1-5; A is gp of formula (2) or (3); each of R5 and R6 is hydrogen, alkyl gp or alkoxy gp; m is 1-5).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consists of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc, and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of cpd of formula (1): (in which, each of R1-R4 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of R5 and R6 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or heterocyclic gp; A is sulphur atom or gp of formula (2); each of R7 and R8 is hydrogen, halogen atom, alkyl gp or aryl gp; n is 1-4).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consists of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of stilbene cpd of formula (1): (in which, each of R1 and R2 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp or aralkyl gp; R3 is hydrogen, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or amino gp; A is of formula (2) or (3)).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc and can be produced by vapour deposition or sputtering etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of a cpd of formula (1): (in which, R1-R6 = H, halogen, alkyl or alkoxy; A = formula (2) -Si(R8R9)-,    -Si(R10)(R11)-Si(R12)(R13)-, Si(R14)=Si(R15)-, -Si(O)-, or -Ti(O)-; R7= H, alkyl or alkoxy; m is 1-5; R8-R15, alkyl or aryl).    The organic solar cell eg consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc. The electrodes eg consist of Al, Cu, stainless steel, polyacetylene, polypyrrole or ITO etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer contg charge generating pigment and charge transfer dye, between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the charge transfer dye consists of a cpd of formula (1): (in which each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is H, alkyl gp, aryl gp, aralkyl gp or heterocyclic gp; each of R3 and R4 may form a ring structure; A is a gp. of formula (2) or (3); each of R5 and R6 is H, aralkyl gp, aryl gp. or heterocyclic gp; each of R7 and R8 is H, halogen, alkyl gp. or aryl gp.).    The organic solar cell e.g. consists of a substrate board, an electrode, a photoelectroconductive layer, and a transparent counter electrode. The substrate board eg consists of metal such as Al, stainless steel, paper or plastics etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic solar cell having a high photoelectric conversion rate and an excellent stability can be obtained.
(JP6119928-A)   NOVELTY - Electrodes (24,25) are joined to both sides of solid state polymer film (23) and directly inserted into the gas separator (21) which applies pressure to the electrodes.    USE - Solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack.    ADVANTAGE - As insertion molding of electrode contact piece is performed directly with gas separator, the number of manufacturing process is reduced.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a sectional view of the solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack. (The drawing includes non-English language text).    gas separator (21)    solid state polymer film (23)    electrodes (24,25)
Electrochemical energy storage cell based on sodium and sulphur, having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment which are sepd. from one another by an alkali metal ion-conductive solid electrolyte and are bounded, at least zonally, by a metallic casing, there being arranged in the cathode compartment a sulphur electrode which has an insulating zone and an electron-conductive zone. The adjoining surfaces of the zones and are bonded together without gaps, and in that the electron-conductive zone is penetrated in part, by ion-conductive paths of the insulating zone.    The electron-conductive zone consists of mat of graphite felt based on polyacrylonitrile or cellulose and the insulating zone of ceramic pref. alpha alumina or glass fibres or a mist.    ADVANTAGE -   Has good rechargeability.
Molten carbonate fuel cell comprises a matrix layer impregnated with a Li2CO3-contg. molten electrolyte provided on one side with a porous anode layer and on the other side with a porous cathode layer of Li-cobaltite or Li-ferrite.    The novelty is that the cathode layer is formed by filling a porous Co or Fe layer with Li2CO3, oxidising this layer in an oxidising atmosphere to give a Co-oxide or Fe-oxide layer filled with Li2CO3 at a temp. below the m.pt. of the Li2CO3, raising the temp. above the m.pt. of the Li2CO3, and reacting the Co-oxide or Fe-oxide with Li2CO3 to Li-cobaltite or Li-ferrite.    ADVANTAGE -   The cathode layer has a longer service life.
System comprises: fuel cell with first and second internal reactant gas conduits each with their own gas-tight inlet connections, and internal coolant liq conduit with an indirect heat exchanger; first liq-gas separator and liq. reservoir in pressure-tight connection with the heat exchanger, coolant conduit and first reactant gas conduit; second liq-gas separator and liq. reservoir in pressure-tight connection with the second reactant gas conduit; and gas re-pressurisers between each separator and each reactant gas conduit to increase the pressure of the gas supply.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a closed loop system for management of O2/H2 low-temp fuel cell stacks. Cooling cycle and fuel and oxidant gas flow of the stack are managed in a simple and self-adjusting manner: longer intervals between shut-down are possible and fuel and O2 supplies are conserved.
A process is claimed for selectively and cyclically controlling dissoln. and inhibition of a metallic electrode immersed in an aq. electrolyte soln. in a cell, and comprises the steps: (a) electrodepositing a passivating layer onto the electrode so as to inhibit dissoln. thereof; (b) electrolytically removing the passivating layer from the electrode so as to provide an active electrode surface; (c) electrodepositing an activating layer onto the active electrode surface to enhance dissoln. of the electrode and thereby increase energy prodn. from the cell; and (d) electrolytically removing the activating layer from the electrode surface so as to provide a surface receptive to electrodeposition of a further passivating layer.    The metallic electrode is Al. The electrolyte is an aq. alkaline electrolyte. The activating layer is a Sn layer and the passivating layer is a Pb layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to improve the efficiency of electrolytic fuel cells, esp. Al-air fuel cells. Allows the use of technically pure (99.85%) or pure (99.99%) Al, rather than the more costly ultra-pure (99.999%) Al.
A high-efficiency heterojunction solar cell comprises: (1) a (semiconductor) substrate, (2) an absorber layer comprising GaAs supported by the substrate, (3) an emitter layer in contact with the absorber layer wherein the emitter layer comprises AlyGaxIn1-y-xP, where x+y is in the range of 0.47 to 0.57; and wherein the emitter layer has a band gap energy of at least 1.8eV, and (4) a passivating window layer on the emitter layer, wherein the window layer comprises Aly,Gax,In1-y'-x'P, where x' +y' is in the range of 0.47 to 0.57. Wherein the absorber layer and the emitter layer are of opposite conductivity types and wherein y is less than y'.    Also claimed is a heterojunction solar cell which includes a passivating layer on the substrate and one where the emitter layer has a band gap energy of at least 2.3eV.    ADVANTAGE -   The improved solar cells should exhibit improved efficiencies (greater than 25%).
Porous matrix comprises Li aluminate particles and 5-50 pref,. 10-30 vol% based on solids, of non-conductive compatible fibres of average dia. 1-50 pref. 1-30 micron and average length greater than 5 times pref. 10-500 times, esp. 40-100 times average dia.. The fibres are pref. Al2O3 and/or Li aluminate, esp. alpha-Al2O3.    Matrix is formed by: forming a slurry contg. organic binder; tape casting; and heating to remove vehicle and binder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In a molten alkali metal carbonate fuel cell. Tendency of the tape matrix to crack during active electrolyte impregnation is greatly reduced, and decrease in surface area of the matrix during cell operation is prevented. (claimed).
To execute sputtering, inner pressure (P1) of the first film formation chamber (20) is always kept at a higher level than that (P2) of the second film formation chamber (30) using first (28) and second (38) automatic pressure regulators. The reactive gas (R) is injected out from the orifice (39) into a direction opposite the gate section (50),a nd is exhausted out from the gas exhausting port (34).    ADVANTAGE -   Uniform film formation is attainable by preventing reversed flow and scattering of the reactive gas.
A hydrazone cpd. of formula (I) is new. In the formula (I) R1, R3 = alkyl or aryl; R2, R4 = aryl; at least one of R5, R6, R7 and R8 is H, alkyl, aryl or halogen and at least one of them is alkyl, aryl or halogen.    (I) is pref. used as a charge transport material in a photosensitive layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor. A carrier generation material used with cpd. (I) is e.g., Se-Te, amorphous Si, azo-type cpds., phthalocyanine type cpds. or triphenylmethane type cpds. Binder used with the azo pigment is, e.g., polycarbonates, polystyrenes or epoxy resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cpd. (I) is useful for an electrophotographic photoreceptor, organic solar battery, El element, etc. It has good charge transporting ability and good chemical stability. The photoreceptor using cpd. (I) has high sensitivity and good charging characteristics and repeat characteristics.    In an example, in the synthesis of cpd. of formula (2), 5.91 g cpd. of formula (C1) which had been synthesised beforehand was dissolved in 100 ml THF. To the obtd. soln. 2.88 g toluene soln. of 70% sodium-bis(2-methoxy)aluminium hydride was added dropwise at 5 deg.C for 10 min. The soln. was stirred at 5 deg.C for 5 hrs., 100 ml aq. 30% H2SO4 soln. was added dropwise, and the mixt. was stirred for 15 hrs. The resulting reaction prod. was neutralised with aq. 40% NaOH soln. and extracted with benzene to obtain a pale yellow crystals of formula (D1), 3.33 g, yield, 53.3. Mixt. of 3.12 g cpd. (D1), 2.21 g cpd. of formula (E1), 100 ml ethanol and a small amt. of acetic acid was heated under reflux for 3 hrs. Water was added to the reaction mixt. and the resulting deposit was washed with n-hexane to obtain pale yellow crystals, 2.04 g, yield, 43.8%. The cpd. was assigned to cpd. of formula (2) by mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.
Degreasing and calcining ceramic moulding comprises heating the ceramic moulding in a heating furnace while feeding air into the furnace to degrease it and heating to calcine it, and feeding air into the furnace.    USE -   For making solid electrolyte tubes of cells.
The process involves placing molten silicon in a container consisting of silica or principally consisting of silica and removing impurities by injecting a plasma gas jet into the molten silicon. It is characterised by making the angle theta between the plasma gas jet and the surface of the molten silicon to be between 10 and 60 degrees.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high-purity silicon obtd. can be used as a raw material for solar cells. According to the invention, boron and carbon in metallic silicon can be removed in a short time and high-purity silicon can be produced at low costs using inexpensive metallic silicon as a starting material.    In an example, in a container with an inside dia. of 120 mm and a depth of 90 mm, 2 kg of metallic silicon was made molten by induction heating. A plasma gas jet was injected into the molten silicon at the angles between the jet and the surface of the molten silicon of 40, 60 and 90 degrees. The concn. of boron before the treatment was 30 ppm and those after a 60 min. treatment at the angles of 40, 60 and 90 degrees were 1.2, 2.2, and 8.6 ppm, respectively. The concn. of carbon before the treatment was 70 ppm and those after a 60 min treatment at the angles of 40, 60 and 90 degrees were less than 10, 10, and 30 ppm, respectively.
Reformer includes outer tube (3), inner tube (5), heater (9) for heating inner tube (5) from interior side, granular catalyst (10) filled between inner and outer tubes, and heat conductor (11) for transferring heat from inner tube to catalyst (10). Heat conductor (11) includes separate heat conductors (11a,11b) provided for outer tube (3) and inner tube (5), respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compression stress can be effectively prevented from being applied upon granular catalyst.
The solid oxide fuel cell of the new device has a layer of electrodes and separators arranged one over the other with the whole assembly placed inside a cylinder. The corners of separator electrode cell arrangement touch the cylinder walls, thereby separating it into four segments. Two of these segments are used as inlet and outlet of fuel gas with the help of pipes and grooves on the separators. The other set of grooves of separators open into the other two segments. This can be used for oxidising gas (air) flow to the electrodes. Since air flow is also surrounding the cell assembly, it provides a natural cooling effect.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids any overheating due to power generation.
The solid oxide fuel cell of the new device has a layer of electrodes and separators arranged one over the other with the whole assembly placed inside a cylinder. The corners of separator electrode cell arrangement touch the cylinder walls, thereby sepg. it into four segments.    Two of these segments are used as inlet and outlet of fuel gas with the help of pipes and grooves on the separators. The other set of grooves of separators open into the other two segments. This can be used for oxidising gas (air) flow to the electrodes. Since air flow also surrounds the cell assembly, it provides a natural cooling effect.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids any overheating due to power generation.
In the device, two or more gas supply lines are maintained, each with a valve. Whenever a pipeline is to be cleaned, it can be done by closing the corresp. valve. Meanwhile, the valves of the other gas lines can be suitably opened to maintain predetermined gas supply.    ADVANTAGE -   Cleaning of pipelines can be done without affecting the output of the carbonic acid salt fuel battery.
Phosphorus acid in fuel cells flows through the cylinder (21), entering through the inlet (22). It is filtered through a filter (25) placed in the upper part of (21). The metallic parts may react with phosphorus acid forming some compounds. These may cause blockades in the flow path.    The device has a wicket gate (26) that rotates and separates the cpds. by centrifugal action. After this centrifuge. The acid passes through the bent tube (23). Hydrogen gas discharged from a fuel battery is also mingled at the entry (24) of the bent tube (23).    ADVANTAGE -   Phosphorus acid can be collected easily without any metallic blockades.
Solid oxide fuel cells have cathode and anode, both receiving different gases. The anode is connected to the hydrogen gas supply and the cathode to the oxygen gas supply. If the supply of these gases increase or decrease, the electrical output from the fuel cell varies accordingly.    In the device, each fuel gas line is connected to the downstream end by a bypass line having a valve. The pressure at the exit side is regulated by a pressure sensor. Whenever the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the valve is actuated and the gas is bypassed to the exit line. Thus, regular supply of both gases can be maintained.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly reliable fuel cells with non-fluctuating outputs can be produced.
The fuel pole side current collecting plate comprises a porous body of a cermet comprising Ni and metal oxide: AB2O4 (A = one or more of Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Zn, and B = one or more of Al, Fe, and Cr).    USE -   Used for high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cells, having less difference in coefft. of thermal expansion between that of electrolyte, free from problems of peeling from electrolyte, and low theoretical density.
The reformer comprises planar sheets, each having grooves and laminated to provide paths for fluids. A reforming catalyst is applied to the surface of one of the facing planar sheets and a combustion catalyst is applied to the surface of the other sheet of the facing pair.    Pref. the reformer comprises a laminate of a catalyst reaction layer, which undergoes exothermic reaction by catalytically reacting the fuel and a reformer reaction layer for reforming the fuel, and the laminate having grooves, wherein, the fuel is introduced into the catalyst reaction layer and the reformer reaction layer and the prods. obtd. through the reactions are discharged using an internal manifold.    A reformer esp. comprises a porous body carrying a catalyst which converts a fuel contg. a hydrocarbon gp. into H2, wherein the catalyst is distributed in the porous body with a concn. gradient.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For compact fuel cell systems, reformers, and reformer systems.
The device has a gas diffusion electrode having a circulation path for hydrogen gas. At the central portion of the flow path, is the circulation path for air, which is the oxidising agent. Air return path (12) and air exit path (11) are separated by a partition band (10). The exit path (11) is so arranged that it may come to the entrance side of the hydrogen gas. A cooling board (7) is suitably arranged inside a unit cell so that the cooling water entrance side (13) is arranged at air return path (12).    The direction of flow of air and cooling water can be changed. This prevents the leakage of phosphorus acid out of cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Considerable improvement in reliability and life of phosphorus acid type fuel cell.
In the device, the porous wafer (4) consists of a porous part (11) and a non-porous part (12). Prodn. electrode (3) is formed on wafer (4). Solid electrolyte (2) is formed on (3). Prodn. electrode (1) is formed on solid electrolyte (2).    ADVANTAGE -   An easy and smooth porous electrode can be formed. Solid electrolyte can be formed as thin film and mass prodn. of single cell is possible.
Fuel cell comprises components e.g. separators and gas flow passages made of a composite ceramic material contg. magnesia (MgO), spinel (MgAl2O4) and Y-stabilised zirconia; the magnesia to spinel wt. ratio is 1:9-1:1.    USE -   For flat plate laminated fuel cell stacks.
Model (4) is immersed in to a 1st slurry (1) to form a uniformly thick layer around (4). This is then immersed in the 2nd slurry (2) to form another layer. This composite layer is fired to form a composite compact.    The compact is then immersed in the electrode slurry and fired to form the outer layer of electrode (3). A solid electrolyte film, a fuel pole or an air pole can be formed easily and economically. The thickness of each layer can be controlled by controlling the time of immersion in the slurry.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid oxide fuel cell can be mfd. easily; method economical.
Solid electrolyte type fuel battery has catalyst layers for anodes with fibre-like silica or silica fibre. The collector object (1) for cathodes, the catalyst layer for cathodes, an ion-exchange-process film (3), a catalyst layer for anodes (4) and collector object (1) for anodes are arranged in layers.    The catalyst layer (4) contains silica fibre prevents humidification and reduces the ratio resistance of the battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improves ion conductivity an overall battery performance.
Azobis derivs. of formula (I) and intermediates of the derivs. of formula (II) are claimed; In (I) R1, & R2 = H, alkyl or halogen atoms; X = H, alkyl, or halogen atoms; Cp1, & Cp2 = coupler residue. In (II) R3, & R4 = halogen atoms, or BF4.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The new bisazo derivs. are used as electro-charge-generation materials useful for electronic devices such as memory or photoresist elements.
Sealing leaks in the gas chambers and/or gas channels between the individual units of high temp. fuel cells comprises using at least 2 different gases. The first (I) contains gaseous cpd(s). which can be autoxidised to an oxide which conducts metal and/or O ions, whilst the second (IIA) and any other gas (IIB) contains or liberates O2. These gases are supplied to the chambers and/or channels at high temp. so that the first gas flows to one side and the other(s) to the other side.    Pref. (I) flows to the outside. (IIA) flow to the cathode side and (IIB) to the anode side or vice versa. The gas pressure is ca. 10 power -3 to 10 power -5. The (I) pressure pref. is higher than the (II) pressure at times, pref. for 1 to 10 power -3 s, and vice versa. In particular, the pressure of both gases is increased alternately in stages.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealed high temp. fuel cells are claimed per se. The cells can be sealed effectively at min. cost.
System comprises: an H2 fuel stream; an O2 oxidant stream; a fuel stack comprising a catalytic anode for the fuel stream, a catalytic cathode for the oxidant stream, a cation exchange membrane for migration of cations from the anode to the cathode and for isolating the fuel stream from the oxidant stream and means for maintaining the pp of water vapour in the outlet fuel stream below the satn. pressure of the water vapour in the stream; and a water separator for removing water from the outlet fuel stream (18), so that most of the water accumulated at the cathode is absorbed in the outlet fuel stream. Modified embodiments of the system are claimed.    The stoichiometry of the inlet oxidant stream is less than 2.0; where the oxidant is pure O2, the stoichiometry is 1.0 and all the O2 is consumed; where it is impure O2, the outlet stream is dehumidified and vented. Where the inlet fuel stream is pure H2, the dehumidified outlet stream is recycled; where it is impure hydrocarbon conversion H2, the dehumidified outlet stream is vented.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As e.g. a power source for electric vehicles. Water accumulated at the cathode is removed in the outlet fuel stream of the anode so that recirculation of the oxidant stream is avoided. The system can be used with pure fuel streams (e.g. bottled H2) or impure fuel streams (e.g. hydrocarbon conversion streams), and with pure oxidant streams (e.g. bottled O2) or impure oxidant streams (e.g. air).
Solar cell consists of a crystalline silicon substrate (5), an epitaxial;, highly absorbent compound semiconductor layer (AS) based on In1-xGaxAsyP1-9 with a pn-junction between the substrate and semiconductor layer, a back contact layer (RK) and a finger electrode structure (FK) on the layer (AS).    The highly absorbent layer (AS) is made up of a buffer layer (PS) and a further top layer. The substrate (3) may contain a first conduction material and the layer (AS) a second conduction material so that a heterojunction is produced at their surface boundary.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For transforming the suns rays into electric energy. Efficiency of cell is greatly increased above other cells.
An electrode for an electrochemical cell comprises (a) a current collector, and (b) a mixt. of water-repellent binder and (c) a support material having adsorbed thereon a transition metal or noble metal catalyst comprising a residue remaining after heating a transition or noble metal salt and a polymer selected from polymers and copolymers of poly(4-vinylpyridine), poly(2-vinylpyridine), poly(ethyleneimine), poly(aminostyrene), poly(vinylcarbazole), poly(acrylonitrile), poly(methacrylonitrile) and poly(allylamine). The electrode is prepd. by treating the support material with a solvent soln. of a mixt. of the transition or noble metal salt and the polymer, removing the solvent, and heating the mixt. in an inert atmosphere at 500-800 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is used in electrochemical cells, pref. fuel cells for converting hydrogen and oxygen to electrical energy. The catalyst is significantly less expensive than the known supported catalysts.    In an example a rapidly stirred 25ml methanol soln. of 0.8g poly(4-vinylpyridine) pr 100ml methanol had added to it 25ml of a 10 millimole aq. soln. of cobalt chloride contg. 0.1M NaAc as a buffer to maintain the pH at 5.5. To this soln. was added 2g of C powder. The soln. was filtered and the solvent evaporated. The C powder having the cobalt chloride and poly(4-vinylpyridine) deposited thereon is heated to 650-690 deg C under N2, then cooled under N2.    The C supported catalyst was used to form an aq. dispersion contg. PTFE as a binder. The coating was applied to a C fibre paper to produce an electrode. The electrode was used in the prepn. of a test cell. Performance of the electrode was as follows: voltage (vs standard H2 electrode) was 0.441V for a current density of 10 mA/cm2, 0.24V for a current density of 100mA/cm2, 0.085V for a current density of 500 mA/cm2, and 0.056V for a current density of 1000 mA/cm2.
Prepn. of lithium aluminate fibre comprises spinning dope contg. high purity alumina fibre precursor as main component to make a precursor fibre, prim. sintering the precursor fibre at 700 - 1200 deg.C to obtain high purity intermediate alumina fibre, sec. sintering the alumina fibre by heating at 500 - 1000 deg.C under presence of Li cpd.    Also claimed is prepn. of above described fibre by utilising of adhesion and impregnation of soln. or slurry of lithium cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fibre is useful for electrolytic plate reinforcing material of carbonate fuel cell. Since high purity intermediate alumina fibre is used as alumina source, there is breakage in mixing with lithium cpd. thus the lithium aluminate fibre having high aspect ratio can be obtained. Long fibre form lithium aluminate fibre can be obtained. There is no possibility of eluting out as Li silicate into fused carbonate. Fibres are three-dimensionally entangled to obtain high strength, and it is hardly affected thermal stress generated by operation preventing generation of cracks.
Photoconductive layer contg an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting dye is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-transporting dye comprises a carbazole-based cpd of formula (1), (where R1= H, an alkyl gp, alkoxy gp, or phenyl gp opt substd; R2= H, halogen, an alkyl gp, or alkoxy gp, R3= a gp of formula (2). R4 and R5= H, halogen, alkyl gps, or alkoxy gps).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and continuously stable characteristics.
A photoconductive layer contg an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting dye is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-transporting dye comprises a carbazole-based cpd of formula (1), (where R1= H, an alkyl gp, alkoxy gp, or phenyl gp which may have a substit; R2= H, halogen, an alkyl gp, or alkoxy gp, R3= a gp of formula (2). R4 = H, halogen, an alkyl gp, or alkoxy gp).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and continuously stable characteristics.
A photoconductive layer contg. an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting dye is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-transporting dye comprises a cpd. of formula (I). In (I), R1 and R2 = alkyl gps., or phenol gps. which may have substits.; n = 1-10; A = A gp. of formula (II) or formula (III). R3, R4, R31 and R41 = alkyl gps., or phenyl gps. which may have substits.; l and m = 0-3. R5, R6, R7, R51, R61, and R71 = H, alkyl gps., alkoxy gps., aryl gps., or cycloalkyl gps.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and has continuously stable characteristics.
A photoconductive layer contg. an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting dye is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-transporting dye comprises a cpd. of formula (1) (where R1, R2, R3, R4, R11, R21, R31, R41 = H, alkyl gps., alkoxy gps., or aryl gps.; A = A gp. of formula -(CH=CHO)m- (2) (where m = 1-3, or formula (3); R5 and R6 = alkyl gps., alkoxy gps., or aryl gps.; n = 1-10; and o and p = 1-2)).    ADVANTAGE -   The organic solar cell has superior photoelectric transfer efficiency and has continuously stable characteristics.
A photoconductive layer contg. an electric charge-generating pigment and an electric charge-transporting dye is provided between two electrodes. The electric charge-transporting dye comprises a cpd. of formula (I). In (I), R1-R5 = H, halogen, alkyl gps., alkoxy gps., aryl gps., aralkyl gps., or heterocyclic gps. The alkyl gps., alkoxy gps., aryl gps., aralkyl gps., and heterocyclic gps. may be opt. substd.; o,p,q,r,s = 0-2; m = 1-2; A1 and A2 = H or gps. of formula (II). A1 and A2 are not simultaneously H. R6 and R7 = H, alkyl gps., alkoxy gps., aryl gps., aralkyl gps., or heterocyclic gps. The alkyl gps., alkoxy gps., aryl gps., aralkyl gps., and heterocyclic gps. may be opt. substd. R6 and R7 are not simultaneously H. n = 0-1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The organic solar cell has good photoelectric transfer efficiency and has continuously stable characteristics.
Fuel cell comprises a portion having a reforming catalyst for passing a reforming material, having a precious metal based catalyst on the upper stream portion and a Ni-based catalyst on the upper stream portion and a Ni-based catalyst in the down-stream portion. The portion having the reforming catalyst is an anode chamber and/or a catalyst chamber (in)directly comprising the reforming catalyst. The precious metal-based catalyst comprises as the activating component, Rh, Ru, Pd, Pt, or a mixt. partic. pref. among them is Ru or Rh. The precious metal catalyst is pref. added at an amt. of 5 - 30 wt.% w.r.t. the total wt. of the catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has good reaction efficiency and a high efficiency in generating hydrogen, yields a low S/C ratio to suppress generation of C even under high temps. of 600 - 700 deg.C.
Material supply comprises indirectly heating the starting fuel gas for reforming using water vapour at a pressure higher than the pressure of the water vapour for use in reforming; mixing the water vapour for reforming with a starting fuel gas to obtain a starting gas for reforming; and indirectly heating the starting gas obtd. to supply it to the reformer. The water vapour for indirectly heating the starting fuel gas for reforming is pref. water vapour for reforming. The water vapour for heating the vapour heater may be provided from a pressurised water vapour having an elevated pressure. The preheater for heating the material gas can be heated using a water vapour having a still higher pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for supplying material to the reformers of fuel cell electric power plants.
(JP6104000-A)   NOVELTY - The device includes an ejector (25) which mixes the anode waste gas (6) ejected from fuel cell (21), with the heating gas (7) supplied to the modifier (22). A pressure-reduction orifice (24) lowers the pressure of heating gas supplied to modifier (20).    USE - Used in buildings or apartments.    ADVANTAGE - The device reduces the partial pressure of water vapor supplied to the fuel cell, improving reaction in fuel cell is improved. A high fuel utilization factor is obtained.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the block diagram of the fuel cell power generating device.    heating gas (1)    water vapor (2)    anode waste gas (6)    heating gas (7)    modifiers (20,22)    fuel cells (21,23)    pressure-reduction orifice (24)    ejector (25)
The electrolyte, fine granular of thin film positive and negative electrode materials are provided for the recessions of a flat plate-shaped solid electrolyte having projections and recessions on its both sides.    The solid electrolyte is pref. zirconia stabilised with 8 mol.% yttria. The pref. thickness of the flat plate i 250 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for electrolysis, fuel battery, etc. it has improved effective electrifying areas capable of exhibiting higher performance reactivity as well as excellent durability.
High temp. fuel cell stack has a function layer (20, 22) between an electrode (10, 12) and a bipolar plate (16, 18) and is electronically conducting at operating temp. of the stack (2) and is easily mouldable. Prodn. of the stack is also claimed.    Before sealing the stack (2), the function layer is applied between the electrode and bipolar plate, pref. to the surface of the electrode and then the plate, using a screen printing or cold spraying process.    ADVANTAGE -   The inner resistance of the stack is maintained at a low level.
Fuel cell has three layer structure consisting of the oxygen electrode, solid electrolyte, and fuel electrode. The cell comprises porous electrode in shape of rectangular prism with bottom, and having opening. On the porous electrode, the oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte, consisting of 95-85 mol.% of Zr oxide, 5-10 mol.% of Sc oxide, and 0-5 mol.% of Yb oxide, is formed at thickness of up to 60 microns.    Specifically, using the reaction gas consisting of Ar cpd., Sc cpd., and Y cpd., the oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte consisting of 95-85 mol.% of Ar oxide, 5-10 mol.% of Sc oxide, and 0-5 mol.% of Yb oxide, is formed on the porous electrode at thickness of up to 60 microns by CVD or the electrochemical vapour deposition.    ADVANTAGE -   Solid electrolyte fuel cell having high out-put density at working temp. of 700 deg.C can be obtd. Electrolyte film with fine and even compsn. in thickness of up to 60 microns can be obtd.
Fuel cell comprises the electrolyte contg. mixed alkali carbonate. Electrode plate consists of porous body contg. reinforcing material and supporting material, in which the electrolyte is impregnated. The porous body comprises Li aluminate particles of up to 1.0 micron in size of formula Li1a-xAl1-x/3O2, where x = 0.076-0.24.    Pref. porous body comprises Li aluminate particles of up to 1.0 microns size, of formula Li1-xAl1+x/3O, where x = 0.076-0.24, and lithium aluminate particles of at least 5.0 microns in size, of formula Li1-xAl1+x/3O2, where x = minus 0.109-minus 0.038.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell having improved electrode plate can be obtd. Increase of internal resistance and generation of gas cross-over can be suppressed.
An array of unit cells (10) comprise a positive electrode (12) and a negative electrode (14) with a dual membrane in each cell dividing it into positive chambers (22C and 24C) for catholyte and anolyte solutions (22, 24). These are recirculated through separate pumps (26, 28) and storage tanks (32, 34) and back to the chambers. The membranes provide a third chamber (23C) through which an idler electrolyte is circulated. During operation, any ionic species crossing the cation exchange membranes will collect in the buffer chamber/s.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduce deposit of solids on electrodes or membranes, reduce formation of unwanted species.
An electrochemical appts for energy storage and power delivery consists of an array of cells comprising an end positive (12A) and negative (14A) electrode sepd by bipolar mid-electrodes (13), each having positive and negative sides facing positive and negative chambers. The positive side of each bipolar electrode comprises a conductive substrate having a porous conductive surface, and bipolar electrodes are sepd by cation exchange members (16). There are means of forming an intimate dispersion of air/O2 bubbles in the electrolyte and to circulate this electrolyte through the positive chambers, and means to circulate a sulphide electrolyte with a V2+ or Cr2+ salt through the negative chambers during power delivery.    The porous conductive surface is of carbon fibres, particles or hollow rods in intimate contact; the intimate gas/electrolyte mixt is formed outside the cell or within the positive chamber. The positive chamber electrolyte is dil alkali, more pref gp I or NH4+ hydroxide, or dil HCl or H2SO4. The array is electrically restorable or chemically replenishable, the former by reversing polarity and the reaction direction and the latter by circulating electrolytes from large storage chambers. The array cells are connected in series. The porous conductive surface is at least 2.5 mm thick.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a rechargeable electrochemical array for energy storage and power delivery. The array has improved bipolar air electrodes, is rechargeable, gives economic power generation, and gives full power and low charge levels.
The selective oxidn of CO to CO2, the CO being in a gaseous mixt of H2, CO2 and CO, comprises: (i) introducing a first amt or O-contg gas into the mixt, (ii) contacting the gaseous mixt with a catalyst in a reaction chamber having a first inlet and first outlet, the catalyst promoting oxidn of CO to CO2 and (iii) introducing a further amt of O2 or O-contg gas into the chamber through at least one sec inlet located between the first inlet and outlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For selectively oxidising CO in gaseous mixt. Esp useful for H-based fuel cell. Suppresses reverse water-shirt reaction, reduces amt of CO in H-contg gas stream to a level suitable for use in electrochemical fuel cells.
An electrochemical appts for energy storage and power delivery comprises means for electrolyte circulation (26,28) in a cell or array having soluble active constituents and inert positive and negative electrodes in respective chambers sepd by an ion exchange membrane (22,24). The negative chamber electrolyte contains sulphide during power delivery and the positive a liq oxidant. Large storage vols replenish the electrolytes and OH- is generated by water decomposition to compensate for pH changes in the positive chamber. Also claimed is an appts as above except that means are for pH compensation in the negative chamber.    Further claimed is a process for energy storage and power delivery using the appts of the first claim above.    Also claimed is a process using the appts of the second claim above.    Hydroxyl ions are produced by electrolysis of positive electrolyte water with venting of H2 and this gas is vented on one side of a microporous membrane with OH- passing through the membrane to the other side. The array is sealed with inert resin and all positive chambers are in electrolyte fluid parallel, and all negative chambers likewise. Repeated charge/discharge cycles are performed. A thick porous surface layer on a negative electrode reduces polysulphide availability and thus promotes electrolysis of water for pH control. The liq oxidant is bromine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrochemical storage of energy and/or power delivery. The processes are operable continuously, the cells are rechargeable, there is pH control and full power is delivered at low levels of charge.
A reaction layer is formed by mixing and keeping a fine hydrophilic section penetrating a liq. with a fine water repellent section receiving and releasing gas. The reaction layer is connected to conductive rough holes partially formed of a fine water repellent section receiving and releasing gas and penetrating a liq.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in electrolysis, a fuel cell, electroplating, or an electrochemical reactor. Even if the distance between the electrodes is narrow, electrolyte or gas penetrates into the hydrophilic section of the reaction layer by passing the electrolyte through the conductive rough holes. The gas passes through the water repellent section of the conductive rough holes to absorb the gas by the water repellent section of the reaction layer, thus accelerating reaction. The conductive rough holes have superior conductivity and current collection, thus increasing energy efficiency.
Appts. for processing fuel gas comprises (a) 1st. oxidation device comprising 1st. catalyst, for effecting primary selective catalytic oxidation of CO in reformed fuel gas flow; (b) 2nd. oxidation device comprising 2nd. catalyst for effecting secondary selective catalytic oxidation of residual CO in reformed fuel gas flow; and (c) 1st. oxygen permeable membrane and device for supplying oxygen to membrane, where the 1st. oxygen permeable membrane is in contact on 1st. side of it with the reformed fuel gas before the fuel gas enters the 2nd oxidation device and is in contact on a 2nd. side of it with oxygen supply.    Method for processing fuel gas for fuel gas is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel cells. Risk of explosion due to excessive oxygen levels is negligible.
Film is formed by heat treating a thin film contg Cu, In an In or CuIn oxide sulphide or selenide in a reducing atmos contg a VIb element or an atmos contg a reducing cpd of a VIb element. The atomic ratio of In metal to Cu metal in the film is pref 9/11 or less; the metals may be present as an alloy, pref Cu11 In9.    Pref the In cpd or InCu cpd is amorphous. The InCu cpd may be a mixt of an InCu cpd and an In cpd. The reducing cpd of the VIb element is H2S, CS2, H2Se, (CH3)2Se or (C2H5)2Se. The VIb element is S or Se. Heat treatment is carried out at 250-700 pref 400-600 deg C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr of thin films of eg CuInS2 or CuInSe2 for use in solar cells having a high energy conversion efficiency. The films are formed free from deviation or scattering of compsn and microscopic variation.
In a solar collector, the flanks (2) of the hollow body (1) have a concave curvature towards the side edges of the mirror (11).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar collector has a mirror with an absorber at its reflected focal point to heat a medium flowing through it. The structure improves the working of the solar collector.
High temp fuel cell is made of a porous fuel gas consuming anode, a porous oxygen consuming cathode, an electrically insulating porous ceramic material between them with a molten carbonate electrolyte. The novelty is that the cathode is made of porous nickel oxide matrix with a thin electrochemically active coating which is insoluble in the carbonate melt. The coating is esp a double oxide.    The coating is a double oxide chosen from Perovskite type ABO3, spinel type AB2O3, Ni-contg double oxides of type NiAO2 and/or NiA2O4 and semi-conductor oxides or mixtures of these. The semi-conductor oxide is chosen from LiFeO2, LiCoO2; Li2MnO3, Li2SnO3, Li2ZrO3, LiCuO2, and Li3VO3. In the nickel contg oxides, A is Co or Fe. In the spinels, A is Co, Fe or Mn and B is Co, Fe or Cu. In the Perovskite material, A is Ni or La. The coating is 5-150 nm thick and is produced by dip coating the cathode, PVD or CVD or electrocoating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As cell for converting chemical energy of combustible gases into electrical energy. The cathode has a longer service life due to its corrosion protection coating from the electrolyte and long term operational stability. It can be produced at low cost.
In a molten carbonate fuel cell a fuel stream contg. hydrogen is supplied to an anode chamber where it reacts with carbonate at the anode surface to form carbon dioxide, water and free electrons, sulphur present forming hydrogen sulphide. Those gases are removed as anode exhaust. An oxidant stream is passed through a sulphur scrubber before entering the cathode chamber where it reacts to form carbonate. The gases are then removed as a cathode exhaust stream.    A claimed scrubber contains an absorbent material such as alkali metal carbonates. It may also include a catalyst based on nickel, copper, noble metal, or vanadium to convert sulphur dioxide to trioxide.    Fuel (1) and water vapour from the anode exhaust stream (16) enter reformer (5) where a catalytic reaction forms hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which pass to anode chamber (15) for reaction at anode (17) with carbonate electrolyte in chamber (9). A major part of the anode exhaust is recycled to the reformer while the balance (20) passes to burner (33). An oxidant stream (25) is combined with stream (20) and cathode exhaust stream (22) and passed to burner (33). The output of the latter flows through scrubber before entering cathode chamber (13) for regeneration of carbonate. Pref. the scrubber contains molten alkali carbonate supported on a bed of lithium aluminate. It may be operated at 593-649 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Removal of S cpds. from a molten carbonate fuel cell system. Sulphur poisoning of the reformer catalyst is minimised.
Prodn. comprises holding an insulating substrate at 0-100 deg. C, forming an ITO film on the substrate by DC sputtering, RF sputtering, electron beam vapour deposition or plasma CVD method, and annealing it at 200-400 deg.C.    USE -   For making solar cells.
The laminator is provided with a heating medium vessel, a sealing cover, and a vacuum pump. Rubber diaphragms are attached to the open ends of both the heating medium vessel and the sealing cover through packings. After the back sheet, filler, solar cell, filler, and surface sheet are superimposed between the two rubber diaphragms, they are welded by heating as a solar cell module while air is removed from the space between the rubber diaphragms by the vacuum pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Various kinds of solar cell modules different in curvature are laminated efficiently.
A solar cell module comprises: (a) a conductive substrate; (b) a semiconductor layer having a photoelectric converting function formed on (a); (c) a transparent conductive layer formed on (b); and (d) an organic resin layer formed by electrostatic powder coating on (c).    Also claimed is a method for forming such a solar cell module comprising: (i) applying a voltage to a photoelectric converting element; (ii) electrically charging powdered resin coating material; (iii) depositing the charged powder on the photoelectric converting element by electrostatic force; and (iv) hardening the powder.    ADVANTAGE -   The transparent surface is quickly and simply applied, opt. by an automated process. The applied material is inexpensive, hard, adheres well over prolonged time periods without delamination and is scratch-, moisture-, weather- and heat-resistant. The long term deterioration of the photovoltaic element performance is minimal.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer containing electric charge generating pigment and electric charge transporting dye between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the electric charge transporting dye is phenylene diamine cpd. having the general formula (1); (wherein, R1, R2, R3 and R4 = H, halogen, alkyl gp., or alkoxy gp., R5 and R6 = H, halogen or alkyl gp., m = 0 or 1).    One of the electrodes is normally a transparent electrode e.g. composed of metal such as Al, Cu or stainless steel, electroconductive polymer such as polyacetylene, or oxide such as SnO2 or ITO. The electrodes can be produced by vacuum vapour deposition or sputtering etc. The electric charge transporting dye can be used along with electron accepting or donating compound. Binder resin for the photoelectroconductive layer is e.g. polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, acryl polymer, polyethylene or polyester etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell shows a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and stability for a long period.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer containing electric charge generating pigment and electric charge transporting dye between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the electric charge transporting dye is a phenylene diamine cpd. having the general formula (1); (wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 = H, halogen, alkyl gp., or alkoxy gp. Z is thio gp., oxy gp., seleno gp., telluro gp., alkylene gp., or gp. having the general formula (2) or (3). n is 1 or 2, Y is S, O or N atom).    One of the electrodes is normally a transparent electrode e.g. composed of metal such as Al, Cu or stainless steel, electroconductive polymer such as polyacetylene, or oxide such as SnO2 or ITO. The electrodes can be produced by vacuum vapour deposition or sputtering etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell shows a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and stability for a long period.
In an organic solar cell having a photoelectroconductive layer containing electric charge generating pigment and electric charge transporting dye between a pair of electrodes, the improvement is that the electric charge transporting dye is a cpd. of formula (1); (wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 = H, halogen, alkyl gp. opt. having substitution gp., or alkoxy gp. opt. having substitution gp. A is gp. having following formula (2), (3) or (4)).    One of the electrodes is normally a transparent electrode e.g. composed of metal such as Al, Cu or stainless steel, electroconductive polymer such as polyacetylene, or oxide such as SnO2 or ITO. The electrodes can be produced by vacuum vapour deposition of sputtering etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell shows a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and stability for a long period.
NOVELTY - Two porous carbon layers (40) of fixed thickness sandwich two precise quality carbon layers (41). Two porous charcoal base plates with thin thermosetting resin film on one side are laminated on one side of carbon structure. Heat processing is done to change thin film into precise quality carbon layer with seal property. Then rib for air flow path (2a) is formed.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for separator manufacturing method.    USE -   For phosphoric acid fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient yield is obtained by changing thin film into precise quality carbon layer. Electrical and thermal resistance is restrained to minimum.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional drawing of separator. (40) Porous carbon layer; (41) Precise quality carbon layer(2a) Air flow path.
In a high temp. fuel cell with an oxygen ion-conductive ceramic electrolyte (31) provided on both sides with electrodes (32, 33) which are connectable to other parts (2, 4) of an electrical circuit, the novelty is that at least one of the electrodes (32, 33) has a porous contact layer (34, 35) on its side facing away from the electrolyte (31), the layer having the compsn. 0-15% Al, 0-15% W, Mo and/or Nb, 0-5% Y, Ti and/or Ce 0-3% Si, Mn and/or C, 15-25% Cr, balance Ni, Fe and/or Co and impurities.    The contact layer (34, 35) is produced by (i) applying onto the electrode surface a powder which has individual particles of the above compsn. and which has a particle size of at least 1.5 (pref. 10) times the mean pore diameter of the electrode (32, 33); and (ii) firing in a controlled oxygen-contg. atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   The contact layer is relatively inexpensive and allows faultless contacting at high temp. and in the presence of aggressive media.
To form a solar module, for photovoltage generation, a viscous paste mass (3) is placed between the semiconductor cell (2.1) and the front plate (1.1) and between the cells and the shrouding to fix at least one cell in place. Before the adhesive mass (3) is set, measured pressure is applied at the first cross linking point and successively, without air entry, on the cell to force the mass into place.    Also claimed is a solar module with a curved front plate (1.1). It has at least one cylindrical photovoltage semiconductor cell (2.1) held by a voltage transparent adhesive mass (3) for the whole of its surface to be bonded to the front plate (1.1). The semiconductor cells (2.1) have no inherent mechanical tension, with a shape which does not match the front plate (1.1) curvature.    Also claimed is an assembly appts. with a spray beam with a given number of at least two jets for the simultaneous delivery of a number of spaced droplets of adhesive mass on the front plate (1.1) and shrouding. A holding beam has a number of holders for the semiconductor cells (2.1) so that each droplet is applied to a cell at the same time and pressed into place.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of solar modules. The system allows curved solar modules to be produced, simply and cost-effectively.
A method of operating a fuel cell appts. when the generating temp. drops to 550-800 deg.C. comprises contacting the interior electrode with at least 90% N2 during this period. The appts. comprises an array of connected parallel elongated cells (12), each having exterior (16) and interior (14) porous electrodes to which are fed hot fuel gas and oxidant gas respectively, and a solid oxide electrolyte which transports O ions at above 850 deg.C. all within a generating chamber which normally operates at above 850 deg.C..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the operation of fuel cells or electrolyser arrays which may have stages at lower temp. then normal.    The method prevents cracking of the air electrode and porous support tube during start-up, shut-down, or prolonged isothermal exposure at 550-800 deg.C..
NOVELTY - Hydrogen storing metal alloy (4) is filled in the cylindrical housing (1) to which a thermo sensor insertion pipe (5) is inserted. A thermo sensor (6) is removably installed in the pipe.    USE -   For fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies attachment structure of thermo sensor and this improves operativity. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - Sectional view of the hydrogen storage assembly is explained in the figure. (1) Cylindrical housing; (4) Hydrogen storing metal alloy; (5) Thermo sensor insertion pipe; (6) Thermo sensor.
Mfr. comprises sequentially depositing on the outer periphery of a cylindrical support tube, an air electrode of a perovskite-type oxide having a relatively high electric conductivity and a solid electrolyte under a high temp. oxidising atmos.; densifying the air electrode and the solid electrolyte by heat treatment, and further depositing a fuel electrode on the outermost layer.    The perovskite-type oxide is pref. LaSrMnO3, and the solid electrolyte is pref. YSZ (yttria-stabilised zirconia). The fuel cell is pref. Ni/YSZ cermet and is connected to the solid electrolyte by using a NiAl interconnector.    USE -   Provides electrolyte cells for use in solid electrolyte-type fuel cell and high temp. water vapour electrolytic appts..
Separator comprises a sintered compact obtd. by firing Ni-base alloy or a mixt. of at least one of the alloy, Ni, Co, Co-base alloy, Fe, and Fe-base alloy and an inorganic cpd. of at least one of alumina, silica, titania, In-oxide, Sn(IV) oxide, Si-carbide, and Si-nitride, or a cpd. forming the inorganic cpd. in a non-oxidising atmos. or in a vacuum.    USE -   Used for good bonding of each member of fuel cells, and improving stability of gas sealing.
Separator comprises a sintered compact obtd. by firing Co or a mixt. of at least one of Co, Fe, and Fe-alloy, and an inorganic cpd. of at least one of alumina, silica, titania, In-oxide, Sn(IV) oxide, Si-carbide, and Si-nitride, or a cpd. forming the inorganic cpd. in non-oxidising atmos. or in a vacuum.    USE -   Used for good bonding of each member of fuel cells, and improving stability of gas sealing.
Separator comprises a sintered compact obtd. by firing Ni, or a mixt. of at least one of Ni, Co, Co-base alloy, Fe and Fe-base alloy and an inorganic cpd. of at least one of alumina, silica, titania, In-oxide, Sn(VI) oxide, Si-carbide, and Si-nitride, or a cpd. forming the inorganic cpd. in a non-oxidising atmos. or in a vacuum.    USE -   Used for good bonding of each member of fuel cells, and improving stability of gas sealing.
Separator comprises a sintered compact obtd. by firing Co-base alloy or a mixt. of at least one of the alloy, Co, Fe and Fe-base alloy, and an inorganic cpd. of at least one of alumina, silica, titania, In-oxide, Sn(IV) oxide, Si-carbide, and Si-nitride, or a cpd. forming the inorganic cpd., in a non-oxidising atmos. or in a vacuum.    USE -   Used for good bonding of each member of fuel cells, and improving stability of gas sealing.
5-Diazaflavin derivatives of formula (I) are new; where R1, R2, R3, R4 = opt. substd. alkyl gp. opt. substd. alkenyl gp., opt. substd. alkynyl gp. or opt. substd. aryl gp; R5 = H, aryl gp. opt. substd. with halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, carboxyl, nitro, COR6 (where R6 = alkyl, haloalkyl or aryl opt. substd. with alkyl or halogen), S(O)nR6 (where n = 0, 1 or 2; R6 is the same as above) or CONHR6 (where R6 is of the same meaning as defined above) or heteroaryl gp. opt. substd. with halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, carboxyl, nitro, COR6 (where R6 = alkyl, haloalkyl or aryl opt. substd. with alkyl or halogen).    Prodn. of (I') by allowing N,N-dimethylformamide of formula (II) to react with phosphorus oxychloride is also claimed. R1, R2, R3 and R4 are of the same meaning as defined above; R5' = H.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) has a high fluorescent quantum yield and has a Stokes shift. Since the fluorescent max wavelength exists in the range if 576-620 nm, (I) is reddish orange fluorescent pigment, which can be used as fluorescent colour element contained in, for example, wavelength (energy) conversion film, display and a condenser plate of solar battery etc.
(JP6060894-A)   NOVELTY - The connectors (5,28) for hydrogen charging line is provided at both sides of an electric power unit (1). The connectors are connected and disconnected to connector provided at housing with respect to movement of the housing.    USE - Small-sized fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Expansion of the housing is achieved without restricting the space for accommodating the housing.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a perspective diagram with partial cross-section of fuel cell. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    electric power unit (1)    hydrogen storage unit (2)    fuel cell (3)    connectors (5,28)
A porous sintered body is composed of lanthanum manganite in which a part of lanthanum atoms at A-sites are substd. by atoms of a metal selected from alkaline earth metals and rare earth metals. A dimensional shrinkage of the sintered body caused by heat cyclings between room temp. and 1000 deg.C is not more than 0.01% for one heat cycle.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a solid oxide fuel cell comprising an air electrode. Cracking will not occur between the air electrode and the other constituent materials.
An electric power system having an acid-base concn. cell comprises acid and base electrolyte reservoirs (10,12) of sufficiently different pH to give a cell voltage, and a depolarised H+ concn. power cell comprising (14) an acid contg. cathode compartment having a cathode at which H+ is reduced to H2 and spent acid, and an anode compartment contg. base compartment having an anode at which H2 is consumed to H+ and spent base. An ion exchange membrane lies between the compartments and there are acid and base electrolyte inlets, means for transferring acid and base to these inlets from the reservoirs (16,22), and for removing spent solns. (20,26) back to the reservoirs. There are also means for transferring H2 from cathode to anode and for transferring power generated to an external system.    Also claimed is a method for transferring power as above from the power cell to an external system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In powering electric motors in the drive train of a vehicle, for remote power applications, peak power shaving, and military uses. The cells give high energy and power density and may be recharged conventionally or by rapid recharge by replacing electrolytes.
Prodn. comprises: an ion conductive material sepg. electrode chamber; an electrode (A) consisting of metal or its cpd. placed in one electrode chamber while contacting with the ion conductive material; an electrode (B) consisting of metal different from that of electrode (A) or its cpd. placed in the other electrode chamber while contacting the electrode (B) with the ion conductive material; shorting the (A) and (B) with a conductor; and introducing the mixt. of MeOH, O2 and water to both electrodes continuously or intermittently.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methylformate, dimethoxymethane and other partially oxidised methanol prods. are produced using fuel cell system. The reaction proceeds under a mild condition with a high selectivity.    In an example, graphite powder was dipped into 8N HNO3 aq. soln. and dried. The treated graphite powder of 50mg was mixed with 20mg Ru powder and 5mg teflon powder. The mixt. was formed in to a disk (21mm dia.) by hot pressure. Silica wool impregnated with 85% H3PO4 aq. soln. was used as the ion conduction membrane. A mixt. of M3OH (8.3 vol.%), O2 (40.8 vol.%), and water vapour (50.9 vol.%) was introduced to each electrode chamber at a rate of 34.6 mol/min. Methylformate and dimethoxymethane were generated at a rate of 1.05 micromols/min. and 0.07 micromols/min., respectively. The selectivity of the methanol partial oxidn. was 55%.
Baking ceramic rod comprises laying the ceramic rod on a support table inclined at 45-60 deg. in a baking furnace and baking the rod while maintaining the inclination angle. The rod may have a flange to hook on the top end of the table.    USE -   Used for making solid electrolyte type fuel cells.
The transparent conductive film comprises at least the first layer contg. at least one of the metals of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, Be, Co, Ni, Zn, Ir, Mo, Rh, and W, and the second layer contg. In O with addition of Sn, which are formed on substrate in order.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for transparent electrode of the LCD, touch panel, sensor, and solar cell. Transparent conductive film having reduced specific resistance, and improved transparency, and weather withstanding property is obtd.    In an example, on a substrate of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Ag metal single material layer was formed with the DC planar type magnetron sputtering equipment made by ULVAC Co. using Ag as target, then ITO layer was formed, using powder sintered body of In2O3 and SnO2 (wt. ratio=90:10) as target. Condition of film formation of the Ag layer was as follows; Initial degree of vacuum=up to 7.0x10power(-7) Torr, sputtering gas Ar=160 SCCM, gas pressure=10xc10power(-3) Torr, and input power=0.93 W/cm2. Condition of film formation of the ITO layer was as follows; Initial degree of vacuum=2.0x10power(-06) Torr, sputtering gas Ar=(160 SCCM)+O2 (=45 SCCM), gas pressure=10x10power(-3) Torr, input power=4.7 W/cm2.
A strain gauge G is attached to a wall (1a in Fig 1) of a hydrogen storage alloy container 1. by previously discharging hydrogen in small quantities from a hydrogen storage alloy 2, remaining hydrogen amts. are orderly calculated. By orderly measuring current strain amts. a relation between a strain amt. and an amt. of remaining hydrogen is set. In measurement of a remaining hydrogen amt, an amt of remaining hydrogen is measured based on a relation between a strain amt. amt measured by the strain gauge and an amt. of remaining hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An amt. of remaining hydrogen is simply and properly measured.
An improved columnar-grained polycrystalline sheet for functioning on a substrate for a solar cell is made by a process comprising: (1) applying granular silicon (200) to a setter material (100) which sulphates the granular silicon, (2) preheating the setter material and granular Si in a preheat zone, (3) subjecting the setter material and granular Si to a thermal ???? (300) which causes melting of the granular Si from the top downwards, wherein 25-90% of the granular Si depth is melted and the partially melted silicon below the melted material functions as a net to stabilise the melt and to minimise molten Si coated with underlying setter and release coating and to nucleate subsequent crystal growth, (4) transporting the melt prod. on the silicon net into a growth zone wherein a thermal profile is created to promote columnar growth from the partially melted Si net upward in a direction approx. perpendicular to the plane of the setter material and where both liq. and a growing polycrystalline layer coexists and impurities are segregated to the top surface of the sheet as well as gathered to the partially melted back surface, (5) transporting the grown sheet into an anneal zone (500) wherein a linear temp. gradient along the direction of setter motion is achieved to promote low stress cooling of the sheet, (6) removal of the polycrystalline sheet from the setter material, facilitated by a release agent (110) (7) reusing the setter material for the making of further columnar-grained polycrystalline sheets.    ADVANTAGE -   Process provides efficient, low cost devices.
Prodn. of a chalcopyrite semiconductor of the type ABC2 (where A = Cu or Ag, B = In, Ga or Al, and C = S or Se) on a substrate comprises (a) producing a layer structure (SA) on the substrate(s) by applying components A, B and C in elemental form and/or as binary interelemental cpd. B2C3, (b) quickly heating the substrate(s) to a process temp. (Tp) with a heating rate (AR), and (c) heating the substrate at Tp for time dt.    The layer structure (SA) contains the component C in stoichiometric excess, the heating rate (AR) is at least 10 deg./sec., process temp. (Tp) more than or equal to 350 deg.C and dt of 10 sec.-1 hr. During the total tempering process, a partial pressure above the equilibrium pressure of the component C is maintained.    USE -   For prodn. of high efficiency solar cells.
The cell comprises a thin film photovoltaic (24) generating layer having a pn junction within which photogenerated free carries are generated by incident light. A back conductor (23) is in electrical contact with the photovoltaic layer. A front transparent conductor is in electrical contact also with the photovoltaic layer.    The layer is selected from the dam of beta zinc diphosphide, copper diphosphide, magnesium tetraphosphide or gamma iron tetra-phosphide. In this way the cell exhibits a greatly improved average cost per Watt hour over a useful life of the cell. The layer has a thickness of the order on to three microns. The layer absorbs a high fraction of incident sunlight.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Gives extremely cheap and easy method to create structure. Can form back surface field and diode junction simultaneously.
Process for making an electrode-ion exchange membrane assembly having enhanced performance efficiency upon utilisation in a proton exchange electrochemical cell comprises: (a) exposing to water the ion exchange membrane in the proton form; (b) placing the membrane between an electrode structure to form an electrode-ion exchange membrane assembly; (c) heating the electrode-ion exchange membrane assembly, while hermetically sealed, at a temp. above the glass transition temp. of the polymer forming the ion exchange membrane to bond the electrode structure to the ion exchange membrane; and (d) exposing the assembly to water to obtain a water uptake of 60-300 wt. % of the membrane.    Also claimed is a proton exchange electrochemical all comprising an electrode-ion exchange membrane assembly made by the above method.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ion exchange membranes are used in the solid polymer electrolyte cells, fuel cells and water electrolysis cells. Higher water of hydration and thus lower ionic substance is obtd. compared to the prior art. Electrochemical cells can be operated at high cell efficiency at a given current.
Gas purificn. unit comprises: a number of unit batteries each having the gas diffusion electrode on both sides of the ion conductive solid electrolyte body; the gas outlet inlet passage to introduce an ionisable gas; the gas outlet passage to discharge the gas which is purified by the number of unit batteries; a series and parallel switching means which switches the number of unit batteries to either in series or parallel between the gas inlet passage and the gas outlet passage.    The hydrocarbon modifying type fuel cell system consists of the gas purificn. unit and the tank. The gas purificn. comprises: fuel cell, the modifier which supplies the modified gas contg. H2 gas to the fuel cell; a number of unit batteries which are provided with the gas diffusion electrode on each side of the ion conductive solid electrolyte body; a series and parallel switching means which switches the number of unit batteries to either in series or parallel between the gas inlet passage and the gas outlet passage. The tank functions to accumulate the
Prodn. comprises flowing a molten crystalline material from the outlet of a crucible into a mould at a pouring rate synchronous with the growth rate of a crystal growing from below to above due to a temp. gradient in the mould.    USE -   Used for making Si crystals for solar cells.
Appts. comprises a 1st CO modifier to react CO in a reformed gas with water vapour to provide a CO gas, an intermediate cooler to cool this gas, and a 2nd CO modifier to react the CO in the gas with water vapour.    USE -   Used for fuel cell generators.
The formation method comprises the steps of: mixing graphite powder, reinforcing fibres, cellulosic fibres, and thermosetting resin with a liquid to form a slurry. The slurry is formed into a planar sheet and removing the liquid from the planar sheet. The planar sheet is cut into main sheets having two opposing edges and a edge strips.    The main sheets and the edge strips and laid up so that the edge strips are located along the perimeter of the main sheets adjacent to the opposing edges. the lay-up is laminated, carbonised, and graphitised to form the laminated electrolyte reservoir plate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell. Enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity after graphitisation.
The film comprises constituent grains on the surface of the film with spacing between each grain so that the light transmittance may change w.r.t. the angle of the incident light.    The ZnO based thin film is made by sputtering using a ZnO-based target and controlling the sputtering pressure to 2 Pa or higher and maintaining the substrate temp. at 100 deg.C or higher.    The unit grains on the surface of the film are pref. granular or columnar aggregate from 0.1-10 microns and a spacing of 0.01-10 microns is taken between them. The thickness of the film is partic. 5000 Angstroms to 2 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use as collector electrodes of solar cells, coating materials of light control windows etc..
The generator includes a steam separator (6) which obtains steam required for a modifier (1). A reforming gas is obtained by the modifier.The reforming gas and an oxidising gas are passed through a carbon monoxide transformer (4). The CO transformer makes the CO in the reforming gas react with water for cooling the fuel battery (5), to obtain electric power. A condenser (10) obtains condensed water from gas ejected from the fuel battery. A cooling unit (12) is provided for cooling the CO transformer using the water obtained by the steam separator and condensed water obtained by the condenser.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids reduction in thermal efficiency. Reduces CO density in reforming gas from CO transformer.
(JP2766434-B2)      The apparatus receives the exhaust gas generated from the electrolyte of a fuel battery. A first heat exchanger (21) radiates the temperature of the high temperature region to an area where, the received exhaust gas containing phosphoric acid solution, is guided through an exhaust gas supply line along with generated steam. The phosphoric acid contained in the exhaust gas is precipitated by the radiated temperature. A second heat exchanger (23) is provided below the first heat exchanger, which condenses the generated steam and cools the exhaust gas which is devoid of phosphoric acid and supplied from the first heat exchanger side. A pallet (22) is provided for collecting and reclaiming the phosphoric acid precipitate placed between the two heat exchangers. A condensed water collecting tank (26) is provided below the second heat exchanger, for reclaiming the condensed water of the generated steam. The above said units are formed integrally. A series of heat exchanger tubes (27) are provided in the heat exchangers, for circulating cooling water from the second heat exchanger side to the first heat exchanger side. The heat retained in the exhaust gas is reclaimed in the form of warm water by circulation of the cooling water.    ADVANTAGE -   Attains miniaturization. Removes phosphoric acid included in exhaust gas, efficiently. Enables reliable waste heat recovery, condensed water collection of exhaust gas.
Sealing material for hermetically connecting zirconia manifold contg. oxide of rare earth elements for gas channel to the body of a solid electrolyte fuel cell is obtd. by calcining mixture of a low softening pt. glass granules comprising an alumino-silicate glass contg. silica and alumina, having glass-softening pt. of 770-950 deg.C and a high-softening pt. glass granules comprising a high silica glass, having glass-softening pt. of 1450-1550 deg.C at 900-1150 deg.C, and pulverising the calcined prod.    Sealing is performed by using the obtd. pulverised calcined mixture of these glass granules.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for sealing, giving improved sealing strength at sealed portions, and durability.
A solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell comprises: (I) a hydrogen electrode (2) and an oxygen electrode (3) as gas diffusion electrodes; (II) a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (1) interposed between the electrodes; and (III) means for feeding a hydrogen-contg. gas and an oxygen-contg. gas to the hydrogen and oxygen electrodes respectively.    Each of the gas diffusion electrodes comprises: (I-A) a catalyst layer (6 and 8) comprising: (a) a C carrier; (b) an active component supported on the carrier; (c) a proton conductor; and (d) a water-repellent binder; and (I-B) an electron conductor (7 and 9) provided on the outer side of the catalyst layer and serving also as a gas diffusion layer. The water-repellency of the catalyst layer of the hydrogen electrode is higher than that of the catalyst layer of the oxygen electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell performance is improved and stabilised by controlling the water repellency of the catalyst layers of the electrodes, improving the gas diffusibility of both electrodes and inhibiting flooding at the oxygen electrode. The output density of the cell is 2-3 times higher than that of conventional cells.
(JP6052863-A)   NOVELTY - A slurry comprising electrode material with preset sized particles mixed with organic solvent, is impregnated into carbon felt, dried and baked at 1000degreesC or more to form a porous electrode portion (1b). The slurry is impregnated on the porous electrode portion, dried and baked at 1000degreesC or more to form an electrode portion (2b) with 5-50% porosity and 0.1-10 microns diameter air holes over the porous electrode portion.    USE - Used for manufacturing a self-support double structure, e.g. fuel and oxygen side lateral electrodes for self-support solid electrolyte fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE - A stable electrode having small gas diffusion resistance is produced with good reproducibility. The process resistance of the electrode at the joining surface with solid electrolyte film is reduced. The adhesion between electrode portions is strong.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional view of the self-support solid electrolyte type. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    porous electrode portion of fuel side lateral electrode (1a)    porous electrode portion of oxygen side lateral electrode (1b)    electrode portion of fuel side lateral electrode (2a)    electrode portion of oxygen side lateral electrode (2b)    sheet (3)    solid electrolyte film (4)
Strap has a solar cell in a shoulder pad part. The shoulder pad part, a strap suspending part having a width smaller than that of the shoulder pad part, a connecting member for connecting mechanically and electrically with the camera at the end of the strap suspending part, and a flexible substrate for connecting the solar cell with the connecting member are integrally moulded.    The connecting member is pref. formed only at one end of the strap and has an electrically connecting function with positive and negative electrodes, and the other end of the strap has only a mechanically connecting function. The flexible substrate is spot welded to the metal substrate of the solar cell and is electrically connected with a collector grid formed on the amorphous Si film of the solar cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The strap is made small without reducing the power generation efficiency of the solar cell.
Electrochemical cell having 5-layered sandwich structure comprises current collector (2) of cathode, cathode (3), ion exchange membrane (4), anode (5) and current collector (6) of anode which are assembled by applying inward force to a pair of tightening plates (1, 7) located on outer sides of respective current collectors, the ion exchange membrane not being located to either electrode before tightening.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrochemical cell is a fuel cell suitable for powering an electric car or a spacecraft and capable of producing high electrical powder density. The cell is constructed to enable the use of an inexpensive hydrocarbon ion exchange membrane, essentially by obviating such a procedure as hot pressing or sintering. Because only tightening means such as bolts (10, 11) are necessary to assemble the cell, assembling is easy and ion exchange membrane, anode, and cathode may be stored separately before use. The ion exchange membrane is not susceptible to damage during tightening unlike membranes subjected to hot pressing.
A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises, stacked in order, a cathode current collector (5), a cathode (4), an ion exchange membrane (3) having a catalyst layer (7), an anode (2) and an anode current collector (1). Either catalyst layer (7) is electronically insulated, or the anodic (2) and/or cathode (4) is prepared by coating ion exchange resin (11) on catalyst particles (10) supported on catalyst supports in which electrically isolated catalyst particles (10) are impregnated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell can e.g. be used as an electronic power source for an electric car or a spacecraft. The cell prevents crossover of a gas through the membrane (3) of the cell and hence prevents lowering of the cell voltage in use.
Material is identified by selecting material constituent types; determining mol electron orbital Eigen values for a range of different concns. of the constituents; and identifying the constituent concns. for which the L-orbital having the Fermi energy level has the hydrogen is orbital most closely centred. Pref. the selected material is then formulated at the constituent concns. and used in a cell for reversibly storing H2. Hydrides of material identified by the above method are claimed. Metals and metal hydrides having the above mol electronic properties are claimed. H2 is reversibly stored using a material of compsn. FeNiB in which the elements are in equal concns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in H2 storage for a fuel cell etc. Method identifies materials in which H2 will have a high solubility.
A ceramic powder mixt. which sinters at temps. of about 1400 deg.C comprising (i) 1 mol. of LaCr1-xMx03, where M is a divalent metal selected from Zn, Cu or mixts. and x is 0.02-0.2; (ii) y mols. of B203, where y is 0.0005 to 0.04; and (iii) z mols. of La203, where z/y is 1.4-2.    Method for prepn. of the doped lanthanum chromite powder comprises: (a) preparing the lanthanum chromite precursor powder and Adsorbate, which is absorbed on the powder in an amt. of 35 wt.%, based on the total precursor wt. where the precursor is prepd. by: (i) reacting a soln. contg. a La cpd. and a Cr cpd. in an at. ratio of La:Cr of 1:1-x, with a stoichiometric excess of NH4OH to precipitate a hydroxide in the form of a slurry; (ii) washing the pptd. hydroxide with deionised water or DI water/alcohol mixts. to remove most of the anions from the La and Cr cpds. to yield a slurry in a water/alcohol liq.; (iii) adding to the slurry a soln. of an M cpd. to yield an atomic ratio of La:Cr:M of 1:1-x:x; (iv) sepg. the powder from the water/alcohol liq. at supercritical conditions, where temp. and pressure are equal to or greater than the critical point of the water/alcohol liq. in a batch or continuous process to obtain the precursor lanthanum chromite powder; (b) calcining the precursor at a temp. of 650-1100 deg.C for 0.5-4 hrs. followed by de-agglomeration to obtain sinter-reactive lanthanum chromite powder having the formula LaCr1-xMxO3; and (c) incorporating into the said powder z mols. of La203 and y mols. of B203, where y is 0.005-0.04 and z/y is 1-3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The present invention relates to a sinter-reactive lanthanum chromite ceramic for use as an interconnect material in a solid oxide fuel cell. The lanthanum chromite ceramic sinters at lower temps. than previous powders.
Catalyst comprises Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, Ir and/or Os mixed with tungstic or molybdic acid, Na tungstate or molybdate and/or ammonium tungstate or molybdate, dispersed on a conductive carrier, pref. C, esp. high surface area graphitised C particles of crystallite size 0.200-0.300 micron. Cathode including the catalyst and cell and fuel cell contg. the cathode are claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable catalyst is provided having increased activity for electrochemical reduction of O2 with reduced Pt gp. metal content.
The flameless combustion of C to produce electric power is carried out by dissolving the C in molten metal which acts as an anode to produce C-ions and electrons, the electrons being conducted to react with O2 at a cathode to produce O-ions, the C-ions are diffused through an electrolyte to the cathode where they react with the O-ions to produce COx.    ADVANTAGE -   Power is derived from a C fuel in a totally clean, efficient process.
Method comprises moving the catalyst at the downstream side in the main body of desulphuriser to the upstream side, and charging new catalyst only to the downstream side in the main body.    USE -   For power generators using fuel cells.
The compsn. contains as essential components, (A) hydrocarbon-based hardener which contains at least two hydrosilyl gps. in the molecule and has a molecular weight of lower than 30,000 and a total chlorine content of lower than 1 wt%, (B) polymer which contains at least one alkenyl gp. in the molecule has backbone chain consisting of satd. hydrocarbon repeating unit and has a total chlorine content of lower than 1 wt% and (C) hydrosilylation catalyst which has a total chlorine content of lower than 100 ppm.    Pref. (A) is shown by formula RXa, where X is gp. which contains at least one hydrosilyl gp.; R is 2-150C mono- to tetra-valent hydrocarbon gp.; a is 1 to 4. (B) pref. includes isobutylene polymer, hydrogenated polyisoprene polymer, hydrogenated polybutadiene polymer etc.    Pref. (B) contains more than 50 wt% of repeating unit derived from isobutylene.    (A) and (B) pref. have a total chlorine content of lower than 0.2 wt%. Pref. (C) are platinum-olefin complex and platinum-vinyl siloxane complex.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. for potting of back surface of solar battery can be applied by coating, has high electrical insulating property and flexibility and does not cause electrode corrosion.
Prodn. of the thermoelectric-generating material comprises: (a) sticking particles comprising an amorphous-based hydrogen storage alloy on around particles comprising FeSi2 powder to form powdered capsules; (b) grouping the powdered capsules in a predetermined shape; (c) applying plasma sintering to the powdered capsules.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The thermoelectric generating material is used in a thermocouple. Capsulising the hydrogen storage alloy controls sintering temp. to any temp., reducing phase transition time. Also solidifying the powdered capsules increases their density, and improves mechanical strength.
The phthalocyanine thin film is of an amorphous shape, and comprises a phthalocyanine deriv. The thin film has at it's surface a square-average roughness of up to 100 angstroms.    Prodn. of the phthalocyanine thin film comprises (a) cooling a substrate down to -25 to -269 deg.C; (b) heating and evaporating phthalocyanine deriv. molecules; (c) forming the molecules as molecular beams under ultra-vacuum of up to 1x10power-7 Torr and (d) irradiating molecular beams at the substrate.    The multilayered film is formed by laminating at least two phthalocyanine thin films. Each film comprises a different phthalocyanine deriv.    Pref. the phthalocyanine deriv. comprises phthalocyanine, lead phthalocyanine, copper phthalocyanine, nickel phthalocyanine, iron phthalocyanine, magnesium phthalocyanine, aluminium phthalocyanine, silicon phthalocyanine, tin phthalocyanine, cobalt phthalocyanine, or zinc phthalocyanine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The phthalocyanine thin film is used for multilayered film used in a solar cell, a photoconductive element, or a sensor element having traces of a metal element used in a soln. The applied substrate has a high deg. of freedom. The thin film and the multilayered film are available at high rate.
A silane gas is decomposed, using a glow discharge plasma by microwave electron cyclotron resonance in a pressure-reduced container to produce an amorphous silicon hydride on a substrate. Inert gas ion beams are irradiated at the substrate to prevent defects on the amorphous silicon film at its surface.    The mfg. system for producing the amorphous silicon film includes an ion source for irradiating the inert gas ion beams at the substrate.    The inert gas pref. comprises Ar, Ne or He or their mixed gas (at least two of the Ar, Ne and He).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method and the system are used for producing amorphous silicon film used in a photoelectric transfer materials, including a solar cell, image sensor, or photoreceptor. The use of the inert gas ion beams removes defects on the amorphous Si film at its surface. The resulting film has a good shape.
In accumulating a chalcopyrite structure semiconductor thin film comprises gps. I, III and VI elements, a cpd. contg. a gp. II element or the above elements is evaporated to produce the chalcopyrite structure semiconductor thin film.    A thin film solar cell uses the semiconductor thin film as a light absorbing layer, or a pn junction forming layer, and a light emitting system uses the semiconductor thin film as an active layer or a clad layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The chalcopyrite structure semiconductor thin film is used in a thin film solar cell and a light emitting system. The method produces the semiconductor thin film in which the compsns. of the constituent elements have stoichiometric ratio, electrical characteristics, including pn conductivity, carrier density, are controlled. The resulting thin film solar cell and the resulting light emitting device have high efficiency.
The fuel is obtd. by reforming an aq. city gas into H2, and supplying the obtd. hydrogen into a fuel cell plant. Reforming of the city gas is effected by sepg. hydrocarbon series gas from other gas in the city gas, subjecting hydrocarbon series gas to a reforming, and then mixing the reformed gas and the other gas to obtain a gas mixt. which is supplied to the fuel cell plant.    The reforming is e.g. effected by contacting the city gas with water at 800 deg.C in the presence of Ni catalyst to obtain H2 and CO2 by decomposition of water and hydrocarbon such as methane. The sepn. of the hydrocarbon gas can be carried out by polyimide or cellulose gas selective absorption film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prodn. of fuel cell can be carried out effectively by a small size reformer at reduced cost.
Electrolysis cell is produced by (a) jointing a tube-shaped fuel electrode(s) (1) and an interconnector tube(s) (2) via an insulating member(s) (3) to obtain a supporting tube, (b) successively applying solid electrolyte slurry and air electrode material slurry onto the outside surface of the supporting tube, and then (c) baking the slurry.    The tube-shaped fuel electrode(s) and the inter-connector tube(s) are jointed to each other in a direction of the axis of the electrolysis cell. The fuel electrode e.g. consists of NiO/YSZ, the interconnector tube e.g. consists of La series ceramics, and the insulating member e.g. consists of Al2O3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolysis cell having a thin solid electrolyte layer, a high electroconductivity of the solid electrolyte layer and a high mechanical strength can be obtd. with high productivity. The electrolysis cell is suitable for a high temp. steam electrolysis cell or a solid electrolyte fuel cell, etc.
The transparent conductive thin film is prepd. on a substrate in sputtering gas and reaction gas atmos. by sputtering film formation.    The sputtering film formation equipment pref. comprises vacuum chamber having substrate transporting means, sputtering target, gas introducing means, and exhausting means, to form film on a substrate by plasma discharge generated between the substrate and the target. The substrate transporting is mounted to surround the rotatable target holder. The target holder comprises polygonal pillar which rotates round the central axis. The side surfaces of the polygonal pillar face the substrate. On at least one of the side surfaces, sputtering target is set. The equipment in which substrates are conveyed in order on at least two of sputtering targets mounted in series leaving spaces between them, and reaction gas blowing outlet is mounted in the vicinity of the substrate between a target and another target.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for prepn. of transparent conductive thin film for LCD, touch panel, sensor, and solar cell. Transport conductive thin film with improved low resistance can be prepd. Film formation in high speed can be done.
A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has a solid electrolyte portion formed by a spraying method as an ion conductor, a thickness of the solid electrolyte portion is 40-100 micro m, and a leakage amount of N2 gas of the solid electrolyte portion at room temp is less than 10 power-5 cc/g sec.    A process for producing a solid electrolyte film and a process for producing a SOFC are also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid oxide fuel cells. A process for producing solid electrolyte films, and for producing SOFCs using the films. suitable for mass production. SOFC single cell has an open circuit voltage near theoretical, and a reduced internal resistance. The solid electrolyte film has improved gas tightness in thin sections giving improved output. Heat treatment of the sprayed film is at a relatively low temp.    In an example, a powder of lanthanum manganite was pressed to form a disc shape 50 mm dia x 3 mm thick, and sintered 1550 deg.C, 5 hrs. The sintered body was processed to provide an air electrode substrate having 22% porosity. A powdery raw material consisting of a stabilised zirconia contg 8 mol% of Y2O3, and a powdered additive of MnO2, was supplied to a spray gun. The molten mixt from the spray gun was sprayed onto a surface of the air electrode substrate to obtain a sprayed film 600 microns thick. The sprayed film was heat treated 1450 deg.C. 5 hrs to obtain a solid electrolyte film. Tests conducted on the film produced in a range of thicknesses showed a leakage amount is less than 10 power-5 cc/g sec when the thickness is greater than micro m, an open circuit voltage 1.10 V, and reduced internal resistance.
A solid oxide fuel cell comprises at least one kind of an electroconductive film formed by spraying and has a permeability constant for N2 gas of less than 9x10 power (-8) cm4/g sec.    The electroconductive film is an interconnector or a solid electrolyte film. The substrate is an air electrode substrate of a self-supporting type. Prior to spraying, the substrate surface is roughened, suitably masked and preheated to more than 120 deg C. The thermal treatment is at 1300-1600 degC.    ADVANTAGE -   The electroconductive film having extremely high gas tightness can be economically mass produced using a conventional spraying plant and electric furnace. Film thickness can be reduced lowering the inner resistance of the cell unit and allowing increased emf.
Solid electrolyte (I) has a multilayered O2 electrode and has molar compsn. (ZrO2)1-a(Y2O3)a)1-b(Al2O3)b, where a = 0.03-0.20; and b = 0.01-0.25. The upper electrode layer, responsible for current supply, comprises an electronically-conducting oxide material.    The novelty is that a 1st intermediate layer is arranged below the upper layer and is made of a mixt. of electronically-conducting and an O ion-conducting material, in which the mixt. ratio of 90-10:10-90 vol%. A second intermediate layer is applied between the 1st intermediate layer and the solid electrolyte and comprises Al2O3-free partially or completely stabilised ZrO2.    Also claimed is a solid electrolyte (II) of the above molar compsn., but where the upper electrode layer is made of metal-ceramic composite material, in which the metal is Ni and/or Co and the ceramic is doped ZrO2 and/or CeO.    USE -   For high temp. electrolysis, in fuel cells (claimed).
In the mfg. appts. for transparent electroconductive film, such as In-Sn-O system film employed as pole for solar battery, a substrate and a target are facingly disposed within the vacuum chamber. After forming the transparent electroconductive film onto the substrate held at temp. of 300 deg. C by sputtering the target, the substrate is rapidly cooled at a temp. of up to 250 deg. C within vacuum atmosphere.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Film having low electroresistivity is easily obtd..
Transparent electroconductive film is of single layer or multi-layers contg. one or more of Bi, Ti, In, Cd, Zn, Ni, Te, W, Mo, Zr and Ir, furthermore, 0.1-60 at.% N atoms.    USE -   Used as a transparent electrode in liquid crystal displays, touch panels, sensors and solar cells.
Reactor includes 1st vessel with catalyst layer, and 2nd vessel where cooling medium having pressure higher than that of reactive gas and adapted to cool catalyst layer is flown. 2nd Vessel is constituted by small dia. cooling pipes bent at 180 deg. in 1st vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Thickness of 2nd vessel can be reduced.
The reactor is provided with reforming reactor tubes (i), heating means (ii), fuel supply means (iii), and a combustion catalyst (iv). In the reforming reactor tubes (i), the raw material gas of hydrocarbon or oxygen contg. hydrocarbon and steam is reformed to hydrogen containing gas. Hydrogen is sepd. by hydrogen separation means. The heating means (ii) is provided in the central part of the reaction tubes (i). The fuel supply means (ii) provided around the heating means (ii). The combustion catalyst is arranged around the reaction tubes (i). In the reactor, exhaust heat of the combustion exhaust gas after heating the reforming reaction tube is used for preheating raw material gas and air for combustion. Sensible heat of prod. hydrogen gas is used for preheating of sweep gas. Heat exchangers are provided in each reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reactor is used for a chemical industry and a fuel cell. By providing heat exchangers in the reactor, heat efficiency is improved, and heat loss from the reactor is low. The whole system can be simplified.
(JP6036776-A)   NOVELTY - An insulator comprising inorganic material is dissolved in perfluoro carbon sulfonic acidic resin or mixture of organic solvent and water. A reaction layer surface containing catalyst with gas diffusion electrode is impregnated with mixed dispersion solution of solid acid particle in sulfuric acid. The reaction layer is sandwiched between two electrode sheets, heat-crimped and applied on insulator.    USE - None given.    ADVANTAGE - An electrical resistance of the electrolyte layer is reduced by using larger ion exchange capacity electrolyte. Solid-polymer-electrolyte type fuel battery with enhanced reaction rate is obtained.
N,N'-bis(2-ethylhexyl) -3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (I) is new.    Prepn. comprises reacting 2-ethylhexyl amine with naphthalic acid (anhydride) to give N-2-ethyl-hexyl-naphthalimide followed by the fusion using KOH, reacting 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic diimide with 2-ethylhexyl halide or reacting 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic acid (dianhydride) with 2-ethylhexylamine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful for a photoelectric conversion material such as a solar cell, a photosensor or an electrophotographic sensitive material and is recrystallised easily to give the highly pure crystal of good shape and facilitates formation of a thin film by the casting method. (Original drawing not reproducible)
Purification comprises contacting crude methanol vapour with catalyst consisting mainly of manganese oxide to remove impurity 02 from the crude methanol.    The catalyst consisting mainly of manganese oxide is pref. pretreated by contacting with methanol 50-150 deg.C higher than the purification temp. The crude methanol is opt. a mixt. with H2, N2 or Ar.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method removes impurity 02 to a very low concn. of 0.1-0.01 ppm without methanol decomposition. The obtd. highly pure methanol is useful for dry-etching indium oxide films and tin oxide films used in transparent electrodes for liq. crystal devices and solar batteries.    In an example, N2 gas contg. about 10 vol.% methanol and 17 ppm 02 was passed at 0.633 1/min. through a column (dia:16.4 mm and length:400 mm) filled with 63 ml pretreated MnO with a size of 8-12 mesh (filled length:300 mm). The outlet gas contained less than 0.01 ppm 02 even after 100 min.
Appts. comprises a reforming reaction part to reform a gas passed through a desulphurising reaction part to remove S contents from a raw material gas, and CO reaction part to oxidise CO contained in the gas.    USE -   Used for fuel cell systems.
Thin layer solar cell comprises an active semiconductor thin layer having a pn junction and a substrate.    The substrate is formed using a plasma coating process, in which a starting material for the substrate is melted by a high temp. plasma and the molten material sprayed by a high speed gas jet onto a baseplate.    Prodn. of the cell is also claimed. Further claimed are prodn. of a semiconductor moulding and prodn. of a semiconductor substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   A 3-dimensional substrate is easily formed without deformation.
Fuel cell assembly comprises a first cell formed of: porous conductive flexible anode; electrolyte member; and a porous, conductive flexible cathode; and a second cell formed of: porous conductive flexible anode spaced from the anode of the first cell; flexible electrolyte member; and an air-permeable conductive flexible cathode. A conductive bridge extends between one end of the first cell anode and the opposite end of the second cell cathode.    H2 fuel cell includes layered electrodes and a restraining means to displace transverse swelling of the electrolyte member. Fuel cell includes an in-situ polymeric sealant between electrode(s) and electrolyte member with occlusion of voids to provide good electrolytic contact. H2 fuel cell has a shaped layered structure which includes a mouth for admitting H2 to a closed chamber, and a base member closing the mouth and carrying an H2 supply and electrical connections.    ADVANTAGE -   Wet-membrane room-temp (H2) fuel cells are provided having wide adaptability where problems of swelling, leakage, gas supply etc. are solved using simple low cost, lightweight designs.
Fuel cell comprising anode, H2 gas supply, O2-pervious cathode and an ion exchange membrane electrolyte also includes a water-pervious, conductive, graphitic, O2-distribution member positioned adjacent the cathode to supply it with O2 and remove water from it. The member is formed of hydrophilic-treated graphite and has good mechanical strength and conductivity. Methods for forming the member comprise chemically surface-treating the graphite to be hydrophilic, mechanically strong and conductive.    ADVANTAGE -   Water is absorbed into the hydrophilic member leaving the air channels unobstructed for O2 distribution to the cathode.
Ruthenium bis-(N-contg. heterocyclic ligand) complexes of formula (X)nRuLL1 (I) are new, where n is 1 or 2, pref. 2; X is Cl, SCN, H2O, Br, I, CN, NCO or SeCN; L1 is ligand of formulae (a)-(c); L is bipyridyl, phenanthroline, biquinolyl, 3-(2-pyridyl)-4-phenyl- 1,2,4-triazine, terpyridyl or 2,6-bis-(2-imidazolyl)-pyridine ligand of formulae (a)-(g); R is OH, H, 1-20C alkyl, ORa or N(Ra)2; and Ra is H or 1-4C alkyl.    Pref., X is Cl, CN, NCO or SCN; L1 is (a)-(c), esp. (a) or (b); R is OH, H or 1-20C alkyl, esp. H or 1-20C alkyl.    Cis- or trans-dithiocyanato- bis-(2,2'-bipyridyl- 4,4'-dicarboxylate) ruthenium (II) is claimed, most pref. being the cis-isomer (I').    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are charge transfer sensitisers for titanium dioxide films or layers in photovoltaic cells, e.g. solar energy converters. Cells consisting of an electrically conductive layer deposited on a support to which one or more TiO2 layers have been applied are claimed, where (I) is applied as photosensitiser to the TiO2 layer. Typically (I) are used as charge transfer sensitisers for nanostructured TiO2 films (8-12 microns thick) with high internal surface area (roughened factor ca. 1000), prepd. by sintering 15-30nm colloidal TiO2 particles on a conducting glass support. Such films coated with a 1 micron monolayer of (I) harvest visible light efficiently (absorption threshold ca. 800nm), and can be incorporated in a thin layer regenerative solar cell with a light-reflecting counter electrode. (I) have good chemical stability and provide easy interfacial charge exchange with semiconducting solids. They have superior visible light harvesting ability to the tris-bipyridyl Ru(II) analogues. In nanostructure TiO2 film devices, (I) provide nearly quantitative conversion of incident photons into electric current over a large spectral range, giving a conversion efficiency comparable with silicon-based cells.
Fuel cell comprises : anode; H2 supply; O2-pervious cathode; ion exchange membrane electrolyte; and a water-pervious, conductive, graphitic O2-distribution member adjacent the cathode. The member supplies O2 to, and removes water from, the cathode and is formed of graphite material which has been chemically treated to make it hydrophilic, mechanically strong and conductive.    In an alternative claim the member has grooves and ridges on its cathode engaging face, product water being transported away through the ridges.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in (remote) commercial and military power generation applications. Problem of water accumulation in the cathode gas supply channels is avoided.
Solid electrolyte electrolytic cell comprises (i) tube or plate consisting of alternately connected solid electrolyte and interconnector; and (ii) cathode and anode attached to each end of the tube or plate. Solid electrolyte material having the function of adhesive having a thermal expansion characteristic similar to that of the solid electrolyte and the interconnector is positioned on the side of the solid electrolyte and of the interconnector. The insulation material is inserted between the solid electrolyte materials having the adhesive function.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is used for high temp. steam electrolytic unit and a solid electrolyte fuel cell providing durability.    In an example, the difference from conventional solid electrolyte cell is that the solid electrolyte material (5) having adhesive function and the insulation ceramics (6) are positioned on both sides of the solid electrolyte (1) and the interconnector (4). The solid electrolyte (1) is ZrO2-12%Y2O3 (YSZ), the anode (2) is 80%NiO-10%YSZ thermet, the cathode (3) is LaCaMnO3, the interconnector (4) is LaCrO3, the adhesive (5) is YSZ, and the insulative ceramics (6) is Al203. The compression joining was done at 1500 deg.C.
The catalyst contains 10-30 wt.% NiO as the main component of catalytic activity and 1-20 wt.% BaO, ZrO2 or Fe2O3 as the assistant component. The catalyst carrier is Al2O3 or ZrO2 contg. 10-30 wt.% La2O3.    Hydrogen is treated by steam reforming in the presence of this catalyst under the following condition. The gas is supplied as hydrocarbon LHSV is 0.4-6 h-1, water or steam, water to carbon mole ratio is 2-5, hydrogen contg. gas, hydrogen to carbon mole ratio is 0-0.02. The reaction temp. is 450-900 deg.C and the reaction pressure is under 10 kg/cm2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is useful for hydrogen prodn. of general industrial use and for a fuel cell. Carbon is not pptd. in the catalyst bed when middle light oil is used as the raw material and it is reacted under low s/c condition. The method can be operated stably for long time without blockade of passage.
Catalyst with a thickness of 0.015-3.5 mm. is obtd. by forming, on all or part of a metal or ceramic base surface with a thickness of 0.01-3 mm., a layer contg. as catalytically active component(s), substance(s) selected from Ni, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd and their oxides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst for steam reforming can be used in a fuel cell which uses hydrocarbons or alcohols as a fuel. When this catalyst is used, the reformer can be made smaller than the conventional ones.    In an example, a piece of austenitic stainless steel foil with dimensions of 40 mm. x 40 mm. x 0.1 mm. whose surface was treated so that alumina could be formed easily on it was immersed in an aluminium hydroxide sol and baked at 600 deg.C for 2 minutes. Immersing and baking processes were repeated until the thickness reached 0.5 mm. The metal foil was sintered at 1000 deg.C for 30 minutes, immersed in a potassium nitrate aq. soln. and then in a nickel nitrate aq. soln. and sintered at 900 deg.C for 2 hrs. The obtd. catalyst which had a thickness of 0.65 mm. had alumina on the surface which was loaded with 5% K2O and 15% NiO.
(JP2654502-B2)      Solid electrolyte fuel cell (3) with a mechanical seal structure has a spacer (2) and refractory metal mesh (7) or felt, with mechanical seal between unit battery and separator (1). The planar cell is arranged so that a solid electrolyte layer (4) is pinched between fuel (5) and air (6) poles. The spacer is in an airtight state between the part which does not touch the electrode of the surface of the separator, which meets the fuel pole side of a cell, and the part without the electrode of the fuel pole side surface of the solid electrolyte layer of a cell. The air resistance by the side of a fuel pole is secured. The air resistance by the side of an air pole is also secured simultaneously.    USE -   Used for a solid electrolyte fuel cell having a mechanical seal structure which does not need a sealing compound.    ADVANTAGE -   A favourable electrical contact is obtained throughout.
A high temp. fuel cell has a solid electrolyte assembly (3) which comprises a solid electrolyte (31) between two electrodes (32, 33) and which is located in the gap (8) between two separator elements (2, 5), a reaction gas passageway (83, 84) and/or the other electrode such that a load-free junction is formed at the seal (7) between the separator element (2, 3) and the solid electrolyte (31).    A fuel cell assembly comprising a stacked arrangement of several of the above fuel cells, is also claimed.    A process for prodn. of the above fuel cell or fuel cell assembly involves applying the seal (7) as powder and then heating.    ADVANTAGE -   The seal provides effective sepn. of the reaction gases, is easily produced and maintains good, long term sealing in spite of thermal stresses resulting from the high operating temp. of the cell.
Fuel cell module has numerous stacked fuel cell segments, each with numerous adjacent fuel cells formed by a self-supporting honeycomb of ceramic solid electrolyte (I) which conducts 0 ions. The honeycombs form upper and lower open gas ducts, which have porous coatings of electrode material (II). The segments are connected together with gas-tight bonding layers of electroconductive material (III) and connected together electrically in series.    The novelty is that the segments (2) have thickened sections (31) near the faces to be bonded to make them at least twice as large as the wall thickness of the electrolyte (3).    Pref. the thickened sections consist of (I), (II) or (III) or partly of (II) and partly of (III). The walls of (I) are 0.2-0.4 mm thick and the thickened faces 0.5-1 mm wide.    ADVANTAGE -   Satisfactory bonding between the segments can be obtd. even if (I) has the very thin walls needed to reduce the resistance and give high energy density.    In an example, plane-polished faces of fuel cell segments with electrodes were given 0.05-0.2 mm thick coatings of (III) by dipping to a depth of ca. 1 mm in a slip of (III) powder, e.g. La(Ca,Mg,Sr)CrO3 and/or Ni or Ni/ZrO2 or NiO/ZrO2, and organic additives, e.g. terpineol and ethylcellulose. These were stacked whilst the coating was still moist, and sintered under pressure at max. 1400 deg.C.
A process for the prepn. of a lithium aluminate matrix layer (I) for a molten carbonate fuel cell is claimed. A wet sheet is formed from a dispersion of alpha-lithium aluminate particles (II), that after drying forms (I) whereby the dispersion liq. phase (III) is an aq. polyvinyl alcohol soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful as a diaphragm layer to separate the anode and cathode of a molten carbonate fuel cell. (II) does not hydrolyse and form alpha-lithium aluminate in the dispersion. The dispersion shows a lower tendency to skin, does not require organic solvents and may be degassed prior to prepn. of the wet sheet thereby enabling a higher prodn. rate than prior art.
Adhesive compsns. comprise a vinyl-contg. polycarborane siloxane polymer (I) with Mn above 120,000 having vinyl gps. (Vi) attached to the backbone at a concn. of 3-30 (pref. about 5)%; a curing agent (II) contg. two terminal -SiH gps.; and a transition metal complex hydrosilation catalyst (III). The prepn. of such adhesive compsns. by mixing the components is also claimed.    (I) is a polymer of the type described in US 5,208,310 which has been modified by incorporation of Vi gps. into the backbone. Pref. polymers have formula (Ia) where R = Me, Ph or Vi in ratio 63:32:5. 6 Cpds. (II) are claimed:- diphenyl silane; m-carboranebis(2-hydridotetramethyldisiloxane) (IIa); m-carboranebis(3-hydridohexamethyltrisiloxane) (IIb); carorane bisdimethylsilane; tetramethyldisiloxane; and polymeric methylhydrosiloxanes. (II) is used at mole. ratio equiv. to 85-95% of the Vi gps. in (I). (III) is selected from the kown catalysts chloroplatinic acid, transitio metal complexes (pref. of Pt of which 4 are claimed), and tetrakis-triphenylphosphine palladium. It is present at 5-75 ppm w.r.t. (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The adhesive, prepd. in film by casting from soln., is placed between the surfaces of two substrates to be bonded together. Application of heat and pressure (100-140 deg.C and about 20 psi for 4-24 hrs.) results in a strong bond that can withstand thermal cycling to at least 600 deg.C. Whereas the adhesive can be used in any application where a low modulus, flexible, thermally stable material is required, it is esp. suitable for use in a space environment. Thus a specific use is the bonding of cover glasses onto solar cells, esp. those employing gallium arsenide technology which requires annealing at 250-350 deg.C during mfr. Controlled thermal crosslinking of the adhesive produces optically clear and thermally stable bonds between a variety of substrates.
A compsn. comprising a soln. of a carboxylic fluorinated polymer having equiv. wt. above 900 and contg. tetrafluoroethylene units dissolved in a solvent selected from perfluorinated cycloalkanes, perfluorinated aromatic cpds. and perfluorotrialkylamines; the solvent having a critical temp. above 150 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solns. are useful for making polymer films and ion exchange membranes, partic. for use in chloroalkali cells or fuel cells, and to determine molecular wt. distributions of the polymer to better control plant mfr. The solvents readily dissolved the polymers more completely and at lower temps. than prior art solvents, 1-5 wt.% solns. being obtainable. Solns. are obtainable at about 150 deg.C at autogenous pressure and some are stable at room temp. The solvents are non-toxic, non-flammable, inert, relatively inexpensive and easy to handle.
Reactor comprises a 1st catalyst layer by which fuel gas is reacted at 300-400 deg.C to form CO and H2 gas and a 2nd catalyst layer by which the CO and H2 gas are reacted at 200-300 deg.C to form CO2 and H2 gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel gas cracking reaction is used to convert fuel gas like MeOH, EtOH, methane or ethane into H2 contg. gas, and for fuel cells. Reactor size can be reduced by half as of conventional reactors.    In an example, fuel gas(1) of MeOH heated at 350 deg.C was applied to a reactor(2); gas(1) was reacted with the 1st Zn-Cr catalyst layer(3); the gas temp. was lowered to 250 deg.C at the outlet of catalyst layer(3); the gas was introduced into the 2nd Cu-Zn catalyst layer(4) to which steam(5) preheated at 250 deg.C was supplied.
Pref. the connection strip (110) overlies a transparent electrode (104) on each cell, the comb-shaped member (112) contacting the electrode. The solar cells are pref. semiconductor thin-film cells. Pref. one cell electrode comprises a conductive cell substrate (101).    Method comprises: connecting the connection strip to an electrode of one cell to form a sub-assembly; and sequentially stacking adhesive portions of the sub-assemblies of connection strips and cells to effect series connection.
The unit comprises an inside reforming mainframe filled with reforming catalyst and provided with a material gas partition plate at the centre to control the flow of material gas. Upper and lower enclosing plates attached to the inside reforming unit mainframe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Long-term stability.
Prepn. of beta-lithium aluminate fibre comprises mixing (A) an al salt, Al oxide-hydroxide, its hydrate, or organic aluminate, etc., (K) in hydroxide or -carbonate, etc. and (S) a solvent dissolvable (K) LI salt, at 25 deg. C. to b.pt. of (S), to give a slurry, and slowly drying it at 50 deg. C. to b.pt. of (S). Ratio of amts. of (L) (A) is pref. 0.5 - 10.0.    Drying of the slurry is carried out slowly so as to give single crystal of beta-lithium aluminate fibre of aspect ratio of 5-10. (S) solvent is pref. water, alcohol, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A beta-lithium aluminate fibre used for reinforcing a material supporting electrolyte of electrolyte-plate of fuel-cell melt-carbonate type which is used for exchanging chemical energy of fuel into electric energy directly, can be produced. Fibre has superior and mechanical strength and maintains electrolyte of melt-carbonate.
The heat resisting cast iron comprises (by wt.) 0.05-0.6% C, up to 2.0% Si, up to 2.0% Mn, 15-30% Cr, 10-40% Ni, 0.02-0.5% Zr, 0.001-0.1% Al, 0.02-0.10% N, and balance Fe and impurities.    USE -   Used for reaction tubes for reforming furnaces for fuel cells, for oil refining, for petrochemical, or hearth rolls and radiant tubes as a structure member of heat treating furnaces.
Module for an ion conducting device has solid state electrolyte elements (12) disposed in a generally circular array between end plates, e.g. (24B). Both plates have a central aperture (26), together with further apertures (28), each of which is associated with an element (12). Central space (14) communicates with passageways directed outwards through spacing members forming part of each element, and apertures (28) communicate with longitudinal passageways in the spacers. Seals (30)(32) are positioned between adjacent elements, which are also sealed to the end plates. The elements are connected together electrically, using either a series or a parallel arrangement.    Pref., each element (12) is a polymeric electrolyte membrane, an immobilised liquid membrane, or a molten electrolyte membrane, and four or six elements are arranged at regular intervals around end plate apertures (26). When used as a fuel cell, air is passed through space (14) via these apertures, and fuel gas is passed through apertures (28). When forming a stacked assembly, all apertures in adjacent end plates are aligned. For fuel cell use, the tiers are connected electrically in series or parallel. Elements (12) can also be of oxides of metals such as zirconium, cerium, hafnium, thorium and bismuth. Monolithic plates with surface gas flow grooves can also be used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Modules can be assembled to form a fuel cell. They can also operate as steam electrolysers or oxygen concentrators. The electrolyte elements are of relatively inexpensive materials, and flow characteristics of the module provide better performance and reliability than prior devices. The module is of compact size.
Electrolysis of liquids, esp. water, comprises applying a material having a solar cell function to the liquid and with sufficient voltage to electrolyse, and applying a light beam.    Also claimed are granules, for use in the electrolysis, comprising particles of material having solar cell function.    Pref., a series of layers, formed on a substrate, is used as the material having a solar cell function and is chosen so that it has at least one pN junction, which produces on light radiation, a voltage between two metallic layers formed as contacts in the layer series. The surface of the substrate is planar and the layers in the layer series run parallel to the substrate surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells. Degree of effectiveness is increased.
The fluoro-organic polymeric material comprises a polymeric chain and gp(s). pendant from it comprising ion-exchange gp(s). or gp(s). convertible thereto, wherein (i) the equiv. wt. (EW) distribution (EW determined by titration:EW determined by NMR) is above 1.05; (ii) the conductivity prod. is at least 1.8 ohm-1cm-1; (iii) the pendant gp. comprises ion-exchange gp(s). wherein the relative hydration prod. is below 110; or (iv) the pendant gp. comprises ion-exchange gp(s). or gp(s). convertible thereto directly linked to a acyclic C atom.    Also claimed is prepn. of the above fluoropolymer comprising: copolymerising a fluorinated alkene and a fluorocarbon vinyl ether bearing a gp. convertible to an ion-exchange gp. under conditions such that the fluoropolymer has (i), (ii) and/or (iii) as above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fluoropolymer is useful as an ion-exchange membrane in electrochemical devices, partic. fuel cells (claimed), also electrolytic cells and proton pumps. The ion-exchange membranes have a useful combination of properties, e.g. high specific conductivities over a commercially useful EW range, higher hydration prods. over a certain specific conductivity range and lower crystallinity.
Polycrystalline gamma-lithium aluminate, LiAlO2, fibres are prepd. in a method whereby: (i) micromould fibres ware filled with a fluid suspension contg. a lithium salt and alumina or an aluminium salt or a lithium aluminate dispersion in a solvent, (ii) heating the fibres in an inert atmos. in a non-reactive container contg. Li2O or LiOH to above the Li2O volatilisation temp. for at least 5 min. to saturate the atmos. with Li2O and convert the fluid mixt. to gamma-LiAlO2 fibres, and (iii) firing in air to burn-off the micromoulds.    USE -   The fibres are particularly useful as reinforcement for electrolyte tiles in molten carbonate fuel cells prepd. from gamma-lithium aluminate powder and lithium carbonate potassium carbonate electrolyte. Fibre reinforcement is also useful for cutting tools, armour, engine parts, electronic devices, catalysts and medical implants.
Device comprises a container contg. an aq. soln. of an organo-metallic cpd. (I) and at least one anode/cathode pair. (I) comprises a metal ion having two valency states and ligand-bonding sites, the cpd. contg. at least one Cl ligand, at least one NH3 ligand and at least one carboxylic acid ligand from which at least one carboxyl gp. has been removed during formation of the complex to form a ligand having at least one C atom covalently bonded to the metal.    Visible light is radiated through the container to the soln., which is photoactive.    An alternative chain, (I) is applied to the electrodes in the form of an aq. paste and visible or UV light is radiated through the container onto the paste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar conversion and storage cell. Cell converts light and can also act as a battery storing electric power when not under irradiation; also no special dyes such as thionine are required and it is not required that one half-cell be kept in the dark; the cell is an improvement on that of US 4190705.
La chromite LaCr1-xMxO3 where M = Zn and/or Cu; and x = 0.02-0.20 is prepd. by: forming an LaCr1-xMxO3.Adsorbate (where Adsorbate = volatile matter adsorbed on the powder comprising up to 35 wt.% of the precursor); calcining at 650-1100 deg. C for 0.5-4 hrs.; and deagglomerating.    The precursor is prepd. by: reacting an La and Cr soln. with excess NH4OH to ppte. hydroxide; washing with water and aq. alcohol to form an aq. alcohol slurry; adding M cpd. soln.; and separating the powder at super-critical conditions at a temp. and pressure equal to or greater than the critical point of the aq. alcohol liq.    Alcohol is a 1-5C alcohol, pref. isopropanol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As interconnect material for a solid oxide fuel cell. Material can be sintered to a density higher than 95% at temps. as low as 1400 deg. C in an oxidising atmos.
The powders required to form the anode, cathode, electrolyte and interconnect materials of a fuel cell are separately mixed with binders and formed into tapes. From these composite tri:layer tapes are formed comprising an electrolyte layer between anode and cathode, and interconnect layer between anode and cathode respectively.    The tapes are cut to length and at least one of them formed to a desired shape. The two tri:layer tapes are then stacked alternately to the required height of the fuel cell core.    Binder is removed from the core which is then sintered to a monolithic body by heating at more than 40 deg.C./min. to 1550-1660 deg.C. followed by cooling.    The interconnect material mixt. may also include a CaO-B2O3 flux.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased electrical conductivity and output current density. More rapid prodn. process.
Film is made of a solid solution of zirconia with an oxide alkaline earth and has rare earth metals. The X-ray diffraction intensity of its plane (111) and X ray diffraction intensity of all the other crystal planes are less than 20%. The half band width of the diffraction peak of its (111) plane is less than 0.8 deg.    Film is produced by electron beam heating process at film formation speed of less than 50 A/sec, in a vacuum of less than 5 x 10 power -4 Torr, using zirconia and an oxide of at least alkali in earth and in rare earth metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Film shows oxygen ion conductivity at a low temp. It is useful as an oxygen sensor working at a low temp. It provides a large electric current value so can be used also as solid electrolyte for a fuel cell of the third generation.
The Pt-alloy catalyst is produced by dispersing carbon powders loaded with Pt or Pt-alloy in hot water with an ultrasonic wave homogeniser; plating the metal (M) selected from Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu onto the carbon powders via electroless process so as to form an alloy contg. Pt or Pt-alloy and M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as an electrode of phosphate acid type fuel cell. The obtd. catalyst has a higher activity and a reduced solubility in the electrolyte.    In an example, carbon powders contg. Pt were dispersed in boiled water. A pH 12.8 soln. contg. NiCl2, CoCl2 sodium tartrate, and hydrazine hydrochloride was added to the dispersion. The resultant powders were washed with water and heated at 900 deg.C in water vapour stream.
Ammonia sepg. system includes (a) fuel passage partitioned and formed by two positive and negative gas diffusion electrodes in a fuel cell container; (b) an electrolytic chamber and (c) an oxidant passage.    Ammonia water is filled in the electrolytic chamber. An ammonia-mixed gas obtd. in an ammonia synthesising unit is introduced into the fuel passage. Air is introduced into the oxidant passage. Ammonium carbonate is added to the electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in obtaining energy used in chemical plants. The system separates ammonia from the ammonia-mixed gas without cooling or heating. The use of the fuel cell reaction provides electrical or heat energy and provides good efficiency and has no exhaust gas.
System includes (a) an ammonia synthesising unit for heating and pressurising a raw material gas comprising N2 and H2 and for synthesising ammonia on a synthesising catalyst; (b) an ammonia separator for sepg. ammonia from the ammonia-mixed gas obtd. from the ammonia synthesis unit; (c) fuel cells for generating power from H2 and air not sepd. in the ammonia separator. The power obtd. from the fuel cells is used for heating and pressurisation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method synthesises ammonia from energy obtd. from the raw material gas. The result synthesises ammonia at a place having difficulty in storing ammonia. The use of fuel cell reaction provides good efficiency and has no exhaust gas.
(JP6005299-A)   NOVELTY - A heat exchanger (40) has a high temperature chamber and a low temperature chamber separated by a tube. The fuel gas flowing through the low temperature chamber is heated by the hot anode gas from a reformer (10). A desulfurizing agent is packed in the low temperature chamber to remove sulfur content in the fuel gas, simultaneously while heating of the fuel gas.    USE - In buildings and apartments.    ADVANTAGE - The desulfurizing property of the device is increased, thus reducing heat retention and the piping. The heating and desulfurizing are performed simultaneously as the fuel gas is heated with the hot anode gas flowing from the reformer, thus reducing the size and cost of the device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the schematic view of the electric power generation device.    modifier (10)    air preheater (14)    fuel cell (20)    catalyst combustor (30)    heat exchanger (40)
The method involves producing a hollow preform plate-like support body (25), using an air pole material. A solid electrolyte layer (21) is formed on one side surface of the support body. An electrode formed of material different from the air pole material, is formed on the solid electrolyte layer. An interconnector layer is formed on the surface of the unit electricity generation cell (20), over which the solid electrolyte layer is not formed. A mixture of substances for extrusion moulding, with mutually different physical property, is used for simultaneous multilayer extrusion moulding of the thin plate part of the support body with solid electrolyte layer and the other part. After extrusion moulding process, the preform support body is sintered to form the required support body.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves capacity of battery. Improves durability of support body. Offers identical porosity for hollow planar support body.
Prodn. of silicon comprises: (a) using silicon waste generated in the semiconductor industry as a starting raw material; (b) melting the waste; (c) filtering the waste through equipment having a through hole at its bottom, and filling a filter material comprising mainly a silicon cpd. in a filtering container comprising mainly a silicon cpd.; (c) applying oxidation treatment to the waste; and (d) unidirectionally coagulating the waste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method readily produces silicon for solar battery. The resulting silicon has high purity.
Prodn. of a thin shaped body (tube, flat material, shaped and/or perforated sheet) of a metal alloy with limited formability involves (a) producing a correspondingly shaped and dimensioned support body of a material with an expansion coefficient matching that of the alloy and with a softening point of above 1000 deg.C; (b) depositing the alloy on the support body by low pressure plasma spraying under a noble gas atmos.; (c) separating the support body from the deposited thin-walled shaped body; and (d) opt. applying a coating.    A shaped body of 0.2-1 mm wall thickness, produced by the above process is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of e.g. electrically conductive components such as bipolar plates for high temp. fuel cells. Thin-walled (0.2-1 mm thick) shaped bodies of limited formability alloy can be produced directly in the desired shape without requiring mechanical working. The bodies have a high density with a porosity of below 3%.
Hydrogen is produced in an enclosed environment by (a) reforming a hydrocarbon fuel (I) by a process including heating (I) and any needed water, to produce a gaseous product (II) including hydrogen; (b) separating most of the hydrogen from (II); (c) combusting the remainder of (II) to remove residual hydrogen therefrom; (d) removing carbon dioxide from the products of combustion (III) and (e) either (i) discharging the remainder of (III) from the enclosed environment, or (ii) recycling the reaminder of (III) to be combusted and used for heating the fuel in step (a) the hydrogen may be fed to a fuel cell (10), adapted to generate power for the submarine vessel.    USE -   Used to generate electricity to power an electric motor of a submarine (claimed).
Forming an amorphous Si hydride film by depositing an amorphous Si hydride film onto a substrate hy hf sputtering, comprises: applying a DC or HF bias voltage to at least one of a target composed of a material contg. Si atom and a substrate, with a discharge frequency greater than 50MHz, and using an inert gas contg. H in a controlled amt. greater than 0.1at% as an electric discharge gas.    A partial pressure of other gases than the inert gas contg. H is up to 10%-)8 Torr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electronic devices, e.g. electrophotographic photosensitive members, pickup tubes, solid pickup elements, display TFTs, solar cells. Process for depositing a hydrogenated amorphous Si film of good quality, safely, at low cost and with a good reproducibility, with a very low A concn.
The cell has at least one electrode (16) applied to a glass plate (12) providing the front face (13) of the cell via an intermediate, transparent, electrically-conductive oxide layer (14). The electrode acts as an anode and comprises a porous thallium oxide layer incorporating a colourant, its rear surface carrying a counter-electrode (18) acting as a cathode. A rigid rear wall (20) lies at the back of the counter-electrode.    Alternatively the cell has a number of anode electrodes coupled together via intermediate conductor paths, each cooperating with an associated cathode.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency.
Prodn. of a layer of a binary or ternary cpd. semiconductor, having metallic and nonmetallic components, comprises (i) vapour depositing a first discrete layer of at least one metallic component of the semiconductor onto a first flexible endless substrate; (ii) opt. vapour depositing a second layer of a second metallic component onto the first layer; (iii) producing a layer of the nonmetallic component by vapour deposition and contacting it with the metallic component layer(s); and heating to effect chemical reaction of the components to produce the cpd. semiconductor, each step being carried out continuously in a through process.    A thin film solar cell arrangement has a flexible endless strip substrate which is electrically insulating at least at its surface, a first electrode layer, a photovoltaic absorber layer of a cpd. semiconductor and a second electrode layer, the electrode layers and the absorber layer being quasi-endlessly structured parallel to the strip substrate so that strip-like individual solar cells are electrically series-connected by overlapping of their electrode regions transverse to the strip substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows efficient mass prodn. of cpd. semiconductor layers esp. suitable for inexpensive solar cell mfr., can be automated and has high through-put rate.
A rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell has (1) an anode (14) comprising an alkali metal M as active anode substance, (2) a cathode (16) comprising a transition metal halide as active cathode substance, (3) electrochemically coupling the anode to the cathode, at least one liq. electrolyte in accordance with formula MxARyXz (1) in which M is an alkali metal or a mixt. of such, A is one of Al, B, Zn or mixts. of these, R is an organic radical of mixt. of such, X is an organic radical, a halogen or mixts. of these, x is at least 1, y is at least 1, z = 0-3, y + z = at least 4 when A comprises Al, B and mixts. of this, and y + y = at least 3 when A comprises Zn and mixts. of Zn.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolytes of relatively low m.pt. can be obtd. in the range 20-200 deg.C. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9401 based on complete specification)
Issued in week 9806; first major country equivalent to JP5347250.    Microwave plasma processing apparatus comprises: (i) a vacuum processing chamber which can contain a substrate having at least a surface to be processed; (ii) a microwave introducing aperture for introducing a microwave into the vacuum processing chamber; and (iii) at least 2 fins. Each fin has two ends and one end of each fin is arranged adjacent the microwave introducing aperture at an inner side of the vacuum processing chamber. The fins are arranged in a row which extends from the microwave introducing aperture in a direction parallel to the propagation of the microwave with a space between each fin to divide the microwaves introduced through the microwave introducing aperture. The lengths of the fins measured from the ends adjacent the microwave introducing aperture to the ends furthest from the microwave introducing aperture are different, and a plane defined at least by the ends of two fins furthest from the microwave introducing aperture is not perpendicular and nor parallel to a plane of the microwave introducing aperture. Also claimed is a microwave plasma processing method using the apparatus.    USE -   Apparatus can be used to produce semiconductor film for a solar battery.    ADVANTAGE -   A plasma is stably generated over a large area for a long time. Dust adhered to microwave introduction window is reduced. Film thickness is made more even and film quality unevenness is eliminated.
In the transparent conductive film, Al is doped in SnO2. Prodn. of the transparent conductive film comprises (a) irradiating laser beams at a raw material gas in which the partial pressure ratio of an Al cpd. to an Sn cpd. is adjusted to 0.1-0.7, pref. 0.45; and (b) depositing the transparent conductive film in which Al is doped in SnO2.    USE -   The method produces the transparent conductive film used in liq. crystal displays, solar batteries or light-intercepting devices. The film exhibits low resistivity.
Process comprises debindering the moulding at 300 deg.C or higher in an atmos. contg. 0.5 vol.% or more O2 under conditions as such that the oxidn. gain of the FeSi2 powder may be 1 wt.% or less, then sintering in vacuum or in H2 at 1150-1190 deg.C.    USE -   Provides FeSi2 sheets to use in thermoelectric conversion elements.
Method of sealing solar cell element between a glass plate and an Al foil efficiently comprises forming element (10) on a glass plate (6). The glass plate (6) and the Al foil (3) and then set on the heating jig (9) so that the element (10) is in contact with the thermoplastic resin coating (12) of the Al foil (3). Then they are pressed to the heating jig (9) by the press means (13) and the Al foil (3) is heated through the heating jig (9) instantly by activating the high frequency power source (5). Thus the thermoplastic resin coating (12) located around the element (10) melts so that the element (10) is sealed between the glass plate (6) and the Al foil (3).    ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell element is sealed without thermal deterioration.
Material gas is reformed by using a fluidised bed reformer and supplied to a fuel cell for generation and exhaust gas from the fuel cell is supplied to the fluidised bed reformer. The system comprises a pressure rise blower in an exhaust gas passage from the fuel cell to the reformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel gas pressure and the head of the blower is reduced and the required power of the system is reduced.
(JP5343089-A)   NOVELTY - Low temperature fuel gas exchanges heat with high temperature anode gas (2) resulting from modifier (10) of fuel-cell electricity generation installation. The fuel gas is heated and anode gas is cooled. The hot fuel gas is mixed with a low temperature fuel gas, and is supplied to the modifier.    USE - For temperature control of fuel-cell electricity generation installation, particularly for controlling temperature of anode gas supplied to melting carbonate type fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - A flow control valve for high temperature anode gas from a modifier, is not needed. Anode gas can be cooled to the temperature suitable for fuel cell, without high temperature flow control valve. The electricity generation installation is manufactured at low cost and has reduced heat loss and is efficient in electricity generation.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A modifier (10) modifies fuel gas into anode gas containing hydrogen, and cathode gas containing oxygen. A fuel cell (20) generates electricity generation from anode gas and cathode gas. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for the fuel-cell electricity generation installation with temperature-control device.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a block diagram of the electricity generation installation using temperature control method.    high temperature anode gas (2)    modifier (10)    fuel cell (20)
(JP5343085-A)   NOVELTY - A supply pipe (27) supplies refrigerant methanol solution into fuel cells (30) arranged in a cell stack (13). The methanol solution is circulated using a pump (43) through a circuit (04). The methanol solution and water flows into a carburetor (63) from a branch point (61), where the methanol solution and water are evaporated. A reformer (52) reforms the evaporated solution.    USE - Used in a fuel cell system.    ADVANTAGE - Since methanol is used as a refrigerant and fuel of a fuel cell, the power generation of the fuel cell system is stabilized and the volume of the carburetor is reduced.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of the fuel cell system.    circuit (4)    cell stack (13)    supply pipe (27)    fuel cells (30)    side (32)    pump (43)    reformer (52)    branch point (61)    carburetor. (63)
A fibre-reinforced substrate (I) comprises (a) a number of fibres; (b) a resin; and (c) an anti-agglomerating agent. (c) Inhibits fibre handling during prepn. of (I).$    Also claimed are (A) a method for the prepn. of (I) comprising the steps of (i) mixing (a), (b) and (c) to form a mixt.; (ii) forming the mixt. into a layer; and (iii) thermally curing the resin in the layer; and (B) a fibre reinforced substrate for use in a fuel cell comprising (a) a number of C baked fibres; (b) a thermosetting polymer resin; and (c) a C-based anti-agglomerating agent.$    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are useful in fuel cells to support anode and cathode catalysts and to support electrolyte, thereby forming the electrolyte reservoir plate. (I) Have improved structural integrity, flowability during prodn., and uniform porosity and fuel, oxidant, and/or electrolyte diffusion rates, giving fuel cell stacks able to obtain optimum efficiency.
The thin-film solar cell comprises a thin active layer (111) of highly pure material for photoelectric conversion, a structure for carrying the active layer, and a contact electrode (116).    The structure consists of a carrier substrate (110) made of a material of low purity, and a barrier layer (121) for protecting the active layer (111) against impurities entering by diffusion. The electrode is located at the rear of the carrier substrate.    A barrier layer is formed on the top surface of a prepared substrate. This layer is followed in succession by active layers of highly pure materials with the first and second mode of conduction, and an antireflection film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In manufacture of solar cells. The amount of high-purity material and, as a consequence, the cost of solar cells are reduced. Such cells are simply joinable into modules.
Bio-electric arrangement comprising a radiation sensitive biological material (I) such as e.g. Rhodopsin embedded in a lyotropic liq. crystal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement of (I) embedded in a lyotropic liq. crystal is esp. useful as a radiation sensor for detecting different types or intensities of radiation, or in the prodn. of solar batteries. Embedding the (I) in a lyotropic liq. crystal facilitates orientation and stabilisation of the (I) in the bioelectric arrangement, avoids the use of highly purified biological materials and provides for conversion of radiation energy into electrical energy by the (I) in such a way that the electrical signals can be recorded by attaching electrodes directly to the liq. crystal. High measurement voltages are obtd. thus allowing the use of simple measurement systems, e.g. the sensor may be connected to a conventional recording indicator.
1,4-Bis(1,3,5-trimethyl pyrazolyl-4)-1-cyan-2-tricyan vinyl-1-buten-3-yne, formula (I) is prepd. by boiling 1,4-bis(1,3,5-trimethyl pyrazolyl-4)-1,3-butadiene and tetracyan ethylene in absolute acetonitrile for 5-6 hrs..    0.13g Tetracyan ethylene dissolved in 10ml acetonitrile is added dropwise to 0.27g 1,4-bis(1,3,5-trimethyl pyrazolyl-4)- 1,3-butadiene dissolved in 20ml hot acetonitrile and the mixt. is boiled for 5-6 hrs.. After partial evapn. of the solvent the residue is poured into CCl4. The ppte. formed on cooling is washed with CCl4 to form 0.33g (83%) prod. with a m.pt. of 190-191 deg.C after recrystallisation from methanol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prepn. is used in heterocyclic chemistry and gives a high yield. The cpd. is used as a photoconductivity sensitiser for poly-9-vinyl carbazole giving a sensitivity of 32.5 m2/J. Bul.1/7.1.93
Material comprises by wt., 0.1% or less C, 17-23% Cr, 10-29% Ni, 0.1-0.4% Nb, 0.05-0.3% of Ti and/or Zr, 0.02-0.05% N, 0.003-0.01% B, and Fe with impurities.    The material pref. also comprises, in addn. to above, 5% or less Cu. The ratio of components 0.6(Ni+Cu)/Cr is 0.55 or lower.    Impurities Mn, P, and S are pref. contained as little as possible. A pref. steel contains (by wt.), 0.09% C, 0.81% Si, 0.84% Mn, 22.0% Cr, 18.0% Ni, 5.0% Cu, 0.25% Nb, 0.10% each of Zr and Ti, 0.006% B, 0.02% N, and Fe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sheets to be incorporated in a reformer, for producing H2 to supply to the fuel cell. Partic., used as sheets in on-site reformers used at 950 deg.C or lower.
Fuel dispersion chambers are joined in the fuel chamber through a fuel dispersion plate having dispersion holes. A differential manometer for finding the pressure difference between pressure P1 at inlet of burning chamber and pressure P2 at inlet of the fuel dispersion chamber is arranged at the air supply line connected to inlet side of the burning chamber and at the fuel supply line connected to the fuel dispersing chamber. A branch flow line is arranged for pre-mixing the air to the fuel from the air supply line to the fuel supply line. A valve and blower are arranged at the branch flow line. When P2 is lower than P1, the valve is opened on a signal from the manometer, and the blower is operated so as to raise P2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plate reformer is used for mfg. generation gas from fuel. Counterflow of the air or the fuel to the dispersion chamber at inlet of the burning chamber is prevented.
Electrochemical cell electrode plate comprises (a) laminar assembly of at least two identically configured plate-shaped components of an electrically conductive high-strength material having first major surfaces that are juxtaposed with one another in the assembly, and oppositely facing second major surfaces; (b) each of the components including a central portion having a multitude of fluid-flow spaces that communicate with the spaces of the respective other of the components in the assembly, and a solid frame integral with and circumferentially surrounding the central portion and provided with at least one through aperture therein that opens onto the first and second major surfaces and is aligned with an aperture of the other component in the assembly to form a continuous fluid-flow conduit therewith; and (c) the frame portion of each of the components having at least one channel therein that is situated between the aperture and the central portion and opens onto the first major surface, the channels of the two components communicating with one another in the assembly to complement each other into a continuous passage that establishes communication between the aperture and at least one of the spaces of the central portion of one of the components.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the high pressure electrochemical cell structure, the passage is partially formed in one of the components and partially in the other, the affected frame region of neither one of these components is weakened to the extent where its ability to withstand stresses would be compromised.
Composite material comprises (in wt.%): 70-86.5% C filler (graphite, coke, thermo-anthracite etc.), 9.5-17.5% phenol-formaldehyde resin, 1-6% '4' or '4D' fluoro-plastic, 2.5-4.5% urotropin and 0.5-2% stearic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a corrosion resistant material in the chemical industry; as a high heat conducting and light absorbing material in the energy industry esp. in solar technology; and as an antifriction material in a wide range of engineering applications.
A hydrogen/halogen electrolytic cell acts as an electric load levelling and load shifting system by storing off peak electricity by electrolysis of conc. hydrohalic acid to form H2, halogen and dil. hydrohalic acid and provides peak electricity by recombining H2 and halogen to form hydrohalic acid for subsequent cycles.    Also claimed is the prodn. of hydrogen halide and O2 by photochemically and thermally reacting H2O and halogen gas and sepg. O2 and halide (I) formed. A method of electrolyte reformation is further claimed where (I) is H2O solvated to form hydrohalic acid.    Also claimed is a photolysis method where a transition metal halide complex is photo excited in soln. in presence of a hydrohalic acid to form molecular halogen. Further claimed is MeOH prodn. where CO2 contg. effluent (II) is contacted with a basic metal oxide bed to convert the bed to the corresp. metal carbonate then decomposing to release CO2 for reaction with H2 in presence of a metal oxide catalyst to form MeOH prod.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (II) may be from municipal waste combustion thus leading to abatement of greenhouse effect. MeOH prod. is usable as fuel. Contaminated H2O feed stream may be used in electrolyte reformation process.
Device has a processing container forming a pressure reduction reaction chamber that is evacuated by a vacuum pump. Reaction gas is fed from cylinder. Platinum coated electrodes are provided at both sides of opening window made on wall surface of the container. The window is made of solid electrolyte, e.g., PTFE film. Power source for electrolysis is connected between electrodes. Hydrogen or oxygen gas generated in the reaction chamber by moisture stored in meshes of PTFE film. Such reactions as oxidation, reduction, synthesises, decomposition, etc., take place to deposit by vaporisation reaction substances on the base material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device generates electrolytic gas directly in the reaction chamber to secure the safety. Quantity of gas is controlled accurately to assure stable reaction.
Prod. comprises a tubular sintered zirconia prod. having an outer dia. of 10-20mm, inner dia. of 9-15mm and porosity of 10-50x10power(-4) cm/cm2. sec.cmH2O; The prod. may be made from a zirconia powder of sub-micron size.
Method comprises using a binder contg. a mixt. Y-stabilised zirconia with glassy material at wt. ratio of 4:6-6:4 for bonding them and sintering the bond zones.    USE -   For making solid electrolyte type fuel cells.
Crude silicon contg. at least 1 ppm (by wt) B impurity is fused in a furnace which has a gas inlet at the bottom, and Ar, H2, or mixt. contg. up to 1 vol. % N2 is introduced into the furnace through the gas inlet while the melt is stirring.    Pref. CaO, CaF2, SiO2, or CaCl2 powder is added to the gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to produce Si with higher purity for solar cells. B impurity may be removed as boron nitride in an energy saving process.    In an example, 10 kg of crude metal Si contg. 16 ppm of B and 25 ppm of C was fused in an induction heating furnace at 1580-1620 deg. C. Ar gas contg. 0.7 vol. % N2 was introduced into the furnace at 30 N litre/min for 40 mins. B and C impurities were reduced below the limit of detection.
Photovoltaic device (10) has transparent substrate (1) on which photovoltaic layers (3) and back electrode (4) are present, one of the photovoltaic layers (3p,3b) being in contact with substrate consisting of amorphous semiconductor of first conductivity and overlaid by photosensitive layer, with second conductivity semiconductor. Photosensitive layer (3i) of 100 is formed by repeated 100 layers of intrinsic amorphous-SiC (3i,3n) formed by plasma CVD on first conductivity semiconductor and plasma treated using H2 gas, which is also contained in photosensitive layer to over 20 at.%.    Also claimed is a similar device and mfr. methods.    USE -   Photovoltaic device mfr.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency of conversion, 11.5% compared to 10.5%. Open circuit voltage of 1.90V compared to 1.85V by previous mfr. methods. Short circuit current rise from 8 mA/cm2 to 8.5 mA/cm2. Large optical bandgap and increased light transmission through first photovoltaic layer. Improved electrical characteristics of device.
Generator comprises reformer exhaust gas supplied to the fuel pole side of a phosphoric acid fuel cell after being treated by a carbon monoxide converter, and cooling water sprayed to the conversion catalyst filled layer via a spray nozzle in the carbon monoxide converter to treat the reformer exhaust gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient steam is recovered from the fuel cell side and a small, compact generator is obtd..
The method comprises by-passing part of combustion gas from a reformer, which consists of a combustion chamber to burn anode exhaust gas passing through a fuel cell and a reforming chamber to reform fuel gas with combustion gas given from the combustion chamber, so as to join with cathode gas when the load of the fuel cell drops.    ADVANTAGE -   As by-passed combustion gas is joined together with cathode gas, the supply of carbon dioxide required for the fuel cell to the cathode gas is not decreased.
The fuel cell comprises the unit cells, bipolar plates and the which are penetrated by internal manifolds for raw fuel, fuel gas and oxidant gas with openings to the unit cells, bipolar plates and reformer. The reformer is provided with reforming catalyst and two parting strips parallelly crossing the interior of the reformer to divide it into three parts, an inside space and two outside spaces.    One end of each strip is connected to an inside wall of the frame but is separated at the other ends of the inside wall of the frame to form notches. An inside manifold for the raw fuel is provided with an opening to inside parts and inside manifolds for the fuel gas arranged at both sides of the inside manifold for the raw fuel and are provided with openings to the outside spaces. The inside space only is filled with reforming catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Long-life fuel cell with uniform temp. distribution in cell and reduced IR loss in operation.
(JP5325993-A)   NOVELTY - The low voltage side cellular splitting object of one cell layer and high voltage side cellular splitting object of other cell layer, are connected serially through a current carrying element.    USE - For fuel cell applications.
A material (I) comprises Cr alloy with 3-10 at.% Fe and 0.5-5 at.% rare earth metal (oxide), whose thermal coefficient of expansion, at 200 deg.C is 8.5-10.5 x 10 power (-6) per K, and at 900 deg.C, is 14-15 x 10 power (-6).    The average thermal coefficient of expansion in the region 0-1000 deg.C always deviates by less than 10% of that of Y-stabilised Zr-oxide. The alloy is CrFe5Y2O31. The rare earth metal is Y.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) can be used for the metallic components of high temp. fuel cell units having ceramic solid electrolytes comprising Y-stabilised Zr-oxide. (I) is claimed for use as a bipolar plate or window foil. The fuel cell has improved strength.
Material (I) is claimed for the metallic components of high temp fuel cell units contg. ceramic solid electrolytes made of Y-stabilised Zr-oxide whose thermal coefficient of expansion at 200 deg.C is (8.5-10.5) x 10 power minus 6 per K, and at 900 deg.C is (14-15) x 10 power minus 6.    The thermal coefficient of expansion in the range 0-1000 deg.C always deviates by less than 10% of that of the Y-stabilised Zr-oxide. The material is a Ti-Cr alloy contg. a rare earth metal (oxide), esp. TiCr3OY1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) can be used as bipolar plate (12) or window foil (52). The strength of the fuel cell is improved.
A bottom supported gas fired reformer arrangement, comprises (a) a bottom support for the reformer, (b) a shell bottom plate, (c) a cylindrical shell housing, (d) a shell head (b, c and d being connected to form an impervious shell), (e) a gas firing means forming combustion prods. supported from the impervious shell and firing into an upper end portion of the impervious shell, (f) a number of bayonet type reactors, each with a central tube for the downflow of reformer gas and an outer casing forming an annulus for the upflow of reformer gas, the reactors annularly arranged within the impervious shell, (g) a reformer gas outlet header located within the shell below and passing beneath all reactors, (h) an outlet tube extension of each of the central tubes directly connected to the outlet header as a support member for the reactors, and the impervious shell providing a lower combustion gas outlet plenum internal of the impervious shell and beneath the reactors, (i) at least three outlet header support members supporting the outlet header and passing directly downwardly to the shell bottom plate, and secured to the bottom plate, and (j) at least one outlet header support member comprising a reformer gas outlet line carrying reformer gas from the outlet header.    USE -   Bottom support for high temp. gas reformers.
Corrosion resistant material comprises Fe-Cr-Mo/Al powder, having compsn. (by wt.) up to 0.5% C, up to 2.0% Si, 10.0-40.0% Cr, one or more of 0.5-10.0% Mo, and 0.01-10.0% Al, and balance Fe.    USE -   Used for surface coating material of containers (cells) for housing anode active substance in Na-S cells by thermal spraying.
The substrate is made by forming a transparent ZnO film and SiO2 film on a glass substrate in sequence, followed by forming a Nesa film or ITO film on the SiO2 film.    USE -   For LC's and solar cells.
System, which allows prodn. of hydrogen and generation of energy powered by hydrogen in alternate cycles by using the same solid electrolyte, comprises steam energy created during generation and stored in a regenerator and thermal energy stored so as to be used in producing hydrogen.    ADVANTAGE -   Total energy efficiency is improved in a reversible process.
Compsn. comprises a hardening resin (1); and a thermoplastic resin (2). (2) has a Mn larger than (1), and is sol. in (1).    Pref. (1) and (2) have Mn of 3000 or less and 5000 or less, respectively. (1) is a polymer having an acrylic gp. opt. substd. at the alpha or beta position, and (2) is opt. a styrene acrylic, or styrene.acrylic polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Resin compsn. provides protection for the semiconductor appts. e.g. solar cell from external environmental conditions e.g. rain, UV rays, dust and moisture. Sealing procedure is simple, cheap and enables the solar cell to be operated stably for a long time while exhibiting good performance. Specifically, the resin compsns. imparts good heat, abrasion and H20 resistance, good electric insulating characteristics, satisfactory input resistance, adhesivity, flexibility and light transmissivity.
Transparent conductive film comprising ZnO as the main component and 0.5-12 at.% Ga, having a diffraction peak of the (002) face in its X-ray diffraction pattern, where the half value width of the diffraction peak of the (002) face is at most 0.6 degree.    A sputtering target and a material for cacuum deposition, made of a sintered body of ZnO contg. Ga. where the ratio of integrated intensity I1 of the X-ray diffraction peak of the (002) face of a Ga solid-solubilised ZnO phase shifted towards a high angle side by the solid solubilisation of Ga, to integrated intensity I2 of the X-ray diffraction peak of the (002) face of a ZnO phase at a low angle side having no Ga solid-solubilised, is at least 0.2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Gives a high performance, inexpensive transparent conductive film having low resistance and high transmittance, and to a target and a material for vacuum deposition that is used for forming the said conductive film. The film is used as a transparent electrode for a display device e.g. a liq. display device or a plasma luminescence device, a transparent electrode for a solar cell, a heat ray reflecting film, or a transparent heater element.
Solar module comprises a glass substrate coated in order; (a) conductive metal oxide, (b) amorphous semiconductor, (c) back metal electrode d) passivating resin comprising a coater vapour barrier layer having a permeability to water vapour of not more than 1g/m2 day measured at a thickness of 100 microns.    At least one part of the passivating resin layer is pref. formed by coating, and thermal curing. The water vapour barrier is pref. polyisobutylene resin. The passivating resin layer pref. comprises an oxygen barrier layer having a permeability to oxygen of not more than 0.1cc mm/m2 day atm. of copolymer of ethylene vinyl alcohol. The active area of the module is not less than 0.1m2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar modules for outdoor use. Has improved passivation.
A solid fuel cell includes a refractory solid electrolyte (1) in contact with anode and cathode and an electronically conducting interconnect medium having pores or channels (5,7) to deliver oxidant to the cathode and fuel to the anode without mixing. Anode, cathode and interconnect are zones (3a,b) within a unitary material with the interconnect being between the anode and cathode.    Also claimed is a stack of cells as above comprising alternate layers of unitary material and electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for high temp. operation (claimed). Cost is reduced, the material is stable in both oxidising and reducing environments, and stress is avoided by matched TCEs.
Fuel cell array comprises tubular elongated fuel cells (12) placed in rows (A,B,C,D), each cell contg. inner (14) and outer (18) electrodes with interposed solid electrolyte (16). The electrolyte and outer electrode are discontinuous, having two portions, and provide at least two opposed discontinuities which contain at least two opposite opposed interconnections (20,20') contacting the inner electrode (14). Each cell has only three metallic felt electrical connectors (22) which contact surrounding cells, where each row is electrically connected to the other.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of opposite opposed interconnections eliminates bowing in long (1m) cells and help eliminate the support tube. The circuiting of the cells provides twice the incremental stack voltage per raw relative to existing practice.
A solid electrolyte fuel cell has an electrolyte structure which is interposed between oxidant and fuel reservoirs and which includes an oxygen ion conductive electrolyte in the form of a thin flexible pre-sintered polycrystalline ceramic sheet.    Also a thermal shock resistant fuel cell comprises a combination of flat or curved and corrugated ceramic sheets forming a channelled fuel cell structure, at least one of the sheets being a flexible pre-sintered ceramic sheet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The designs are esp. applicable to honeycomb fuel cell structures similar to those of monolithic fuel cells. The cells are relatively simple to mfr., have improved physical, thermal and electrical properties and have high resistance to thermal stress damage.
Diamond-like C (DLC) film is formed on a substrate by: depositing a Langmuir-Blodgett molecular layer of a mol. contg. C and H; and irradiating with a laser beam to form the DLC film.    Pref. the mol. contains at least 7 adjacent -CH2-gps and is pref. oleic acid, stearic acid cumarin or aleoyl vanillin, esp. oleic acid. Substrate is metal (alloy), Si oxide, semiconductor, metal oxide or a polymer, esp. steel, Al, glass, quartz, Si or GaAs. The LB layer is a monolayer or a number of mono-layers. Laser is an Ar laser, pref. a pulsed laser. DLC film pref contains at least one backminster-fullerene cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In (opto)-electronic devices, high temp devices, solar cells, IR detectors etc; and as a coating for cutting tools, discs, friction parts etc. DLC films of controlled compsn can be formed by a simple low-cost process.
Solar battery is formed by a CuInSe2 polycrystal semiconductor thin film having a chalcopyrite type crystal structure and a Gp. II-VI-based semiconductor, e.g. CdS, CdZnS. Prodn. of the CuInSe2-based thin film solar battery comprises; (a) previously laminating Sn on a substrate; (b) forming Cu, In on the Ti layer; (c) heating the Ti, Cu, and In to 300-600 deg.C in an inert or redn. atmos.; (d) applying Se reaction to the Ti, Cu, and In to obtain a CuInSe2 layer; (e) providing an n layer and a window layer on the CuInSe2 layer. A buffer layer comprising Ti is provided between the back electrode and the CuInSe.    USE -   The use of the buffer layer allows chemical bonding to the substrate and the CuInSe2 film with no film peeling. The resulting solar battery has superior adhesion and has no age deterioration.
A mixed gas of GeF4 and a silane gas (SinH2n+n, n = 1-3) is supplied on a heated substrate having a substrate temp. of 200-600 deg.C to accumulate a Ge or SiGe thin film on the substrate.    USE -   The method forms the Ge or SiGe thin film used in a solar battery, photosensor, or thin film transistor. Thin film is formed at low temp. without complicated facilities.
(JP5315005-A)   NOVELTY - The fuel cell (4) has heater boards (3, 5) that are provided on its upper and lower portions and are fixed by bolt (9) and nut (9'). A support (12) extending from both the sides of the heater boards in horizontal direction, is latched with the inner face of a stack container (1) using a support (13).    USE - Fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Since the support is latched with the inner face of the stack container, the horizontal movement and shifting of the cell is prevented, using simple structure.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a sectional side view of a fuel cell.    Stack container (1)    Heater boards (3, 5)    Cell (4)    Bolt (9)    Nut (9')    Supports (12, 13)
System comprises the oxygen rich combustion furnace to burn fossil fuel in gas mixt. of CO2 and O2. CO2 conversion equipment to convert CO2 into CO through contacting CO2 with reducing agent, and the fuel cell.    Reducing agent packed layer of the CO2 conversion equipment is pref. mounted at the place where exhaust heat of the combustion furnace can be used. Reducing agent pref. comprises coke, coal, graphite, etc. esp. contg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Combined system of the oxygen rich combustion furnace, CO2 conversion equipment, and the fuel cell is used for conversion of high concn. CO2 exhaust gas into CO for reuse as fuel. Converting efficiency of CO2 is improved.    In an example, CO2 gas at approx. 800 deg.C recovered at the exit (5) of the furnace (1) was introduced to the conversion equipment (2). C packed layer (7) were mounted in the conversion equipment (2) and high temp. CO2 was reduced to CO. CO was used for fuel or chemical material.
(JP5315002-A)   NOVELTY - A water treatment unit (31) consists of an electroconductivity sensor (34) arranged between the main and auxiliary ion exchange tubes (32,33). The amount of resin for discharging water with low electric conductivity is stored in an auxiliary tube until ion exchange is finished in the main tube, when conductivity of water is high.    USE - Fuel cell power generator.    ADVANTAGE - The usage remnants of ion exchange resin in the auxiliary tube is reduced, hence the running cost of the generator is reduced. Provides a simple device which requires less installation space, hence initial cost of the generator is reduced.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the block diagram of fuel cell power generator. (Drawing includes non-English language text).    Water treatment unit (31)    Ion exchange tubes (32,33)    Electroconductivity sensor (34)
(JP5314999-A)   NOVELTY - The cell has an electrolyte plate on which an anode and a cathode are provided on either sides. Multiple current conducting rods are connected serially to both the anode and cathode.    USE - For electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - Provides a compact fuel cell efficiently.
Na-S cell has a terminal for taking-out positive electrode potential directly to the outside of a container without interposing the container from positive electrode form housed in the container. The positive electrode form comprises a porous conductive material impregnated with S, as a positive electrode active substance.    USE -   Used for reducing electric and chemical corrosion of the positive electrode container, extending the life of the cell.
The prodn. involves (a) forming on a heat resistant substrate, a layer having a breaking stress in the thickness direction which is less than that in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; (b) forming a thin semiconductor film which is high temp. heated; (c) adhering a support substrate on the surface of the film; and (d) breaking the anisotropic layer by applying mechanical stress to the two substrates so the breaking stress acts in the thickness direction of the layer and the film separates from the heat resistant substrate.    The anisotropic layer is pref. a thin layer of flocculant graphite with a crystal or layer structure in the thickness direction which differs from that in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, the graphite layer is bonded to the heat resistant substrate by a carbon or ceramic based binder. After breakage of the graphite layer, fragments are removed (by brushing or etching) from the film, a high impurity concn. region is produced in the thin film by inward diffusion from the surface, and a back electrode is produced on the thin film above the high impurity concn. region.    ADVANTAGE -   The prodn. combines favourable thin film prodn. on the heat resistant substrate with simple transfer of the thin film to a support substrate e.g. of glass, so a high quality solar cell is mfd. with high reliability and low cost.
In a solar cell module sealed with a resin for prevention of penetration of water, the sealing resin is formed by hardening of the starting material compsn. contg. (A) hydrocarbon series hardener having at least two hydrosilyl gps. in a molecule; (B) polymer having repeat unit with a main chain of satd. hydrocarbon, and having at least one alkenyl gp. at the molecule end, and (C) hydrosilylation catalyst.    The hardener (A) e.g. is of general formula RXa (where X is gp. having at least one hydrosilyl gp. R is mono-tetravalent 2-150 C hydrocarbon gp. a is integer 1-4) and has molecular wt. of up to 30000. X is e.g. -Si(H)n(CH3)3-n, -Si(H)n(C2H5)3-n, -Si(H)n(C6H5)3-n where n is 1-3, or -SiH2(C6H13). The catalyst (C) is e.g. Pt, Pt-olefin complex, Pt-phosphite complex, Pt-vinyl siloxane complex, or Pt-phosphine complex etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell module has excellent water penetration preventing property, and excellent weather resistance.
The appts. comprises a device for sensing the aerobic activity level of a user, and for outputting an aerobic activity level signal having a characteristic indicative of the aerobic activity level, and a device for sensing the output level of the exercise device, and for outputting an output level signal having a characteristic indicative of the output level.    A regulating device adjusts the exercise device according to the aerobic activity level signal, adjusts the play of the video game according to the aerobic activity level signal, and adjusts the play of the video game according to the output level signal. The exercise device comprises a number of difficulty levels, and the video game comprises a number of levels of difficulty of play and at least one user-operated control for controlling the play of the video game.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables regulation of both exercise device and video game according to level of exercise of user, and increases motivation to perform exercise.
The unit has a working element with vertical shafts (1) and blades and energy converter. The shaft is provided with axles (2) fitted on four sides along the whole of its length, an blades turning limiter (8). The blades are fitted on the axles and can overlap along the vertical.    When the blades are in the upper non-working horizontal position no resistance to the flow is created. The blades freely turn on the axles (2) along the min. resistance path. The blades begin to lower from the horizontal to the vertical position creating a resistance to the flow. Thus each blade turns the shaft (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For water flow energy conversion. The efficiency is increased. Bul.23/23.6.93
The computer (9) is disposed inside the system. The measurement converter (6) is located in the aggregate regulator (4), and the position of the servo-motor is determined indirectly.    The generator (1) is taken to a given power level by the regulator. The turbine (2) guide appts (3) is brought into action by the servo-motor (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Exhibits improved speed of response of control processes such that mismatch is processed between given and factual power for only one cycle. Bul. 23/23.6.93
The exercise bicycle has a device which measures the power delivered by the user, and a sensor (15) for measuring a physical parameter during and after exercising, coupled to a microprocessor which controls an acoustic and/or optical display (17,18). The sensor determines the transfer resistance of the skin surface, the acoustic display using a synthesiser providing a melody which has a playing speed or a tone sequence dependent on the measured parameter.    Pref. a training programme is stored on a compact disc or mini-disc (RTM), inserted in a cassette player, providing spoken training instructions at spaced points during exercising, the instructions interrupted when defined limits for the pulse rate, etc. are reached.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows training to be matched to fitness level of user.
The weights are raised and lowered on a vertical axis defined by a pair of guide rods (6) in parallel. The rope (5) includes upper (7) and lower (8) pulleys and a pair of handles (10). A seat (12) is slidable located in a rail (13) to be movable to-and-fro.    A monitoring device (19) covers the amt. of work done. It includes an optical scanner (20) covering the rotation of the upper pulley. An input keypad (23) and data screen (24) which may conveniently be located near the seat. The keypad enables the number of weights (3) to be entered. The work rate is automatically computed by a microprocessor using the information obtained from the optical scanner and a timer.    ADVANTAGE -   Work rate easily adjusted to suit user without complexity or large expense.
A tensioning device uses a powerful D.C. motor to simulate the effect of a stack of weights in an exercise machine. In order to reduce the friction loss and response time, a D.C. motor with a unique transmission mechanism is used.    A torque simulating the weight stack is generated when a current is fed to the coils of the motor. To minimise power dissipation of the controller, a method based on switching power supply is used to produce enough current without much power loss. As a result, the 'weight' that the user experiences can be varied according to the amount of current the controller produces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Exercise machines and muscle training appts.    Provides constant or variable counter-force during exercise.    Can be easily installed on to most conventional exercise machines.
The power station includes transformer units (9-12) connected from a side of primary windings to a mains (21), while reversible AC electromotors (1-4) are connected to the sec. windings of the transformer units (9-12). The starting rail system (SBS) (22) of the electromotors is designed with change in the order of phase alternation in one section of the SBS w.r.t. its other section.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In electric power engineering. Simpler and cheaper design of power stations with reversible units. Bul.21/7.6.93
The system comprises an actuating member (36) operated by the user, and a mechanism for producing a resistive force opposing the movement of the actuating member. A computer (10) and a mechanism operated by the computer (60) controls the amount of resistive force produced by the force producing mechanism.    The amount of force applied is measured (44) and signals are produced corresponding to the amount of force produced. The computer samples the data values of the signals at high speed. The actuating member (36) is movable and the measuring mechanism (44) also measures the velocity of motion of the actuating member in response to the applied force.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Physical development and rehabilitation. Computer has mechanism which drives actuator member in direction which aids user to overcome force required to drive machine.
The turbine can be installed in any stream by being built on floats and matched to the prevailing water level. The covered rotor and generator can be simply installed in the turbulence chamber. Whether floating or rigidly produced from cast concrete, several input jets are provided of smaller cross-section than the outlet shaft to produce the highest possible turbulence speed.    For large installations, the rotor is constructed form plastics material as a floating saucer to prevent it becoming too heavy. A corresp. number of locked-in plates is provided. The water arrives in the pressure head chamber (1) form the right where it can only enter the turbulence chamber (3) through the input opening (2). Before it can reach the outlet shaft (4) below the water is forced to drive the rotor (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Electricity generation without burning fuel.
The control is for use when the hydroelectric generator is being used as a synchronous condenser, ie. is being motored when the generator is being motored the control senses the increase in either the power or the current consumed by the generator, when the turbine begins to hit the draft water tube water. Then using this quantity either directly, or after processing by a suitable transducer, compressed air is injected into the head cover/turbine/draft tube area, to control the water level below the turbine.    The output of a watt transducer may be used to drive a detector circuit which senses the increase and turns on the compressed air for a preset time necessary to force the water below the turbine wheel once again. The process is repeated for as long as the generator is motoring.    ADVANTAGE -   Process works regardless of generator size, draft tube dimensions or tail race levels. No need for any mechanism for physically determining draft tube level or pressure.
The mechanism includes a device, e.g. motor, providing variable resistance to exercise movement. A controller compares the actual exercise force with a threshold force. It selects a relatively high level of resistance to movement when the actual force is greater than the threshold force and a relatively low level when it is smaller.    Pref. the controller contains an electronic circuit powered by exercise movement. Pref. during a series of repetitive exercise movements, this circuit computes the threshold force as a function of the actual force of at least one previous movement and the time elapsed since it was made.    ADVANTAGE -   Cost effective to mfr. Reliable. Can be readily substituted for resistance devices in current equipment. Can be used to simulate feel of cross country skiing.
A fixed part is mounted on a base and a movable part is movable by a user relative to the fixed part and to the base in a number of trajectories during an exercise routine. Sensors are adjustably mounted on the fixed part and the base for defining two or more acceptable trajectories for the movable part, the sensors being mechanically actuatable and transmitting a signal upon actuation.    An actuator is integrally formed in the movable part for actuating one or more of the sensors, the actuator mechanically engaging one or more of the sensors when a movement of the movable part during an exercise routine deviates from the acceptable trajectories. An indicator is connected to the sensors, receiving a signal from one or more sensors to provide an instantaneous alarm signal to the user when a deviation from the acceptable trajectories has occurred during an exercise routine.    USE -   Sports training equipment for use during an exercise routine.
An inclined monorail is secured between front and rear stanchions, with a front stanchion end of the monorail higher than a rear stanchion end of the monorail. The angle of incline of the monorail is adjustable. A roller carriage assembly has top and bottom pairs of rollers to engage the monorail. The roller carriage is movably mounted on the monorail to roll along the length of the monorail. A mounting on the roller carriage permits the attachment and detachment of a variety of user body support assemblies.    Attached to the front stanchion, at least one pair of pulleys at least one pair of pull cables to be passed through. The pull cables have, at a first end, a mounting for the attachment and detachment of a pull mechanism simulating sports equipment. The pull cables attach, at a second end, to one-way clutch drivers which drive a rotating shaft having an ergometric input-responsive variable resistance assembly. A tension unit is attached to the one-way clutch drivers, which retracts the pull cables after each pull.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Multifunction sports simulation exercise machine with ergometric input-responsive variable resistance.
Solar panel consists of solar cells (12) equipped with a conductive grid (26) and wiring (14) forming air electrode for each cell. Cells are place don a backing layer (28) contg. moulded slots (32), optimally with a conductive material (34) in each slot and an adhesive is applied to bond cells to the backing layer. Transparent plastic sheet (38), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate film, is bonded to the top by a clear adhesive film (40). Cells are of Si-base material, backing layer is of thermoplastic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Not prone to delamination, cells flush with surface.
The monitor comprises a transmitter (54) for producing an encoded digital signal representing a biomedical response. The transmitter includes a wireless transmitter which transmits to a receiver (46). A display (52) monitor displays the response. A detection apparatus detects errors in the received encoded digital signal.    A correction apparatus automatically changes the transmitter and the receiver to provide for an accurate wireless transmission between the transmitter and the receiver. The correction apparatus includes a frequency changing circuit which changes the frequency over which the encoded digital signal is radio transmitted. An identification circuit (48) in the receiver checks that the received signal is in fact from the transmitter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Monitoring and displaying biomedical function e.g heartbeat or ECG during exercise or fitness training, to control exercise equipment in accordance with measured heart rate. Eliminates errors due interfering sources and improves accuracy of results due to error detection and correction in pattern representing body response.
A gear train is operatively connected to an electric motor and includes an output gear pinion and an output bearing for rotatably supporting the output gear pinion. The gear train is enclosed within a gear box connected to the electrical motor. A driven linear gear rack is positioned in meshing engagement with the output pinion. A load-carrying support bracket is connected to the gear box and includes a rack mounting element comprising a channel-like portion of the support bracket within which the gear rack is mounted on the support bracket and is maintained in engagement with the gear pinion.    The support bracket is positioned in engagement with the output bearing to transfer non-torsional loads exerted on the support bracket by the linear gear rack from the support bracket to the output bearing, the support bracket and gear rack are connected to the treadmill for selectively adjusting its inclination, so that operation of the electric motor acts through the gear train to move the gear rack relative to the support bracket for adjusting the inclination of the treadmill.    USE -   To allow level on uphill running or walking exercises indoors.
Device comprises cable drums (2) mounted on axle (1) on which are wound cables (3), these have handles (4) on their free ends. The drums (2) are linked to the axle (1) through a spiral spring return mechanism (5), and to the rotor of a direct current generator (6) through overrun clutches (7) with planetary gearboxes (8).    The shaft (9) of the generator has a band brake (10) around it. One end of the belt is attached to the base and the other to core of electromagnet (13) which is included in the generator circuit via rheostat (14). The circuit also includes an ammeter (15).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For training and exercise of rowers, skiers and swimmers. Increases effectiveness by improved simulation of real loads experienced during rowing etc. Bul.20/30.5.93
The generator uses water power - and possibly wind power and solar energy - and comprises transportable concrete units (16') each having at least one turbine (29), contained in a tube or channel (67). The units are stacked vertically above a foundation in a tower and fitted with a top cover (45) which is pref. made of sheet steel.    Pref. each unit has a base surface (43) and a top surface (33) enclosing a number of adjacent tubes or channels, with their openings on two opposite sides, containing respective turbines. The uppermost unit may also have solar panels on its outer surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient environmental energy generation, using relatively low cost units, assembled at installation point.
The exercise appts. includes a vertically movable weight, and an input mechanism engaged by the user to apply a positive input power with a unidirectional force at a user selected velocity for moving the weight upwardly. A brake applies a negative braking power to oppose the exercise force at a partic. braking velocity for controlling downward movement of the weight. A brake controller governs the application of the brake to maintain a constant braking velocity.    A differential member is coupled to the weight, and receives the input exercise and the braking forces to determine a differential between the user selected velocity and the selected braking velocity. The resultant force is applied to the weight to cause it to be raised or lowered. The user can hold the weight at a raised position when the applied exercise force matches the braking velocity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Aerobic exercise machine for improving muscle strength and coordination. Independent control of both velocity and load.
The control includes a regulating circuit having an output signal controlling the armature voltage applied to the motor. An input speed reference signal corresponding to the desired speed of the motor is provided to the regulating circuit. An input armature voltage feedback signal is also provided to the regulating circuit to produce an error signal for operating the regulating circuit to establish the armature voltage, and hence the speed of the motor.    The armature current of the motor is sensed and a signal corresp. to the voltage drop resulting from the inductance of the armature circuit provided to the regulating circuit for altering the output of the regulating circuit in a manner tending to establish the speed of the motor at that established by the speed reference signal. An IR compensating circuit provides an IR compensating signal to the regulating circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved speed regulation.
The exercise machine includes a weight stack with a number of separate weights and a lift bar for vertical movement with the stack. A pin assembly removably secures a desired portion of the weight stack to the lift bar so that the total weight carried by the lift bar is determined by the portion of the weight stack removably secured to the lift bar by the pin assembly.    The pin assembly includes at least one pin operated by a two-position or double action actuator, each pin being movable by its actuator over a predetermined stroke.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Accurately and efficiently changes weights in weight stack, does not continuously require current in order to remain extended against resistance of spring, eliminating constant humming noise. Minimises cost and weight of weight selection mechanism. Reliable.
The control device (1) consists of a function generator (110) from which effective power command `*P' is obtained as output. The other output from the function generator is the rotational speed command `*N'. Based on the rotational speed command, bias of the real rotational speed and pump head `M' an effective power control device (111), rotate speed control device (112) and rotational speed compensation device (113) in sequence generates a rotational speed compensation output signal.    A rotational speed comparison device (116) is used to detach the starting device by outputting a parallel operation command. This command is output by comparing minimum rotational speed `*NO' with that of actual value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Shortens pump turbine starting time. Provides good rotational speed change for a reversible pump turbine driven with a variable speed machine.
The exercise appts. has a mobile plate (1) which pivots round a central axis. The plate is moved by a geared motor (2) which is controlled by a programmable electronic control (3) to brake the plate variably. The plate pivots on a fixed support (6) to which the motor is fixed. The plate has two coaxial bearings (1c,1d) on the edge of its lower surface.    An axial (4) is mounted in one bearing (1c) and turns in a fixed bearing on the support. The shaft of the motor (2a) is mounted in the other bearing (1d) and turns in a fixed bearing (7) on the support.    USE -   Appts. to exercise and reeducate lower limbs of patient, such as ankle.
The power station uses water-driven turbines coupled to electrical generators, the head of water normally employed by a conventional power station divided into a number of stages, each comprising a pressure pipe with a nozzle directed into a turbine. A collector tank beneath the turbine is fitted to the input end of the pressure pipe for the following stage.    Pref. the normal water head of 10m is divided into two 5m stages, the speed of the water at the output of each stage being 10 m/s.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows increased electrical power production.
The system includes two air cylinders fastened to the points of application on a fitness equipment. An air accumulator receives compressed air from the air cylinders and gives a gradually increased air resistance to the points of application. A pressure control system is used to control the pressure of the air accumulator by a programmable control unit through the monitoring of a pressure meter.    An adjustable relief valve is driven by a servo motor to release the pressure of the air accumulator through a muffler. The unit controls the motor in opening or closing the valve according to the detection of the meter.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables user to vary resistance without stopping exercise.
An air cylinder includes a piston which reciprocates by switchover between delivery and reception of compressed air. A water cylinder includes a valve which reciprocates in association with the movement of the piston of the air cylinder.    An air intake is formed about the middle of the water cylinder for introducing external air together with water under the predetermined water pressure into the water cylinder by the reciprocating motion of the valve. An outlet discharges the mixture of water with air in the cylinder by the reciprocating motion of the valve.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables such highly efficient water pumping and a cylinder preferably used in the pumping machine.
The turbine (13), complete with the generator (17) on the same shaft (15), is installed in a housing (11) with a water inlet and outlet. The housing has a grated inlet opening (37). The grating is inclined to the direction of water flow (A).    The front of the housing is funnel-shaped and of a width larger than its length to supply sufficient water to the turbine even at a low water level. Brackets (25,31) on the housing serve for anchoring to the river bed (5) by chains or suspending wires (27).    ADVANTAGE -   No great change to nature involved, e.g. stones (7) and rocks (9) left in place.
The generator has a rotor (1) rotating about a vertical axis (2), with a number of angularly spaced rotatable blades (4). The angle between each blade and the rotor is adjusted via a control device having an annular element (6) which rotates with the rotor and radially projecting control rods (5) coupled to the blades.    An adjuster (7) determines the position of the rotation axis of the annular element relative to the rotor axis. Pref. the adjuster has a guide for the annular element around the periphery of a disc or ring, with a ball or roller bearing between the annular element and the adjuster.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple adjustment for matching wind (water) flow velocity and/or direction.
The power station consists of a wave-receiving vane (3) which is able to rock about an axis, a piston pump (4) and a hydraulic turbine (5) connected to a power generator (7). The vane and the piston pump are situated below the surface of the water and are both able to rock about vertical axes. The working surface of the wave-receiving vane can be varied with the aid of a hydraulic power cylinder to stabilise the load on it with changes in the tide.    During operation the power of the tide causes the vane to turn from side to side, actuating the piston pump to drive the turbine and generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Design simplicity and more reliable operation. Bul.5/15.3.94
A turbine and generator are located in a tunnel formed in a land mass between the sea. Alternatively, turbine-driven generators utilise the energy flowing from a high tide to a low tide through tunnels formed in a land mass. Lock doors may be actuated by compressed air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides clean, environmentally-friendly source of electricity, enabling virtually free supply after installation and maintenance costs. Has twenty-four hour pump cycle.
Each photoelectro-chemical cell (2-4) has a photoactive layer (P1-4) between two electrically conductive layers (2-4E; 2-4G). The two conductive layers (2E, 3G; 3E, 4G) of two directly adjacent photoelectro-chemical cells are series-connected via a cell coupler (6, 7). The two couplers are of conductive, non-electrocatalytically active material.    Pref. the couplers are of metal powder and a binder, typically of Cr, Mo, Ti or W and an epoxy resin. Alternatively, a paste contg. metal powder and a binder may be used. The powder grain size is less than 2 microns, forming with the epoxy resin a paste coated on the conductive layers and hardened at 1600-200 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells, etc. with improved, loss-free electric connections.
The treadmill has a motor-driven endless belt (12) with an upper run for a user to stride upon. Speed control sensors (158,160) are located below the belt upper surface (14) and triggered by the position of the user (164a,164b,164c). Sensor detection of the user, in accordance with a predetermined sequence, causes the controller (54) to initiate automatic speed adjustment.    Preferably, the belt is supported on and moves over a bed which has at least one of the sensors located in it. A safety system is arranged to stop the belt drive should the safety sensors (186,188) fail to detect a user on the belt. In another embodiment, an additional safety sensor is positioned close to the belt, and may be arranged to stop the motion, should the user position trigger this sensor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved treadmill with automatic speed control unaffected by ambient temp./humidity, or user position/clothing, with safety system to stop belt if e.g. user has fallen or dismounted.
The pulse rate-controlled exercise system (20) incorporates a treadmill (230), a monitor (160) for displaying TV images and the user's (110) pulse rate, a pulse rate sensor (225) and a microprocessor controller (240). The monitor screen (270) may display TV programmes, videotapes or images suggestive of scenic observation while the user is running on the treadmill.    The user's pulse rate is sensed by e.g. a chest belt (220) sensor, and transmitted (227) by an infrared beam to the base unit (250). Determn. as to whether the rate lies within a target heart beat range is made, and the treadmill speed is controlled accordingly via the control centre (240).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treadmill exercise system. Mentally and physically stimulating to user over extended periods of time, thus alleviating boredom in use, and enhancing exercise level performance and satisfaction.
The excercise appts. (22) enables a seated (25) user to exercise has a support structure (24,26) supporting the user and an excercise mechanism. A steering/tilting mechanism (30), enables freedom of navigation through a simulated environment. A computer (32) generates a desired environment which is displayed (35) to the user. The computer monitors the user's physical activity to determine the user's position in the simulated environment. Fan (38) simulates wind-blowing.    Preferably, several interactive exercise appts. may be networked together to allow group participation, thus enabling team-games and races to be held. Simulated environments may be of multi-dimensional nature to increase realism. Aerobic exercise by foot-pedalling (27) may be electronically controlled with a digital closed loop.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Makes workout more enjoyable. Enables team-games and races to be held in simulated environments, e.g. cross-country running.
Manipulator has a fixing part comprising ferroelectric polymer film material having a photovoltaic effect, a soln. reservoir contg. an observed particle object, light source and shifter.    An electric charge opposite to that on fixed part is applied to particle in soln, which due to spontaneous polarisation is set into motion.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode forming structure is not required and wiring of an electrode is eliminated.
The prodn. of vacuum in a first reservoir (1) by the pump (21) sucks water in through an inlet (4) when a valve (16) is open. Further valves (11,17) allow outflow (7) to the blades of the hydraulic turbine driving an electric generator.    Air and gas sucked out of the first container drive water from a second container (2) into the turbine. The productivity of the plant depends on the output of the vacuum pump, increasing with the working pressure and rate of water flow.    ADVANTAGE -   The increasing demand for energy can be met without degradation of the environment.
A thin-film semiconductor device having back contacts (52) and at least one flat semiconductor layer (48) comprises many conductive regions (44) on the layer (48) sepd. by parallel grooves (46) with strips of buffer material (51) between semiconductor and conductor, each underlying one of the grooves. Also claimed is a multi-cell photovoltaic module as above comprising many transparent oxide front contacts on a transparent superstrate sepd. by parallel grooves, many semiconductor photovoltaic elements filling the grooves to insulate adjacent front contacts and themselves sepd. by adjacent parallel second grooves, and with buffer strips and back contacts sepd. by third grooves overlying the buffer strips. Conductive material fills the second grooves to connect adjacent front and back contacts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin-film photovoltaic cell modules and thin-film transistors in a-Si and other materials. The disadvantages of acid etching are avoided as is damage to, or recrystallisation of, the semiconductor layer.
In water basin (1) (river, lake, sea coast) a reservoir (platform) in a form of a large trough with flanges (2) is placed. The flanges are above water surface. Pontoons (3) are fixed above the flanges. As the water falls through channel (6) into the chamber (4), the hydro turbine wheel (5) and pump (18) rotate together with electric generator (11) rotor. If the water has to be saved, valves (8) close.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power supplying of local consumers. Improved energy utilisation. Bul.3/15.2.94
Prepn. of amorphous silicon films is characterised by contg. a process of immersing amorphous silicon films formed on substrates in a molten salt of Mg or Ca.    The molten salt is pref. a molten salt contg. water of crystallisation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as sensitive materials and photovoltaic materials. According to the invention, the photoconductivity of amorphous silicon films can be improved significantly.    In an example, a silicon hydride film with a thickness of 5000A was formed on a glass substrate by the CVD technique. Magnesium chloride contg. water of crystallisation was heated and molten. The amorphous silicon film was immersed in the molten magnesium chloride at 150 deg.C for 3-20 hrs.. It was confirmed with an X-ray microanalyser that magnesium existed in the amorphous silicon film. Instead of magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate and calcium nitrate could be used.
The frame lowered into a well or pit carries two cylinders (3) with pistons (4) at the ends of steel hawsers (10) wound on reels (9) with electric motors (8). The pistons are provided with vessels (5) in which air cushions are formed by the effect of water expelled into the reservoir and the resistance of water in the ascending tube (14) which is amplified at the end of the piston stroke. Turbines (15, 15a) at the top of the ascending tube and the foot of the descending tube (20) drive electric generators (16, 16a).    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. can be used at all times in any body of water without damaging the environment.
The rotor blades (3) are coupled to a linear motor (1) with a corresp. mechanism (2) for adjusting their angle to suit the direction of wind or water current in accordance with a characteristic stored in an electronic control system (5). The linear motor is independent of the main rotor drive and is used solely to vary the setting of the blades during each rotation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For cycloidal propellers and paddle-wheel drives on water-craft, and for vertical-axis wind turbines and waterwheels; a flexible variation of angle with direction of flow is achieved with a compact structure.
The system has a video system computer, and an exercise machine including one sensor for generating exercise data and resistance device for generating a user resistance in response to a load control signal. An interface module is operatively connected to the video system computer and exercise machine. A video display is operatively connected to the video system computer.    A cartridge is operatively associated with the video system computer containing program logic for causing the computer in combination with the interface module to generate the load resistance signal and to display the exercise data on the display.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides interfaces including hardware configurations, software techniques, and communications protocols, which allow exercise equipment to interface with video systems, including t.v. and interactive video games.
The system is adapted for communication with a cartridge-type video game system (24) that includes a control unit having a connector port adapted for receiving a game cartridge. An exercise machine includes sensor(s) for generating data related to exercise movement. A device is responsive to a load control signal for applying a physical load resistance in opposition to the exercise movement.    An interface is interposed between a computer (28) and a removable cartridge (34). The interface module has two connectors defining a bus connected with the game cartridge, and connector port respectively. A communications system permits two-way communication between the exercise machine and game system of the load control signal and exercise data.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides interfaces including hardware configurations, software techniques and communications protocols, which allow wide variety of exercise equipment to interface with video systems, including TV and interactive video games. Improves communication between exercise machine and video systems e.g. video games.
The solar module design comprises a specially-designed substrate material with interconnected solar cells and topcoat laminated to the top surface by known polymer encapsulation methods. The substrate, which may be extruded in one piece or fabricated, comprises a twin-wall profile with ribs connecting the upper and lower surface.    The substrate incorporates means of interconnecting modules and fastening them to roof decking or framing members and simplified means of connecting the modules to an external electrical circuit. The features of the substrate and module design result in modules which can be very large in format, yet which are very light and rugged compared to current art.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Twin-wall shape connected with ribs results in a substrate material which is very strong, stiff, and rugged, yet lightweight; and allows modules to be used as roof's finished surface. Allows outside air to pass under photovoltaic cells to help cool them. Module substrate can be produced inexpensively. Installation is rapid and simple. Installed systems using module design feature a monolithic, smooth, unbroken surface, which helps to prevent accumulation of debris, snow, ice, or dirt.
The exercise appts. includes a body having connected upper and lower portions. A first crank mechanism is rotatably attached to the upper portion, and has a first rotatable main shaft defining a first horizontal axis of rotation and a first pair of moment arms attached to opposite ends of the main shaft. A second crank mechanism is rotatably attached to the lower portion, and has a second rotatable main shaft defining a second horizontal axis of rotation and a second pair of moment arms attached to opposite ends of the second shaft. Each pair of moment arms has a respective pair of throws, with each throw being attached to one of moment arm.    The second horizontal axis of rotation is located vertically below the seat, and at least one of the crank mechanisms has a device for adjusting the length of a the respective rotatable main shaft, providing axial adjustment.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits user to selectively vary exertion required during exercise.
Deposition film is formed by disposing a target contg. at least one of constituent elements of the deposition film, and a microwave introducing window in a vacuum vessel so that the min. distance between the target and the window is 50-200 mm, irradiating microwaves with electric field and the target surface parallel to a reaction gas through the window, to generate plasma, irradiating ions in the plasma on the target surface, depositing the substance to be deposited on a substrate opposed to the target, and reacting radicals in the plasma with the depositing substance, to produce the deposition film contg. the constituent elements of the reaction gas.    USE -   A uniform deposition film is obtd. on a large area substrate in high deposition rate by reactive sputtering.
The film is formed by locating a target contg. element to form the deposit film in a vacuum container where the minimum distance from the dielectric microwave introduction window is 50-200 mm; introducing an inert gas into the vacuum container; irradiating microwave through the microwave introduction window while keeping the direction of electric field is in parallel with the direction of the target plane to generate plasma; irradiating the ion of the plasma onto the target surface; adhering the deposit on the surface of substrate facing to the target.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Inactive sputtering deposition using microwave provides a high deposition rate.
The treadmill exercise unit has two adjacent treadmills each with a continuous tread and. A frame pivotally supports one end of the treadmills. Two springs support the ends of both treadmills in a first position above a supporting surface. Two hydraulic cylinders resist downward pivoting movement of the treadmills from the first position to a second position as a user's weight is placed upon them.    The springs return the treadmills from the second position to the first when the user's weight is removed. The treadmills alternately pivot up and down about one end as a user exercises. Preferably, the treads are continuously driven by a motor. Rollers support the continuous treads. The treads are supported at one end via the axis of one of the rollers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treadmill which provides aerobic benefits of both walking and stair climbing. Has dual reciprocating treads.
The device includes a drive motor, gear mechanism connected with the drive motor, and a control device for operating the motor in either direction. A rotating member is connected with the gear mechanism and is adapted to be coupled to a body member of a user for moving the body member in the desired direction.    The movable member moves in increments and is lockable at desired positions for holding the body member against a force tending to return it to normal position or a force in the opposite direction. One exercise device rotates the upper torso w.r.t. to the spine. Another of the exercise devices rotates the upper legs of a user relative to the hip joints and lower legs relative to the knees. A further device operates the arms forward and backward relative to the shoulder joint.    USE -   Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise device, for exercise and physical therapy.
The procedure consists of directing an air and/or water-flow on to the blades of a unidirectional turbine mounted on a shaft linked to a generator.    The turbine can be made to operate by air-flow or water-flow alone, and is located inside a guide casing with an inlet and an outlet for the air-flow and with its lower edge on a level with the water surface.    The turbine and generator unit are designed to be fixed, e.g on a river bed, and mounted on a platform with jacks to raise or lower it. The turbine and generator shafts are connected by a clutch, and the guide casing is fixed to the platform, with its outlet in its upper wall perpendicular t the turbine's axis.    The jacks allow the turbine to be raised or lowered, depending on the water level and/or the speed of the air flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency in varying conditions.
The method consists of supplying air through the air-supply pipe (2). The amount of air supplied to draft tube (9) is con- trolled by air-supply valve automatic control part (1). The head setting part (1-4) sets the head depending on the opening of air supply valve. If the valve is fully opened then the waterwheel is operated under actual head. Sometimes to keep the actual head, the amount of air supplied has to be controlled depending on the head set up by the head setting part.    Thus the control device has an air supply valve automatic control domain and an air supply valve full open domain to control the head on the water wheel.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides easy control of head. Suppresses vibration and undesired sound.
The weight training device includes a main body (1) which occupies the same amount of space as the mechanical equivalent. A series of pipes runs inside the body with a moving section attached to the pull chord (9) traversing through one of the pipes, moving the liquid out of the pipes. The input to the pipes is connected to a common inlet (5) fed by a pump (10).    The output from each pipe passes to a mixer section (7) which returns all the liquid to the inlet. The mixing proportions of the liquid input (8) and output (7) are computer controlled (13) allowing the equivalent weight being pulled to be varied.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides precise control and allows changing of weights during training exercise.
The diffuser (3) vanes (3b) are made fixed, and are curved against the direction of rotation of the turbine wheel (4). The turbine wheel (4) blades are adjustable in the turbine wheel cage (4a).    The diffuser vanes (3b) are arranged standing upright on the diffuser (3). The turbine wheel blades (4b) stand approximately vertically in the turbine wheel cage (4a).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electric power generation. Turbine with relatively small flow volumes, relative to max. flow volume, has high efficiency.
The fluid rotor contains multiple curved blades which are in a single plane of rotation, and which are spaced closely together. The open blades are designed to overlap one another to an extent that there are always at least two blades positioned to capture the fluid regardless from which direction the fluid is flowing. The curved blades allow the rotor to always rotate in the correct direction regardless of the direction of the fluid without the use of moving vanes or housings to help direct the fluid at certain portions of the fluid rotor.    If the rotor is made to turn in the incorrect direction, it will, as fluid from any direction flows against it, slow down, stop momentarily, and then begin to rotate in the correct direction. More than one rotor can be used in a single assembly, and one rotor can be placed within a liquid such as water, and another rotor can be placed in a gas such as air. Both rotors are coupled to commonly drive a single output shaft, and the coupling uses a one-way clutch so that the liquid rotor cannot act as an anchor to prevent the gas rotor from turning.    ADVANTAGE -   Maximises efficiency of captured fluid.
One side end of the vibration proof stick (18) is fixed to the circumference face housing cover (3B). The other side is elastically supported through a hydraulic device (21) and spring (25) at foundation (11) of the circumference of water channel (1).    The piston of hydraulic device (21) has screw machining and fixed metallic ornaments which consists of nut (20) are inserted in. This prevents the vibration of water wheel generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Vibration free operation of water wheel generator in a water channel is ensured.
The power plant has the pump (17) driven by an electric motor (18) to lift water (12) from a lower level (13) to a higher level (14) through a pipeline (22) interconnecting the two basins (11). Water descending from the upper basin drives a turbine (16) coupled to an electric generator (19).    Power for pumping is provided by a wind turbine (150) or a solar panel (151) selected by a switch (25) in response to a controller (20) receiving signals from an anemometer and photodetector. A single machine may function as both pump and turbine in alternate modes.    ADVANTAGE -   large quantity of energy can be stored and released at short notice in inexpensive plant which can be operated independently of mains.
Method comprises forming a doped Si layer (12) on an oppositely doped Si wafer (14) to form a photovoltaic junction (16), forming a second Si layer on the first, having a higher concn. of dopant than that layer (17), and forming a silica layer (18) by thermal oxidn. An insulating substrate (20) is bonded to the silica to give a bonded wafer (22), the Si wafer is thinned, and the bonded wafer etched to form many sepd. photodiodes (32) having sloping sidewalls (33). An insulating silica layer (40) is formed on selected exposed regions of insulating substrate and the sepd. photodiodes, and metal interconnects (41) formed between exposed thinned Si layer regions of one photodiode and the second Si layer of another of the diodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for multicell photovoltaic devices generating 500V or more. The method avoids thermally induced cracks in the Si, which arose in the high temp. process, and which led to a loss in energy conversion efficiency. Also high voltages may be generated.
The device has a running deck which defines a running area. There are rollers and an associated endless transportation belt stretched over and guided around the rollers, for movement in a given direction, the running area.    A cushioned layer is arranged on the running deck, and a guide layer is arranged between the cushioned layer and the transportation belt. The guide layer is formed from several individual mutually parallel strips, which are glued to the cushioned layer. There may also be springs connected between the strips and the running deck, in which the strips are fabricated in metal, and are arranged to be parallel to the given direction.    USE -   Provides treadmill apparatus with cushioned surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Has automatic speed control and interface to other devices.
The attachment includes a drive motor and an eccentric force control cable coupled between the motor and the stack for applying a downward force to the stack which varies in accordance with the torque generated by the motor. A sensor determines the magnitude and direction of the speed of the wt. stack.    A microcontroller coupled to the sensor and the motor varies the torque generated by the motor in accordance with an eccentric force input signal and the output of the sensor, to cause the eccentric force control cable to apply a predetermined force to the wt. stack corresp. to the eccentric force input signal when the stack is moving down. A keypad has a selection unit for generating the eccentric force input signal. A display unit indicates the value of the eccentric force input signal.    ADVANTAGE -   Asymmetric exercise forces more closely match muscle strengths, which are normally greater for eccentric exercise than for concentric exercise.
The method of exercise for a human involves producing an arm motion in which the distance between the hands and chest of the human increases and decreases. A leg motion is produced in which the distance between the ankles and the hips of the human increases and decreases. Arm motion is connected to the leg motion so that the arm motion causes the leg motion. A unit is provided for resisting the arm motion and the leg motion.    The feet of the human are held so that contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle at one phase of the exercise and contraction of the tibialis anterior muscle at another phase of the exercise contributes to overcoming the resisting unit. The central portion of the human's leg is attached to the exercise device so that the human's knees travel in a vertical plane, whereby the human if having lower extremity paralysis is able to safely perform the leg motion through the performance of the arm motion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g. paraplegics or quadriplegics. Uses electrical stimulation of approximately five or six muscle gps. of lower body. Simultaneously exercises both upper and lower body. Reverses, halts, or at least slows down muscle atrophy, pressure sores, osteoporosis, loss of joint range of motion etc.
The training device includes two rotating platforms (1) attached to the axis of bicycles (2) which are rotated by actuating motors (19) via drive-gear (4). The pedals of the bike are kinematically linked to speed sensors (8,9) with outputs connected to cumulative counters (10,11) connected to inputs of program unit (12) and via controlled frequency dividers (13,14) to adding and subtraction inputs of up-down counter (15).    Drive-wheel is loaded by program unit (12), and up-down counter code is applied to indicator (3). The bipolar voltage is also decoded by D-A converter (16), which via differentiating member (17) and switch (18) is applied to input of actuating motor (19). Position sensor is made in form of pairs of sources (6) - receiver (7) and source is located on perimeter of one of platforms opposite the bicycle (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Exhibits wider functional capabilities. Bul.16/30.4.93
The generator consists of a horizontal chamber to receive the waves, connected to a vertical cylindrical pipe (2) containing a piston (6) which is connected to an energy converter. The piston (6) is in the shape of an inverted cup, and the intake chamber (1) is also cylindrical in shape and contains a piston (3) between two stop rings (4,5). The space between the two pistons in the horizontal and vertical chambers is filled with water.    During operation the pressure of the incoming water is transmitted to the piston (6) in the vertical cylinder and lifts it, and as the wave recedes the piston (6) falls by gravity, performing a reciprocating motion which can be converted into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Design simplicity, with reduced number of components, easier manufacture and maintenance and more reliable operation. Bul. 14/15.4.93
On one side of an insulating substrate (1) a semiconductor, photoelectric transducing layer (3) is arranged, sandwiched between the substrate electrode layer (1) and a transparent, second electrode layer (4). On the other side of the substrate, a third electrode layer (5) is arranged, coupled to the second electrode layer by a conductor, passing through a contact hole (6).    The conductor is insulated from the first electrode layer. The contact hole extends through the substrate, the first electrode layer, and the semiconductor layer. Pref. there are numerous contact holes with identical spacings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells with amorphous silicon film, produced by glow discharge decomposition of gaseous media, suitable for large surface substrates, with low energy losses.
The method involves using two reservoirs connected together with through flowing sluices. In a flow direction a first reservoir is equipped as a water storage reservoir with closable in-flow sluices and the second reservoir is equipped as an intermediate storage reservoir with closable return-flow sluices for outflow of intermediate stored water to the sea.    At least one electrical power generator is situated lower than a min. water level in the area of the through-flow water sluices. The amt. of water stored in the first reservoir in relationship to the throughput of water in the generator is measured so that an uninterrupted operation is realised.    ADVANTAGE -   Continuous operation throughout entire tidal cycle. Esp. simple generator construction. Kinetic energy of water fully used.
Each blade trough (16) has an edging. At least most of the latter lies, at least approximately, in a common plane. Each trough is bounded by a wall surface from which a section (27), facing the centre bridge piece (12), forms an angle with the common plane in the region of the mouth edge of at least 60 deg.    A region of each trough neighbouring the common plane is divided by a deflecting guide element (11), extending in parallel with the separating bridge piece, from a line at a distance from the base of the trough to beyond the trough over the common plane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Any high pressure power station. Higher hydromechanical efficiency. High deflection angle exceeding 170 deg.
The appts. is used by exercising persons for body strengthening. It makes use of a main weight load. The appts. also has a swinging arm (22) complete with a slide-way (25), on which is transversely supported an auxiliary weight (30) connected kinematically to the main weight block (17).    The swinging arm is installed in a revolving manner on the solid frame (1), and is connected to an arm inclination device (12). The arm inclination device incorporates a variable speed reversing electric motor connected to a wind up reel. This is controlled by the sportsman by use of a control built into a handle.    ADVANTAGE -   Continuous load increase or reduction can be achieved by user control, without need for him to interrupt training course.
The float bodies in combination with the deflector (4) and/or conducting tubes (5) can be arranged in varying configurations and the system so formed is anchored at the bank and/or in the water and the component parts are coupled together using spring connections. The component parts can have sizes variable in three dimensions. The float and the deflectors used at the sides for the water drive wheels or belts also conducting tubes for water turbines are designed using flow engineering.    So that the deflectors and/or conducting tubes are designed wider in the region of the water inlet, or having a larger dia. to the drive section. In which the section accommodating the water driving wheels, belts and turbines narrows. The section corresp. extends again after leaving the drive region. A pressure is exerted at the front of the driving region and after this a suction takes effect. The low speed and the output is thus increased. The deflectors and the conducting tubes can replace floats (3) at the sides of the power plant. Electric generators and/or pumps are provided with switching controls and cables and/or pipe lines.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives increased output and has greater flexibility.
The exercise bike has a frame assembly with a flywheel mounted rotatably on it driven by pedals and a magnet-type resistance generator to provide resistance to rotation. The generator has a central shaft mounted on the frame with an intermediate worm section. A magnetically conductive rotary plate on the shaft is rotated by the flywheel.    A movable slide seat on the shaft has a worm shaft unit which meshes with the worm section and a motor rotating it. The seat extends into the rotary plate and has angularly spaced magnets adjacent to a peripheral ring on the plate. A motor controller rotates the worm shaft and moves the seat in and out of the plate to vary the strength of a magnetic field and therefore magnetic resistance to rotation of the plate and flywheel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Comfortable to use. Uniform resistance to flywheel rotation.
The calculation method includes providing an aerobic exercise machine having a display panel operable by a user. An initial heart pulse signal is established by contiguous interface of a first hand of the user with a predetermined body portion of the user. A calculation switch member located on the display panel with a second hand of the user is simultaneously initially actuated. A calculation circuit for providing a clocking signal count responsive to the actuation of the calculation switch member on the display panel is initiated by the user.    A predetermined number of heart pulse signals sensed by the first hand of the user is counted. A calculation switch member on the display panel is actuated when the predetermined number of heart pulse signals is sensed by the user for calculation of a heart beat rate by the calculation circuit. The heart beat rate is displayed on the display panel.    ADVANTAGE -   Very accurate heart beat sensor is required. Very fast. Doesn't require heart beat sensor.
The power station has a body in which there are a hermetic tank (1) with outlet aperture with valves, an air accumulation container (9) and a partition between them. The power station also has a cascade of blade wheels (2) positioned in the hermetic tank (1) one over the other and each equipped with a protective plate (5) positioned in its lower part. The blades have curved plates (3) attached to them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an accumulating power station, with a wider range of applications and reduced construction cost. Bul. 13/ 7.4.93.
The user is strapped into a seat (21) and places his ankle between the cushioned prongs (24) of a fork. The fork is mounted on the end of a hinged arm (19). The arm and seat are supported by pillars (22, 23).    The resistance of the pivoted arm to movement can be adjusted via a control panel (25), which also has indicators to show the power developed by the user when raising or lowering his lower leg. The pivot shaft of the arm is linked by a gearing system to an electric motor. The loading of the motor is a measure of the effort exercised by the user. A variant, which is like a rowing machine, is used to exercise thigh muscles.
The rotary shaft (16) upon which the wheel rests is connected to a rotary disc (24). Two eddy current generators create a user-controlled variable eddy current on the rotary disc. Each eddy current generator includes one set of magnets (28, 32) which are positioned on opposite sides of the rotary discs.    Each set of magnets includes magnets of alternating polarities that are concentrically continuously arranged around the rotary shaft (16). A linear relationship is provided between the resistive load, and the position of a user operated control knob, to provide easy changes in cycle pedal loading.    ADVANTAGE -   User can easily select, vary and control resistive load.
The method involves monitoring the rotational speed of the alternator's rotor, and generating a priming signal (18) once the rotor is being rotated above a preselected minimum speed. The priming signal is applied to the alternator field coils when the priming signal is generated thereby assisting the alternator to excite its field coils.    A cancellation signal (40) is generated to cancel the application of the priming voltage when a second preselected rotor speed is attained. The rotational speed of the rotor is monitored by sensing the frequency of a signal induced in one field coil. The alternator output load is regulated to a preselected value so adjusting the energy required to rotate the rotor.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates problem of pedalling from standstill extremely difficult and disproportionate to effort required on normal bicycle. (Provisional basic advised week 9421).
(US5375969-A)      The water level regulator is for controlling the water level of a head tank of each of several hydroelectric plant installed in cascade along a stream by using an opening of guide vanes of a hydraulic turbine as a manipulated variable, and the water level of the head tank as a controlled variable. Each hydroelectric plant has a water level regulator constituting the water level regulating system.    Each of the water level regulator of an upstream hydroelectric plant and the water level regulator of a downstream hydroelectric plant has a control varying PID parameters for controlling the water level in accordance with the opening of the guide vanes, and a device varying a reference water level to a set water level. The downstream water level regulator further includes a feedforward compensator, which compensates a feedforward signal corresponding to the opening of the guide vanes of the upstream hydroelectric plant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High speed response and stable characteristics to various changing factors of the water levels.
The thermal arrangement includes a top water storage tub (2) and a bottom water storage tub (3). The hot water passes through various stages using pipes (4,5). The water which is used for power generation is sent to a bottom storage tub from where it is pumped to a heat exchanger (8) where the heat is transferred to the heat pump (7).    The water from the heat exchanger is sent back to top storage tub from where it is sent to the power generator (11). The heat accumulated is used effectively for other purposes like air conditioning and meeting other power demands.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Air conditioning. Reduced peak power consumption. Results in meeting other demands by equalising loads.
The exercise appts. (1) has a wheel (6) with an elastic belt (22) round its periphery. A roller (31), mounted freely on a shaft (30), contacts and causes rotation of the belt and a metallic disc (33) is joined to it. A stirrup (29), with magnets (39) on the inside of its branches, covers the disc and induces Foucault currents in this.    The stirrup pivots on an axle (28), parallel to the axle of the disc and the roller. The wheel has two side plates (15) with peripheral edges which engage in peripheral grooves in the belt. An inertia wheel (32) is joined to the roller.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Exercise bicycle with effort modulated by magnetic current, and imposed on user gradually.
The arrangement (1) of solar cells (2) includes a lower foil support layer (3) and an upper foil cover layer (4). In one embodiment there is a further foil outer layer (7) above the foil cover layer and spaced from the foil cover layer.    A gas, e.g. air may be enclosed between the foil cover layer and the foil outer layer (upper heat carrying space (8)). The upper heat carrying space is at a pressure above or below atmospheric pressure.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be realised at dimensions of 3 x 6 m and greater. Can be designed to be flexible.
Consists of two or more light interceptor sides (12 and 13) of solar battery inclined in the direction of incident light by turns so that no sides are in the shade.    ADVANTAGE -   Maximum energy absorption. High energy output from a limited occupancy area.
The solar roofing assembly has a roofing membrane with several insulation blocks disposed as a continuous layer on top of it. Photovoltaic modules are disposed as a layer directly on top of the insulation blocks. The photovoltaic modules serve as ballast for the insulation and membrane layers below.    Preferably, each insulation block has a top surface which is bonded to its respective photovoltaic module, forming a two-layer integral block. Each pair of insulation blocks with adjoining side surfaces has a joint disposed between the surfaces for water drainage. Each insulation block is a tapered and the photovoltaic module disposed above it has a top surface which can be installed so as to face in a direction of increased sun exposure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple structure. Simple assembly, eliminating integral layer. Simple fabrication. Minimal mode of potential failure.
A container (84) between a hydroelectric power generation up-stream and downstream water reservoirs (80,82). The container comprises upper water tank (88) and lower air expansion chamber (90) sepd. by a piston (86). An inlet water pipe (92), connects with the lower water reservoir via a valve (98). A pipe (94) feeds water under pressure to the upper reservoir via a valve (100).    The air expansion chamber is fed with compressed air from a recovery vessel (30) via a valve (96). Air is released via a valve (102). Operation of the control valves enables water to be pumped between reservoirs.    USE -   Returns water used for hydroelectric power generation, from a lower to an upper reservoir.
The method for determining the optimum effort corresp to a desired heart rate involves using a bicycle ergometer (1) with two pedals (2), a saddle (3), handlebars (4), a pulse ratemeter (5) and a pedal effort regulator (6).    A stationary pulse rate is measured during an initial phase of effort dependent on the desired pulse rate and a statistical relationship which allows for age, sex, body wt. and size, and overall body fat. The measurements are fed into a multi-variable model equation from which the optimal effort can be calculated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In treadmill exercise training or physical stress investigation, allows user to exert variable efforts in repeated exercises to arrive at optimum value.
The driving system incorporates a planetary coupling (A) with a central wheel spindle (5), planetary spindle (6) and annular ring spindle (8). One drive (I) is coupled to the central wheel spindle, a second drive (D) is coupled to the planetary spindle.    Switchable couplings (P1,P2,M1,M2,V1,V2) are connected to the planetary spindle and annular ring spindle and also to fixed surroundings (H) and the primary axle (11). By using the couplings to adjust the switched states, a large number of practical energy exchange paths can be attained.    USE -   Heat energy coupled, or energy extracting systems extracting energy from wind or tidal sources, hydraulic, pneumatic or IC engine in forward or reverse energy modes, with energy storage and braking energy recovery.
The adaptive treadmill includes a movable tread capable of supporting a person. A motor moves the tread at a speed which may be varied. A controller responsive to a control signal and coupled to the motor varies the speed of the tread. A detector determines the position of a person on the tread relative to a reference position and generates the control signal to change the speed of the tread when the position of the person bears a predetermined relationship to the reference position.    A unit determines the rate of change of the person's position relative to the reference position and modifies the control signal in response to it. The treadmill increases the speed of the tread when the person advances toward a forward end to a predetermined extent, and decreases the speed of the tread when the person retreats away from the forward end to a predetermined extent.    ADVANTAGE -   More convenient and safe to use. More accurate determination of energy expended by user. Determines cadence and gait of user.
The exercise appts. has a base which supports a guide. A first reciprocating member is coupled to the guide for motion in the direction of the guide axis, and a second reciprocating member is coupled to the guide for motion in the direction of the axis. A motion constraining device constrains the motion of at least one of the reciprocating members.    A force measuring device independently measures the force applied to each reciprocating member, and a display device displays information about an exercise session to the user. The information includes the force independently applied to each reciprocating member. The motion constraint includes an isokinetic device for constraining the motion of at least one reciprocating member to be isokinetic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for rehabilitation of various injuries of hip, thigh, knee, ankle etc. Increases range of motion of affected joint, as well as increasing muscle strength and endurance.
The treadmill has a belt provided with a running surface and rotated in a predetermined direction at a set running speed. A foot landing on the running surface is detected, a landing time distance between landing times is measured, and a stride is calculated from the running speed of the running surface and the landing time distance measured and indicated or recorded on an output device.    The treadmill includes a CPU (20) which receives the landing detection signal, calculates the landing time distance between the landing times detected by the timer container and calculates the stride on the basis of the rotational speed data input from the rotational speed sensor (5). The CPU also alternately distributes the stride data for 20 steps and respectively calculates the average strides of ten steps of even numbers and odd numbers. The CPU also calculates the average stride for 20 steps.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For guiding sport training and for walk training of persons of advanced age. Convenient to train while confirming stride by oneself.
Power supply system comprises a transformer (1) with the primary winding (2) connected to the supply circuit (3). Electric machines (8-10) are connected to the secondary winding (4) through the commutating apparatus (5-7). A rail (11) with a commutating apparatus (12) is connected in series to the electric machine (8,9) zero terminals. The electric machine (9) phase terminals are connected to the electric machine (10) zero terminals through the rail (13) with the commutating apparatus (14) positioned in it.    Linear voltage is applied to the three electric machine windings. The starting current is determined by a relevant formula. After the electric machines are turned-on to the sub-sync velocity the commutating appts (12) is switched on and the electric machine (8) is connected to the circuit at full voltage. The electric machine (9,10) stator windings remain series connected with a zero point formed by the commutating apparatus.    ADVANTAGE -   System efficiency is increased during electric machine start up. Starting currents level is decreased.    Bul. 9/7.3.93
The plant has a flow through housing with floats (15) having ballast containers and a horizontal inlet pipe which becomes narrow in the flow direction, a vertical chamber (3) made as a Venturi pipe, and circular outlet pipe (5), a hydraulic plant (2) with bladed turbine (9), fitted in the chamber narrow part, and electricity generator (8) fitted on the assembly ring (6), fitted in the chamber upper part, and a power cable for generator connection to the user.    The inlet pipe is placed tangentially to the chamber and has hydrodynamic screens (11), placed in front of its side walls and slope w.r.t. the vertical in the direction form the pipe axis. The inlet pipe, the screens and the chamber upper edges are situated above the flow level. The housing has an anchor system (14) and the electricity generator is water tight. The screens are provided with foundation plates-troughs and slants and are sectional formed by lower and replaceable upper parts, connected to each other by pins. The lower part is higher than the upper part. The plant also has signalling navigation buoys, controlling and measuring equipment, and filtering elements. The dio-fastening elements are placed in the outlet pipe zone which slopes upwards in the flow direction. The plant can have additional housing and hydraulic plants.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For river flow energy conversion into mechanical or electric power. The application range is increased for application in rivers with low hydraulic potential. Bul.8/28.2.93.
The console allows exercise parameters relating to the operation of the device to be programmed. A display is provided to show the value of each of the exercise parameters. A selection unit allows a desired exercise parameter to be selected for programming. A programming unit sets the selected exercise parameter with a desired value.    The unit includes an encoder with a rotatable shaft, which generates digital signals representative of the incremental motion of the shaft. A microprocessor is coupled to the programming unit and the display for receiving the digital signals and responsively adjusting the displayed value of the selected parameter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides easy-to-use user interface console, esp. for use with exercise machines e.g exercise bicycle, treadmill, stepper, mower, or skier.
The magnet-type resistance generator to be used with an exercise appts. which has a flywheel, includes a magnet unit with a curved housing which confines a groove and which has opposite inner wall surfaces that have respective permanent magnets which extend into the groove. A tubular sleeve extends from a rear side of the housing and has a distal end formed with internal treads. The sleeve is received slidably in a tubular slide seat. A guide bolt extends axially into the slide seat and has a threaded portion that engages the internal part of the sleeve. A slide potentiometer has a slider connected to the housing.    An instrument control unit activates a motor to rotate the guide bolt axially and cause the sleeve to move in the slide seat, thereby moving the magnet unit toward or away from the periphery of the flywheel so that it can extend into the groove of the housing by a desired depth to attain a desired resistance to rotation of the flywheel. The slider moves with the magnet unit to permit the slide potentiometer to control the instrument control panel to deactivate the motor when the desired depth has been reached.    ADVANTAGE -   Can compute calorie loss accurately. Ensures uniform resistance to rotation of flywheel.
When the upper pond level is increased and the lower pond level is reduced the pulses from transmitter pass to common input of the measuring circuit-integrator (2) whilst the pulses from the upper and lower pond level transmitters (1) which occur when the upper pond level is lowered and the lower pond level is increased pass to the other common input of the measuring circuit. Summator (3) computes a correction for the pressure loss in the inlet main. Unit (5) extracts the square root from the full pressure value. Profiled wedge and regulating organ position transmitter-sensors are used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flowmeter has the advantage of high accuracy and wide functional possibilities. Bul.9/7.3.93.
The station has a reservoir (2) which contains a hydraulic pump (12), whose shaft is connected to the wind motor shaft (4), a hydraulic turbine with electricity generator, placed in water chamber (7), connected to reservoir. The hydraulic pump inlet is connected to the reservoir. The hydraulic turbine and the wind motor shafts are connected to the electricity generator stator and rotor and can rotate in opposite directions.    The wind acts on the blades (5) and rotate the rotor (4) and they operate the electricity generator (11) and hydraulic pump (12). The pump pumps the water from the reservoir through the drainage pipe (14) to the container (12) and the water level in the reservoir drops. Water flows to the chamber (7) and turns the hydraulic turbine wheel (9).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As local electric power station. Efficiency is increased. Bul.7/23.2.93
Machine comprises treadmill (1), sensor for measuring horizontal acceleration (2), sensor for measuring vertical acceleration (3), sensor (4) for measuring time when feet are off the treadmill (1), treadmill belt speed sensor (5), sensor (6) for measurement of frequency of heart contractions, amplifiers (7-10), registration unit (11) having a summator (12), indicators (13-15), A-D converter (16), switches (17-20), memory unit (21), equaliser (22), and recorder (25).    In operation the machine equalises training parameters during initial and subsequent training sessions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As sport training device, for refining running technique. Increases effectiveness of training. Bul.4/30.1.93
The solar cell panel includes modules mounted and fixed on the roof rafters, with at least one side edge of each module held and fixed between the roof rafter and a module fastener fixed to the roof rafter.    The module panel includes electrical connections between the solar cell modules. The connections are contained within the module-roof fasteners. The panel substrate may have a cross-section of flat and rising sections, with the fasteners fixed to the rising sections.    ADVANTAGE -   Low cost, simple installation and maintenance, long term reliability, especially w.r.t. protection of solar cell modules.
A solar cell module comprises: (a) a conductive substrate; (b) a semiconductor layer having a photoelectric converting function formed on (a); (c) a transparent conductive layer formed on (b); and (d) an organic resin layer formed by electrostatic powder coating on (c).    Also claimed is a method for forming such a solar cell module comprising: (i) applying a voltage to a photoelectric converting element; (ii) electrically charging powdered resin coating material; (iii) depositing the charged powder on the photoelectric converting element by electrostatic force; and (iv) hardening the powder.    ADVANTAGE -   The transparent surface is quickly and simply applied, opt. by an automated process. The applied material is inexpensive, hard, adheres well over prolonged time periods without delamination and is scratch-, moisture-, weather- and heat-resistant. The long term deterioration of the photovoltaic element performance is minimal.
The hydraulic power station includes at least two production sets, each including a water turbine (20) driving an alternator (10). Some, e.g. 2 out of 4 generating sets incorporate a gas turbine (40), which becomes the prime mover when its reduction gear (36) output shaft is engaged (35) with a bevel gear (30) situated between the water turbine (20) and the alternator (10), the former being dewatered.    Exhaust gases pass through a heat exchanger (50) supplying (51) a steam turbine coupled to an adjacent water-driven set, also by bevel gear. The gases then (60) heat the return flow of a district heating network (CAD) from 10 to 85 deg. C. Parallel heat recovery occurs in the steam turbine exhaust. Hot water storage may opt. be provided to help reconcile electrical and thermal system demand curves. Gases are finally discharged, for environmental reasons, within a turbine draft tube (69,70).    ADVANTAGE -   Capital outlay is minimised, esp. in catchments with low winter run-offs.
To form a solar module, for photovoltage generation, a viscous paste mass (3) is placed between the semiconductor cell (2.1) and the front plate (1.1) and between the cells and the shrouding to fix at least one cell in place. Before the adhesive mass (3) is set, measured pressure is applied at the first cross linking point and successively, without air entry, on the cell to force the mass into place.    Also claimed is a solar module with a curved front plate (1.1). It has at least one cylindrical photovoltage semiconductor cell (2.1) held by a voltage transparent adhesive mass (3) for the whole of its surface to be bonded to the front plate (1.1). The semiconductor cells (2.1) have no inherent mechanical tension, with a shape which does not match the front plate (1.1) curvature.    Also claimed is an assembly appts. with a spray beam with a given number of at least two jets for the simultaneous delivery of a number of spaced droplets of adhesive mass on the front plate (1.1) and shrouding. A holding beam has a number of holders for the semiconductor cells (2.1) so that each droplet is applied to a cell at the same time and pressed into place.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of solar modules. The system allows curved solar modules to be produced, simply and cost-effectively.
The recording device for use with an exercise cycle includes a measuring device (M2) showing the amount of work done by the user in the form of the nominal distance covered. At the same time, a reference distance generator (M1) gives a reference value (ST) as a function of time.    A display panel (U, T) shows both the covered distance (SU) and the reference distance (ST). A delay circuit is able to inhibit the operation of the distance measuring system for a given period.    ADVANTAGE -   Circuit simulates competition for cycle user, giving him target to work to, thus making exercise less monotonous and more stimulating.
A physical quantity detector, for example a torque sensor, is connected to the load. It outputs a torque signal indicative of a torque exerted on the load and an angle signal indicative of an angle through which the load is displaced.    A signal producing circuit produces a weight signal, a resiliency signal, a viscosity signal, and an inertia signal on the basis of the torque signal and an angle signal. A driver circuit controls the magnetic clutch in accordance with the signals produced by the signal producing circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Weight load generator for variably outputting weight load exerted on load connected to, for example, electromagnetic clutch which is driven by drive source such as motor to develop weight load on load.
The system has a containment tank for receiving oil from a transformer bank for a hydroelectric power generating station. A capacitance proximity sensor is mounted at a predetermined height within the tank and is operative to sense the passage of an oil/water interface in close proximity to the sensor to generate an output control signal for controlling a solenoid operated valve for the tank to close the valve and prevent spillage of oil into the environment.    Collected water can be drained from the tank to a point where the oil/water interface has been reduced to a predetermined height within the tank, thereby leaving adequate remaining oil containing capacity within the tank in the event of further oil discharge from a transformer.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents introduction of oil, petroleum or other similar toxic materials into water cooling and discharge systems.
The dynamic resistance device comprises a bracket (1), an actuating device which is mounted within the bracket and includes a DC motor (20) and an output shaft, and a winch which includes a winding drum and a cable. A controlling circuit device (90) is attached on a PCB (100) which is installed on the bracket. The winding drum is extended coaxially with two rotating shafts, as the winding drum rotates, the two rotating shafts will rotate consequently, one end of the cable is fixed on the winding drum, and the cable is wound within a spiral slot of the winding drum. A reduction device includes two timing wheels, the two timing wheels are connected with a timing belt, the timing wheel is fixed on the output shaft of the motor, and the second timing wheel is fixed on the first rotating shaft which is connected to winding drum.    A fairleader is provided which includes a stopping plate and a rubber ball. The stopping plate is bridged on the top of bracket and has a slot. The cable can pass through the slot freely. The diameter of the rubber ball is larger than the width of the slot, hence the rubber ball will be limit thereon as the cable is retrieved into the winding drum. A cover can be attached to the bracket to prevent dirt and debris.    ADVANTAGE -   Resistance can be precisely selected to increase effect of exercise.
The physical exercises are done on the background of real sporting, entertaining or other events, occurring in real time scales, transmitted on TV or recorded in a video-gram, by sampling and encoding real events with subsequent comparison of encoded information with information from physical training device (3) with sensor unit (4) connected to data comparison unit (5).    Training is done in competitive mode, wherein activities are simulated and these activities are done by two or more participants of real competitions. E.g. in playing tennis, one sportsman sets the running tempo corresp to sampled sections of lines. The information from the training devices with sensors are passed to data comparing units which in turn are connected to encoder and display unit (7) of the overall information.    USE -   For training sportsmen and for individual or group entertainments.    Bul. 6/15.2.93
The converter consists of a support (6) with at least one moving bar (4) to which one or more streamlined bodies (2) are attached and able to perform a limited rotation to vary their angle of attach. The converter also has a system for rotating the streamlined bodies and a power consumer.    The system for rotating the streamlined bodies is in the form of a reversible mechanism, eg powered by an electric motor (14), which is able to interact with the bar and the streamlined bodies, and is equipped with a control chain (16) and switches to turn it on or off according to the position of the bar. The streamlined bodies are in the shape of wings which are set one above the other or one after the other in the flow, and the power consumer can be in the form of a linear electrical generator with its magnet and coil located on the support and bar so they can interact with one another.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved ecological standards, greater reliability and increased power output. Bul.47-48/30.12.93
During change of the working modes of a micro-hydroelectric station, a command device (8) passes a control signal to a power regulator (6) and some of the power of a generator (5) is dissipated on additional resistors.    A signal from the regulator (6) passes to a gate (2) of a hydroturbine, set in proportion to the signal passing from a load.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electricity supply of automatic small users remote from power lines. Simplified construction. Bul. 47-48/30.12.93
Prodn. comprises flowing a molten crystalline material from the outlet of a crucible into a mould at a pouring rate synchronous with the growth rate of a crystal growing from below to above due to a temp. gradient in the mould.    USE -   Used for making Si crystals for solar cells.
The exercise appts. includes a support frame structure, to which exercise members are attached. The members have a predetermined range of movement for performing simulated actions by a user. A compact disc-interactive player is supported on the frame structure and plays a compact disc having a recorded scenario program, including scenario segments, each dictating required movements of the exercise members to perform a simulated action. A video monitor, supported on the frame, receives a video signal from the CD-I player for displaying a real-time motion video image of the scenario program. An audio device receives an audio signal from the player for transmission of an audible sound of the scenario program.    A variable dampening device, interconnected to each exercise member, variably controls a level of resistance to movement of the to vary the level of difficulty of moving them when performing dictated simulated action. An interface is interconnected between the variable dampener and the CD-I player to transmit and receive data between both. The player has a processor which receives and processes data relating to the scenario segment being presented and the movement of the exercise members, and also controls the variable dampener. A new scenario segment is presented to the user as a direct result of the user's performance in moving the exercise members w.r.t. the previous scenario segment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for keep-fit training. System suggests additional routines or variations to minimise user boredom.
The rotor immersed in a tank (29) of water incorporates a container (8) held in position by a system of levers (25,26) in a frame (1) with horizontally movable spigots (2,3) connected to other levers (4,5) with springs (6,6a) and magnets (7,7a).    A pinion (17) in mesh with a rotatable toothed segment on the frame rotates the container in a vertical plane so that a float within it drives a generator supplying power through a watertight cable (30) connected to a sealed rotary contact (31).    ADVANTAGE -   Water is lifted without expenditure of energy, since only container parts heavier than water are raised.
The suction tube connects a turbine wheel to an underwater junction, and slows down drive water emanating form the turbine. The turbine wheel has a current-linkage-jet ring gap (11), that is not rotary symmetrical, arranged around its outer circumference.    This causes a strong Coanda-deviation or a Coanda-divergence. The current in the vicinity of the Coanda-deflection conforms to the top of the upper exit wall of the suction tube. The tangential components of the ring-jet occuring outside the optimal operation of the turbine, on application of the current, occur at the top of the tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For overpressure turbines. Free from previous technical restrictions, e.g. long length, opening degree less than 8 degrees. Better uniform current, thus lower losses.
Glass comprises (by wt.) 57-59% SiO2, 11-12% Al2O3, 7-9% B2O3, 0.1-0.5% ZrO2, 10-12% CaO, 0.8-2% MgO, 8-11% BaO, 0.1-0.5% F2, but 21-23% CaO+MgO+BaO and is substantially free from PbO, ZnO, TiO2, As2O3 and Sb2O3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for electronic component stocks in electronic industry. Glass has good heat resistance, chemical resistance and optical homogeneity.
A combined thrust and guide bearing for a vertical axis hydro-machine (waterwheel) has a shaft (1) with a coupling flange (30) in a star-shaped bearing support (6). The shaft has a carrier head (2) with running surfaces (3,4) for the thrust and guide bearings respectively. The segments (12) of the thrust bearing have their own adjusters (20) attached to a circular plate (11) of the bearing support.    Each adjuster is screwed through a T-shaped segment carrier (14) which is bolted to the circular plate, whose inner diameter is naturally larger than the outer diameter of the shaft at this point. The outer radial legs (15) of the segment carriers rest completely on the circular plate. The axial legs (17,18) are parallel to the shaft axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple stable design.
The hydroelectric power stations are build without dames and have lower pools (4) positioned on the bank. The depth of the hydroelectric power stations are set below the river bed (1), and the water ducts (7) are laid along the river bed (1) and are of siphon type. The hydroelectric power stations have water level sensors in the lower pools (4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As cascade of diversion hydroelectric power stations. Reduced ecological damage. Bul.41-42/15.11.93
The training control compares the actual pulse frequency (f0) of the user with a required pulse frequency (f1, f2). The difference obtained is used for load regulation of the training device via an amplifier (5) and an electromagnetic brake (4).    The training interval values are provided as factors (k1, k2) for the high loading and recovery phases used to calculate the required pulse frequency from a pulse frequency (t) supplied from a source (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Allows training to be adapted to each user for preventing excessive exertion.
The treadmill has an A.C. drive motor with a rotating shaft. A treadmill belt is connected to the motor shaft so that rotation of the motor causes the treadmill belt to move. They are connected via a unit for varying the speed of the treadmill belt when the shaft is rotating at a constant speed.    A D.C. speed change motor is connected to the speed varying unit so that the D.C. speed change motor causes the speed varying unit to vary the speed of the treadmill belt. A controller controls the D.C. speed change motor. It sends a varying voltage signal to the D.C. speed change motor for varying the rate of rotation so that it operates at a constant rate of change of speed of the treadmill belt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Changes rate at constant speed regardless of current setting. Always starts at slow speed, irrespective of speed set at shut-down.
The power station consists of at least one hydraulic motor (3) with a working element in the form of an endless flexible belt (5) with vanes (6), set in the water flow. The belt passes round head (7) and tail (9) rollers, with the tail roller of greater diameter than the head roller.    The rollers are positioned so that the top of the flexible belt slopes down towards the head roller, and the hydraulic motors are situated inside a housing which is open at the bottom and mounted on supports fixed in the river bed. The housing itself is immersed in the water to the depth to which the river freezes in winter.    The station can have additional hydraulic motors and an ice-stop (11) which acts as an anchor, and also deflectors which are situated at the head of each motor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Harnesses river water flow energy. Higher efficiency and more reliable operation. Bul. 39-40/30.10.93
The photovoltaic modules are applied over an insulating layer on a carrier layer (1) and are covered by a protection layer. The photovoltaic modules and the insulating layer are applied continuously on a likewise continuously supplied carrier layer.    The protection layer likewise is preferably continuously formed. The individual components are separated from the carrier layer track provided with the insulating layer, photovoltaic modules and protection layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power generation on roofs of buildings etc. Produces components efficiently and economically.
The plant has a waterwheel (1) with scoops (2) or cells around its outer circumference, driving an electric generator (13) through gearing. The plant is built up in modular form, whereby the water wheel is detachable at the hub (5) from the central gearbox input shaft. The outer gearbox shaft (12) is coupled directly to the generator. The hub of the waterwheel has a flange which is bolted onto the flange of the gearbox shaft.    The centre of gravity of the waterwheel lies near the main bearing of the gearbox. The gearbox housing is bolted to a strut (9) which is itself bolted to a wall (11) on which ther generator sits. Alternatively, the strut may be free-standing, with the generator on a separate arm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For low and medium power installations. Allow adjustment to different heights of fall and water volumes. Capable of series production. Uses conventional and reliable components, and can be installed on site, by local contractors. No tilting moments.
A bicycle training system has a screen that receives images from a graphics computer. The trainer has a handlebar unit (5) held in the centre position by a steering module (4). This has built-in springs and contacts on either side that activate switches to signal a left or right turn.    Mounted on the handlebar, a pair of brake levers has coupled switches (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b). Other inputs are provided by selectors (9a, 9b). The user of the trainer responds to a road journey as displayed on the screen.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides interactive mode between use of machine and graphics display.
The hand weight for runners, includes a body with two ends, one being made in part from a light transmitting material and a hand grip. A signal emitter produces a perceptible signal, including a light in the light transmitting end and an electrical circuit connected it. A battery supplies power to the signalling device.    A bio-feedback device including a motion detecting switch detects the vertical orientation of the body by closing the electrical circuit and a non-vertical orientation by opening the circuit w.r.t. repetitive movement of a runner whilst running to cause the power to be supplied to the signal device intermittently.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for jogger. Has sufficient weight for enhancing exercise.
Thrust bearing (1) consists of a body (2), supporting sleeves (3), controlling bolts (9), plate-shaped elements (5) and segments (6). The disk (8) is connected to the sleeve (9) and it rotates along the segment (6) lined surface (7). The sleeve (9) is connected to the hydraulic generator rotor rotating shaft (10). Rings (14) made of insulating material are positioned on the sleeve (9) working surface. The rings (19) are fixed on the sleeve by screws (17).    In order to eliminate any sleeve (9) shift caused by the torque, a key (13) is placed between the sleeve (9) and the shaft (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Reliability is increased, non-ferrous metal consumption is reduced and assembly-repair works are simplified by preventing the scoring of the shaft and the sleeve cylindrical surfaces. Bul.2/15.1.93
The water raising is carried out by an Archimedes screw (4) driven by a water turbine (1).    A water bucket chain plant is used instead of a conventional water wheel. The water supply and pumping station is mounted on a special ship.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives improved efficiency by using wt. of water-filled buckets.
The power/gas generation method involves using a floating body (1) with multiple hulls (5) which is secured to a mooring (11). The hulls remain partly above the water level (6). Depth is adjustable by means of ballast tanks (7) in each hull, which also aid stability. Water flows through the channels (2) between the hulls. Each channel contains at least one turbine (3) to generate power.    The undersides of the turbines lie above the keels of the hulls to avoid damage by grounding. The box structure on top contains electrical generators and also a hydrogen production unit. Guillotine-type shutters control the flow of water through the channels.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For extracting power from running water in rivers, tidal shallows or open sea, taking advantage of availability of water and power to produce hydrogen at remote locations where risk of explosion is less critical.
The exercise monitor has a user display (10) and provides indication of heart-rates above or below predetermined limits and an audible (36) alarm for a similar purpose with control keypad. An audio pulse generator (27,28,29) transmits data down a telephone line to the master data processor. The user monitor is mounted in a convenient position for the user and is of a convenient size to be mounted on the wrist. The heart beat monitor (25) is mounted on the user's chest and has two electrodes (26) for monitoring heart-beat and processing and transmitting signals. The user monitor has a receiver (24) and a signal processor (35).    The monitor also has a memory (32) to store details of ideal heart-rate curve and provides reconstruction of ideal rate from stored data. Threshold data is stored in the monitor memory. RAM (33) stores data sampled during the performance of exercise. Threshold indicators provide indicators of user's heart-beat curve and a piezo element (36) indicates if rates are too high or too low.    USE -   Exercise monitor with user interaction using wrist display and audio from CPU. Enables feedback to user via personal trainer.
The stair climbing exercise appts. includes a frame, pedals and a drive system. The support frame (12) is largely hollow and has a handlebar arrangement (40) on the top. Left and right pedals (15) are mounted on independent shuttles moving in channels on the frame. The electrical drive system is mounted (28) in the base.    The pedal shuttles are connected by webs to clock wound return springs mounted on the drive linkage with a one-way clutch. When power is removed, these springs return the pedals to the top of the machine. As the user stands on the pedal, it sinks to the bottom under control of the drive motor.    ADVANTAGE -   Smoothness and fluidity of operation. Additional safety during mounting and dismounting.
The unit has floats (4) rigidly connected to each other. The water directing walls form an inlet channel. The turbine (6) with blades is placed between the floats on a horizontal shaft (5), which is fitted in the bodies and is kinematically connected to the generator. The bodies are provided with bearings for the shaft 95), and tie rods are fitted on the bodies. A flexible thread is hinged to the tie rods. The bearings are fitted on opposite banks of the river. The units are grouped and each group is provided with a rectifier which is connected to the phase windings of the generators. The electric motor is connected to the rectifier circuit. The additional generator is provided with frequency stabiliser which is made as analogue frequency detector, comparators and thyristor key.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electric power production using the kinetic energy of rivers. The construction is simplified and capital costs reduced. Bul.2/15.1.93
The device contains a sectioned contact jump field (1) with contact circuits connected to a unit (3) controlling the mode and recording the character of mechanical action. The field (1) consists of sections (2) contg. jump boards (4) connected to corresp. individual or transport visual displays. The sections are of different height and are located at different angles w.r.t. the base.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In electronic-mechanical devices designed for developing reaction, endurance and coordination when jumping. Increased efficiency. Bul.2/15.1.93
Prodn. of a layer of a binary or ternary cpd. semiconductor, having metallic and nonmetallic components, comprises (i) vapour depositing a first discrete layer of at least one metallic component of the semiconductor onto a first flexible endless substrate; (ii) opt. vapour depositing a second layer of a second metallic component onto the first layer; (iii) producing a layer of the nonmetallic component by vapour deposition and contacting it with the metallic component layer(s); and heating to effect chemical reaction of the components to produce the cpd. semiconductor, each step being carried out continuously in a through process.    A thin film solar cell arrangement has a flexible endless strip substrate which is electrically insulating at least at its surface, a first electrode layer, a photovoltaic absorber layer of a cpd. semiconductor and a second electrode layer, the electrode layers and the absorber layer being quasi-endlessly structured parallel to the strip substrate so that strip-like individual solar cells are electrically series-connected by overlapping of their electrode regions transverse to the strip substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows efficient mass prodn. of cpd. semiconductor layers esp. suitable for inexpensive solar cell mfr., can be automated and has high through-put rate.
The foot exerciser framework consists of beams (1, 2), struts (3) and sidewalls (10). It is attached to a bed-end rail by a fixing bolt (7). A variable-speed motor (8) drives two opposed cranks on which connecting rods (13) are mounted. The latter are connected via a linkage to two foot-shells (33) mounted on an axle (14).    By means of a hand lever (29), bores (30) and setting pins (31), the angular movement of the foot-shells and its end point are adjustable. An electric control may be provided using a control panel and feedback units. Provision is also made for adjustment in length and height. The feet of the patient are thus manipulated in antiphase under controlled conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Full control of exercise movement by means of rocking foot supports.
The paddle blades (3) are located in such a way that their juxtapositions are arranged, e.g. across hinge connections, in the region of the outer ends of the frames (2) so that the swinging in or out of the paddle blades towards or away from the axis (1) is facilitated. In the swung out position no energy is taken.    The paddle blades are hinged/pressed by the pressure of the kinetic energy in a half circle rotation against the respective carrier frame (2), thus they are power effective. In the other half circle rotation (opposite half circle), they swing out in the centrifugal direction of the kinetic energy so that with opened carrier frames the blades are not power effective, namely, corresp. opposite running forces are minimised.    ADVANTAGE -   Cost effective utilisation of kinetic wind and water energy. Any size of system can be incorporated in different machines. Wide environmentally friendly application. Can be coupled to generator to produce electrical power.
The fixture arrangement incorporates a friction union, the torque transmission properties of which,at the machine rated speed,are limited to a predetermined value and allowing the rotation symmetrical body to move in a tangential direction w.r.t. the hub when the hub angle acceleration exceeds a predetermined value.    The fixture arrangement comprises a component (121) movable w.r.t. the hub in a tangential direction which allows movement in a radial direction between the hub and the rotation symmetrical body. The latter incorporates a flange (133) which, with the fixture arrangement, locks the rotation symmetrical body in an axial direction w.r.t. the hub.    (Provisionally basic advised week 9351)
The raft (10) comprises a pair of side hulls (11,12) and a front middle hull (13) for reception of a current generator together with a middle, rear water guide duct (14). The duct is a separate rear housing which receives the generator drive (15).    The side hulls each have a keel-like duct (17) through which water flows during towing of the raft for two water flow currents parallel to the water flow passage between the hulls. The middle hull has front and astern plates extending obliquely downwards with the drive housing a certain axial distance behind the astern plate. The water guide duct collects the two water currents and directs them through the guide duct.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids heavy raft movements to provide a stable raft position in windy conditions.
Each restraint member is displaceable under the control of the user through a predetermined range of movement w.r.t. the frame, movement in a first direction in the range being effective to apply through the body part a stretching force to the associated muscle group or joint. An angle indicator is positioned for viewing by the user to provide to the user a readout of the position of the restraint member in the range. A power hydraulic actuator is selectively operable by the user to effect movement of the restraint member in the first direction, therefore assisting the user in further stretching in the positions.    A blocking check valve is selectively engageable by the user at any desired position in the range of support the restraint member against movement in a second direction opposite to the first, therefore allowing the user to isometrically control the muscle group or joint that is to be stretched. A force measuring pressure gauge is operable when the blocking valve engaged to measure the force exerted by the body part upon the engagement member in the second direction.    USE -   Allows are individual to stretch a number of muscle groups or joints to increase flexibility.
The system consists of an electromyographic sensor member which produces a rectified and time average signal forming a muscle force signal. The sensor member is provided with at least one electrode that is positioned adjacent to the user's muscle group of indicating muscle force of that muscle group.    A control member has a clock for measuring time intervals. An alerting member alerts the user that an exercise period has started as determined by the clock for a predetermined time interval loaded into the control means. Thus, the user in response to the alerting member contracts and relaxes a predetermined muscle group and the muscle force used in the exercise is sensed by the electromyographic sensor.    USE -   Exercise training system for prompting user for stereotypes exercise and recording intensity of exercise.
An arrangement for energy generation using a treadle, a DC generator with voltage control and an accumulator has a device for ascertaining the motion of the treadle, powered by an accumulator. This device triggers a monostable vibrator stage and also sets the state of a flip-flop, which can be reset by the output of the monostable multivibrator. The flip-flop activates a relay allowing the accumulator to supply power.    Two other devices give signals if the switching-in speed exceeds a threshold and if the switching-out speed is below a threshold. One sets another flip-flop and the other resets it. This flip-flop controls the relay for power supply from the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient power for a VDU can be generated by a "fitness fanatic" on a treadle mechanism.
Solar module comprises a glass substrate coated in order; (a) conductive metal oxide, (b) amorphous semiconductor, (c) back metal electrode d) passivating resin comprising a coater vapour barrier layer having a permeability to water vapour of not more than 1g/m2 day measured at a thickness of 100 microns.    At least one part of the passivating resin layer is pref. formed by coating, and thermal curing. The water vapour barrier is pref. polyisobutylene resin. The passivating resin layer pref. comprises an oxygen barrier layer having a permeability to oxygen of not more than 0.1cc mm/m2 day atm. of copolymer of ethylene vinyl alcohol. The active area of the module is not less than 0.1m2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar modules for outdoor use. Has improved passivation.
The electricity generation plant uses the static pressure of water at great depths for supplying the electrical energy and includes a water turbine (3) within a turbine housing (2) having peripheral water cups, onto which water is directed via a flow pipe (4). The shaft of the turbine wheel is coupled to an electrical generator. The turbine housing has a water sump (11) at a lower level, with a water-tight ballast space (18) at its base from which the water can be pumped to the water surface (15) via a riser pipe (12).    ADVANTAGE -   Provides electrical energy without damage to the environment.
The system includes a solar energy platform which has a floating baseplate (1) supported by a water layer (2) and carrying a transparent roof (3) allowing the incident solar energy to be focussed onto at least one photocell (4) in a plane at right angles to the deflected radiation.    The photocell lies in thermal contact with the base plate, so that the waste heat of the photocell is transferred to the water layer beneath the base plate. The roof pref. has a series of rollers (13) incorporated in a support framework, allowing cylindrical wall surfaces (21) to be adjusted in dependence on the angle of the sun, so that the roof is automatically centred relative to the platform rotation axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced wind resistance.
A support frame is provided, to which is attached an automatic winch. The winch is attached to a spring and the spring is attached to a harness cable and then to a harness. A user is tightly secured within the harness and a load cell is utilised to determine how much weight to unload from the patient/user.    After the predetermined amt. of weight has been unloaded it is set. Because the load cell is connected to the winch, a constant unloaded value is maintained throughout the range of normal to aggressive exercising for the injured patient. The normal exercising motions of a quick to fast walk, to run, to jog results in multiple vertical oscillations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Therapeutic unloading device for exercising specific amts. of body weight in upright position without overloading healing tissue. By means of spring dampener and automatic outlay and intake of cable by means of winch, constant load is maintained on user and hence injury.
In a solar cell module sealed with a resin for prevention of penetration of water, the sealing resin is formed by hardening of the starting material compsn. contg. (A) hydrocarbon series hardener having at least two hydrosilyl gps. in a molecule; (B) polymer having repeat unit with a main chain of satd. hydrocarbon, and having at least one alkenyl gp. at the molecule end, and (C) hydrosilylation catalyst.    The hardener (A) e.g. is of general formula RXa (where X is gp. having at least one hydrosilyl gp. R is mono-tetravalent 2-150 C hydrocarbon gp. a is integer 1-4) and has molecular wt. of up to 30000. X is e.g. -Si(H)n(CH3)3-n, -Si(H)n(C2H5)3-n, -Si(H)n(C6H5)3-n where n is 1-3, or -SiH2(C6H13). The catalyst (C) is e.g. Pt, Pt-olefin complex, Pt-phosphite complex, Pt-vinyl siloxane complex, or Pt-phosphine complex etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell module has excellent water penetration preventing property, and excellent weather resistance.
No Diagram Available
Material gas comprising amorphous silicon is introduced in a plasma area after the gas is heated by a heater.    USE -   To form I layer, whose optical gap is narrow in PIN junction, without having raising substrate temp.
The method includes the step of extracting, as an electric current, electric energy stored between earth (1) and an ionised layer (3) as an atmospheric electric field by photoionising an atmosphere (4) between the earth (1) and the ionised layer (3) through a high output and high frequency laser (5).    Then, performing dielectric breakdown and electrically connecting the earth (1) and the ionised layer (3). The electric energy is extracted as an electric current using an electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   No pollution.
The metal-ionised hydrogen needed for the prodn. of electrical energy is formed by the pressure generated in the torus (13, fig.8), using the excitation current induced in the three load coils (8).    The decoupling of the energy needed for the prodn. of the rotating field results across a current converting system. The preparation of the ignition energy needed for starting the switching units, results across an accumulator battery installed in the unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Very high number of free charge carriers is released serving for forming source voltage. Increases energy content compared to fossil energy carriers about factor of 100.
The array consists of an array of linear arched Fresnel lenses with a linear tandem -cell receiver located along the focal line of each lens.    The lens consists of a glass protective superstrate with moulded silicone Fresnel grooves on its inner surface.    The tandem cell receiver consists of high efficiency cell stacks interconnected in a string with a sec. optical element adhesive bonded to each cell stack. Each sec. optical elemant entrance aperture is rectangular in shape and the optical secondaries are butted up against each other in a line to form a continuous aperture along the focal line.    ADVANTAGE -   Each secondary gives sunlight concn, in 3 dimensions so that its base is smaller in both the direction along the focal line as well as perpendicular to it. The gaps between the optical secondaries provide room for electrically connecting the cell string. The optical secondaries shield the cells against radiation damage.
The two-axis solar follow-up includes horizontal universal-joint. A carrier plate of the solar assembly is held by three or more jointed long stroke dampers symmetrically arranged w.r.t. the mast.    The solar assembly carries three or more pistons which act as weights. The cylinders are arranged in the form of a symmetrical star. The cylinders are connected at one side with each other and at the other side with reservoirs and expansion media so that the reservoirs lie on the edge of the solar assembly. The effects of solar radiation cause the weights to be shifted by uneven heating of the reservoir.    ADVANTAGE -   Realises bi-axial tracking.
A series of conversion unit are interconnected to provide continuous rotation of a drive shaft that is connected to an electrical generator. Each conversion unit is comprised of a pylon having a lower portion submerged beneath the surface of a body of water and a top portion extending above the surface of the water. The pylon is held in a fixed position relative to the surface of the water by anchoring the pylon to the floor of the body of water. Attached to the pylon is a float which rises and falls with the rise and fall of waves on the surface of the body of water. The float has a spherical exterior and an internal chamber.    Ballast such as water is contained within the internal chamber to provide weight to the float. The float further has a central opening through its vertical axis. Mounted within the central opening is a central guide having a guide sleeve and a series of bearings secured to the guide sleeve. The central guide allows the float to be telescopically fitted around the pylon. The float is thus guided so that it will slide up and down the pylon in a direction parallel to the vertical axis of the pylon.    USE -   Wave power electricity generator which can operate in harsh salt water, high wind, constant movement environment.
The unit has floating body with two electricity generators kinematically connected to toothed wheel, fitted on a horizontal axle connected to inertial weight submerged under the water level, by means of two vertical side rods. The kinematic connection has vertical racks with toothed threads in the upper part, a gear and ratchet mechanism with connecting rods connected to the racks. The ratchet mechanism are fitted on increasing reducers shafts, each one connected to the electricity generator by means of a flywheel. The unit also has centrifugal regulator (6) with a closed hydraulic system with a tank, a pump, hydraulic cylinders and regulating valve with a slide, connected to the centrifugal regulator, latter and the pump are kinematically connected to one of the increasing reducers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave power utilisation. The operation reliability is increased by stabilising the rotation frequency. Bul.22/15.6.93.
The sec. battery comprises a receptacle made up of a metal (e.g. zinc) which acts as a negative electrode. The receptacle contains lithium chloride salt mixed with polyethylene glycol liq. which corresponds to the electrolyte, making the polyethylene glycol ion conductive. A positive electrode made of graphite is dipped into the polyethylene glycol and is placed mutually with the base of the negative electrode. Graphite powder, wrapped in by a separator (e.g. kraft paper), is placed alongside the anode. The graphite powder promotes the electrode reaction and increases the electric current generation during discharge. The positive and negative electrodes transform the heat energy to electrical energy as the excited electron helps to mix the graphite powder with the positive electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables efficient transformation of heat energy generated by low temp. (e.g. solar heat, geothermal, hot spring etc.) to electrical energy. Public hazard is avoided as waste disposal is easy and there is no environmental contamination. The cost is lowered and energy is saved.
The capacitance of the capacitor (C) is altered solely by the movement of the surface waves e.g. sea waves in their rhythm, with opposing side plates, shells, windings or of other charge carriers.    Parametric excited electric vibrations are produced in the resonant circuit (fir. 1a,1b). So that the surface waves are damped, or in reverse the waves are excited, due to specified electric vibrations produced by an electrical power supply.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Power can be generated without generator or other movable machine parts. Corresp. easy to handle and system can be simply installed.
The power transfer appts. comprises a two crankshafts with several cranks. The first is coupled to a step-down gearbox enabling a selective rpm and a selective multiple of the motor's (29) power to power the crankshaft. A DC electric motor is coupled to the gearbox to selectively rotate the crankshaft about a first selected axis.    Several force increasing members connect the cranks such that clockwise rotation of the first crankshaft applies a calculated amount of force to the extreme end upstream of the force. Each force increasing member includes a primary torque bar (23) with one end mounted about a second pivotal axis, the other end coupled to a crank to produce a pumping action of the bar. A secondary torque bar has one end about a third axis, with the other end coupled to the primary torque bar so that it has a pumping action too.    ADVANTAGE -   Removes necessity to provide external input to power electric generator, thus reducing cost of electricity.
The appts. comprises a compressive member having a first planar surface which abuts the first surface of an element to be mounted and an opposing second surface. The second compressive member has two opposing planar surfaces. A clamping bracket has a force generating web for applying a centrally located compressive force to the second surface of the first compressive member. A first bracket leg has a predetermined length and a first end extending from the first end of the web and terminates at an opposing second end.    A second bracket leg has a predetermined length and has a first end extending from the second end of the web in spaced confronting relation to the first bracket leg and a second opposing end. The second end of the first bracket leg includes a securing device for holding the first bracket leg to the second compressive member.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electric heating and cooling or for power generation. Consistent compression force or pressure is applied to each module.
The rotor has a bush (1) with axial hinges (2) and blades (3). The bush hub has hollows (4) for pins (5). The axial hinge journals (7) are fitted on the pins. The bush hub with the pin, bearings (6) and journal form a cylindrical hinge. The cylindrical hinge axle (8) lies in the plane which passes through the rotor rotation plane (9) and the hub shaft opening axis plane (10). The axial hinge journal has brackets which with the bush hub are coupled with the spring tie rods or dampers through cylindrical hinges.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wind power utilisation. The gravitation force changing stress level is reduced. Bul.20/30.5.93
The platform (12) with the wave power conversing block is placed above the water level. The block is made as power removal shaft (4) kinematically connected to the electricity generator (14). The station also has a float (1) and weights. The weight is connected to the shaft by a cable and is aerodynamic and can displace in a vertical channel (11), whose air tight housing is connected to the platform lower part and is submerged in the water.    The block has a winch (5) with coupling clutches and kinematically connected electric motor (15), flywheel (16) and additional electricity generator (17). The weight is provided with an aerodynamic stabiliser. The cable is wound onto the winch drum and can alternately interact with the power removal shaft and the generator rotor. The station is provided with additional conversion blocks and a unit for automatic switching of the blocks. The flywheels are mutually perpendicular.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave power utilisation. The electric current parameters are stabilised. Bul.20/30.5.93
The solar cell arrangement in such that the solar rays of short wave type impinge on the amorphous solar cells (4) while those of long wave type impinge on the crystalline solar cells (5).    Prior to impinging onto the solar cells, the light is spectrally dispersed, pref. by a prism (2). The amorphous and crystalline cells are arranged in the respective effective regions, typically above each other. Alternatively the light may be deflected by a mirror, and a light component may be deflected after dispersing, but prior to impingement on the cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Optimum utilisation of the solar light.
Solar panel consists of solar cells (12) equipped with a conductive grid (26) and wiring (14) forming air electrode for each cell. Cells are place don a backing layer (28) contg. moulded slots (32), optimally with a conductive material (34) in each slot and an adhesive is applied to bond cells to the backing layer. Transparent plastic sheet (38), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate film, is bonded to the top by a clear adhesive film (40). Cells are of Si-base material, backing layer is of thermoplastic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Not prone to delamination, cells flush with surface.
The cell includes a series of interconnected cell units, each comprising two spaced bodies (32,33) including p and n type semiconductor material, a lens (30), an upper transparent electrical conductor (31) bridging the semiconductor bodies and a lower electrical conductor (34) connected to each body at a location spaced from the upper conductor.    The arrangement is such that the upper and lower conductors never bridge the dame pair of semiconductor bodies. In another arrangement, the semiconductor bodies comprise PNP heterostructures.
River water or seawater (C1) fills a circular cavity within a body (b) rotating about a horizontal axis (A1) coupled to a fixed system of reference (A). Resistance to the rotation is offered by a fixed insert having a smaller cross-section (C2).    Additional power is supplied from solar radiation (E), wind (H) or water (D2, D3) and the circulation may be assisted by a vacuum system (G) or a blower (P). The movement may be optimised by fixed or movable paddles (B3-B5) within or outside the body. The system may be mounted on a floating platform.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system conserves finite energy resources and contributes to environmentally friendly and low-risk power supply by exploiting naturally available and renewable energy.
A solar energy concentrating device comprises a chamber which forms a torus shaped supporting body by inflating it and a chamber formed by a premoulded reflective membrane taking on the shape of a circular parabolic or near parabolic mirror by introducing a differential between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure inside the chamber formed by the reflective membrane.    The supporting body and the chamber forming the reflective surface are segmented and each segment can be inflated or deflated independently. A circular aperture is formed in the reflective membrane.    ADVANTAGE -   Light, compact and easily transportable.
The water pressurising appts. utilises the water weight changes caused by the presence of a wave crest or wave trough directly above the appts. The appts. is positioned under the surface of a body of water having waves and has a plunger having a flat disk at its upper end. The plunger moves vertically w.r.t. a rigidly mounted cylinder, which defines a fluid chamber having a cross-sectional area less than the surface area of the flat disk.    A conduit, in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, conducts water from the body of water to the fluid chamber and pressurised water to a collection tank. Inlet and outlet check valves insure that fluid does not flow from the collection tank to the fluid chamber, or from the fluid chamber to the water source. Preferably, a number of such units are arranged hydraulically in parallel with one another. Alternatively a single collection tank may collect pressurised fluid from the individual units. Water from the tank is used to drive a conventional turbine to produce electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables number of apparatuses to be connected together and operate from common water source and deliver pressurised water to common collection tank.
Gas hydrates are formed from the stand-by gas in the hydrate formation zones and stored in the period of fall of electric load on the power station. During peak loading the stand-by gas is used decomposing the hydrates by formation of an ice suspension.    The system includes a main gas pipeline with a reduction device, a boiler unit, steam and gas turbines, pumps, feeders and circulating water, a reservoir for the natural gas, a crystalliser, and a water accumulator. The gas hydrates are decomposed in the natural gas reservoir, and are formed in the crystalliser and in the natural gas reservoir.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In power stations. Increases efficiency. Bul.19/23.5.93
The plant consists of a windmill (1) linked kinematically to a compressor (2) which is connected to a compressed air chamber (3). The chamber (3) is linked to a regenerative heat exchanger (4), which is connected in turn to a solar-powered air heater (5). The air heater is connected to the input of a turbogenerator turbine (6), and the turbine output goes to the heat exchanger (4).    The plant also has a receiver which is divided by a sealed elastic partition (8) into upper and lower compartments (9,10), with the lower one containing a second heat exchanger (11). The lower compartment surrounding the heat exchanger is filled with a low boiling point working substance, connected to a source of cold water and to an accumulator tank (12) inside the solar-powered air heater.    ADVANTAGE -   Wider range of functions and higher coefft of energy use. Bul.18/15.5.93
The radiation receiver (1) incorporates a mechanical transmission (2) and compensating electric motor comprising the stator (3) and rotor (4) with windings (7) coupled to a photo-element (5), which is mounted by the support (6) on the rotor.    When radiation is incident on the photo-element (5), a current flows in the windings (7), causing the rotor to turn. The angular position of the stator w.r.t. the light source can be changed by the mechanical transmission (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple construction and operation. Bul.18/15.5.93
The collector (1), with concentrating lens (12), is mounted by the tilting frame (2) on the rotary table (24). The radiation is focused by the lens on the radiation transducer (5). The inclination of the frame (2) is controlled by the servo-motor (23) and cam-operated connecting rod (20). The table (24) is rotated in a horizontal plane, by the servo-motor (26).    The radiation detector (33) feeds signals to the impulse generator (34), which feeds the servo-motors (23,26).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In plant where both electrical and thermal energy is produced. Improved utilisation of solar energy. Bul.18/15.5.93
Biogas generated by anaerobic decomposition in waste disposal sites is extracted through a number of drillings and fed to a boiler or gas engine driven generator through a measuring pump and regulating (MPR) module. The electrical energy produced is available for sale. The gas from each drilling is lead to the MPR-module through separate pipes and the constituents are measured and controlled by common measuring and control equipment.$    Pref. the drilling (10) of which there should be about six per hextare on the disposal site is a double drilling with a perforated gas extraction tube (38) and a slitted emptying tube (40), both of which are surrounded by a suction gravel filter(36). The drilling is sealed against air ingress by clay (42). The gas extraction tube (38) is connected to an MPR-module by means of a pipe (32). The drilling(10) has a service well(44) through which a pump may be lowered into the emptying tube(40) if the water level in the disposal site rises over the suction filter(36). Each of the pipes(32) from the drillings(10) is lead to a contrally placed MPR-module which is constructed within a standard container(2) and comprises a control room and pumping room. The contact room and pumping room are gas tight from each other. A computer controls the opening and closing of values on the individual gas lines from the drillings(10) according to the optimum percentage of methane and oxygen preset for duelling a subsequent boiler or gas-engine driven generator.$    USE -   A/    ADVANTAGE -   For the exploitation of biogas from waste disposal sites. An improved method for the exploitation of gas from waste disposal sites in which the constitutents of the biogas are lend from a number of separate drillings to a measuring pump and regulating (MPR) module. The methane content is monitored for maximum thermal efficiency and the oxygen content is continuously checked for possible explosion hazard.
The linear motion electric power generator for generating electric current from mechanical work done by an intermittent force comprises at least one rare earth magnet defining a magnetic field, and being contained in a non-ferrous, non-conducting tube, and at least one coil located within the magnetic field. The at least one magnet and the at least one coil are arranged to permit bi-directional, linear, or approximately linear, motion of the at least one magnet relative to the at least one coil so as to generate an electric current in the at least one coil.    A springless orientation unit maintains a neutral position in the absence of the force, of the at least one magnet relative to the at least one coil, from which the bi-directional, linear, or approximately linear, motion occurs. The orientation device comprises a magnet located below and in magnetic polar opposition to the at least one rare earth magnet so as to counteract a gravitational force and suspend the rare earth magnet at the neutral position in the absence of the force.    USE -   For e.g roadways, exercise radios.
The energy concentrating process involves collecting solar radiation in order to focus it on to a heat exchanger. The reflector system is mounted to pivot about two axes (horizon-zenith and east-west) in order to track the movement of the sun. This includes servomotors and regulators operating in a closed or open loop.    Within the reflector there are mirrors arranged in first and second stages. The first stage mirrors lie within a hemispherical support, concentrating energy on to the central spherical section, which is closely surrounded by the second stage mirrors.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high efficiency in converting radiation to heat within heat exchanger.
A photoelectric cell comprises a photoelectric wafer (1) having charge collecting electrodes (4,7) on its principle sides (2,3) and a glass protection sheet (8) integral with the wafer (1). A grid (10) of transparent conducting material elements (11) to drain any electrostatic charges is deposited on the outer surfaces of the glass protection sheet (8). The conducting material is e.g. indium tin oxide. Also claimed are a solar panel partic. for the space industry made from the cells, and the prodn. process using a thin film of PTFE between the photoelectric wafer and glass protection sheet and treating at high temp.    USE -   Partic. for the space industry having protection against accumulated electrostatic charges.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is resistant to hostile environments, periodic illumination charges and thermal cycling, has a high power to wt. ratio and is mfd. at modest cost.
The solar energy converter includes a stripe shaped radiation converter (11), which forms a unit with an optically active covering. A tilting device has an axis which runs from east to west.    The solar energy converter further includes an upwardly facing, optically active flat lens system (1, 3, 5). The lens system focusses the non-vertical occurring solar radiation onto the radiation converter. A fresnel lens lying below has its focal line running parallel to the radiation converter.    ADVANTAGE -   Realises two-axis tracking with tracking for half-yearly period occurring in intervals up to one week, whilst daily tracking occurs by optical elements.
A solar collector (2) with a photo-electrochemical cell (3) or a solar cell (3) is fixed to a unit (4). The heat extracted from the solar collector together with the heat extracted from a heat pump (5) is supplied to a heat storage unit (6).    A control device (7) is provided to control the heat pump. The control device obtains its electrical voltage, together with the heat pump, from the photo-electrochemical cell or solar cell. The photo-electrochemical cell or solar cell is arranged on a surface (2S) of the solar collector to reduce convection and radiation loss.    ADVANTAGE -   Operates independently of public current supply.
The module (1), with at least two photoelectrical chemical cells (20, 30, 40), has a cell connector (1) linking them in series. Each cell connector (1) is of a compound material with at least one elastic carrier section (2) and at least one electrically conductive section (3).    USE -   The module is especially for the conversion of solar light into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure gives a low loss electrical connection between the cells in series. (Reissued from week 9435 to add EPI classifications/ Reprinted in week 9437)
Each photoelectro-chemical cell (2-4) has a photoactive layer (P1-4) between two electrically conductive layers (2-4E; 2-4G). The two conductive layers (2E, 3G; 3E, 4G) of two directly adjacent photoelectro-chemical cells are series-connected via a cell coupler (6, 7). The two couplers are of conductive, non-electrocatalytically active material.    Pref. the couplers are of metal powder and a binder, typically of Cr, Mo, Ti or W and an epoxy resin. Alternatively, a paste contg. metal powder and a binder may be used. The powder grain size is less than 2 microns, forming with the epoxy resin a paste coated on the conductive layers and hardened at 1600-200 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells, etc. with improved, loss-free electric connections.
The module includes casing contg photo-converter covered by transparent sealing varnish and coupled to facing glass. The sealing frame in the cross-section has L-shaped form connected to casing and to facing glass by transparent sealing device, forming a labyrinth type of sealing of high reliability.    Two insulating film layers sequenced with an opaque sealing layer connect the tail surfaces of the photo-transducer to the casing. Decoupling diodes mounted on the tail surfaces of the commutation buses, made in form of stripes, provide dampening effect of the photoelectric module from environmental conditions. thickness of diode substrate is equal to thickness of photoconverter substrate layers, while the glass is thicker than the photo-converter substrate about 5 - 10 times.    USE -   Photoelectric converter for overland operations.    Bul. 4/28.2.94
The method of harnessing wave-energy involves using a moored, floating, multi-hulled platform, linked to a floating pontoon by a pivotal boom. The up and down movement of the pivotal boom of the pontoon is changed into a rotational movement of a main shaft which turns transfer gears which drive a generator. Two ratchet gears are mounted one above the other, so that they do not intermesh and have their teeth inclined in opposite directions, the bottom ratchet gear being mounted on the main shaft. Two cog wheels of a larger diameter than the ratchet gears are mounted adjacent each ratchet gear in such a way that the teeth of the cog wheels engage the lower cog wheel mounted on the main shaft and are keyed into it.    A bevel gear is mounted on the main shaft adjacent the lower cog wheel, forming half of a transfer gear for driving a generator. Two pawls are mounted on the pivotal boom of the pontoon so that each engages the teeth of a ratchet gear. A smaller straight pawl engages the teeth of the lower ratchet gear as the pontoon boom rises, and the longer hooked pawl engages the teeth of the upper ratchet gear as the pontoon boom descends.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides inexhaustible, clean, cheap, electricity without detrimental effects on environment. Can operate even when there are not waves.
The electric power generation device uses moon (2) space base power station (3) to convert solar light energy into ultraviolet ray laser (6). The ultraviolet ray laser is received by satellite (4) in space near earth, converted into infrared ray laser (7) and transmitted to ground light interceptor base (5) on earth.    The infrared ray laser is converted into direct electric current power source by ground light interceptor base station on earth.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides new electric power generation method.
The solar battery module covers the surface of light incidence using an optical permeable covering material of fluorine resin system coating material (5) which is uneven after the module substance part material i.e. the metal board (3). An adhesive agent of EVA resin (4) and a solar cell (1) are laid in layers. The space between the solar cell and the substance part material surface filled with the adhesive agent which is made gently sloping.    The vacuum sealing of the solar cell is carried out with a sheet-like resin and sheet-like adhesive agent and the marginal part of the sealing portion is inserted in the slit portion of the frame material which is flexible. The covering material is formed throughout the solar battery module surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents electric short circuit of internal wiring. Possesses good characteristics and increases high reliability. Provides good conversion efficacy. Prevents steam entry through sealing.
Thin-film semiconductor solar battery consists of a metal substance (110) on which is formed a back reflective layer (120), which contains layer of Ag or Ag as the main ingredient (121), a mixed layer (122) and a transparent electric conduction layer (123). On the back reflective layer (120) are formed a semiconductor junction layer (130) and a surface electrode (140) containing transparent electrode (141) and collector electrode (142).    The mixed layer (122) includes a transparent insulator, metal except Ag, and Ag on semiconductor junction layer side.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased conversion luminous efficiency, reliability and efficiency are obtained. Allows mass production. Short circuits of surface electrode are prevented.
The solar battery (100) has its defective portion (110) covered with an insulation covering of electrocoating resin (109). The mean particle size of the electrocoating resin during emulsification or suspension is 0.2 to 10 micrometers.    ADVANTAGE -   Excels in battery characteristics and is highly reliable. Has high photoelectric conversion luminous efficacy.
A thin-film semiconductor device having back contacts (52) and at least one flat semiconductor layer (48) comprises many conductive regions (44) on the layer (48) sepd. by parallel grooves (46) with strips of buffer material (51) between semiconductor and conductor, each underlying one of the grooves. Also claimed is a multi-cell photovoltaic module as above comprising many transparent oxide front contacts on a transparent superstrate sepd. by parallel grooves, many semiconductor photovoltaic elements filling the grooves to insulate adjacent front contacts and themselves sepd. by adjacent parallel second grooves, and with buffer strips and back contacts sepd. by third grooves overlying the buffer strips. Conductive material fills the second grooves to connect adjacent front and back contacts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin-film photovoltaic cell modules and thin-film transistors in a-Si and other materials. The disadvantages of acid etching are avoided as is damage to, or recrystallisation of, the semiconductor layer.
A platform (1) is placed above the water surface and carries connected multiplicator (2) and electricity generator (3). The upper end of the vertical rod bearing (6) is kinematically connected to the multiplicator shaft inlet and the lower end is connected to hollow pontoon. The platform is provided with a hoop (9) with sloping radial spokes (10) which envelope the pile (8) and can displace.    The platform has opening for pile free positioning. The pontoon has central and two side openings. The bearing rods are fitted with a gap in the side openings and are connected to each other in the lower part by horizontal beams (13). The ribs (5) are made as separate elements (14) made of four plates (15), in pairs placed above each other, and connected to the pontoons by vertical and horizontal hoses, enabling lifting and lowering. The lower elements are connected to the bearing rods and can displace together with the pontoons.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficiency is increased. Bul.3/15.2.94
The reactionary revolution device has short pillar-like revolution object (1) supported by the beaming. The explosion object filling hole (1A) is installed in the direction of a tangent to the circumferential field of the revolution object. The explosion of the explosion object takes place in the explosion filling hole. This causes the revolution object to revolve and generate electrical energy. Thus, reactionary energy by explosion of explosive material ultimately generates power without using potential and heat energy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in explosion material conductivity. Reduces installation space. Simplifies energy transformation.
Solar cell module is composed of a solar cell having an electroconductive substrate board, a semiconductor optically active layer serving as a light conversion element on the electroconductive substrate board, a transparent electroconductive layer, and a surface protection layer.    The surface protection layer consists of a resin compsn. contg. organic resin having a higher flammability than fluorine resin, and solvent-soluble fluorine resin added to the flammable organic resin.    Pref. solvent-soluble fluorine resin has functional gp. such as ether gp., ester gp., or hydroxyl gp. to promote solubilisation to solvent, and the example is vinylidene copolymer, fluoro-olefin-vinyl ether copolymer, or fluoro-olefin-fluorodioxole copolymer etc., and the solvent is e.g. toluene xylene, n-butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone or butyl acetate etc.. The flammable organic resin is e.g. EVA resin, acryl resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, or amino resin etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solder cell module shows excellent scratching resistance.
The photovoltaic device includes a first conductivity type crystalline semiconductor layer, a collector electrode electrically connected to the tab by soldering, a short-preventing layer formed under a soldered portion of the collector electrode, and a second, opposite conductivity type amorphous semiconductor layer formed on or over the crystalline semiconductor layer. The short-preventing layer is an insulating layer e.g. of SiO2, or an opposite conductivity type doped layer formed in the first conductivity type crystalline semiconductor layer.    The collector electrode and the insulating layer together are located between the crystalline semiconductor layer and the amorphous semiconductor layer. Pref. the insulating layer is arranged directly on a surface of the crystalline semiconductor layer, or in the interior of the semiconductor layer. The collector electrode may be directly on the insulating layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prevents damage to PN junction due to tab soldering.
The vehicles supply an intermittent downward force to strategically ground sited bar plungers (1), sitting on springs (4) located in a number of carefully spaced stationary plunger housings (3). A plunger force is transmitted by ground sited pivot lever systems and tie rods are attached to two twin type forked main lever systems (7). Twin forked drive plates (12) are arranged to drive two cog and gearwheel systems (13-15). A twin system then drives a single generator shaft gearwheel and produces electricity via a standard type generator. Lever system (10-11) allows each set of linkings to provide a common rotation direction at the generator input.    The forked drive plates drive incidental, relatively small cogwheels, fitted on the shafts of the main gearwheels which drive each side of the generator drive shaft gear trains. The bar plunger ground stand-out heights, may be adjusted by using the plunger control bracket adjusting bolts.    ADVANTAGE -   Smooth and efficient generation of electricity.
The solar module design comprises a specially-designed substrate material with interconnected solar cells and topcoat laminated to the top surface by known polymer encapsulation methods. The substrate, which may be extruded in one piece or fabricated, comprises a twin-wall profile with ribs connecting the upper and lower surface.    The substrate incorporates means of interconnecting modules and fastening them to roof decking or framing members and simplified means of connecting the modules to an external electrical circuit. The features of the substrate and module design result in modules which can be very large in format, yet which are very light and rugged compared to current art.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Twin-wall shape connected with ribs results in a substrate material which is very strong, stiff, and rugged, yet lightweight; and allows modules to be used as roof's finished surface. Allows outside air to pass under photovoltaic cells to help cool them. Module substrate can be produced inexpensively. Installation is rapid and simple. Installed systems using module design feature a monolithic, smooth, unbroken surface, which helps to prevent accumulation of debris, snow, ice, or dirt.
The converter consists of working chambers (20 filled with a liquid containing a working substances, located beneath the transparent covering of a heat receiver (1) and connected through suction and pressure pipes (10, 11) and a distributor to a positive displacement pump (3, 4) with by-pass valves and water receiving and expelling chambers.    The converter has a power take-off unit in the form of a turbo-generator (14), located at the outlet of the water-receiving chamber and connected by feed pipes to the cooling zones of the working chambers, which are equipped with heat conducting ribs.    The working substances is in the form of granules with volume expansion properties, and the pump is in the form of bellows units linked by two-arm levers (8). The bellows units pivoted to the levers' smaller arms are equipped with return springs (9) and are linked hydraulically to the working chambers, while the bellows units on the longer arms are connected via the suction and pressure pipes to the water receiving and expelling chambers.    The distributor has a pressure sensor (5) with piezo-elements, located on the bellows units and linked hydraulically to the water receiving chamber and electrically to a logical control unit (23) through commutators which have their contacts linked in a circuit with the coils of electromagnetic valves.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar radiation to electrical energy conversion. Higher efficiency through use of materials with high thermal expansion coefficients and automated pumping. Bul.2/30.1.94
The procedure consists of loading ballast from the sea bed from a point close to the shore onto a vessel, carrying it out to deep water and using a cable (17) with scoops (18) to return the ballast to the sea bed.    The ballast-filled scoops pull the cable down on one side of a continuous loop which passes round a generator wheel (20) on the vessel, returning empty on the other side of the loop, so that a continuous rotary motion is produced by gravity.    The vessel (16) can be, for example, of catamaran type and the power generated by it is fed back to shore through cables (21).    The excavation of the ballast from a point close inshore is carried out by a machine (2) powered by an electric motor (3) using a part of the energy produced, after it has been fed through a sub-station (4) on shore.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses potential energy of solid material to generate electricity. Bul.2/30.01.94.
Treating a carbon-based substance comprises gasifying a carbon-based substance to produce a combustible gas and ash. The gas is sepd. from the ash, and the gas is utilised to generate electrical power. (To be reissued in later week based on complete specification).
The source (1) current charges the capacitive reservoir (4). The threshold unit (5) fixes the accumulator charge voltage given value, forming control pulses, according to whose front the pulse former (6) is started. According to the pulse former signal the switches (2, 7) are open and the accumulator (4) is discharged on to pump (3) electromagnetic drive. At the end of the given time the pulse former outlet signal closes the switches and the accumulator discharge is stopped. When the switches are closed the pump electromagnetic drive current due to the self-induction e.m.f. flows through diodes (8, 9) back to the accumulator, charging the latter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wind and solar power use for water lifting. The efficiency and output are increased. Bul.1/15.1.94
The procedure makes use of an air flow impinging on a series of separate cylinders (3), mounted on a platform (2), and transmitting the energy to an output shaft (8) linked to a generator (11). The cylinders are connected to individual drives in the form of electric motors (6) and are able to rotate on a base, and behind each one is a blower (12) in the form of a fan, and an air guide (7).    When there is sufficient wind power available the cylinders are rotated and generate power. When there is no wind and artificial air flow is created by the fans to keep the power supply going.    ADVANTAGE -   Provision for independent operation without great expense, having wider range of applications. Bul.1/15.1.94
The procedure consists of directing an air and/or water-flow on to the blades of a unidirectional turbine mounted on a shaft linked to a generator.    The turbine can be made to operate by air-flow or water-flow alone, and is located inside a guide casing with an inlet and an outlet for the air-flow and with its lower edge on a level with the water surface.    The turbine and generator unit are designed to be fixed, e.g on a river bed, and mounted on a platform with jacks to raise or lower it. The turbine and generator shafts are connected by a clutch, and the guide casing is fixed to the platform, with its outlet in its upper wall perpendicular t the turbine's axis.    The jacks allow the turbine to be raised or lowered, depending on the water level and/or the speed of the air flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency in varying conditions.
The system consists of a ventilation shaft (1), a regulation valve (2) and a series of buckets (4) connected by a chain and allowed through a bode of water. When air is drawn through the ventilation pipe into the water it forms bubbles that arise and accumulate in a bucket to force it up. The chain is made to move over gears which, in turn, rotate shafts.    When one bucket goes up another bucket enters the water to be filled by the air bubbles and lifted up. Thus a series of buckets is lifted to rotate the gears continuously. When a generator is coupled to a gear shaft it rotates and generates electric power.    ADVANTAGE -   Dispenses with air and noise pollution etc., preventing environmental degradation. Reduces generating cost of electric power.
The DC dynamo electric machine (101) includes an impeller (109) driven by wind or other fluid force, and an AC dynamo electric machine (111) which are linked together by an epicyclic gearing system (104, 105, 106). The impeller (109) has a brake (110), a speed sensor, blade pitch adjuster and a fluidic, mechanical or magnetic damper.    The system is controlled by a circuit CCU (102). The dc machine (101) can be used selectively as a generator to charge a battery (103), or as a motor energises by battery (103) to drive, or assist in driving, with the AC machine (111) operating as a generator. The AC machine (111) can also be used as a motor to drive or assist in driving with the DC machine (101) operating as a generator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrical energy generation and storage.
The electric circuit (6) is provided with a voltage monitor (64) for monitoring the output voltage at the dynamo (2). A switch (65) is automatically switched ON and OFF by the monitor (64).    An accumulator (4) is connected to the electric circuit (6). The electric circuit contains a diode (63) connected between the dynamo (2) and the positive side (41) of the accumulator (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Energy required for generating current is only supplied indirectly by rider to give better overall efficiency than hitherto.
The solar cells are triangular modules of different sizes of different types, e.g. monocrystalline, polycrystalline, amorphous or other semiconductors, for photovoltaic solar systems forming suspension facades in pyramidal shape. The carrier system in bypass modular technique is suitable for different sizes in W, kW and MW ranges.    The carrier structures are pref. connectible by bolts for (dis)mounting or exchange of individual modules from the inside of the pyramid, or suspension facade. Typically a bypass traverse with integral wiring and electric distribution per module is suitable for parallel and series-connection of the modules of different numbers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For photovoltaic solar cell systems, with identical modules, low-cost maintenance and repair, and without danger of current failure.
In a solar cell arrangement, in which the solar cells are interconnected with a fluid for heat abstraction, the novelty is that the fluid is transparent and flows directly around the front and back of the solar cells (1). The fluid may be an oil, e.g., silicone oil.    Also claimed is a heat insulating arrangement with a front and rear housing wall (2, 3), in which the walls (2, 3) are transparent and are sepd. by a small gap. (t1, t2), e.g., of 5-10 mm, the novelty being that the interspace is filled with a latent heat storage material, esp. based on paraffin.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement combines thermal and electrical energy prodn. in an extremely advantageous manner.
The diffuser (3) vanes (3b) are made fixed, and are curved against the direction of rotation of the turbine wheel (4). The turbine wheel (4) blades are adjustable in the turbine wheel cage (4a).    The diffuser vanes (3b) are arranged standing upright on the diffuser (3). The turbine wheel blades (4b) stand approximately vertically in the turbine wheel cage (4a).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electric power generation. Turbine with relatively small flow volumes, relative to max. flow volume, has high efficiency.
The system comprises the micro-junctions of the thermocouples and the auxiliary circuit that has a regenerative feedback and system regulating function. In combination they serve to create perpetual heat (in its absence cold) and electrical energy, which is produced within the fabrication of these two functional components.    In the case of a pipe or duct, for example, the thermocouples may be arranged in a radial fashion with the junctions at the internal and external lining surfaces. Substances may pass through thus cylindrical passage during which time thermal exchange may take place. The thermocouples may be polarised under certain conditions, to produce a hot or cold bias at the internal or external surfaces. The auxiliary circuit may either be integral to the fabrication or electrically connected but separate, as in free standing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For perpetual type electrical energy generator, power pack, electrical power plant (when supplementing grid system), etc. Greater efficiency, self-sufficiency, suited to mobility and power for propulsion vessels, crafts and vehicles. No moving parts and requires little maintenance, virtually noiseless and not dependent on seasonal or climatic conditions.
The voltage required is obtained by one roof panel to make it possible to supply power efficiently. A roof (Y) installed with solar batteries is formed by supporting the solar battery modules (3) by core woods and frames (11) on a base panel. The heat of the solar batteries is dissipated by the air flow through the ventilating layers formed between the modules (3) and the base panel.    The modules (3) are fitted through sealing materials and into the C-shaped parts of the frames. In one roof panel (1), a specific number of solar cells (10) are arranged to produce a required voltage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved energy conversion efficiency. Waterproof.    Prevents any excessive or short supply of power.
The fluid rotor contains multiple curved blades which are in a single plane of rotation, and which are spaced closely together. The open blades are designed to overlap one another to an extent that there are always at least two blades positioned to capture the fluid regardless from which direction the fluid is flowing. The curved blades allow the rotor to always rotate in the correct direction regardless of the direction of the fluid without the use of moving vanes or housings to help direct the fluid at certain portions of the fluid rotor.    If the rotor is made to turn in the incorrect direction, it will, as fluid from any direction flows against it, slow down, stop momentarily, and then begin to rotate in the correct direction. More than one rotor can be used in a single assembly, and one rotor can be placed within a liquid such as water, and another rotor can be placed in a gas such as air. Both rotors are coupled to commonly drive a single output shaft, and the coupling uses a one-way clutch so that the liquid rotor cannot act as an anchor to prevent the gas rotor from turning.    ADVANTAGE -   Maximises efficiency of captured fluid.
The assembly includes a sliding bar having a series of vertically spaced screw holes on a longitudinal dovetail tongue, the supporting bar having a dovetail groove engaged with the dovetail tongue. And a series of vertically spaced screw holes corresponding to the vertically spaced screw holes on the sliding bar, into which the screw devices are alternatively threaded. A focusing adjustment unit sets the angle of inclination of the solar collector panel sideways, the focusing adjustment unit comprising two graduated bushes fastened in holes on two opposite short sides of the housing. Each graduated bush has a series of pin holes around a respective outer end edge and a collector tube fastened to the solar collector panel and turned to oscillate the solar collector panel sideways.    Two adjustment blocks are mounted around the collector tube on two opposite ends outside the housing and made to slide on the collector tube longitudinally. The adjustment block has a plug pins alternatively inserted into the pin holes on either graduated bush, stops to prevent the adjustment blocks from rotary motion relative to the collector tube and two locknuts fastened to two opposite ends of the collector tube through screw joints. Two spring elements are mounted around the collector tube and retained between the adjustment blocks and locknuts.    USE -   Solar heating system conveniently adjustable for angles of elevation and inclination, mountable on any type of building.
The system comprises a gate motor (11) of cooling pump (9), orientation transducer (5) based on solar elements (15) matched with motor (11) rotor position transducer, double-input protection unit (16) fed by signals of transducer (5), proportional to illumination of battery (1) of photo-electrical converter and signal proportional rotational speed of pump (9) motor (11), emergency tracking system (4).    When a refusal of cooling system elements occurs, which changes rotational speed of motor (11) in a condition of a high illumination of battery (1), then the optical axis of concentrator is quickly shifted from the direction of sun brought into a position convenient to control and repair.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In solar power engineering. Raised reliability improved operational characteristics, by reducing probability of battery damage of photo-electric converters. Bul.17/7.5.93
The wind mill comprises a vertical support (1) with a rotary head (2) and a rotor (3) which is linked kinematically to a compressor (4). It also has a turbine (5) which is linked kinematically to a generator (6) and to the compressor via an air feed regulator (7) with a receiver (8) and air duct (9). The windmill also has a tank (9) of recyclable water and a nozzle (12) which is connected via the air feed regulator to the receiver. The generator has a voltage indicator which is electrically coupled to the air feed regulator.    The voltage indicator is in the form of a rectifier and shunted relays with resistors in series, with the air feed regulator connected electrically to the rectifier via the relay resistors, and the rectifier is connected through parallel variable resistors to the relay coils.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.17/7.5.93
The solar battery (1) consists of a main module (2) placed inside the frame (3). The main part module (2) consists of solar cells (4) which convert the available solar energy into electrical energy.The projection on the bottom side of the main frame (3) near the edge part (3b) is eliminated thereby protecting it from dust and snow.    In order to cool the module efficiently, a thin film layer having good thermal radiation properties is placed at the back side of the main module and it radiates the heat produced by the module ventilation hole (3C) provided on the frame (3) which circulates air through the module and reduces the temperature rise of the module.    ADVANTAGE -   Installation is carried out in such a way that hot spots are eliminated.In addition,the module is protected from snow and dust.
The solar garden light carries a solar battery (2) in the upper surface of the housing (1) and a fluorescent light (3) in the lower surface, and this illuminates a garden at night. It consists of lower cover (5) which hides storage battery (8-3). There is a transparent top cover (4) which hides the upper surface facing the solar battery. The control device (8-1) controls the charging of the storage battery by the output of the solar battery. The burning of the fluorescent light is controlled by this device by detecting sunshine.    There is an operation bar (7) which penetrates the main housing by the under surface and forms the support for the solar battery. This is rotated between the lower surface of the solar battery (2) and the upper surface of the housing thus regulating the inclination of solar battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents faulty electric discharge. Provides effective usage of solar battery. Provides sufficient illumination even under bad weather conditions. Provides diversification of light effect.
The inter-connected power sources system consists of solar cell (7), two storage batteries (21 and 13), an alternate current, direct both side converter (5) (AC/DC both direction) and electromagnetic contactors and the regular power source. The two storage batteries are connected in parallel to the DC side of AC-DC both side converter.    The moment there is a power failure in the regular source, the energy stored in the batter by solar cell will be made available to the load by appropriate switching actions of the electromagnetic contactors (15,19,11). Power is available even at night from the electromobile unit (21).    ADVANTAGE -   Uninterrupted supply of power.
The light produced by the projector's halogen lamp (24) is reflected by a mirror (26) in the direction of the screen. The crystalline liquid panel (16) and the projection lens (12) form the image by converging the light onto the screen (32). A board (22) allows optical light to pass through it normally but diverts infra-red light to reach the solar cell.
The test arrangement contains two handles (1a,1b) with test tips (2a,2b) and connected via an electrical cable, a measurement circuit and at least one display element for detecting and indicating the voltage value at the test tips. A voltage source is used to produce the current required to measure and indicate the current throughput.    The voltage source is a solar cell (9) which generates the voltage required to operate an LCD element (6) as the indication element for the current throughput. The solar cell is connected in parallel with an electrolytic capacitor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For selective indication of voltage or current throughput of electrical conductor. Universally applicable test arrangement remains completely maintenance-free over its entire operating life.
A process for environment-friendly disposal of biological waste comprises combined disposal in a carbonisation gas thermal processor and in a biogas unit for current generation by means of an i.c. engine and/or a turbine. Also claimed is an appts. for carrying out the above process comprising a biogas reactor (7) covered by a hood (22) which floats freely on waste water, esp. with its edge partially immersed, and which forms a gas reservoir (25), valve-controlled withdrawal openings (27, 28, 31) for the collected biogas being provided.    ADVANTAGE -   The process combines biogas prodn. (from fermentable biological waste, sewage, abattoir waste, etc.) with wood (e.g., contaminated chipboard residues and sawdust) carbonisation gas disposal for electricity generation.
The optical system (11,15) directs the incident solar radiation through a measurement opening, onto different regions of the reception surface (13), according to the angle of incidence, alpha. The reception surface is a CCD image sensor.    The measurement opening is formed by the opening of a tubular piece, contg. the reception surface (13). The reception surface is arranged essentially vertical to the axis of the tube piece (10), which has a circular cross-section.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Determining angle of entry of sunlight. All photo-elements arranged in single plane. Whole system can be integrated on single chip. Large number of photo elements can be used to give very high measurement accuracy.
The water flow needed to turn the turbines of the alternators is situated under the tidal level of the sea. An input tunnel takes in the water from the sea. The stream rotates the turbines to generate electricity. While turning, these helices also accelerate the flow which is propelled back up to the ocean. The fluid travels through a half-elliptical canal curved upwardly, and coated with ceramic or other gliding substance or polished.    At the end of the canal, a suction pump sucks up the liquid and propels it down to the sea via a half-open slope. Sunk in the duct is a turbine of a small alternator. The output fluid force helps produces the kilowatts of power used by the pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Generates electrical power 24 hours a day.
The windmill comprises a support frame to which a central shaft is mounted. An airfoil is rotatably mounted at a fixed radial distance from the central shaft. A stator is mounted at a fixed radial distance from the central shaft. The stator is allowed to rotate about an axis and rotational movement of the stator is biased. A brake slows the rotational speed of the central shaft.    Power is transferred from the central shaft. The airfoil has a rigid cross-section, designed to provide aerodynamic lift and the airfoil has a thickness to cord length ratio of at least 0.18.    ADVANTAGE -   Drive train efficiency is improved.
The system has main and additional wind electric power stations (1, 4) placed in regions with different wind velocity and connected to each other by a distributor (3), which is connected to the reserve station (2) and hydro-accumulation electric power station (5) with at least one frequency regulating unit. When the main power station power drops due to wind velocity change, the additional power station is switched on.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wind power conversion. The economy is increased. Bul.16/30.4.93.
The method is carried out by using control unit (1) connected to the buffer loading element (4) and utiliser (5), measuring the electric parameters in the generator (2) loading circuit, comparing these with given values, supplying part of the power to the buffer element depending on the wheel rotation velocity. All the electric power formed is supplied to the control unit. The size of the power supplied to the buffer element is regulated by the control unit, considering the power supplied to the utiliser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wind power unit wheel rotation velocity stabilisation. The efficiency is increased. Bul.16/30.4.93.
The process for generating electricity from fuel (such as biomass fuel having significant water content) using a hot gas expander involves combusting the fuel (supplied via line 1) in a combustor (2) to produce hot combustion gas, and indirectly heating pressurised gas (introduced via line 8) with the hot combustion gas in a heat exchanger (3).    The method further involves using at least part of the partly cooled combustion gas for preheating and/or drying of the fuel in a preheater/dryer (1), before combustion, and using the heated pressurised gas for operating a hot gas expander such as a turbine to generate electricity. After leaving the expander, the heated pressurised gas may be fed via line (11) to the combustor (2). A portion of the partly cooled combustion gases may be fed via a further line (5) to the combustor (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For economically generating electricity from fuels such as biomass, organic waste, lignite or orimulsion.
The power plant has the pump (17) driven by an electric motor (18) to lift water (12) from a lower level (13) to a higher level (14) through a pipeline (22) interconnecting the two basins (11). Water descending from the upper basin drives a turbine (16) coupled to an electric generator (19).    Power for pumping is provided by a wind turbine (150) or a solar panel (151) selected by a switch (25) in response to a controller (20) receiving signals from an anemometer and photodetector. A single machine may function as both pump and turbine in alternate modes.    ADVANTAGE -   large quantity of energy can be stored and released at short notice in inexpensive plant which can be operated independently of mains.
The facade element includes an outer pane formed as bonded panes of glass and an inner pane comprising at least one pane of glass. The outer pane and inner pane are connected by a clearance support frame(16). Photovoltaic elements are arranged between the layers of the outer pane.    A cable guide element(18) in a corner region of the facade element, between the inner and outer panes and outside the clearance support frame. The cable guide element has a cable guide channel which runs from the side turned towards the clearance support frame to the side turned away from the frame for positioning the cables(22).    ADVANTAGE -   Has path of cables fed out from facade panel precisely defined to avoid impairing insulation effect.
In the roof structure composed of tiles (2) and units (6) with solar cells, the roof (1) surface area (15) for the solar cell units (6) contains no tiles (2), and the solar cell units (6) are laid directly on to the roof support structure. Each solar cell unit (6) has a quadrilateral carrier plate, surrounded by a frame, for the unit (6) to be laid loosely on the roof support. At least the length or the width of a solar cell unit (6) is a multiple of the dimensions of a roof tile (2).    The solar cell units (6) overlap (10,1) at their upper and lower ends with the neighbouring tiles (2) and/or adjacent units (6), with a shaped key grip between them. A covering is around the side edges (14) of each unit (6)and the neighbouring tiles (2) and/or neighbouring units (6). The solar cell unit (6) has a number of solar cells on a carrier plate, held by a frame round the periphery. The under side of the frame is a laying surface for position on the roof structure, together with mountings for fitting. Sealings and water guides are around the frame to act with neighbouring sections (6) and/or tiles (2).    ADVANTAGE -   : Solar cell units can be used with conventional tiles to form effective roof structure, with support, without additional units to be laid by single roofer without additional equipment.
Three closed and floating tanks joined by struts move to and fro according to the action of the sea waves. A series of cogs, crowns, ratchets and pinions are partially or wholly rotated and act with levers and racks to perform a gyrating motion.    The action is used to drive a flywheel, clutch and gear box and finally an alternator or dynamo. In an alternative arrangement, cables are used in part to transmit the motion.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy inherent in the wave motion of the sea is converted into useful electrical energy.
Method comprises forming a doped Si layer (12) on an oppositely doped Si wafer (14) to form a photovoltaic junction (16), forming a second Si layer on the first, having a higher concn. of dopant than that layer (17), and forming a silica layer (18) by thermal oxidn. An insulating substrate (20) is bonded to the silica to give a bonded wafer (22), the Si wafer is thinned, and the bonded wafer etched to form many sepd. photodiodes (32) having sloping sidewalls (33). An insulating silica layer (40) is formed on selected exposed regions of insulating substrate and the sepd. photodiodes, and metal interconnects (41) formed between exposed thinned Si layer regions of one photodiode and the second Si layer of another of the diodes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for multicell photovoltaic devices generating 500V or more. The method avoids thermally induced cracks in the Si, which arose in the high temp. process, and which led to a loss in energy conversion efficiency. Also high voltages may be generated.
The concentrator A convex outer surface (1) supported on ring (2), legs and base (3, 4) is used to carry a sheet of flowing water from perforated tubular arc (6).    Arc (6) connects the dome by rotary junction (7) held on tubular arms (15). Water is pumped (16) up one (17) of the legs (3). Junction (7) has an electrically driven wash unit (19).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Reliable operation is provided by the fixed and moving tubular structures, conveying water round the system in a rotary sense associated with the optical (solar) axis. In solar physics, also for heating etc applications. Operational reliability. Bul.16/30.4.93
The mirror is as inflatable made of elastic films both transparent and with reflective coating. A rigid ring framework (10) with radial arms (9), support legs (11) and base (12), hold primary concave mirror (2) and secondary convex mirror (3) facing it, and on the optical axis (1).    Air pump (20) and water pump (21) supply necessary inflation to the distended elastic film (15) forming a surface beneath transparent film (14), via its reflecting coating forming a solar energy receiver. Water supply through structural tubes is required for cooling secondary convex mirror (3), whence drainage is by outlet (22). At starting of the pumps the primary mirror (2) is inflated to a parabolic form and cooling water reaches mirror (3). Additional drives operate to keep the axis tracking the sun. Thermal output is via sealed boss (17) of high-temperature material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As solar heating panel relates to physical optics and in heating technique. Operational reliability. Bul.16/30.4.93
The station has a water receiving bellmouth (4) with water lifting pipe (5) which is partially submerged under the water level and is rigidly fitted on the bottom. The accumulation reservoir (3) with drainage line (10) is placed above the water level. The hydraulic plant (1) is connected to the drainage line outlet. The container is connected by pipeline to the accumulation reservoir.    The turbo-generators (11,12) are fitted in the upper parts of the container and the reservoir. The vacuum-pump (13) is connected by pipeline and a valve to the reservoir upper part which is sealed. The water lifting pipe is connected to the turbo-generator situated in the container, whose shaft is connected to the vacuum-pump. The damper (8,9) are fitted in the drainage pipeline (7) and the line (10).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave power utilisation. Power and efficiency are increased. Bul.15/23.4.93
The controller uses the output of the generator (8) to drive it based on by-pass valve control, which opens a valve (14) when the power generated exceeds a set value, by reading the difference between generated power and the set value.    A pressure controller (44) is driven by the coolant evaporated from the coolant condensation vessel (2) and operates based on turbine inlet valve control. Opening of the inlet valve (12) is based on the set value and the actual pressure.    ADVANTAGE -   Pressure of coolant is maintained. Stable output power is generated.
The system consists of charging, discharging and heat transfer circuits of a capacitor (3). Charging is carried out from an input power source (1) via a switch (2). The heat transfer system comprises a high temperature heat source (8), a cold-hot heat source (10) and their respective heat pipes (9,11).    The temperature of the capacitor (3) is decreased using the cold-hot heat source and its pipe (11). This operation reduces capacitance, which is the electric charge holding capacity of the capacitor. Voltage, which is inversely proportional to capacitance, increases and thus voltage amplification is achieved.    ADVANTAGE -   Voltage amplification is achieved by thermal means. Temperatures up to 100 degrees celsius are dissipated.
A solar cell comprises a TiO2 insulator layer (2) on a glass plate (1), with a cpd. semiconductor layer (3) on the insulator layer.    Also claimed is a method of mfg. the cell above comprising forming the insulator layer on the glass plate and forming a contacting heterojunction by laminating n- and p-type semiconductors on the insulator.    USE -   For solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Degradation of the CdS element by alkali metal atoms from the glass is controlled and light conversion efficiency is increased.
On one side of an insulating substrate (1) a semiconductor, photoelectric transducing layer (3) is arranged, sandwiched between the substrate electrode layer (1) and a transparent, second electrode layer (4). On the other side of the substrate, a third electrode layer (5) is arranged, coupled to the second electrode layer by a conductor, passing through a contact hole (6).    The conductor is insulated from the first electrode layer. The contact hole extends through the substrate, the first electrode layer, and the semiconductor layer. Pref. there are numerous contact holes with identical spacings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells with amorphous silicon film, produced by glow discharge decomposition of gaseous media, suitable for large surface substrates, with low energy losses.
The equipment has a body immersed in a fluid or gas and experiencing a buoyancy force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid/gas and this can be converted into mechanical or electrical energy. The apparatus uses an air or gas- filled cushion for the body, running on guide rails inside a tower or tank.    A load that is always half the weight of the displaced water is carried by the cushion. Water admission at the top of the tower or tank is through a valve.
An elastic plate spring (10) installed in a road is periodically flexed under the wt. of passing vehicles. Hydraulic fluid in a pumping tube (20) with check valves circulates to an actuating cylinder (30) and a return pipe (31) and accumulator (32).    A plunger (40) converts pressure in the hydraulic fluid to linear motion and drives a rack (40a) coupled to a one-way gear (41).    The linear motion is converted into rotational movement and may be used to generate effective work.    ADVANTAGE -   Source of energy is provided which draws its energy from passage of vehicle along road.
An apparatus comprises a tube composed of superconducting material, and a source of magnetic flux located at an end of the tube, the source is located about the end. A device intercepts magnetic flux from the source of magnetic flux, and is able to output an electrical impulse.    A device progressively changes the superconducting state of the tube, and has a temperature control unit.A temperature lower than a critical temperature is selectively applied to the end having the source, and a temperature greater than the critical temperature is applied opposite to the source.    ADVANTAGE -   Converts changing temperatures into electrical power. Generates electrical power without moving parts.
The system includes a ground support which is coupled with a tension-compression unit for rotatably supporting it from the ground. One end rollingly engages the rim and the opposite end is arranged for connection to a first ground support for rotatably supporting the tension-compression unit from the rim to the ground. A second roller separate from the first has one end fixed to the rim and the opposite end extending from the rim and arranged for connection to a second ground support located outside the plane of the rim and including a bearing for rotatably supporting the tension-compression unit from the ground at the second ground support outside the plane of the rim.    A first drive imparts rotational movement for the tension-compression unit to effect a desired primary tracking motion to adjust for the apparent motion of the sun. A second drive moves the radiation transducer to provide for a second dimension adjustment for the apparent motion of the sun.    USE -   Solar radiation collector e.g. heliostat, solar furnace or point-focus collector system.
The device consists of two or more solar batteries (1A-1L) placed on the installation part (1a) and provided with ventilation duct (1c) for cooling purpose. In addition, slots are provided on the back side of solar battery, which carry water for cooling purpose. On either side of the solar batteries, end plates (5),(6) are provided. Since the output power delivered by the device depends on the amount of solar energy available, the solar batteries are connected in series parallel connection for a maximum output. In addition, cooling medium for these solar batteries, circulates in a fixed direction preventing temperature rise of battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery supplies reliable power to the load. Construction is simplified.
The equipment comprises of a H-shaped bottom closed (B2) glass structure (10) comprising of embedded high temperature glass container with high temperature medium inlet (7) and its counterpart for cooling inlet (6) with respective outlets. The intermediate portions of the glass structure are linked together (B1) for conveyance of gas. The low (C1) and high (C2) temperature of the cells indicated with a filling of KBr (13) partially in the I-arms are fitted with graphite plates (12) on either side and are linked through platinum glass electrode sealings (E1) and (E2) to an external electrical circuit (2). The liquid bridge is bifurcated with a negative ion exchanger film (11). The bifurcated portions are topped up through respective inlets (14). The electrolyte solution transforms to the gaseous form through heating into ionic state. The steam pressure difference results in the apparatus, to function as an electrical generator. By storing up each positive ion redox pair, a density difference sets in and results in an electrical charging mode. When the density difference in positive, ion is brought in by eliminating the temperature differential and the discharging function takes place.    ADVANTAGE -   The invention does not have any moving part and hence is maintenance free. The generation, self charging and external discharge of the battery are now made possible.
The device consists of chlorinated polyethylene glycol electrolyte (12) stored in reservoir (11), which has an internal copper cathode sleeve (13) and a cylindrical graphite anode (15) inside a separator sleeve (16) suspended from the cover (14). The temperature of the bottom of the reservoir is maintained low. Heat from the exterior is absorbed by the endoergic fins (17) attached circumferentially around the reservoir, and transmitted to the electrolyte (12). This causes electrolysis inside the electrolyte, and with the flow of current, copper compounds precipitate to the bottom of the reservoir. A motor (19) driven stirrer (18) periodically agitates the electrolyte re-distributing the copper precipitates throughout the electrolyte solution, and enables recovery of copper ions and maintenance of the current flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves upon other electro-thermal energy convertors based on Seebeck effect, cheaper than solar batteries. Uses any heat source, even in the absence of light. Electrolyte is environment friendly and safe.
A tower has multiple portions adapted to support a large external structure underwater. A bag is large and cylindrically shaped, supported centrally by the tower. The bag is internally stiffened by compressed water to maintain its shape, configured to produce rotational motion and vertical motion w.r.t. the tower when impacted by undersea waves. The tower and bag are interconnected, permitting the bag to move w.r.t. the tower.    A multiplicity of power generator pods are retained by the bag. The power generator pods are disposed with pinion gears which interact with the tower support portions and with portions of the bag. The pinion gears are operatively connected to generator/rectifier/chopper sets which produce DC electric power. A multiplicity of output power AC inverters are mounted on the tower to convert the DC electric power to AC power for transmission to the shore. The multiple portions of the tower define rail members attached to the periphery of the tower frame, the rail members extending downward from the top of the tower at separated locations.    USE -   System for generating electrical power from the motion of undersea waves.
The wave energy installation includes a support on which there is a toothed rack with float (3) which is linked to the shaft (4) of the support through a toothed wheel (5). The shaft (4) is joined by conical gears (7) positioned on opposite sides to the conical gear (8) of the power take-off shaft (PTO) (9) which is joined to the rotor of the energy generator (10). Each shaft is joined to the conical gears through an overrunning clutch, the working organs of which consist of rollers and springs. The conical gears (6,7) cause the conical gear (8) to rotate in one direction as they are positioned on opposite sides of it and rotate in opposite directions. As the conical gear (8) is also linked to the PTO shaft (9) through an overrunning clutch, it does not prevent its more rapid rotation by the other gears.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydroelectric power stations; simpler structure. Bul. 13/7.4.93.
The device for using wave energy includes a floating body e.g. the hull of a ship, in which there is a two-way acting hydrocylinder (1), in which is a fluid. A ramless piston (2) which is spring-loaded by a spring (3) in relation to one of the bases of the cylinder (1).    The output shaft (4) is brought into rotation by the energy transformer (5) which is joined to the cavities of the hydrocylinder (1) by pipes with check valves (6,7). The device also includes a hydraulic accumulator (8) which is positioned in the pumping cavity of the energy transformer (5).    When a ship rocks or moves up and down under the action of the waves, the piston (2) moves in the hydrocylinder (1), thus tautening or compressing the spring (3), causing fluid to flow from one cavity of the hydrocylinder (1) through check valves (6,7) to accumulator (8) and energy transformer (5), rotating output shaft (4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For utilisation of mechanical (wave) Increased reliability in use. Bul.13/ 7.4.93.
The supply device consists of a pole (11) mounted on the road (12). An electric light (10) is fixed on the top of the pole. The solar panel (9) is fixed to the pole and collects energy from sun and converts it into electric energy. The electric energy is used to charge a storage battery (8) which supplies power to the light.    Additionally, the piezoelectric element array (1) is laid under the ground. When any vehicle passes through the road, the piezoelectric element converts the oscillating energy into electric energy and supplies the power to the battery (1). A control circuit (2) protects the battery from overcharging. The battery obtains power from both solar energy and the piezoelectric element, and supplies it effectively to the load.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents electric discharge from battery and obtains stable light output.
A method is claimed for modifying a transparent conductive oxide film, comprises:    (a) emitting an energy beam from a device; and    (b) irradiating the transparent conductive oxide film with the beam, thereby increasing the carrier concn. and reducing the resistance of the film.    Also claimed is a method as above where the oxide film (62) is formed on a substrate (61). Following irradiation, a photoelectric conversion layer (64) is formed, having at least one p-n junction, followed by forming an electrode film (65) thereon.    In an alternative embodiment, the electrode film and photoconversion layer are first formed on the substrate, after which an oxide film is formed and irradiated as above.    USE -   Used in mfg. photovoltaic devices to reduce the resistance of a transparent conductive oxide film.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not reduce the transmittance of the transparent oxide film, but attains an optimum surface texture for the oxide.
The micro double-triple faces are produced using three grinding or cutting directions (21,22,23). The grinding and cutting directions are such that only two of them ever have a common intersection point. The produced micro-double-triple consists of three triples with a common rotation point and has a cross- section which has six corners and equal sides.    The diameter of the micro-double-triple is between 0.0001 and 0.9 mm. The six surface sections have three corners and together form a six-sided pyramid.    USE -   For e.g. prismatic light reflection, light diffusion and light receiving surfaces of solar collectors, heat exchange surfaces, cooling surfaces in microelectronics. Improving flow properties of outer walls of ships, underwater vehicles, buoys, aircraft and rockets.; for gas and water turbines.
A keyed connection is formed between metal connectors and metallic contacts for semiconductor surfaces, by placing an intermediate layer of low melting metal between the connector and the connection, which are of higher melting materials, and they are brought together. Heat and pressure are applied, hotter than the melting temp. of the intermediate layer, to give a molten layer over the two surfaces to be bonded. The molten intermediate layer is diffused into the connector and contact as an intermetallic phase. The joint is cooled during the preset temp. and pressure for setting, and the keyed joint between the connector and contact at a melting temp. higher than the original intermediate layer.    The intermediate layer is a metal with a melting point lower than 450 deg.C, such as Bi, Cd, Ga, In, Pb, Sn or Zn. The connectors and contacts are of metal such as Ag, Au, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pd, Pt, Ir, Os, Re, Rh or Ru.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is especially for bonding connectors and contacts at semiconductor surfaces for series and/or parallel circuits of solar cells. The joints are effected easily, and they have a long life especially when subjected to wide changes of temp.
Appts. comprises a H2S guide pipe to guide H2S to a cooling tower to cool a coolant water and nozzles fixed to the top end of the guide pipe so as to face an air discharge hole of the tower.    USE -   Used for geothermal power plants.
P6132586 A
In the module, both series connected thermoelectric generators (2) have a bucket or cylinder-shaped alkali ion conducting fixed electrolyte (5) which separates a high pressure space (6) from a low pressure space (7). An alkali metal (20) circulates between the high pressure space and the low pressure space.    A common low pressure space and a common supply container (4) for the alkali metal, with which all high pressure spaces are connected, are provided for all the thermoelectric generators. All the thermoelectric generators together with the supply container are enclosed in a common housing (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Has simple construction and requires less material.
The arrangement (1) of solar cells (2) includes a lower foil support layer (3) and an upper foil cover layer (4). In one embodiment there is a further foil outer layer (7) above the foil cover layer and spaced from the foil cover layer.    A gas, e.g. air may be enclosed between the foil cover layer and the foil outer layer (upper heat carrying space (8)). The upper heat carrying space is at a pressure above or below atmospheric pressure.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be realised at dimensions of 3 x 6 m and greater. Can be designed to be flexible.
The steering sub comprises an elongated housing comprising a number of housing sections connectable at one end to an orientation sub for a positive displacement motor (PDM) drill and connectable at the other end to a wire line connector. An electronics assembly includes guidance directional sensors and probe positioned in a number of the housing sections, interconnected electrically, and connected at one end to the wire line connector.    Selected housing sections are spaced along the length of the housing having portions intermediate their respective ends of sufficiently reduced outside diameter to bend in preference to bending of the housing sections containing the electronics assembly. The steering sub is operable during drilling to bend along its length at the reduced outside diameter housing sections on a short radius without bending the electronics assembly. The selected housing sections include supporting sleeve members in spaced relation on it and bow spring stabilisers spaced around the periphery of and extending between the sleeve members.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Geothermal drilling for electric power generation. Vibrations are kept to minimum.
Consists of two or more light interceptor sides (12 and 13) of solar battery inclined in the direction of incident light by turns so that no sides are in the shade.    ADVANTAGE -   Maximum energy absorption. High energy output from a limited occupancy area.
A rocker arm (10) is susceptible to angular movements in response to the swinging of a body such as a boat floating on water. The arm is attached to a shaft (11) which delivers energy to a mechanical energy accumulator (13) via a wheel and ratchet (12,13a).    The mechanical energy accumulator comprises a spring which is released periodically via a gear and shaft (17,15) which drives a generator (16) to charge a rechargeable battery (18) or other electrical energy consuming device e.g. electric signal lamp.    USE -   Batteries may be charged by device and energy stored powers signal buoys, electrical instruments refrigerator and lights on boats etc.
Bodies of pontoon and rotor of electric generator are made in the form of toroid casings. The body of the pontoon is composed of two parts (1) with central horizontal joint, linked to each other through a sealing lining (5). The stator (8) consists of two separate coils positioned over and under the rotor. The pontoon body has rings (6, 7) positioned in its joint and projecting inwards.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As wave energy power plant. Simpler structure, ensuring more reliable operation. Bul.11/23.3.93
The solar roofing assembly has a roofing membrane with several insulation blocks disposed as a continuous layer on top of it. Photovoltaic modules are disposed as a layer directly on top of the insulation blocks. The photovoltaic modules serve as ballast for the insulation and membrane layers below.    Preferably, each insulation block has a top surface which is bonded to its respective photovoltaic module, forming a two-layer integral block. Each pair of insulation blocks with adjoining side surfaces has a joint disposed between the surfaces for water drainage. Each insulation block is a tapered and the photovoltaic module disposed above it has a top surface which can be installed so as to face in a direction of increased sun exposure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple structure. Simple assembly, eliminating integral layer. Simple fabrication. Minimal mode of potential failure.
The plant comprises a tower with solar panels etc. on to which the sun's rays are directed via mirrors using a reflection material with a diffuse wide angle reflection characteristic. The reflection material is cheap and lightweight, e.g. Al foil applied to a cardboard backing, which can be separated readily into sections.    Pref. reflection material comprises an Al coating or foil applied to one side of a cardboard carrier which is coated on the opposite side with a weather-resistant plastics.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows reflectors to be adjusted easily dependent on sun's position, without expensive tracking control.
The device (10) comprises a number of blades (18) extending about a real or an imaginary centre axis (22). The blades are arranged to move in response to the forces applied by the water particles. A biasing means (24) in the form of a flexible type joint harnesses a reactive force generated in response to the movement of the blades to enable at least a portion of the reactive force to drive the appts.    The device is mounted on a support (12) which is connected to a vessel below the wave surface but within the zone of active water particle movement. The blades are rigid or semi-rigid and are interconnected along the inner edge (20) to form an integral set of blades. In the rest position the blades extend coaxially with the longitudinal central axis.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For e.g driving marine vessels or power generators. Provides efficient and improved device for extracting kinetic energy from water particles of wave.
The system includes a pair of flywheel-motor-generator (FMG) units, a pair of power flow control (PFC) units coupled between the FMG units and a missile load, and a roll sensor coupled to the PFC units. The integrated system also includes a pair of resistance heaters and a pair of clutch-brake devices. The FMG units are axially aligned and displaced from one another. One FMG unit operates in a counterclockwise direction, while the other FMG unit operates in a clockwise direction.    The two FMG units produce the bi-directional roll torque characteristic necessary to develop roll-dampening torques for the missile system roll control autopilot. The PFC units receive roll attitude, rate and acceleration input signals from the roll sensor and, in response to such signals, are operable at three different levels of roll damping to dissipate power flow from the FMG units to supply electrical components of the missile and to operate resistance heaters and clutch/brake devices.    ADVANTAGE -   Develops appropriately balanced roll torques in missile airframe.
The power plant comprises a fixed support (1) above water level with induction coil (2), and a pontoon (3) with a permanent magnet (4) fixed to it in the form of a rod able to move vertically inside the coil. The support also has auxiliary induction coils (5) and the pontoon has auxiliary permanent magnets (6). All the coils are fitted co-axially with clearances (7), and the auxiliary magnets are in the form of vessels in these clearances.    In waves, the pontoon moves vertically in guides in the fixed support. All the magnets are reciprocally in the induction coils, creating AC, which can be sent to a rectifier or converted into AC at industrial frequency for use.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For hydraulic power generation. Increased power. Bul.8/28.2.93
The power plant has a wave receiving blade (2) and a vertical elastic struts (3) pivoted to a fixed base (1). A streamlined body (4) with internal end stops (9) is attached to the tops of the struts. A container filled with current-conducting fluid and with piezo-elements in it is located between the stops on pivots and ties (7). The facets (6) of the parallelepiped are pivoted to each other. The ties are fixed to the two side facets opposite the body stops. The other two side facets are of elastic material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For hydro-electric power generation. Produces more power. Bul.9/7.3.93
The platform has a hull (1) and a hydraulic motor (2). The hull consists of a conical part (3) and a lenticular part (4). The vane (6) is in a shaft (5). The electric motor (7) is in a sealed compartment (8). The neck (9) has a bell (10) round it. Baffles (11) are connected to the bell, forming a manifold (12). Shells (13,14) are connected to each other by ribs (15). The neck has a stepped ring (16) with baffles (17).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power generation. More versatile, uses energy of underwater currents. Bul.9/7.3.93
The appts. includes at least one solar energy transfer structural element in the form of an exterior wall or window unit. A coolant flow circuit connects fluid channels with the unit to respectively first and second heat exchangers. A biassing unit is switchable to direct fluid flow from the unit to either the first or second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is adapted to be fitted externally of a building to which the unit can be fitted. The second heat exchanger is adapted to be fitted within the building.    The biassing unit is thermostatically controlled valve having a manual override adapted to be switchable dependent on the positive or negative temperature differential between the exterior and the interior of the building. The valves and thermostats work under control of a central computer.
The method involves heating and completely evaporating water to produce dry, saturated steam at a first high temperature and first high pressure with geothermal heat energy from a high temperature geothermal heat source. The geothermal heat energy is more than about seventy percent of all of the total heat energy used. The energy from the high temperature geothermal heat source is derived from injecting brine from a selected earth surface location into high temperature hot, dry rock for absorbing the heat energy from it. The brine is then returned to the earth surface location and passed through a counterflow heat exchanger to completely evaporate the water to produce the dry saturated steam at the first high temperature and pressure.    The dry saturated steam is then superheated to produce steam at a second high temperature and at the first high pressure using an amount of heat energy which is less than about 30 per cent of the total amount of heat energy. Superheated steam is then applied at the high pressure to drive a large scale electric power turbine generator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For effective use in large scale electric power turbine generator. For preferred steam pressure of 1800 pounds per square inch and temperature of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, the total energy consumed in hybrid cycle would be 78 per cent geothermal and 22 per cent fossil-fuel.
A photoelectric conversion device comprises a series connected photovoltaic elements integrated on a common substrate. Each photovoltaic element comprises a first electrode directly formed on the front surface of the common substrate, with a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer provided on the first electrode and a second electrode formed on the semiconductor layer. An output terminal is provided on the rear surface of the substrate, and a conductor connects the output terminal with the second electrode of one of the photovoltaic elements through at least the common substrate and the photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer. Preferably the substrate comprises an organic material.    USE -   Photoelectric conversion device having a novel structure employing a flexible substrate having poor thermal resistance.    ADVANTAGE -   The output terminals are formed on a flexible substrate having poor thermal resistance with good bonding strength and with sufficient electrical connectivity without soldering; the device is free of distortion and warpage; plasma processing utilizing a high productivity roll-to-roll method may be used without altering the dimensions or speed of the machine.
The thermoelement is linearly arranged to use linearly concentrated, direct radiation from the sun to produce electrical energy. Any number of the thermoelements may be arranged in series and/or parallel connected elements which use the different temperature levels of e.g. environmental temperature, and the linearly concentrated solar energy.    In one embodiment, the linearly concentrated solar energy, by absorption into thermal energy, has a first higher temperature and a second lower temperature necessary for the electrical effect.    ADVANTAGE -   Has linear constant efficiency and lifetime is not shortened by rising temperatures or radiation intensity.
The electrical generator includes two alternators or dynamos linked by a common alternator or dynamo which transform mechanical energy induced by wind and waves, respectively, into electrical energy.    The wind energy conversion device comprises a bladed aero-generator, and the wave energy conversion device defines a body of air which oscillates in response to wave motion, causing a turbine to rotate. A wave collector comprising a hollow annular shell has at least one opening for the entry of waves.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows electricity generation in calm or rough conditions. Reduced cost as opposed to two separate wind and wave devices. Enables wind power generators to be located off-shore.
The extraction apparatus includes a slidable horizontal support. A turbine unit is mounted on the slidable horizontal support and is rotatably engaged with water flow. An extendable ram is coupled to the turbine unit at one end for lifting and lowering the turbine unit. The other end of the extendable ram is coupled to the slidable horizontal support means so that the turbine unit can incline and extend forwardly and backwardly concurrently with the lifting and lowering.    Power generating mechanism is disposed at a fixed distance from the turbine unit for receiving the rotational movement of the turbine unit via a transmission mechanism.    ADVANTAGE -   Maximises effect of ocean waves.
The plant has a pontoon (3), side floats (1,5) hinged to the pontoon by ties (2,4), energy transformer (9) connected to variable volume working chamber, formed by hinged shields (8,10,13,14), two of which are hinged to the power converter (9) and the other two are hinged to the pontoon lower part, the latter ends by means of hinge levers (6, 12) are connected to ties (2, 4) or the side floats (1, 5).    The plant also has a vertical bearing (15) which is hinged to the pontoon and the power converter. Each pair of shields kinematic connection is made as an additional shield hinged to latter ends. The additional shield height is equal to bearing (15) height.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting of waves energy. Power output is increased. Bul.7/23.2.93
The station has a reservoir (2) which contains a hydraulic pump (12), whose shaft is connected to the wind motor shaft (4), a hydraulic turbine with electricity generator, placed in water chamber (7), connected to reservoir. The hydraulic pump inlet is connected to the reservoir. The hydraulic turbine and the wind motor shafts are connected to the electricity generator stator and rotor and can rotate in opposite directions.    The wind acts on the blades (5) and rotate the rotor (4) and they operate the electricity generator (11) and hydraulic pump (12). The pump pumps the water from the reservoir through the drainage pipe (14) to the container (12) and the water level in the reservoir drops. Water flows to the chamber (7) and turns the hydraulic turbine wheel (9).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As local electric power station. Efficiency is increased. Bul.7/23.2.93
The battery comprises a solution (2) of redox ion couples with a temp.-dependent redox potential. A low temp. electrode (1) and a high temp. electrode (3) generate a temp. difference when positioned in the solution.    A membrane film (6), impervious to redox ion couples, is located between the two electrodes. A low temp. power electrode (7) is located between the low temp. electrode and the membrane film, and a high temperature power electrode is located between the high temp. electrode and the film.    ADVANTAGE -   Power is delivered when temp. difference is eliminated between power electrodes.
The potential gradients or vector potential gradients based method converts environmental heat into other energy forms or temperature differences e.g. thermal fluctuations. The method converts only heat even in closed systems.    The method can be implemented by a potential- or vector potential-gradients based rectifier of thermal fluctuations. The rectifier enables the immediate conversion of environmental heat into temperature differences or other energy forms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. electric current generation. Enables almost complete, high power and relatively even conversion of environmental heat into other forms and can work as long as required without supply of material or wastage.
Power is generated by an extensible pump (10) suspended from a float (34) anchored in the water. The pump comprises a gas- and water-tight hose (12), which expands in the radial direction on being shortened, and with inlet and outlet ports for a pneumatic and/or hydraulic medium under pressure.    Flexible, long, high-tensile fibres (14) bear against the hose, and have top and bottom components (16,18) secured to the float and an anchor (38). Thus any tension load in the lengthwise direction does not act on the hose.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use on sea waves. It is practical, cost effective and has no ecological drawbacks. It is simple and requires minimum use of corrodible materials.
The driven device is positioned to receive max. radiation. The driver swings from east to west 180 degrees minus obstacles such as buildings, mountains, and raised land. An emergency control is provided for improved wind slip to use solar or other forms of energy.    The drive system is pneumatically or mechanically operated. The device operates with a split housing and high torque. The positioning of the housing sections allows the drive system to withstand great wind forces and still operate smoothly. The drive system can be operated with different energy conversion devices.    ADVANTAGE -   Operates despite powerful external forces.
A solar collector consists of a hollow radiation absorber through which an energy-carrying medium (1) flows. The absorber is made from several porous layers of material (2) of different spectral transmissivity. The layers are arranged so that the outside one admits preferentially the longer wavelength infra-red radiation, and each succeeding one admits a shorter wavelength. The flow of the medium is in the direction of increasing temperature gradient.    Apart from the entry and outlet spaces (3, 4) for the medium, the multi-layer absorber occupies the full volume of the collector almost completely. The ability of the layers to be pigmented can be adjusted according to the required absorption properties. Suitable materials for the layers are glass granulates and sedimented glass sand.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased solar energy transmission to fluid medium.
The fixing system can be produced as piece goods from any all common extrudable materials. The fixing system provides an efficient assembly on the basis of the simple fixing of the solar modules etc.    The fixing system can be adapted to fit all solar modes or laminates. By forming different gaps, materials of different strengths can be connected to each other with all flexible dense mass made tight. On the basis of the ability to stack the fixing system air can be enclosed between layers.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require sealing material or expensive cabling.
To form a solar module, for photovoltage generation, a viscous paste mass (3) is placed between the semiconductor cell (2.1) and the front plate (1.1) and between the cells and the shrouding to fix at least one cell in place. Before the adhesive mass (3) is set, measured pressure is applied at the first cross linking point and successively, without air entry, on the cell to force the mass into place.    Also claimed is a solar module with a curved front plate (1.1). It has at least one cylindrical photovoltage semiconductor cell (2.1) held by a voltage transparent adhesive mass (3) for the whole of its surface to be bonded to the front plate (1.1). The semiconductor cells (2.1) have no inherent mechanical tension, with a shape which does not match the front plate (1.1) curvature.    Also claimed is an assembly appts. with a spray beam with a given number of at least two jets for the simultaneous delivery of a number of spaced droplets of adhesive mass on the front plate (1.1) and shrouding. A holding beam has a number of holders for the semiconductor cells (2.1) so that each droplet is applied to a cell at the same time and pressed into place.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of solar modules. The system allows curved solar modules to be produced, simply and cost-effectively.
The device comprises a main floatation section having a leading end, and a unit for anchoring the main flotation section with its leading end into the direction of oncoming waves. A pair of parallel, spaced-apart guides are mounted at or near the leading end of the main flotation section at an angle with respect to the horizontal. A frame is constrained for sliding movement within the guides. A float is associated with the frame, and is responsive to wave action for reciprocating the frame within the guides. A shaft is rotatably mounted transversely across the guides and above the main float.    A pair of one-way drive mechanisms are disposed on the shaft and a pair of racks are movable with the frame. Each of the racks is engaged with a respective one-way drive mechanism so that the shaft is driven uni-directionally during both strokes of the frame. An energy conversion device is operatively associated with the shaft for converting the rotational energy of the shaft to an alternate from the energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides device of linear reciprocating type which is capable of not only extracting potential energy from waves but also kinetic energy. Provides simple arrangement for conversion of linear reciprocating motion to rotary motion which can be readily converted in alternate forms of energy.
New azo cpds. have formula (I): In (I) A1 and A2 = the same or different coupler residues; R1 and R2 = the same or different hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; R3 and R4 = the same or different hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or aryl; m and n = 0 or 1.    Pref. the alkoxyls in R1 and R2 are e.g. methoxyl and ethoxyl, while the alkyls are e.g. methyl and ethyl. The alkyls in R3 and R4 are e.g. methyl, ethyl and isopropyl, while the aryls are e.g. phenyl, xylyl and biphenyl. The halogen is e.g. Cl, Br, I or F.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The azo cpds. are suitably used as photosensitive materials such as charge-generating material in electrophotography photosensitives, pigments, solar cells, etc. They have high sensitivity and cause no wide lowering of surface electric potential even after the repeated use. They also have excellent photostability against the exposure to light for long time or at high temp.
Novel azo cpds. have formula (I); where A1 and A2 = coupler residues; R1, R2, R3 and R4 = hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxyl or aryl; R5 and R6 = hydrogen, halogen alkyl or aryl; m and n = 0 or 1.    The alkyls in R1, R2, R3 and R4 = e.g. methyl, ethyl or isobutyl, while the alkoxyls = e.g. methoxyl, ethoxyl or propoxyl; and the aryls = phenyl, xylyl or biphenyl. The alkyls in R5 and R6 = e.g. methyl, ethyl or isopropyl; while the aryls = e.g. phenyl, nonyl, or xylyl; and the halogens = e.g. Cl, Br, I or F.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as photosensitive materials such as charge generating material in electrophotography photosensitives, pigments, solar cells, etc. They have high sensitivity and cause no wide lowering of surface electric potential even after repeated use. They have excellent photostability against exposure to light for a long time or at high temp.
Novel azo cpds. have formula (I): (where A1 and A2 = coupler residues; R1 and R2 = hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy; R3 and R4 = hydrogen, halogen, alkyl or aryl; m and n = 0 or 1).    The alkoxyls in R1 and R2 are e.g. methoxyl and ethoxyl, while the alkyls are e.g. methyl and ethyl. The alkyls in R3 and R4 are e.g. methyl, ethyl and isopropyl, while the aryls are e.g. phenyl, xylyl and biphenyl. The halogen is e.g. Cl, Br, I or F.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The azo cpds. are suitable as photosensitive materials such as charge-generating material in electrophotography photosensitives, pigments, solar cells, etc. They have high sensitivity and cause no wide lowering of surface electric potential even after the repeated use. They also have excellent photostability against exposure to light for a long time or at high temp.
An electrical power station unit utilising the dynamic energy of sea waves includes a float which rests on the surface of the water, and an electricity generator which is on the sea-bed. The float is attached to the generator by a strong cable.    The generator consists of a stator and a linearly reciprocable type 'rotor'. In the 'rotor' there is a strong permanent magnet which is moved up and down under the action of the sea waves on the float. The stator is a multiturn winding fixed to the seabed and forms a cylindrical solenoid. When the rotor moves into the stator, the rotor's magnetic field passes through the stator's winding turns, thus inducing an electric current which is transmitted to shore by electric cable.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple and effective design. Modular arrangement allows these 'power stations' to be strung together like electric batteries to obtain higher voltage and current.
The plant consists of a basin formed adjacent to the shore by erecting a dam (1) with an intake flap valve (5) above it, impermeable lateral walls and a through-flow outlet channel (2) with a turbine (3) at the bottom. The intake valve flap is made with positive or negative buoyancy and is hinged at the top or bottom, and the outlet channel ends in a vertical pipe (7) with a valve (6) covering its outlet end.    During operation a wave approaching the dam closes the valve (6) over the end of the outlet channel and sweeps over the top of the dam into the basin behind it. As the wave retreats the outlet valve opens and the water flows out through the outlet channel, turning the turbine and powering the generator (4).    ADVANTAGE -   More effective and reliable operation. Bul.47-48/30.12.93
The plant consists of anchored pontoons (1) linked by horizontal rigid ties (3) above the water level, and vertical cylindrical housings (5) which are connected to the ties and contain positive displacement pumps with suction and pressure pipes (13, 14) at the bottom, and with the working elements of the pumps linked kinematically to floats (10). The pressure pipes are connected to a pressurised water chamber which is linked to the generating set. The plant is equipped with a compressor station and the pumps are equipped with bellows elements (12) and weights (7) on their upper end covers. The kinematic link between each pump and float is in the form of a flexible element (9), and the pontoons have sealed compartments with water by-pass and pneumatic outlet valves with pneumatic diaphragm drives.    The vertical cylindrical housings (5) have apertures in their side walls and external guide rollers (8) which are able to make contact with the outer surfaces of the weights, which are cylindrical in shape. The length of each pontoon is equivalent to at least five times the max possible length of a wind-driven wave.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable operation. Bul.47-48/30.12.93
The plant consists of a housing (2) anchored to a seabed pivot (5) close to the shore (7), equipped with a sloping water intake (4) and a vaned wheel (1), the horizontal shaft of which lies parallel to the shore and is linked kinematically to a generator.    The housing is in the form of a floating pontoon section with a wing-shaped profile, convex at the top and horizontal at the bottom, with a thicker edge facing towards the shore, which has a steep face. The pivot (5) is situated beneath the thinner edge of the housing, and the vaned wheel is enclosed in a cylindrical casing with three tangential connections, one on the intake side of the wheel and two, one above the other, on the output side.    The housing intake in front of the vanes wheel and the upper outlet after it are equipped with flat vertical ribs which are set perpendicular to the shaft and form channels which are higher than they are wide.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased power output by making use of wind energy to assist waves. Bul.47-48/30.12.93
The station consists of a rectangular-section vessel, positioned with its beam facing the prevailing waves and equipped with two pumps (2) which are situated above water level, incorporating valves (11) and vertical cylinders (3). The cylinders contain pistons (4) with rods (5) which are connected to weights (8) on the sea bed, and the pumps are linked by means of nozzles (17) to a turbine (21) driving a generator (23).    The length of each pump's cylinder is designed to be greater than the maximum amplitude of the vessel's vertical movement, and their piston rods are set in packing seals (9) and rollers (12). At their lower ends the rods are attached to sealed air-filled chambers (6), and the rods are connected to the weights (8) by tensioned chains (7). The pistons (4) are situated in the middle of the cylinders, and the pumps are filled with a liquid lubricating oil and connected to a sealed tank (14) with an air cushion at the top to smooth out pressure differences.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency, producing electrical power which is suitable for domestic electrical appliances. Bul.42-48/30.12.93
Levers are fitted on the stationary bearing hinged axle. The pressure blade is fitted on the levers lower part and can displace along the latter. The air pump two variable volume chambers are connected by valves to turbine generator. One of the containers (1) has open ends (3) and contains a gas-tight chamber (4) with flexible walls, filled to 2/3 of its volume with liq. medium (5) and the other (2) is placed horizontally above the first one and has a pipe (6) in the lower central part, and openings (7,8) in the upper part.    The gas-tight container concave part is directed upwards. Both containers are fixed on the hinged axle by brackets (11,12). The variable volume chambers are made as bellows (13,14).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave energy conversion into electrical power. The efficiency is increased. Bul.45-46/15.12.93.
The support (1) is fitted on the water reservoir bottom and protrudes above the water level. The electricity generator (13) is fitted on the support. Floats (8) are fitted around the support and are connected by hinged levers (6), whose free arms are kinematically connected by the toothed transmission to the electric generator. A bearing unit (2) is fitted on the support central part.    The toothed transmission is made as a wheel (3) and brackets (4) with bent ends (5). The wheel is fitted on the bearing unit and can rotate in the horizontal plane. The brackets are connected to the levers free arms and can alternately interact with the wheel teeth (7). The floats are hinged on the levers and can displace in the longitudinal direction and be fixed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave energy conversion into electrical power. The efficiency is increased. Bul.45-46/15.12.93.
The unit has a body (12) fixed near the shore and provided with bladed wheel (5), a wave receiving directing device, accumulating reservoir (13), connected to the wheel flowing part (14), and electricity generator (15), connected to the wheel power removal shaft (1) by means of a coupling (17) and flywheel (2).    The direction device is made as corner elements (6) fitted higher and lower than the wheel and horizontal plates (8) placed between the latter. The plates have hinged louvres (9) kinematically connected by means of a flexible connection (4) and a bracket (10) to the control lever.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave power conversion to electric power. The efficiency is increased. Bul.45-46/15.12.93.
The unit has a stationary bearing and flexible platform (6), fitted on the water surface with the possibility of copying the wave shape and connected to the power converter. The bearing is made as separate stands (1) fitted on the water reservoir bottom. The power transducer is made as power removing shafts (2) connected by freewheel couplings (3) and toothed transmission (4) to the levers (5) hinged on the stands. The platform is made of individual parts fitted in the lever slots. The freewheel couplings are fitted on the shafts (2) opposite each other. Each shaft is connected to a separate electricity generator.    In the presence of waves, the waves lift one of the platforms turning the levers (5) with toothed transmission (4) in the clockwise direction. The next platform moves down displacing the levers in the anticlockwise direction. The couplings (3) which are fitted opposite each other ensure shafts rotation in one direction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for wave power conversion into electric power. The efficiency and operation reliability are increased. Bul.45-46/15.12.93.
The unit has a stationary bearing with hinged pendulum baffle, whose upper part is kinematically connected to the hydraulic transformer working element. The hydraulic transformer stationary part is connected to the bearing. The hydraulic power plant is connected to the transformer. The stationary part is made as two truncated horizontal and coaxial cylinders (1,2) and its working element is made as a circular cowling (3) which can turn between the cylinders walls (4,5).    The inner cylinder upper part contains conical containers (6) with lower water discharge channel (7), and the lower part contains an opening (8) placed under water drainage channel. The cowling has hinged plates (9) with stops (10). The plates form cavities (11). The working element is fitted in the channel. The baffle and the working element kinematic connection is made as a rod (16) and a telescopic lever (17).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave energy conversion into electric power. The efficiency and reliability are increased. Bul.45-46/15.12.93.
The bearing (2) is fitted on the water reservoir bottom and carries a pump (3) with a drum, kinematically connected to the pump working element. The cable with tension mechanism envelops the drum and is connected to the float. The shore water collection container is connected to the pump and the turbo-generator. A compressor (26) is fitted on the shore. The pressure detector, which records the submergence depth, the float, low frequency filter (22), bridge circuit (23), commutating block (24) and electric-pneumatic regulator (25) are electrically connected to each other.    The tension mechanism is made as a housing with rollers placed one above the other, and a pneumatic chamber made of elastic material. The regulator is connected to the compressor and the pneumatic chamber. The cable is placed between all the rollers. The pump is bellows-type pump and the drum has two parts with different diameter. The float is connected to drum larger diameter part and the pump to the smaller diameter part.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for wave energy conversion into electric power in reservoirs. The operation reliability is increased by changing the cable tension. Bul.45-46/15.12.93.
The unit has a flexible sleeve (4) connected to the utiliser and provided with inlet conical headpiece (2), non-return valves (7) fitted in the sleeve and floats (8,9) fitted on the outside. The unit is provided with a meshed filter (1) placed on the conical headpiece, and an anchor (3). The sleeve is made of individual sections (5) connected to each other by flanges (6). The non-return valves are fitted between the flanges. The anchor is connected to the headpiece. One of the floats is fitted in the headpiece upper part and the others are fitted under the flanges lower parts.    In the presence of waves, the float (8) moves to the crest and displaces the conical headpiece (2) ensuring its constant submerged state, the float (9) moved to the trough of the wave. The water flows through the filter (1) into the conical headpiece (2), valve (7) and fills the sleeve (4) section (5), passes through the next valve (7) and fills the second section (5). With further movement the float (8) displaces to the wave trough and the valve (7) closes whilst float (9) moves to the crest.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit for wave energy power conversion may be used in pump units. The efficiency and operation reliability are increased. Bul.45-46/15.12.93.
A power generator has primary (6,7) coils and secondary coils (4) arranged along various inclined planes, and armatures (8) suspended by means of a magnetic field and producing electricity by magnetic induction from movement through the primary coil (6).    As the armatures move, their magnetic field produces an electrical output in each coil of the primary coil (6). Force applied to the velocity of ascent or descent gives the armatures uniform velocity on the various inclined planes.    The power plant consists of inclinate and declinate assemblies and a control building to give generators of various electrical output.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses gravitational force as energy source.
The motor utilises a magnetic field in the inside of an induction coil and transforms the energy provided from the fall of a metallic piston to mechanical energy. It has a coil (7) which has direct current from a source (6), which is controlled electrically by an inductive proximity detector (4) across a relay (5), which attracts the metallic piston (8) from its position at its lowest position towards a higher position. The current is used at the proximity detector (4) and relay (5) as the piston falls under the force of gravity. The rectilinear movement of the piston is converted to rotational movement by the connecting rod (13) and the crank (17).    The connecting rod is made of aluminium to be light and so as not to affect the magnetic field and is long enough so that it is able to transform the linear motion into rotation. The movement of the connecting rod and crank turn a rod in a casing of iron connected to the wheel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Motor with wheel and piston working with gravity to generate electricity using ferro-magnet to assist in upward movement of piston. Increased efficiency.
The power regulator comprises a power detector adapted to detect a difference between the first output power and the input power, and to generate an indicating signal representative of a difference power drawn from or supplied to the AC power network. A comparator is coupled to the power detector device for comparing the indicating signal with predetermined positive and negative references. The comparator outputs a positive driving signal when the indicating signal is greater than the positive reference, and outputs a negative driving signal when the indicating signal is smaller than the negative reference.    A controller is coupled between the comparator and the induction-type generator for controlling the induction-type generator. The first output power is increased in magnitude according to the positive driving signal, and the first output power is decreased in magnitude according to the negative driving signal. The controller comprises a governor governing a flow of a biogas to an engine driving the induction-type generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Less electricity is supplied by or fed into commercial AC power network.
The concentrator is designed in the form of a body of rotation with reflecting internal surface and radiation-receiver-converter situated in a focal plane. The surface of the concentrator is calculated from a system of equations: abs(xdx/zdz) = K - 1; (dx/dy)sqrd + (2y)/(x-z) . dx/dy-1, where y - is a coordinate of a point in a rotation axis of the concentrator; x is a radius of a surface of the concentrator intersected by a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis at the point y; z - is a coordinate of a point at which a light ray impinges onto a focal plane; dx, dy, dz - differentials of corresp variables x, y, z; K - is a concn of the radiation on the surface of the receiver, determined by a ratio of an inlet plane Sin limited by a radius R = Hmax to an outlet plane So situated in the focal plane and limited by a radius r = Hmin; R and r are the max and min radii of the cross-sections of the concentrator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting of solar energy. Provision for uniform distribution of reflected radiation over surface of receiver-converter. Bul.5/7.2.93
A horizontal rotor (3) of the device is placed into the housing (1) and shaped as a disc with working elements (6) made of an iron-rhodium alloy. The working elements are fastened equidistantly along the external edge of the disc and are thermally insulated from it. The apertures with focusing optical systems (2) are arranged equidistantly along a circle.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting solar to mechanical and electrical energies. Higher output power by increasing heating power of working elements per mass unity and improved heat exchange.    Bul.5/7.2.93
The energy conversion process involves transforming thermal energy into electricity after concentrating EM radiation emitted from a surface at one temperature to a higher temperature on a receiving surface. The direct conversion involves using a combination of Peltier and Seebeck effects in the same thermo-electric circuit.    Heat normally lost during the Seebeck process is recovered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Direct conversion of low density heat energy into electricity with theoretical efficiency near unity e.g. to recover heat energy from low density sources such as lake or ocean.
The reflecting energy directing array has a surface of curvature with the array elements positioned with the reflecting surfaces orthogonal to the surface of curvature. Each element is an elongate planar reflector, and is positioned so that the surface of curvature is an arc of a cylinder of circular cross section.    The reflector directs incident collimated energy to a line focus at the half radius of curvature of the surface of the array. The reflectors are internally reflecting channels with a rectangular cross-section.    USE -   Solar energy collectors, desk illuminators, radar receivers and transmitters, ultrasonic lenses, underwater sonic energy detectors or hydrophones; solar heaters and photovoltaic cells; ultrasound medical diagnostics; focusses, collimates and directs wave structured energy.
The planetary inertial power source includes a gyroscope having a rotor journalled on an inner gimbal and rotatable about a rotor axis. An angularly space stable outer gimbal is journalled about the inner gimbal, and being axially orthogonal to inner gimbal. A frame is fixed to the earth such that the outer gimbal axis is parallel to the earth's polar axis, and is fixed to the outer gimbal.    A power transducer is coupled between two of the members, such that relative motion between the earth and the space-stable outer gimbal generates a gyroscopic precessionally-derived reaction torque that drives the transducer to produce output power. A re-precessing device provides a re-orientational torque about an axis in an equatorial plane and about the polar axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Rotor axis returned to starting orientation before smoothly entering next power stroke for repeat cycle.
The tandem photovoltaic device comprises a stacked array of photovoltaic cells disposed in an optical and electrical series relationship. The array comprises a first cell disposed on a substrate, the cell comprising a layer of intrinsic semiconductor material interposed between a first layer of P-doped semiconductor material and a first layer of N-doped semiconductor material, and being operative, when it is incorporated in the tandem photovoltaic device and the device is subjected to illumination, to generate a first photocurrent in response to the absorption of light. A second photovoltaic cell is superposed onto the first photovoltaic cell, the second cell comprising a second layer of intrinsic semiconductor material of a preselected thickness interposed between a second layer of P-doped semiconductor material and a second layer of N-doped semiconductor material.    The thickness of the second layer of intrinsic semiconductor material is selected so that the second photocurrent is less than the first. The first layer of intrinsic semiconductor material is prepared by a first deposition process and the second layer by a second deposition process. The material quality of the second material is greater than the material quality of the first layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for power generation. Improved photo-conversion efficiency.
The system comprises an extra-deep biological aeration zone, a compressed air tank below the zone, a sewage or purified water tank connected to the air tank for compensation of the air pressure, and an electric generator by the compressed air.    USE -   For a water purifier with a compressed air tank and water tank under water tank in a deep shaft.
The generation plant uses a breakwater (1) adjacent the beach or in deep water and a rotor (4,5) supported for rotation about a horizontal axis by the force of the breakers and the wind, via an upright (3) at the rear edge of the breakwater. The rotor has a wide horizontal width and is supported at either end, each of which is coupled to an electrical generator.    Pref. the front edge of the breakwater is loaded by weights or has an attached flexible plate resting in contact with the seabed.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient utilisation of both wind and wave energy.
The transducer is placed in the water reservoir and has a bearing and kinematically connected wave receiving device with a float (19), a housing and electricity generator (17), connected to the turbine wheels (5), whose blades (2) are wing shaped and can turn. The bearing is provided with a mechanism for the wave receiving device turning. The turbine wheels envelope the float and are coaxial to each other. Each blade is connected to the wheel by end protrusion. The float can vertically displace wrt the turbine wheels and has lifting and lowering mechanism.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave energy conversion into electric energy. The efficiency is increased. Bul. 43-44/30.11.93
Appts. comprises cable (1), underwater regenerator (2), autonomous power supply (3), air turbine (4), electrical energy generator (5), cable line (6), shock absorber (7), underwater regenerator electronic circuit (8), accumulator battery (9), anchor (10), bracing wires (11) and water anchor (12). Appts. is distinguished in having an autonomous power supply made as a wave energy to electrical energy converter of the oscillating Masuda column type.    Signals are transmitted in a direction opposite the end point equipment. When the waves act on the housing of the power supply, the height of the wave in the housing changes periodically, causing air to be sucked out and blown in. The air flow produced acts on the turbine and the current passes via cable (6) to absorber (7) to supply the electrical circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts. relates to communications and may be used in underwater cable communications systems based on fibre optic or coaxial cable. Bul. 41-42/15.11.93
The unit has a floating device made of inner, middle and outer spherical elements, fitted one inside the other with a common centre and can turns w.r.t. each other using four diametrically opposite cylindrical protrusions. The latter are situated in pairs and mutually perpendicular on the inner and middle elements in the central horizontal plane, and slots in the outer and middle elements for the protrusions.    The electric generator and the toothed transmission boxes are placed inside the inner element. Two toothed racks are connected to outer spherical element in diametrically opposite channels, another two are connected to middle element inner surface in the protrusions zone and the last rack is fitted at the mast top. The transmission boxes inlet shafts are connected to the racks and the outlet shafts are connected to the generator rotor ensuring single direction rotation.    USE -   For converting of sea wave energy to electric power. Bul.41-42/15.11.93
A heat transfer medium (13) is supplied by one or more channels (10) to an underground level for removing stored heat, which is transferred to a turbogenerator, or other energy utilisation load, at ground level.    The underground level has a closed circulation circuit for the heat transfer medium. The latter is supplied to the circuit at its lowest level so that it rises out of the ground under its own force. Pref. the heat transfer medium is supplied via a number of channels spaced around the outside of a circular line (5) communicating with a central riser pipe (12) via a number of radial lines (6) which are inclined upwards towards the centre.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides useful energy at min. running cost.
Divergent nozzles (1) on the right and left of the axis with casings (2) which have heteropolar terminals (3) are connected to a magnetic trap (4) made of a dielectric which, in turn, is connected to the thermonuclear reactor through a magnetic plasma guide (5). Annular dc electromagnets (6) are positioned on the magnetic trap and similar magnets (7) are on the plasma guide (5).    Annular electrodes (8) each connected separately in parallel to electrodes (9) at the nozzle outlet are located on the outside at the butt joints between the trap (4) and the nozzles (1). Both electrodes for each nozzle are connected up to one of the poles of a high-voltage 20 kV source via switches. Refrigerating chambers (10) joined by a pipe (11) to a positive-displacement compressor (12) are placed right up against the outlet divergent part of the nozzles. Two flat electrodes connected to the poles of a 10 kV voltage source via contact-breakers are placed on the lateral sides of the magnetic trap.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrical-current generators, particularly in direct conversion of thermonuclear energy into electrical energy in electricity power stations etc. Improved to allow use a fully-ionised plasma with temperatures reaching 10-8 - 10-9 K as working fuel body to generate electricity. The production of electrical energy is simplified, thermal fuel efficient is increased with high thermodynamic parameters.
A solar sensor consists of a base (1) carrying a opaque screen (2) with a cruciform cover (3) and with light-sensitive elements (4) placed in the inner corners of the formed areas. When a solar sensor of any of the light-sensitive areas (4) is illuminated by the Sun or by any other source, it forms a signal, which is proportional to the illumination of its area taking into account the angle of incline of the light beams relative to the base plane.    Signals from the solar sensors pass to the A-D converter of an electronic computer, which calculates the coordinates of the vector of the direction of the Sun. The calculated direction to the Sun is then displayed or is used by an actuating unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For orienting of spacecraft and surface solar power plants relative to Sun. Better accuracy. Bul.39-40/30.10.93
The power station consists of a floating hull (1) which has a water flow channel passing through it in a lengthwise direction, a four-sided water intake (2), a vaned wheel with curved vanes, and a generator connected to the wheel's shaft. The station is equipped with two pontoons (7) which are fitted detachably to beams (14) lying across the deck of the hull and projecting on either side.    Each of the pontoons has a lengthwise through water channel with a four-sided intake (26), and in each channel there is a series of vaned wheels on shafts across the channel connected to generators. The channels in the main hull and pontoons have a rectangular cross-section and are equipped with additional flow spreaders (27).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Utilises energy of river flow. More effective and economical operation without ecological damage. Bul. 39-40/30.10.93
The photovoltaic modules are applied over an insulating layer on a carrier layer (1) and are covered by a protection layer. The photovoltaic modules and the insulating layer are applied continuously on a likewise continuously supplied carrier layer.    The protection layer likewise is preferably continuously formed. The individual components are separated from the carrier layer track provided with the insulating layer, photovoltaic modules and protection layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power generation on roofs of buildings etc. Produces components efficiently and economically.
The automatic sun tracking appts. has solar modules or photodiodes (1,2) mounted on a block and are set at angles to each other. Mounted above the surface are a pair of mirrors (4,5) which - depending upon the direction of the sun's rays - either act as shields or reflectors. When the sun's rays are aligned equally with both mirrors the same electrical outputs are obtained.    The solar modules or photodiodes are connected in antiparallel form to a motor that operates to seek alignment with the sun.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces effect of variations in electrical characteristics of solar module or photodiode.
Device comprises a container contg. an aq. soln. of an organo-metallic cpd. (I) and at least one anode/cathode pair. (I) comprises a metal ion having two valency states and ligand-bonding sites, the cpd. contg. at least one Cl ligand, at least one NH3 ligand and at least one carboxylic acid ligand from which at least one carboxyl gp. has been removed during formation of the complex to form a ligand having at least one C atom covalently bonded to the metal.    Visible light is radiated through the container to the soln., which is photoactive.    An alternative chain, (I) is applied to the electrodes in the form of an aq. paste and visible or UV light is radiated through the container onto the paste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar conversion and storage cell. Cell converts light and can also act as a battery storing electric power when not under irradiation; also no special dyes such as thionine are required and it is not required that one half-cell be kept in the dark; the cell is an improvement on that of US 4190705.
The station has a floating body, a compressor with vertical cylinder and shaft piston, and turbo-generator. The operation reliability is increased since the compressor is provided with a cylindrical element (5) with inner valves, parallel to the element side generator line.    The shaft is made of two coaxial pipes (6,7) placed with a gap and are connected to each other at the top. The cylinder is open at the top. The piston (4) is connected to the inner pipe lower part and the cylindrical element is connected to the latter inner surface in the centre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For wave power-to-electricity conversion. The operation reliability is increased. Bul.3/23.1.93
The depth, thickness and torsion of the wing can be continuously varied in dependence on the radius. The profile is mfd. from extruded metal or plastics material, the latter being possibly fibre-reinforced, allowing embossing and pliable or plastic bending. One or more strengthening plates (6) can be installed as cross-beams.    One or more slots (2,3) extending in the longitudinal direction can be glued or riveted in the appropriate plates (4,5,6). They can be wedge-shaped, the varying widths realising the change in thickness required in the wing.    ADVANTAGE -   Economical mfr. for 2 to 3 years service. Shape can approach ideal for intended purpose.
The device for recovering energy from the passing of vehicles (1) over a road, has a "rolling pressure motor" (4) installed beneath a pressure plate (3) on the roadway. This motor comprises a set of cylinders connected at their lower end to an underground turbine (8) via one-way valves (7). The output side of the turbine is connected to an expansion tank (9).    The pistons (5) of each cylinder are coupled to the pressure plate, or to separate plates. Several possible arrangements are given, all with the same working principle. As the plates are depressed by the wheels of the vehicles, the pistons act to circulate a fluid, driving the turbine. Alternatively, pairs of cylinders can drive a common crankshaft.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy recovery from road or rail vehicles. Used for direct power station energy generation or to charge batteries.
The battery power supply system comprises a battery power supply, and a DC-AC inverter for converting a DC output of the battery power supply to an AC output to supply it to a load. A breaker is electrically connected between an AC power system and the load. A breaker control circuit controls the conduction/break of the break device in accordance with information derived from a wireless communication system.    The frequency of the wireless communication system is around a middle wave broadcast band or a TV broadcast band. The break device control circuit includes a time information controller and an identification information controller.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents reverse current and reverse charge without modifying inverter by adding solar cell generation system which may produce reverse current. Permits inexpensive introduction of transfer break system to solar cell generation system and quick release and reverse charge phenomenon.
A convection tower (10) is used to clean polluted air and ro simultaneously generate electricity, and consists of a tall tower (11) arranged to have a number of integral skirt sections (12) in the firm of tunnels.    One or more water sprayer systems (13, 14) are disposed within the tower, arranged to give a fine water mist. These both remove pollution from the air and cause cooling of the air (by evaporation for the mist droplets). The cooling of the air causes it to flow downwards in the tower and exit via the tunnels in the skirt section. An inflow of hot, dirty air is induced at the tower tope, and cool, clean air leaves at the bottom.    The flow of air in the skirt tunnels (12) is exploited by placing turbine generators (18) in them. These generate electricity as a result of the air flow through the system.    Additional water sprays (16), after the turbines, are used to remove any remaining pollutants and fine water droplets from the air leaving the system. Catch basins (15) may also be used to collect solid particles and excess water drops from the sprayers.    The conversion tower may be made from simple materials, e.g. fabric stretched across steel beams and cables. The spraying system may also incorporate chemicals to remove e.g. hydrocarbons or pollutant gases from the air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For removal of pollutants from air on a large scale, e.g. in cities for alleviating smog, etc. Gives efficient, economical removal of pollutants from air on a very large scale, with simultaneous generation of electricity without use of fossil fuels. For removing e.g. solid particles, CO2 etc. from city air.
The balance rails arrive at a balance position in the generator cylinder (1) so that the entire gravitational force is exerted on the generator cylinder in a rotational direction. The cylinder has a toothed profile at its ends meshing with serrated shafts with generators.    The gravity bars on the balance rails arrive at a balanced position so that, with upward movement, the gravitational force is exerted on the centre. With downward movement the force of gravity is exerted on the outer edge of the balance rail.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides stable output.
The water raising is carried out by an Archimedes screw (4) driven by a water turbine (1).    A water bucket chain plant is used instead of a conventional water wheel. The water supply and pumping station is mounted on a special ship.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives improved efficiency by using wt. of water-filled buckets.
A support frame (1) has upright piles (2) which hold a carriage (3). Levers (or pendulums) (5,6) have floats (7,8) attached to one of their ends and weights (11) to the other. A forward and upward adjustment mechanism (9) is connected between the levers.    The floats are presented to the wave to obtain max. effect with one float (8) entering the wave at a predetermined distance from the crest. A linkage (12) connects the levers to hydraulic pumps or generators.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple inexpensive easily maintained and effective wave energy converter.
The energy conversion arrangement has a floating support with a pump (5), connected to the utiliser, and float (4) with a lever (1), whose free end is hinged to the support and is connected to the pump working element. The pump does not fully turn and is double action and its body is rigidly connected to the support.    The pump has one pair of rigidly connected stationary blades (60, shaft (7) and a second pair of rigidly fitted blades (8), inlet and outlet valves (9,10) and pipelines (11).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for wave energy conversion. The reliability is increased since the unit is provided with wave receiving plates (3) rigidly connected to lever upper half on the float inner and outer sides. Bul.2/15.1.93
The unit has a floating module, which has an electrogenerator fitted in the body (3), and made as a capacitor with coaxial cylindrical plates (9,9) fitted with a gap w.r.t. each other. The annular float (5) is situated around the body. Some of the capacitor plates are connected to the body and are connected to one pole of the DC source (4) and the other plates are fixed to the float and are connected to the second pole. The unit can have additional modules connected to each other by a horizontal frame (11) and situated in parallel rows.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is used for wave energy conversion. The operating range is increased ensuring fresh water operation.
Prodn. of a layer of a binary or ternary cpd. semiconductor, having metallic and nonmetallic components, comprises (i) vapour depositing a first discrete layer of at least one metallic component of the semiconductor onto a first flexible endless substrate; (ii) opt. vapour depositing a second layer of a second metallic component onto the first layer; (iii) producing a layer of the nonmetallic component by vapour deposition and contacting it with the metallic component layer(s); and heating to effect chemical reaction of the components to produce the cpd. semiconductor, each step being carried out continuously in a through process.    A thin film solar cell arrangement has a flexible endless strip substrate which is electrically insulating at least at its surface, a first electrode layer, a photovoltaic absorber layer of a cpd. semiconductor and a second electrode layer, the electrode layers and the absorber layer being quasi-endlessly structured parallel to the strip substrate so that strip-like individual solar cells are electrically series-connected by overlapping of their electrode regions transverse to the strip substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows efficient mass prodn. of cpd. semiconductor layers esp. suitable for inexpensive solar cell mfr., can be automated and has high through-put rate.
The system has a concentrator (2) of a concentrating collector made of glass or another transparent material. An absorber (4) consists of solar cells which are cooled. The absorber is designed for converting the solar radiation in to high temp. heat.    The flat collectors (1) consist of an absorber illuminated on both sides. The rear side is illuminated using channel shaped, e.g. cylindrical or parabolic, mirrors. The flat collectors and/or the absorber are at least partly insulated with a transparent thermal insulation.    ADVANTAGE -   Makes better use of solar radiation.
The concentrator has two stages for concentrating solar radiation onto solar cells, and is tracked in the polar axis. A first concentrator placed above a second and forming a half angle theta2 of about 20 to 30 degrees. The first concentrator is linear and the second two-dimensional.    The concentrators may comprise linear or rectangular fresnel lenses, e.g. made of glass. The first concentrator may be a parabolic reflector, and the second a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC). The half-angle theta2 is pref. 25.5 degrees.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Increased concentration factor. Need only be tracked in polar (north-south) axis during day. Small dimensions.
The system comprises a carrier (12) for a photovoltaic array (16) with a sun sensitive region. The carrier is mounted on a support (18) pivoting about an axis (22). A sun position sensitive unit gives an electric current output.    A carrier movement controller electric circuit receives the output for controlling the pivotal movement of the carrier under the influence of a bias from one position to another. This directs the sun sensitive region of the array towards the sun as the position of the sun relative to the earth changes as the day progresses.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates the possibility of damage and leaks in the conduit system. (Provisional basic advised in week 9401).
Process comprises debindering the moulding at 300 deg.C or higher in an atmos. contg. 0.5 vol.% or more O2 under conditions as such that the oxidn. gain of the FeSi2 powder may be 1 wt.% or less, then sintering in vacuum or in H2 at 1150-1190 deg.C.    USE -   Provides FeSi2 sheets to use in thermoelectric conversion elements.
The thin-film solar cell comprises a thin active layer (111) of highly pure material for photoelectric conversion, a structure for carrying the active layer, and a contact electrode (116).    The structure consists of a carrier substrate (110) made of a material of low purity, and a barrier layer (121) for protecting the active layer (111) against impurities entering by diffusion. The electrode is located at the rear of the carrier substrate.    A barrier layer is formed on the top surface of a prepared substrate. This layer is followed in succession by active layers of highly pure materials with the first and second mode of conduction, and an antireflection film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In manufacture of solar cells. The amount of high-purity material and, as a consequence, the cost of solar cells are reduced. Such cells are simply joinable into modules.
Nonmaterial deflector-enhanced collector comprises a projector of nonmaterial, PON, its projected nonmaterial deflector(s) ND, and (intended) collector or receiver, C or R. The projector projects the ND obliquely towards the incident nonmaterial (IN) to be deflected, IN (such as EM radiation) so that this IN is deflected towards an intended receiver-if any is present. It may be necessary to ensure build up of proper optical density gradient, in the vicinity of the ND, to encourage refraction and/or total internal reflection of the IN.    The receiver could be a solar energy collector, in which case its energy-receiving/collecting potential can be greatly enhanced by making far more solar energy available to it; or the receiver can comprise an optical system such as may be used for further manipulation of the deflected IN, as when NDC is used as SECONDARY SUN SYSTEM (SSS). Further, the system could be designed to deflect the IN more than once, as may be required to trap straying rays in enhanced NDC or SSS, or required in multiple deflections needed for lengthy propagation of the IN-as in communication systems. Fibre-optic deflectors may be used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar energy collector. Simple to maintain.
The aggregate consists of a wind wheel (1) attached to the output shaft (2) and a magneto electric generator (3) attached to a rotating support with orientation shank (4). The rotor (5) of the generator has steel rings (6) to which permanent magnets (7) with rectangular section of pole are attached. The magnets (7) are attached to the inner and outer sides of the rings (6). The rings are positioned one in the other with clearance holding the fixed stator (8), composed of burdened section (9) with coils (10). One section (9) with coil (10) is positioned in each pair of rings (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In wind power utilisation. Gives increased efficiency by stabilising the linear velocities of the rotor and stator. Bul.1/7.1.93
The profiles of the cross-sections of the collectors and emitters are measured by neutron radiography during or after testing the electricity-generating assemblies (2) with at least 3 azimuthal sections of the profile of the re-condensed fuel on the inner surface of the emitter shell (4) are measured in each electricity-generating component (1).    The end-face boundaries of the gas cavity inside the re-condensed fuel are fixed and the local thickening of the re-condensed fuel profile by a magnitude exceeding the profile-width measurement error is recorded, if only in one azimuthal section of the component inside the fixed boundaries in order to assess the probability of a short-circuit occurring in the component.    The electricity-generating assembly (1) has several electricity-generating components (2), one of which (3) is short-circuited. The component (2) consists of an emitter shell (4), a fuel core (5), a collector (6) and a commutation switching jumper (7). The assembly (1) contains collector insulation (8), a carrying tube (sheath) (9) and current output leads (10).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in thermal emission method of direct conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy e.g. during loop reactor testing on multiple-component electricity-generating assemblies. The short-circuiting of the electrodes in individual electricity-generating components and electricity-generating assemblies with an oxide fuel can be identified more accurately.    Bul.1/7.1.93
The device contains a metal housing (1) in which the electricity-generating channel (2) with series-connected components (3) under test may be placed. A system (4) of sections (5) made out of series-connected thermal components (6) is positioned on the outside of the housing (1) opposite the location of the electricity-generating channel (2). The boundaries (7) of the section (5) coincide with the boundaries (8) of the individual components (3).    Each section (5) in the system (4) is fitted with 2 potentiometric probes (9), normally thermocouples. Annular slots (10) of a width 1s smaller than the distance between adjacent components 1c, e.g. 1s = (0.3-0.8)1c and of a depth ?s = 90.5-0.9) ?h where ?h - thickness of calorimeter housing. Thin reinforcing ribs (11) are placed inside the slot (10). The axial transfer of heat along the housing of the electricity-generating channel is reduced by the annular slots and the reinforcing ribs. The leakage of heat across the endface part of the calorimeter housing and between its sections is reduced.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in reactor experiments e.g. in the loop reactor testing of thermal-emission multiple component electricity-generating channels. The heat release in the components of electricity-generating channels during loop reactor tests can be determined with increased accuracy. Bul.1/7.1.93
The device consists of individual electricity-generating components (1) which contain a fuel core (2) made of a fissile substance, an emitter shell (3), a collector (4), an intercomponent layer (5), an inner (6) and an outer (7) layer of insulation and a jacket (load-bearing tube-housing) (8). Metal strips (9) are placed between the layers (6,7) of insulation and each strip is closed electrically onto the end of the jumper (5) of one of the components (1) by a commutation switching unit (10).    Each strip is fitted with a terminal (11) for connection to the potentiometric probe (12). During testing heat is generated in the fuel core (2) of each electricity-generating component (1) and part of it is converted in the thermal-emission converter formed by the emitter (3) and the collector (4) into electrical energy and is tapped off to an external load (13). The unconverted part of the heat passes through the collector package, is measured by the calorimeter (14) and taken away by the heat-transfer agent. The current in the electricity-generating component is measured by an ammeter (15) and the voltage of each component is measured by a voltmeter (16) outside the electricity-generating channel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in thermal-emission method of converting thermal energy into electrical energy e.g. in the experimental running of thermal-emission generators. The scope of the device is extended by the provision for measuring the voltage of each electricity-generating component. Bul.1/7.1.93
In the wet method flue gas desulphurisation, at least a part of absorption liq. slurry of which base is calcium system absorbent, is taken out of the absorption system. Ir is evaporated under vacuum, and cooled absorption liq. slurry is obtd. At the same time, steam produced is cooled and condensn. water is obtd. The cool absorption slurry is returned to the absorption system, and absorption liq. slurry which is contacted with flue gas is cooled. The temp. of the glue gas after desulphurisation is kept under the adiabatic cooling saturation temp. of flue gas before desulphurisation. The condensn. water is used as supplementary water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is useful for a large thermoelectric power plant. Absolute humidity (H2O kg/dry gas kg) of treated flue gas is largely decreased. The supply water amt. to the absorption tower can be decreased effectively. Sealing of the heating surface by absorption liquid slurry does not occur.
The photo-electronic inverter is for a wind turbine which drives an asynchronous generator at variable speed. Excitation to the generator rotor is provided by the variable voltage inverter with its frequency controlled so that generator output is in synchronism with the mains.    The inverter uses photo-electronic triggering generated by rotation of two discs. One disc is driven by a mains-powered synchronous motor, and has a slot that passes in front of a ring of lamps, sweeping light over the other disc that is driven at rotor speed and carries multiple photodetectors.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple and robust frequency conversion from wind generators, allowing speed limitation by electrical loading.
The wind generator has two horizontal balance rails at right angles to each other carrying rotatable blades and driving the vertical generator shaft via a ring gear. The blades are adjustable for wind direction. All wind directions are catered for and the dimensions of the rails or blades are not limited.    Two examples are given. One has blades rotating about vertical axes within stub arms attached to the balance rails. The other is suitable for sea wave energy conversion and has small paddles on the stub arms. For wind use, the blades are either cloth or plastic but for wave use, they are steel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For generating energy from wind and/or sea waves, and for driving agricultural machines thus replacing tractor. Even with minimal air movement, some energy can be generated.
The machine includes a sealed system in two main sections, which are linked together and are partially filled with liq. One section is subject to a very much larger pressure than the other by the presence of a gas in its upper part. This pressurisation ensures that the liq. in the section with lower pressure has its surface higher up.    Solid floats having a density less than that of the liq. are introduced into the liq. at the lower level, and directed to the second side where they float to the surface. An endless chain collects the emerging floats and carries them back to the bottom again.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy is provided by continual movement of floats through liq., and around carrier chain.
The device utilizing wave motion,has not less than one sink-and-float member provided so as to be moved vertically in accordance with wave motion.There are pistons positioned below the sink-and-float members connected to the sink-and-float members which are combined with each other via. a transmission member,and adapted to be moved slidingly in one-end-opened fixed cylinders in accordance with vertical movement of the sink-and-float members.    A horizontal cross-sectional area of each of piston with respect to that of each sink-and-float member is set small in inverse proportion to pumping weight,whereby the water can be pumped owing to the operations of the pistons to a storage tank through pumping pipes extending from the other ends of the cylinders to the positions higher than the ranges of vertical movements of the sink-and-float members.
The system includes photoconverter (1) distributed over terrain, where sunlight enters diffracting hole (12) and energises array of converting photocell elements functional converter (3), control unit (4), servo-mechanism (5), fault control sensor (6) and shaper (7), solar radiation sensor (8), priority unit (9) and spot IR radiation source (10).    The heliostat itself is driven to align with the sun by electronically differentiated signals emanating from the matrix cells which will give the sun's position. A second check system is provided by IR light from a dark source, e.g. on a tower in the area, which can be used for fault-finding. Both radiations are recorded by photoconverter which is made in form of photo element system array.    USE -   In solar power engineering. Bul. 47/23.12.92
The appts. comprises a rectangular frame (1) connected to a rotating turbine (11,12) driven by wind energy.Inside of the open frame there are cylindrical containers (13,14,15); the first one is below the water level and filled with water, two other are gas filled and floating at the water surface.    By rotating of the turbine cables (19) will be moved and hinged arms will move upwardly pushing the first container (13) upwards. At the same time the other containers move inwardly. After the time the liquid filled container is above water level and supported by the floating gas filled container. In this position the outlet of the first container may be opened so that the water flows downwardly through the hose (16) towards the electrical generator (18).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Also can use waves in sea or in lakes. Cheap means of accumulating energy out of natural sources.
The system has at least one deflection mechanism (1) which pivots about an axis to track the sun's position to deflect incident sunlight onto a receiver and which has an adjustment mechanism (4). The adjustment mechanism has a passive drive (6) controlled by a sensor (61) which responds to changes in the angle of incidence of sunlight.    The drive is coupled to the deflection mechanism via a transmission arrangement (5) with a defined transmission ratio. The passive drive mechanism can be of the thermo-hydraulic type.    ADVANTAGE -   Has simplified drive mechanism which does not require additional manual or electronically controlled adjustment devices.
Solar module comprises a glass substrate coated in order; (a) conductive metal oxide, (b) amorphous semiconductor, (c) back metal electrode d) passivating resin comprising a coater vapour barrier layer having a permeability to water vapour of not more than 1g/m2 day measured at a thickness of 100 microns.    At least one part of the passivating resin layer is pref. formed by coating, and thermal curing. The water vapour barrier is pref. polyisobutylene resin. The passivating resin layer pref. comprises an oxygen barrier layer having a permeability to oxygen of not more than 0.1cc mm/m2 day atm. of copolymer of ethylene vinyl alcohol. The active area of the module is not less than 0.1m2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar modules for outdoor use. Has improved passivation.
A photovoltaic cell array has two glass panes (1,2) having facing electrically conductive coatings (9) and sandwiching a photovoltaic material combination (14,15) which comprises a material layer (14) (esp. a monomolecular titanium oxide gel layer loaded with a transition metal complex as sensitiser) an one of the conductive coatings (9) and a redox system-contg. electrolyte (15) filling the remaining space between the panes (1,2).    Severla cells (3-8) are arranged on the same panes (1,2) and are series-connected such that the material layer (14) of adjacent cells alternates between the two panes (1,2) and the electrically conductive coatings (9) are interrupted only at each second cell edge at offset locations on the two panes (1,2).    ADVANTAGE -   The cells are series- connected in a simple manner to provide increased voltage and thus a relatively high current strength.
The system includes a solar energy platform which has a floating baseplate (1) supported by a water layer (2) and carrying a transparent roof (3) allowing the incident solar energy to be focussed onto at least one photocell (4) in a plane at right angles to the deflected radiation.    The photocell lies in thermal contact with the base plate, so that the waste heat of the photocell is transferred to the water layer beneath the base plate. The roof pref. has a series of rollers (13) incorporated in a support framework, allowing cylindrical wall surfaces (21) to be adjusted in dependence on the angle of the sun, so that the roof is automatically centred relative to the platform rotation axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced wind resistance.
The assembly comprises a first convex, curved surface of revolution on the obverse face of the lens assembly, adapted to receive impinging radiation and to direct the radiation to a reverse face. A second, concave surface of revolution is provided about the optical axis on the reverse face of the lens assembly.    A reflective coating is applied to the reverse face for returning radiation toward a focus at the intersection of the optical axis and the obverse face. At least one channel is provided in the first surface for redirecting the returning radiation into a narrow, collimated beam that is coaxial with the optical axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Impinging radiation is converted into intense, concentrated, narrow, collimated beam.
The system utilises a fluid refrigerant capable of changing phase between liq. and gaseous states. The system includes a heat exchanger exposed to a heat source such as earth, water, air or industrial waste for vaporising the fluid in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes at least two compartmentalised heat exchanger cells.    Each of the heat exchanger cells is disposed in a portion of the naturally occurring heat source, the portions being sufficiently spaced apart such that a temp. of any one portion is substantially unaffected by a temp. of any other portion. The vaporised fluid is directed to a turbine or energy extraction unit where the gas is expanded and energy is released in the form of mechanical rotation of a shaft. The turbine shaft may be coupled to a generator for converting the mechanical rotational energy to electrical power.    ADVANTAGE -   Arrangement maintains continuous output from geothermal power system under all temp. conditions.
The plant is placed under the water surface and has anchor float (1) with limiting projections and an enveloping pontoon (6) with elastic inflatable chamber, piston cylinder and drive mechanism. The transformer is made as linear magneto-electric generator whose working elements are fitted on the float outer surface and inside the pontoon. During wave conditions the pontoon floatability automatically changes and is displaced along the float producing electric energy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For converting of sea waves energy. Operation reliability is increased. Bul.47/23.12.92
(JP5314999-A)   NOVELTY - The cell has an electrolyte plate on which an anode and a cathode are provided on either sides. Multiple current conducting rods are connected serially to both the anode and cathode.    USE - For electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - Provides a compact fuel cell efficiently.
The wave energy converter has two independent volumes which are subject to variations of water pressure. The two volumes are assembled in one unit and submerged. Each volume is formed by a cylinder and piston. The piston is displaced by the difference between two pressures; the external pressure determined by the depth of water and a mechanically generated internal pressure that opposes the external pressure.    The variation in depth as the waves rise and fall causes a reciprocating motion of the piston, which can be transmitted by hydraulic coupling to electric generators. An alternative configuration uses opposed pistons with air between them.    USE -   For conversion of wave energy to electrical energy.
The photovoltaic module includes a light receiver with a transparent front cover. The module also includes several photovoltaic cells behind the cover. Several specular reflectors alongside the cells direct radiation back into the cover and onto the cells for conversion to electrical energy.    The specular reflectors have reflective surfaces arranged to reflect radiation incident on them to the front cover. Internal reflection directs the radiation onto the cells. The reflective surfaces are concave.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased cell output.
Method for forming a single or multi-layered ceramic coating on a conductive substrate, where the coating is infiltrated with a boride, carbide, nitride, oxynitride and/or silicide cpd., the method comprising: (a) immersing the substrate, serving as an anode, and a counter electrode serving as a cathode, in a bath medium contg. 1 ionic species to form a ceramic precursor , (b) forming the ceramic precursor on the surface of the substrate by supplying a constant or an amplitude modulated electric voltage having a DC component to the anode (substrate) and cathode, and (c) heating the precursor by a heating means in a medium contg. in 1 cpd. selected from B-contg. cpds., C-contg. cpds., ammonia, amines, urea, Si-contg. cpds., and mixts. thereof.    USE -   The present invention relates to a method for forming infiltrated electrochemical ceramic films and coatings for many applications including aerospace and medicine.    ADVANTAGE -   The coatings have (i) high tensile strength and hardness, and are durable against abrasion, (ii) high chemical stability and are durable in concentrated acids, alkalis, salts, organic solvents, sea water and sever atmospheres, (iii) high thermal conduction with good electrical insulation, (iv) high thermal and electrical conductivity, and (v) ease of mfr. for large scale coatings.
The process involves using closed type electrolytic appts. with gas diffusion electrode (e.g. Pd) as an anode, and hydrogen storage metal as a cathode, and electrolysis is carried out in an electrolyte contg. 100-700 microns of S contg. inorganic or organic cpd., and cathode occludes H2 more than 0.97 of H/Pd atomic ratio, and D2 more than 0.90 D/Pd atomic ratio.    In the electrolytic appts. (15) is porous film, (21) is anode of H2 storage metal, (22) is cathode of Pt, (23) is electrolyte of 1 M LiOH contg. 100 microns thiourea, (24) is ceramic anticorrosion coating, (26) is pressure vessel, (27) is potentiostat, (28) is gas supplying device, (29) is gas controlling device, (30) is reference electrode to measure overvoltage of ionising reaction, (34) is carbon paper.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high occlusion gas/metal atomic ratio of more than 0.97 for H2, and more than 0.9 for D2 are obtd., and this process is expected to be used as a fuel cell.
The desulphurizing method comprises passing source gas through one of two parallel desulphurizers and then through other desulphuriser.    ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst in the desulphurizers can be used effectively.
In the mfr, a heat resisting structure ceramics is coated by a high purity and dense SiN film and an oxide base protecting film (e.g, composed by outer layer of SiO2 and inner layer of SiN).    Process to form protecting film by heat treatment under controlled concn. of O2-N2 atmos. and temp. is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The oxidn. resistance is improved by this invention. The prods. can be used for high temp. application e.g, gas turbine, boiler, heat exchanger and fuel cell.
Appts. has a reaction tube, a flat honeycomb form catalyst, and a heater. The reaction gas is passed through the reaction tube. In the reaction tube, the honeycomb form catalyst is stored. In the flat honeycomb form catalyst, heat transfer distance from the outer circumference part to central part is short. By the heater, the reaction tube is heated from the outside.    Raw material gas of which principal component was methane and steam was introduced to a reaction tube. The reaction tube was heated by a heater. Chemical reaction of the raw material gas was carried out while the gas was passed through the honeycomb pore of the catalyst. The raw material gas became hydrogen rich reformed gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel reformation appts. is for producing H2. By improving heat conductivity of the catalyst, lowering of temp. in the catalyst layer is suppressed. Temp. distribution of the raw materials gas is equalised. Reactivity of reformation is improved.
The micro capsule content secondary cell contains an electrolyte (105) between a negative electrode (101) and a positive electrode (103). The negative electrode is characterized by the presence of a negative electrode collector object (102), while the positive electrode contains a positive electrode collector object (104). A separator (108) is provided to isolate the opposite polarity electrodes. The whole setup is housed within a battery case (109). The polymerization start agent is contained within mirror capsules (110). These chemical substances are characterised by the presence of hydroxyl group. These microcapsules are either present in the electrolyte or in the separator.    ADVANTAGE -   Forms secondary cell with high energy density. Improves safety of battery operation even after repetitive charging and discharging operations.
The deheat recovery equipment consists of a fuel battery main part furnished with a fuel pole, air pole and cooler. The fuel modifier (26) supplies hydrogen gas to the fuel pole to initiate the chemical reaction. The steam separator (19) cooling water through the cooler, divides the cooling water into gaseous phase and water phase. The steam generator supplies steam to steamy deheat use equipment (12).    The fuel battery consists of phosphorous acid solution. During power generation, the acid removal is carried out as exhaust gas. The phosphorous acid is recovered by processing the exhaust gas. The steam condensation is performed to recover the water. Both these processes are carried out in the deheat recovery equipment (3) which is installed outside each concerned plant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in conversion of chemical energy of fuels such as city gas, liquefied petroleum gas, etc, into electrical energy. For use in formation of hydrogen gas from fuels. Provides diversification of deheat use. Minimises size of deheat equipment and reduces cost. Carries out standardisation of apparatus arrangement. Raises performance of steam generators and heat exchangers.
The fuel electric power generator has fuel pole (1a), air pole (1b), fuel modifier (7) and cooler (1c). The fuel modifier supplies hydrogen gas to supply the quality of fuel. The steam separator is heated by the reaction heat energy of the fuel fixed electric generator main part and it divides the cooling water whose phase is changed into gaseous phase and water phase. A cooling water circulation pump circulates the water separated by this steam separator through the cooler. Super heated steam is generated by the secondary steam generation system using heat recovered from steam separator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in warm water supply system. Improves heat recovery efficiency. Makes system compact. Economises whole system. Simplifies control system which executes simultaneous control operation of secondary steam generation system and heat recovery unit.
The separator is used between the fuel pole and air pole and is furnished with a flow path to supply fuel gas and oxidising gas to their respective poles. An anode collector board (21) which contains a central thin hole is used as the circumference part for an anode edge board (23). The anode collector board is equipped with a difference part into which the anode edge board is inserted. A cathode collector board (22) of similar structure to the anode collector board with central hole and difference part is also formed to constitute the upper circumferential part of the cathode edge board (24). The cathode edge board is inserted into the difference part of the cathode collector board.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains desirable contact state. Raises performance of fuel battery. Reduces amount of transformation. Reduces cost of production.
The device is composed of a heat exchanger type reforming chamber contg. a double tube bayonet type catalyst tube (1) and a catalyst combustion chamber, whose cross sectional area is smaller than that of the reforming chamber, with a catalytic layer for burning waste gas by oxygen while placing a porous dispersion plate (31) on the catalytic layer at an outlet portion in the combustion chamber which placed under of the reforming chamber.    The dispersion plate can be formed from an inorganic porous substance or by a metal wire mesh, however, a spongy porous substance is most suitable. Materials, which can be used for forming dispersion plates, are an alumina, an alumina-zirconia, and a silica.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Combustion gas is dispersed uniformly as a result of the emission in irregular directions through the dispersion plate and degrees of reaction in reaction tubes are made to equal.
Heat generator has an elongate, metal, heat generating core unit (26) with an affinity for adsorbing hydrogen supplied to it and a heat sink adjacent a heat transfer surface of the unit. The heat sink sets up a temp., gradient along the longitudinal axis of the unit in conjunction with a thermal priming device. A magnetising device adjacent the core unit produced a magnetic field transverse to the temp. gradient.    USE -   Heat generation appts. using the Nernst-Ettinghausen Effect for research into cold fusion and water fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Creation of conditions in metal conductor that assure a finite negative potential in the metal.
The method entails calculating an internal resistance value (r) of the battery based on terminal voltage (VH) in a disconnected state to electrical loads (4), a terminal voltage (VL) in a selectively connected state to the electrical load and discharge current value (I) in this connected state.    The remaining battery capacity at the present temp. condition is obtained from a map showing a relationship between a remaining battery capacity, discharge current (I) and internal resistance (r). Finally, the obtained remaining battery capacity is transformed into a remaining battery capacity at a standard temp. condition using a correction coefft read from a second map in accordance with sensed battery electrolyte temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For rechargeable storage batteries estimating and displaying remaining capacity of battery, regardless of state of degradation of plates or electrolyte temp. in a wide variety of applications, such as electrical power sources for automobiles, for auxiliary equipment, lighting equipment, or propulsion power source for electric vehicles.
H2 and O2 are generated from a solid electrolyte cell by excess power from a nuclear power plant, and stored into their respective tanks. H2 and O2 from the tanks are supplied to the electrolyte cell which operates as a fuel battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Excess power of the nuclear power plant can be stored effectively.
The fuel battery consists of a square pole like cell stacks sandwiching the electrolyte layer. One pair of porous electrodes and the cooling board for coolant to cool the battery are layered in two or more numbers. Two such stacks, stack A(1) and stack B(2) are arranged in the body (3) between the board with a base bundle (3a) and an up bundle (4).    The two stacks are treated as one unit. There is a manifold (7) for reaction gas and the reaction gas flow path is formed between the sides of the concerned cells stack. The polarity is different from each other in the two stacks in the bottom and top base boards.    ADVANTAGE -   Realises compactness and reduces cost. Ensures easy operation. Simplifies structure with less number of parts.
The fuel battery has a separator (4A) which sandwiches interchange connector (1A) by anode edge board (2A) and cathode edge board (3A). This is stuck firmly to anode (12) and cathode by electrolyte layer (11A). The anode collector board (13) and the cathode collector board are positioned by the anode and cathode respectively.    The fuel battery has openings at the end of layers of cells to form the manifold with the cross sections of the flow path of the anode entrance manifold and anode exit manifold (15) differing. Similarly the cross section of the flow path of the cathode entrance manifold (16) and the cathode exit manifold (17) before. This enables equal supply of fuel gas and oxidising agent gas to each cell in the layers.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves efficiency and increases life of battery.
The system consists of a hydrogen storage means (2) to store hydrogen which is supplied as a fuel to the fuel battery main part (1). The battery main part generates power with hydrogen as fuel. A recycling means (5) with a blower (6) is provided to recycle the unreacted hydrogen, coming out of the battery main part. The unreacted hydrogen is the hydrogen which does not take part in the chemical reaction in the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Makes use of unreacted hydrogen, discharged out of battery. Lowers cost of battery system.
The fuel battery (1) and a room air conditioner are used in combination. The fuel battery system has an air flow path switch means (8) which changes the flow path of air during air conditioning to cool the interior of the room during summer. The warm air discharge from the outdoor unit (4) of the air conditioner is supplied to the fuel battery main part.    By this the reaction air is heated with warm air of about 40 deg C. Due to the chemical reaction in fuel battery between the fuel gas and oxygen in air, a high temperature gas is generated. The exhaust gas low path switch means (7) which changes the flow path of the high temperature gas from the fuel battery main part to outer unit supplies warm air to the indoor unit (3) during winter.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables efficient recovery of heat. Ensures stable and efficient operation of fuel battery.
The system consists of steam separation device (5) which is responsible for separation of steam (8), from water (7). The circulation means (4) sends water for cooling to the co- transformer (3) and fuel battery (1). The heat absorbed by the water is brought back to the steam separation device and helps in increasing temperature of water to generate steam. The steam generated is fed to the modifier (2) and to an external equipment which uses the heat. The main regulator (21) control the supply of water to the steam separation device by means of the adjustment valve (24), in proportion to the amount of supply of steam. The amount of supply of steam is detected by the steam rate of flow detector (25).    The supplement regulator (22), does a secondary operation command, by controlling the amount of water supply, in correspondence with the level of water detected by the water grade detector (28).    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilises supply rate of flow of steam to heat load, by controlling water supply to steam separation device.
The piping structure consists of an insulation material (2) which surrounds the gas discharge piping (1). The gas discharge pipe carries reacted exhaust gas. Any rise in temperature in the gas discharge piping is carried onto the external circumference insulation material (4) by means of temperature rise means (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Lessens difference in temperature between internal and external circumference of insulating material. Reduces loss of heat. Supplies high temperature gas efficiently. Facilitates miniaturisation of system.
The fuel battery has an electrolyte layer impregnated with the electrolyte (6) which is inserted between the anode pole (7) and cathode pole (8). The battery block is constituted by layering between cooling boards (1) and unit cell which arranges the gas diffusion electrode consisting of one pair of porous objects. Two or more such cells are layered. The side of the fuel battery is provided with the manifold for fuel gas and oxidising agent gas supply and discharge. The electrode has a dia. equiv. to the dia. of a blow hole of the porous object. The gas diffusion electrode projects in the shape of stars in a manifold from the side of the unit cell for catching the electrolyte supplied from outside. Due to the capillary effect, the electrolyte travels to the inside of the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains high accuracy. Increases lifetime of battery.
Solar energy is converted to electrical power for direct supply to the electrical drive of the spacecraft. Water molecules are split so that hydrogen and oxygen flow in their respective containers in the spacecraft as required. The H2 and O2do not produce the end product water but are continuously re-used in the circulation system.     Power collection and acceleration phases are carried out so that the spacecraft follows a desired path and reaches a high desired speed. The H2 /O2 -water circulation can be used in a commuter spacecraft without a collector or with a small collector. Solar energy converts water into H2 and O2 so that energy is continuously supplied in the spacecraft. When H2 and O2form water, the water is heated by solar energy, and the process continues.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Rocket technology. Makes use of costless solar energy and favourable mass ratio of electrical rocket engine.
A power plant system produces utility grade electrical AC power from gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon fuels using a fuel cell stack employing ion exchange membranes. The fuel is desulphurised, mixed with water, heated and vaporized before being introduced into a reformer. The latter produces a hydrogen-rich gas which is then directed through a series of heat exchangers, shift converters and a selective oxidizer.    The processed fuel stream is combined in the fuel cell stack with a pressurized oxidant stream to generate DC power. Oxidant pressure is supplied by compressors driven by turbines using heated system exhaust gases. The DC power is converted into utility grade AC power using an inverter augmented by a battery peaking unit for rapid load following. The water generated in the fuel cell stack is recycled and used to cool the fuel cell stack and to humidify the fuel stream and oxidant stream prior to their introduction to the fuel cell stack.    ADVANTAGE -   System integration results in electrical efficiency of at least about 40 per cent, and with heat recovery the overall fuel efficiency is greater than approximately 80 per cent.
(JP6267584-A)   NOVELTY - A secondary battery comprises gas-permeable gel (1) containing alkali electrolyte and gelatinizer which absorbs electrolyte, distributed in the circumference (3) of the electrodes (4). The gel is an aggregate of particles having voids between them. The gas transmittance of the gel is 1% or more.    USE - For use in electric vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The battery excels in discharge characteristics, load characteristics and acceleration characteristics. Alkali electrolyte can be supplied to the electrode from the gel. The reduction of alkali electrolyte during charging and discharging of the battery is minimized. Electrolyte ions are replenished near the electrodes during the reversible reaction and inhibition of reversible reaction during charging and discharging processes is suppressed. Oxygen gas generated due to overcharging of negative electrode is absorbed by the gas permeable gel electrolyte.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows schematic block diagram of secondary battery.    Gas permeable gel (1)    Circumference (3)    Electrodes (4)
(JP6267573-A)   NOVELTY - A pipeline (L) of fuel gas system, connects a fuel reforming unit (5) with an exhaust heat recovery exchanger (7), and connects a purge unit (10) to a junction point (P). The purge unit forces the inert gas from a burner (6) to be mixed into the downstream side of the pipeline.    USE - Fuel cell type power generating device.    ADVANTAGE - Restrains ignition of the purge flammable gas when fuel cell is ignited by mixing inert gas from burner into the downstream side of the pipeline.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic diagram of the fuel cell type power generating device.    fuel electrode (3)    air electrode (4)    fuel reforming unit (5)    burner (6)    exhaust heat recovery exchanger (7)    purge unit (10)    pipeline (L)    junction point (P)
The cooling system for fuel battery (1) consists of cooling pipe (106) which is connected with cooling projection pipes (103,104) through an insulator (105). The cooling projection pipes are extracted from the cooling board and grounded. Through a conductor (102) each of these cooling pipes are connected to the negative electrode of the fuel battery.    Adjacent cooling batteries are connected in series through the conductor and the positive electrode of the fuel battery is also grounded. This lowers the potential of the cooling pipe and etching of the cooling pipe by escaping from corrosion potential region. The anti-corrosion potential changes with the cooling pipe material.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents jamming of the cooling pipe as etching is stopped when required.
The storage battery equipment has two types of batteries namely a storage battery (SB) for starting and a storage battery (LB) for loading. The storage battery (LB) is connected to the ignition equipment (IG) through a relay contact (RY) and a diode (D1) to form a series circuit. The storage battery (SB) is connected to the starter motor (S) through a starter electromagnetic switch contact (MgS).    When the starter switch (SW) is in starting position (ST), the positive electrode of the diode is connected between the two storage batteries (SB,LB) and the relay contact is turned on and the power is supplied by the ignition equipment. With small electric current (2 to 3A). From storage battery (LB), the opening voltage is recovered even if the storage battery (LB) is in perfect discharge state.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases the durability of storage battery without increasing weight and capacity. Provides good starting performance.
Prodn. comprises pressure-forming a powder material into a board, removing the pressure, thermally hardening the board and baking it. The powder material contains a powder of thermosetting resin, powder of hardening agent and powder of C fibres.    USE -   Used for making separators/electrode plates of fuel cells.
The storage battery device consists of a storage battery (SB) for starting and storage battery (LB) for loads. The storage battery (LB) is connected to the ignition equipment (IG) through a relay contact (RY) and is also connected to the mounting load (L) and alternating device (G). The storage battery (SB) is connected to the starter switch (S) through an electromagnetic starter switch (SW).    The fixed time relay contact closes when the relay contact comes in contact between the storage batteries for storing and if the voltage is greater than the predetermined value with an alternating device voltage than the opening voltage of storage battery (LB). Then the discharge voltage of the storage battery (LB) drops to the predetermined value, then the fixed time relay contact closes. Since the storage battery (SB) generates a load for short time in addition to the regular load, the capacity is reduced for storage battery (LB) with small loads.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases durability without increasing capacity and weight.
The box (10) is provided with a base board (12) over which a battery (B) is placed. The battery is enclosed by a enclosure (4) made up of four side wall boards (14a-14d), with its upper portion uncovered. On the upper part of the enclosure, are two lid boards (16, 18) which are folded using a groove (20).    The enclosure is opened or closed by the two lid boards. The boards have a terminal window (22) through which the terminal of the battery is exposed outside. The lid side boards are closed tightly by pressing the connector (26) into connection windows (24) provided at the side of the wall board (14b, 14d) of the enclosure.    ADVANTAGE -   Protects battery from heat radiation. Increases efficiency.
The storage battery voltage measurement equipment is connected with the cigar writer socket for cars using a lead wire. The lead wires are used for drawing electric circuit from the voltage measurement part. The storage battery has an accessories plug (10) so that a connection part for measuring the storage battery voltage (9) is connected.    The connection part is attached or detached from the cigar writer socket. Based on the requirement of an user, the storage battery voltage is measured by a voltmeter. A concave part for wearing is connected with the outer wall part of the storage battery voltage measurement equipment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in displaying or emitting of alarm.
The lead storage battery has a separated layered positive and negative electrode boards (1) and (3). The lower ends are cut and stacked to form a marginal part at the bottom (5). The pin part (5) is present at both the electrodes.    The setting of this type of battery is done by positioning the pins of the respective electrodes between their ends through an isolator board.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases durability and provides stable operation.
The multilayer fuel battery has a group of units (10a- 10g). The cooling water flow path (11) has an entrance (12) and an exit (13). The multilayered fuel battery individual units are arranged in a pattern so that the cooling water flows through individual cells in series one by one. This cooling water maintains the temperature of each individual unit within the stipulated limit with effective distribution width.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases efficiency of generation of electric power system which includes cooling system.
The electrolyte circulation-type battery with an electrolyte readjusting device has an electrolyte readjusting device part, a battery reaction cell and a positive and negative electrode.    In the process, a metal ion (Fe3+) of high atomic value is taken from the positive electrode bath to the electrolyte readjustment tank contg. the reaction catalyst. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the readjustment tank which reacts with the metal ion of high atomic value and changes it into a metal ion (Fe2+) of lower atomic value, which then returns to the positive electrode bath.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides a cheap and highly reliable battery due to the simple and compact structure of the electrolyte readjusting device. The battery capacity is maintained and it enables the removal of reaction catalyst mixed with positive electrode liq..
A fuel cell generating system with a water electrolysis device possessed of sec. battery has fuel cell which generates the DC by fuel and oxidant, an inverter device which converts the direct current which is generated with the fuel cell to the alternating current, sec. battery which provides the stable electric energy with converting the electric energy of the direct current to the chemical energy and water electrolysis device which executes the water electrolysis with receiving the electric energy by the sec. battery and generates the hydrogen and the oxygen.    ADVANTAGE -   Life of a water electrolysis can increase and the electrolysis efficiency can be improved.
The vehicle consists of a fuel battery stack (1) which is supplied with fuel gas from a fuel processing equipment (2). A cooling board (6) contains the cooling liquid (9). An air supply equipment (3) with circulation pump (11) to the fuel battery stack. The heat exchanger (22) contains cooling liquid circulation system (20). Heat exchanger (12) is used for fuel evaporation. A power converter (4) is connected to the load from fuel battery stack.    The heat exchanger uses the cooling liquid as the heating medium for its system from the heat source equipment (21) and delivers the heat to any external medium for heating. The cooling liquid circulation system conveys the heat to a heat exchanger for fuel evaporation to the fuel battery stack.    ADVANTAGE -   System effectively uses heat other than for power generation.
The operating system is for a fuel battery system which consists of a modifier (2) connected to the fuel battery main part (3). A fuel battery (1) has a voltage detector (6) connected in line with the modifier and the fuel battery main part. A combustion chamber (5) is connected with anode and cathode materials supply pumps (7). The fuel battery system is interconnected with direct and by-pass paths for the relevant gases.    When there is an abnormal change in the quality of the gas from the modifier, it is detected by the voltage detector in the fuel battery. This fuel battery supplies a stipulated amount of exact quality of gas to the fuel hole of the fuel battery main part and controls the system.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures stable and effective operation.
The fuel battery device consists of a positive electrode (16) and negative electrode (17) forming a pair in a single unit with a separator (10) which is interposed between these units and inserted on both sides of the main electrolyte board (15). A sealing element (11) is a heated expansion ceramic insulation element which acts as a sealing material placed between the separator and the gas path of the manifold (12).    The separator forms a covering part for the gas part to make contact with the electrodes. The insulating ceramic scaling element which adjoin the separator and manifold supplies oxidising agent gas and fuel gas to the respective gas path in turns from the manifold.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in high temperature and high corrosion. Facilitates easy maintenance with stable operation. Provides high reliability.
The battery stack consists of an electrode junction material (26) arranged in between two boards (21, 22). Another board (23) is placed adjacent to the second board (22). All three boards are provided with three different flow paths through which fuel, oxidizing agent and cooling water are passed. An oxidizing agent enters into the board (22) through an input part (32), flows along oxidizing agent flow path (31) and comes out through an output part (33).    Fuel enters into the first board (21) through a fuel input part (28), then flows through a fuel passage (27) and comes out through a fuel outflow part (29). Cooling water enters into the third board (23) through a cooling water input part (36), then flows along a cooling water passage (35) and comes out through a cooling water outflow part (37).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents bending of electrode junction member.
The fuel battery consists of a pair of electrodes (11,12) which enclose an electrolyte (10) in between. Gas permeable conducting material (13) has a partition board (15) on one side of the electrode junction. On the adjacent side, there is a non gas permeable conducting material (14) with a partition board (16).    As the electrodes form the electrolyte with its junction, the fuel gas and oxidising gas takes a simple flow path along the gas permeable conducting material and the non-gas permeable material with the respective partition boards along its surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves supply flow path of fuel and oxidising agent gas in fuel battery. Reduces cost.
The fuel battery (30) consists of a matrix (14) holding the electrolyte, a fuel electrode (11) and an oxidizing agent electrode (15), supported by the porous electrode base material so that an electrode catalyst layer sticks firmly to the surface. The electrolyte plate (10) is layered on the other side of the matrix by the side of one of the electrodes and holds the electrolyte. The electrolyte supply passage (31) is formed in the electrode located between the matrix and electrolyte plate.    The special feature of the fuel battery is that the distances (d1,d2,d3, etc) between the electrolyte supply passages gradually increases from the high temperature side reaction gas entry side to the low temperature reaction gas exit side corresponding to the temperature distribution in the electrode. This ensures electrolyte supply is proportional to electrolyte reduction speed in the material which is reaction temperature dependent.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides stable and good electrical characteristics due to optimum supply of electrolyte.
The diaphragm has a porous film membrane. The diaphragm has several holes in it. The film membrane has a positive and negative electrode. It is finished with hydrophilic resin which is formed partially on it.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures high efficiency. Provides low internal resistance. Reduces cost of diaphragm.
The appts. material is corrosion resistance coated by coating Al, and Ni, respectively, or as alloy layer on stainless steel, as an appts. material in molten salt environment, to form coating, and heating treating it in an oxidising atmos. to make the inside of the coating into an alloy layer comprising Al-Fe-Cr-Ni alloy compsn. and to form an oxide layer on the outermost surface of the coating.    USE -   Used for forming corrosion resistance coating on an appts. material in molten salt environment.
The activator is designed, so that by a reversible electrochemical reaction cycle in a gas chamber, resulting from the application of a DC current, a pressure build up or a pressure redn. is effectively converted into a movement.    A mechanically operated electric switch is provided, the operating organ of which, is arranged in the movement path of an adjusting element. Such that it interrupts the connection line to the DC source, with the reaching of a specified end position of the adjusting element.    ADVANTAGE -   Excessive gas development is prevented, so that activator maintains its operating ability.
Prodn. of organic aerogels, improved by extracting the fluid from the aerogel pores by air drying.    Also claimed are: (1) prodn. of an aerogel having density 0.4 - 1.2 g/cc comprising: (a) forming a mixt. of polymeric material and solvent: (b) allowing the mixt. to gel while minimising evaporation: (c) curing to form an aquagel: (d) exchanging water in the aquagel with a selected solvent: (e) allowing the solvent to at least partially evaporate: and (f) air drying, (2) a resorcinol/formaldehyde aerogel produced as above, having density 0.6 g/cc; and (3) a carbonised aerogel produced as above, having density 0.9 g/cc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Use of the organic aerogels include thermal and acoustic insulation. Uses of the carbonised aerogels include rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and chemical sensors. Air drying is inherently simpler, quicker and cheaper than conventional extraction procedures, having lower capital equipment and processing costs.
Electrochemical reactors for reacting hydrocarbons with O2, and cells for use in such reactors, are claimed. In summary, the cells are hollow ceramic `cores' (11) having a series of parallel through-channels (13) and are made of a gas-impervious perovskite-type mixed metal oxide material capable of conducting electrons and oxygen ions. The reactors comprise a stack of such cells, either with a free-flow gap (24) between each pair of parallel cells, or with the cells arranged contiguously so that alternate sets of channels (13,23) are at right angles. The reactors have inlets and outlets arranged so that an O2-contg. gas stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream pass through the reactor at right angles. The cells are not connected to an external electric circuit.    Also claimed are processes for partial oxidn. of hydrocarbons using such reactors, which are operated at 400-1400 deg.C.    PREFERRED PROCESS - The perovskite-type material is SrCo0.8Fe0.2Ox, SrCo0.5FeOx or La0.2Sr0.8Co0.4Fe0.6Ox. Synthesis gas prodn. is effected at 1000-1400 deg.C, or at 450-1250 deg.C in the presence of an oxidn. catalyst.    USE -   The reactors are esp. useful for partial oxidn. of light hydrocarbons e.g. methane or ethane, to produce synthesis gas.
Process comprises intervening fluorine-bronze mica (Si-Al-Mg-O-F system ceramics) between joining ceramics. Then pressurising joining ceramics at high temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Stabilised strength and high airtightness is obtd.
Prepn. comprises contacting 1 mol of methanol, 0.01-0.5 mol of O2, and water with a catalyst heated to 100-200 deg.C and reacting.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the prodn. of fuels for solid polymer fuel cells and phosphoric acid type fuel cells. Methanol can be converted to H2 at a high rate while the prodn. of CO is inhibited.    The catalyst pref. contains Cu.    In an example, a sodium carbonate aq. soln. was added to an aq. soln. contg. copper nitrate trihydrate, zinc nitrate hexahydrate, and aluminium nitrate enneahydrate. The ppte. produced was filtered, washed with water, dried at 120 deg.C for 12 hrs, and sintered at 450 deg.C for 2 hrs. to obtain a Cu-contg. coprecipitated catalyst. In a quartz glass reaction tube, 5 ml of the Cu-contg. coprecipitated catalyst and 10 ml of silicon carbide were packed to form a catalyst bed to a length of 8 cm. The catalyst bed was reduced with H2 at 300 deg.C for 2 hrs. and heated to a given temp. in N2. A raw material gas contg. methanol, O2, and water in the mole ratios of water/methanol of 1.2 and O2/methanol of 0.25 was passed through the catalyst bed and reacted to produce H2. When the average temp. of the catalyst bed before the reaction was 100-200 deg.C, methanol was converted to H2 at high rates and the concn. of CO was as low as less than 1.0%.
Regenerative power from the motor is stored into a capacitor to supply power to an electrolytic bath, and H2 gas from the bath is supplied to a fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   The sec. battery can be prevented from deteriorating by boost charging with regenerative power.
All panels, moulded from resilient insulating plastic, e.g. polystyrene, coloured as required, are in two parts. A full width tongue on one half fits adjustably into a slot in the other, giving variable overall length. Side panels (2,3,4,5) are connected to each other at the corners, and to the base (1), by mortise-and-tenon, or peg-and-socket arrangements (17). Bottom cut-outs (13,14,15,16) facilitate fixing down. Top apertures (11,12) admit battery connections, blanking plates being provided in unused apertures.    The case is completed by a moulded lid (6), also adjustable in length, fixed by peripheral tims (7,8,9,10), or by sliding into slots.    Some panels may be modified to facilitate installation in particular vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   Protects battery from dirt, insulates it and reduces evaporation losses.
The generator is reset and then filled with electrolyte and inert gas e.g. argon at an excess press. of 0.6 kg/cm2 in the hydrogen circuit and 0.5 kg/cm2 in the oxygen circuit. The gas emission in the electrolyte space as measured by a gas counter is approx. 30 ml/hour. Voltage of 150 mV was measured and its rate of rise on each fuel element.    Respective gas is applied sequentially to each circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method suitable for direct power conversion equipment has the advantage of simplicity and accuracy. Bul.19/23.5.93.
Fuel cell (7) consists of an electrolyte element (4), impregnated with an electrolyte placed between an anode (3) and a cathode (5), with separators (1). Channels (2) in the separators pass a reaction gas to the electrodes. A large number of sealed capsules (6) to supply electrolyte are distributed within the cell and are mfd. from material soluble in the electrolyte, liq. at the working temp.    Sealed capsules contg. electrolyte to be supplied to the electrodes and the method of supplying that electrolyte are also described for use in the fuel cell defined above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High temp. fuel cells with long working life and good reliability. A constant supply of electrolyte over the working life of the cell is proposed, without needing additional and costly replenishing equipment.
The connection clamp (1) has a cable connection sleeve (2) into which a cable core can be welded or crimped. It also has a cable connection ear (2') for connecting cables which end in a lug, by means of a nut and bolt. The inside of the collar (3) which fits onto the battery post tapers, to ensure a close mechanical fit.    The collar has jaws (4,5) separated by a slot (6). The inner faces of the jaws have a cylindrical opening (7) through them. The opening (7) is used to accommodate a mechanical clamp which bears on curved surfaces in the opening and forces the jaws together when mounted on the post.
(JP2546480-B2)      Alkali battery has gel-like negative electrode consisting of zinc powder, an alkali electrolyte and a gelling agent contg. 0.2-0.6 wt.% of vinylon fibres including absorption multiplying factor, 0.2-0.5 wt.% of an acrylics system with absorption properties and carboxyl vinyl polymers. Vinylon fibres surround and hold zinc particles. The acrylic system acts as a buffer material to loading forces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Alkali battery is for headphones and portable cassette stereo, mountain bike devices and applications where conventional mercury batteries are used. Battery has excellent shock resistance. Improved negative electrode collector object gives stable performance in loaded and oscillating states.
(JP6243855-A)   NOVELTY - The battery consists of lead alloy positive electrode lattice of calcium with lead alloy strap. The positive electrode lattice and lead alloy strap has tin content of 1.5-4%. The calcium content of positive electrode lattice is 0.04-0.13%.    USE - Direct vent system lead storage battery used for motor vehicle and industrial purpose.    ADVANTAGE - Improves the corrosion resistance at the junction of lead alloy strap and electrode edge, thereby improving the life span property of the battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows an expanded view illustrating the strap formation process in direct vent system lead storage battery.    electrode edge (3)    melting lead alloy (4)    cast (5)
The accumulator battery closure cover has an upper surface (6) with a central portion (8) joined to two flaps (9,10) with snap locking parts (12) to retain the flaps in the down position. When the battery is to be lifted, the flaps are raised and elongated openings (17) large enough for fingers to pass through, form a handle.    The cover can be moulded to provide a cover for the individual cell plugs (7) and to accommodate the battery terminals (4) which extend through the cover.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Allows safe and convenient handling facility for battery being moved or lifted.
A fuel cell consists of a stack of elements (1,11) with intermediate elements (2) coupled to a central gas feed tube (14). The assembly is located behind cover plates (4) and sealed junctions (7,17,27,37) are formed. Openings are provided for the exhaust of gases from the stack. Air passes through intermediate spaces (6). Harmful combustion gases pass through the centre tube (14). The cell uses (i) a hydrogen-containing fuel gas, and (ii) air, as the two reaction gases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides high temperature operation with small cells.
Electrochemical prodn. of CnHx (where n = even number of 20 or above; and x = from m (to n) is by hydrogenation of Cn (esp. a fullerene with n = 60) by applying electric current across a pair of electrodes (103,104) in contact with a proton donor electrolyte (102), with one of the electrodes (103) being of Cn in contact with a conductive material.    The electrode (103) mixt. pref. takes the form of a fullerene deposited on a metal (esp. Ag) substrate or of a mixt. of powdered fullerene with powdered conductive material (esp. carbon amounting to 10-50 vol.%). Electrolyte (102) is an aq. KOH soln. and the other electrode is an air electrode or is of Ni hydroxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogenation of fullerene is safer and less complex than Birch redn. and gives better yields than prior-art catalytic methods, while providing a fuel cell or battery for storing hydrogen and electrical energy.
The device is composed of a desulphurising unit for removing sulphur contained in material gas of hydrocarbon fuel by using a desulphurising catalyst and a fluidised bed reforming unit for reforming desulphurised material gas by using reforming catalyst. The desulphurisation unit formed by filling the desulphurising catalyst in a container is placed at the down stream side of an exhaust gas flow of the fluidised bed reforming unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Operation for heating the desulphurising catalyst at the start of the operation is simplified by pre-heating catalyst by using exhaust gas of the fluidised bed reforming unit.
The connector device includes two connection elements of which one is movable. The movable element is a plug (1') and the other element is a socket (2). The socket (2) forms a battery terminal. The socket has an internal cavity with two protruding pins (3,3') extending down from the top of the cavity, but protected from the outside. The plug (1') fits into this socket.    The plug slides along a groove (5) rotating to come into contact with the pins. As it does so, a protrusion in the top of the socket slides two panels (8,9) into position so that holes in the panels allow the pins to pass through them. The pins can then make contact with two contacts (4,4') with a spring behind them, housed in the body. Thus the battery connection is made to the charger.    ADVANTAGE -   Makes connection of current charging cable to battery much easier to carry out. User friendly.
In the copolymerisation of a perfluorocarbon monomer bearing a sulphonic acid functional gp. and a perfluoroolefin, the improvement comprises that soln. polymerisation using a hydrochlorofluorocarbon as medium is carried out.    The perfluorocarbon monomer bearing a sulphonic acid functional gp. includes CF2= CFOCF2CF(CF3)OCF2CF2SO2F, the perfluoroolefin tetrafluoroethylene and the hydrochlorofluorocarbon 1-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,3-dichloro-1,2,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 2,2-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane and 2,2-dichloro-2-fluoroethane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mfg. method uses no solvent causing ozone layer depletion in the atmosphere and gives perfluorocarbon polymers bearing a sulphonic acid functional gp. with a high ion exchange capacity in high yield easily. The ion exchange membranes of the perfluorocarbon polymers are useful for diffusion dialysis, ozone generation electrolysis, electroreduction, fuel cells, macromolecular catalysts and cation exchange membranes with corrosion resistance for alkali electrolysis.
In arranging chemical reaction vessels having circular cross-sectional shape on flat surface, space between neighbouring three vessels is minimised. The vessels are arranged densely in hexagon honeycomb. The vessels are arranged in an environment of air, sea water or in space.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in plant utilising chemical reaction process. The reaction vessels having large size and wt. are arranged in min. area. Good plant operation and maintenance are provided by arranging crane for transportation of the vessels on circular line around the honeycomb.
The conveyance case incorporates a fuel battery stack (3) which is bonded tightly with a business spring (4). This is accommodated together in the conveyance case main part (1) which is provided with a conveyance case lid (5) and hanging implement (6).    The inactive chemical cylinder (2) supplies inert gas to the inside of the receptacle, where the fuel battery stack is kept. This provides temperature control.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents degradation of battery performance. Allows long distance ground to carry fuel battery without any performance fall.
A fuel cell system calculates the heat value of anode exhaust gas at an entrance of a modification device combustion part based on each detecting value of material supplying level and steam supplying level which are supplied to a modification device reaction part, outlet port temp., modification reaction pressure, direct current level which is generated and voltage between an anode and a cathode. When the calculated value is over the fixed value, the air vol. is increased which is supplied the combustion part of the modification device or restricts the exhaust gas supplying level of a cell anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A fuel cell system supplies the exhaust gas of the cell anode to a modification combustion part.
The cooling system has a water processor (17) where hot water is cooled and supplied to the circulating pipes (22) of condenser (21). The condenser transfers heat from the moisture present in the water to warm up the fuel and pumps cooled water to the pipes (15) in the heat exchanger (14).    The heat exchanger transmits heat from exhaust gases to water and returns the water to the recovery water cooler (47). Here the hot water is cooled and processed for recirculation.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents damage to equipment. Reduces heat of exhaust gases. Reduces blocks in cooling passage, stresses and cracks by circuit used. Extends lifetime of equipment.
The cooling board (9) has a cooling substrate (10). A group of cooling pipes (20) are inserted through the entrance header pipe (23) and they pass through the central part of the cooling substrate. Cooling pipes (21,22) are inserted through the exit header pipe (25,26) respectively and they pass along the circumference of the substrate. The other end of the pipes (21,20) are connected to the middle header pipe (29) and that of the pipes (20, 22) are connected to the middle header pipe (30).    The cooling media which passes through the pipes removes the heat from the central portion of the substrate. This media is then poured into the cooling pipe (20,22) placed along the circumference of the substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   Enhances equal distribution of operational temperature of batteries. Improves electrical characteristics of fuel batteries.
Similarly if the electrode is used in the generation of an arc or electron beam, the synthetic diamond coating serves to protect the core material of the electrode from erosion and/or corrosion while permitting the radiant energy to be transmitted therethrough.    The electrical device includes a metal core filament coated with a synthetic diamond material which protects the metal of the filament from heat corrosion during the resistance heating of the filament when electrical energy is supplied to the filament metal. Pref. the synthetic diamond is coated on the entire surface of the filament metal core exposed to an enclosed volume defined by an light transmitting envelope and a support.    The coating is thin enough to be light transmissive. The filament side and end walls, heated to incandescence, amy be coated with the protective light transmitting material. The filament may be made of W, or entirely of carbon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Also in spark plug electrode; lamp terminals, sockets and connectors; CRTs, fuel cells, batteries. Longer operating life.
The bipolar lead-acid battery has bipolar plates comprising a multi-layered metallic substrate defined as C/A/B/D, layer C having a layer of positive active material adhered thereto and layer D having a layer of negative material adhered to it, C being a member selected from the group consisting of lead, a lead alloy and a conductive tin, titanium or ruthenium oxide, A being a member selected from the group consisting of titanium and tin, B being a member selected from the group consisting of copper and tin, and D being a member selected from the group consisting of lead, a lead alloy and tin.    C is lead, A is titanium, B is copper and D is lead. The battery is a sealed battery. Determatively D is tin and layer B is omitted. Wherein C is a conductive film of a tin, titanium or ruthenium oxide doped with Db or F.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows case of increase in capacity without necessity of increasing size of plates.
The process for flameless oxidation of carbon produces electric power in which carbon is dissolved into a molten metal. The metal acts as an anode by converting part of the carbon to an ionised state to produce carbon-ions and electrons, the passage of a current of the electrons through a power generating circuit to a cathode where the electrons react with oxygen-ions and diffusion of carbon-ions through a solid carbon-ion electrolyte has fluorite crystal structure to the cathode.    The carbon-ions react with the oxygen-ions to produce oxidised carbon, A molten metal selected the lanthanide group consisting of:La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Pm,Eu,Gd,Tb,Dy,Ho,Er,Tm,Yb and Lu. The fluorite crystal structure containing at element selected from lanthanide group.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides electricity without need for flames or burning.
A H2-O2 electrochemical generator contains a battery of fuel elements connected by an electrolytic contour, supply systems of reagents, and a water and heat removal system. The O2 supply system is connected to the last element in the direction of supply of H2 and the H2 is supplied in the opposite direction.    USE -   Used for electrochemical generation using H2-O2 fuel elements.    ADVANTAGE -   Better working reliability and reduced energy consumption.
Purificn. of high-temp. reducing gas comprises reducing the water content of the gas in a water content shifting reactor and removing sulphur cpds. in the gas in a dry sulphur cpd. removing appts.    Pref. the reactor is divided so as to provide a cooling heat exchanger in a middle portion. The temp. of the gas in the reactor is controlled by the exchanger.    The reaction in the reactor is usually carried out with a catalyst. Suitable catalysts includes one or a mixt. of Fe-Cr, Cu-Zn and Cu-Cr systems. The reaction temp. is e.g. 200-300 deg.C for a Cu-Zn catalyst and 300-450 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method reduces the influence of moisture on the desulphurisation reaction, achieving a high removal rate of sulphur cpds. The obtd. purified gas is useful as a gas turbine ruel and a chemical raw material and for fuel cells. With a boiler disposed in a middle portion, a high H20 conversion rate is obtd. and improved lifetime of the catalyst by lowering the temp. of the outlet of the reactor down to 500 deg. C or lower.
Desulphurisation comprises contacting raw material with desulphurising agent comprising copper, nickel and zinc oxide and prepd. by co-pptn. prior to reforming of the material to a hydrogen-based fuel gas by steam reforming.    Pref. desulphurising agent is typically prepd. by reacting precipitating agent with aq. soln. of copper, nickel and zinc cpd(s). to co-precipitate. Pref. metal cpds. are copper nitrate, nickel nitrate and zinc nitrate. The precipitating agent is e.g. one or a mixt. of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides and carbonates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method ensures efficient and sufficient desulphurisation even at relatively low pressures and is useful for desulphurisation of kerosene, light oil, LPG, city gas and natural gas, thus reducing deterioration of the related catalysts. Notably high desulphurising performance of the desulphurising agent allows for a redn. in the amt. of the catalyst used, resulting in significant compaction of fuel cell system.
A fuel gas is led to a reforming section contg. a reforming catalyst and reformed to a H2 rich gas under a heated condition. The reforming section consists of a structure composed of conductive metallic plates on which a reforming catalyst is supported. The passages of the fuel gas are formed by the surfaces of the plates on which the reforming catalyst is supported and electricity is supplied across the electrode terminals of the structure to generate heat through electric resistance in the plates on which the catalyst is supported.    In the reforming section, the passages of a fuel gas are pref. formed by the surfaces of the plates on which a reforming catalyst is supported, the passages of a heat source gas are formed by the opposite sides of the plates, and these fuel gas passages and heat source gas passages are pref. layered alternately. The total resistance of the plates on which the catalyst is supported is pref. 0.1-10 ohms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reform hydrocarbon fuels which are to be supplied to engines and fuel cells. The reforming section of the reformer has good thermal conductivity, the starting performance of the reformer is improved and the reformer can be down sized.
The fuel battery consists of a layered battery arrangement (2). The oxygen and hydrogen gases from their respective supplies (50,60) are pumped to the fuel battery by a circulation pump (GP). The oxygen and hydrogen gases follow gas circulation paths. The gases enter at the upper side of the fuel battery and exit at the bottom.    Power is generated when the oxygen and hydrogen gases react in the cell of the battery device. The unreacted gases are discharged from the device. When abnormal power generation is detected, the starting of the fuel battery is suspended and restarted after a predetermined time.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents poor electric power generation. Enables unreacted hydrogen and oxygen gas to be discharged.
The car includes the fuel battery (2) in which hydrogen gas and oxygen are made to react. The cooling water circulation path (70) makes the cooling water circulate in the cooling water passage (36). The cooling water then passes through the battery. A gas force feeding device (80) feeds the gas forcibly to cooling water circulation path for sampling.    An supply oxygen source (15) supplies oxygen/air to the cooling water circulation path through an opening and closing valve SV11. The cooling water is extracted and accommodated in a cooling water saving receptacle. The cooling water is extracted when the fuel battery is not in operation.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents freezing of cooling water of fuel battery.
The cooling water system of fuel battery has a cooling water circulation pump (2g) and a fuel battery cooling pipe (2h). The water quality monitor (2i) determines the quality of cooling water and controls the drainage of a stream separation vessel (2e). The cooling water supply system is controlled by the signal of the water quality monitor.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces maintenance management. Provides simple device composition.
The max. number (ZHV) of cycles of electric heating of the converter, taking account of the charge-storage capacity of the battery, is associated with an evaluation sum (SUMME) of individual range values (B) represented as ordinates of the curve relating engine rotational speed (nM) with time (t).    This speed is measured at regular intervals (delta t) and the sum of the measured values expressed as coarse fractions of the max. speed (B=1) is totalled up to the min. recharging time. When this total attains or exceeds 4.0, the net heating cycle is inhibited.    ADVANTAGE -   A simple and inexpensive method prevents deep discharge of the battery without recourse to additional measuring devices.
A battery connector (10) includes a housing (12) having an opening in the form of a downwardly opening tapered bore (14). The bore (14) has a central axis and includes interior surfaces (16) defining a fixed abutting surface. The bore (14) is adjacent to a wedge (18) which itself includes a clamping surface (20) as its innermost surface. A battery terminal may be received within the bore (14) so as to abut against the interior surfaces (16) when held in a clamping position by the wedge (18). An actuator in the form of a nut (22) has a head (24) and an elongate threaded shaft (26). The shaft (26) has a longitudinal axis generally indicated by the broken line B.    The housing (12) includes an electrical lead connecting arm (28) for use in providing an electrical connection between an electrical lead and the battery terminal via the material of construction of the battery connector (10).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Battery connector for lead-acid accumulator battery commonly used in vehicles. Easy to access and doesn't require specialist tools in order to tighten and release them from terminal. Provides both sufficient degree of contact and an adequate clamping strength.
An ion exchange membrane for a fuel cell of proton exchange membrane type, which is produced from a polymer having repeating units represented by the general formula (1) and has an electric conductivity at 25 deg.C of 0.11-0.20omega-1-cm-1, a hydrogen gas permeation coefficient at 40 oC of 9.0 x 10-9-24.0 x 10-9 cc-cm/(cm2-sec.cmHg), an oxygen gas permeation coefficient at 40 oC of 5.0x1-9-11.0x10-9cc-cm/(cm2-sec.cmHg), and a moisture content of over 100 to 250 wt.%, wherein X is 0, 1 or 2; Y is 2 or 3; and L and m are each a positive number provided L/m represents a positive number of up to 10.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The invention can provide an ion exchange membrane to be used for a fuel cell of proton exchange membrane type and having excellent performance as both diaphragm and electrolyte.
A resilient deformable cap for covering a terminal head has a polygon shaped cross section, a portion of which is surrounded by a tubular projection of insulating material extending from adjacent the base, the tubular projection is co-axial with the axis of the terminal and having an outer diameter and an open end, the cap comprises a first tubular section having two ends and an inner diameter which is smaller than the greatest dimension across a top of the head having a polygon cross section to tightly fit around the portion of the terminal head which is not surrounded by the tubular projection.    A second tubular section coaxial with the first tubular section and adjacent one of the ends, the second tubular section having an inner diameter which is not greater than the outer diameter of the tubular projection to fit tightly around the outer diameter. The planar top is transverse to the axis of the tubular sections and adjacent the other of the ends of the first tubular section. The first tubular section has a length not more than the length of the portion of the terminal head which is not surrounded by the tubular projection.    USE -   To protect automotive battery terminals against the effects of corrosion and exposure to weather conditions.
The cable assembly includes a battery cable having a conductive core and an insulated sheet and a metal cable terminal having a generally forward planar eyelet portion and a rearward crimping portion for securing the terminal to the battery cable and with the eyelet portion having a central through opening and a pair of opposed notches at its sides. The battery cable assembly also includes a plastic, flexible battery terminal cover having a forward portion for slidably receiving the eyelet portion and a rearward portion for receiving the crimping portion of the terminal. The forward portion of the battery terminal cover has a top, bottom, side and end wall portions which define a rectangular slot through which the eyelet terminal can be inserted.    The cover also includes a pair of axially extending inwardly facing ribs between the top and bottom which are adapted to be engaged by the eyelet portion to cause deflection of the side wall portions of the cover until the notches in the eyelet portion are aligned with the ribs snap fittingly received within the eyelet portion to connect the eyelet portion to the cover. The cover is also provided with seals for sealing the engaging a side wall of a battery around its terminal and for sealingly engaging a bolt for connecting the eyelet portion to the battery terminal.
Prepn. is effected by operating a four-stroke-cycle engine using a mixt. of methane and oxygen in a vol. ratio of 40/60-60/40 as a fuel, recovering a gas mixt. contg. H2 and CO as an exhaust gas produced by partial combustion of methane, reforming the CO in the gas mixt. into H2 and CO2 in the presence of steam, and condensing and sepg. the remaining water.    Also claimed is an appts. for producing H2 for fuel cells, which comprises a container where a gas mixt. of methane and oxygen is prepd., a four-stroke-cycle engine that operates using the gas mixt. as a fuel, a reformer that reforms the CO2 in the gas mixt. exhausted from the four-stoke-cycle engine into H2 and CO2 in the presence of steam, and a condenser that condenses and separates water in the gas mixt. exhausted from the reformer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reform methane to H2 and CO so that an external heater and desulphuriser are not needed and hydrogen is produced rapidly. The appts. can respond quickly to the change of the amt. of H2 required by a fuel cell and the energy efficiency is improved.
In an adiabatic reformer a mixt. of hydrocarbons and steam is subjected to prim. reforming, an oxygen-contg. gas is added to the reformed gas to partially oxidise it, the partially-oxidised gas is subjected to sec. reforming, and the high-temp. gas produced is used as a heat source of the prim. reforming. The reformer comprises (a) a combustion chamber in the upper part of a vertical cylindrical reactor to which an oxygen-contg. gas is supplied for partial oxidn., (b) a fixed catalyst bed contg. a sec. reforming catalyst below the combustion chamber, (c) a nozzle for supplying a mixt. of hydrocarbons and steam and a nozzle for discharging the sec. reformed gas in the centre of the reactor, (d) a heat-exchanging chamber comprising reacting tubes contg. a prim. reforming catalyst at the bottom of the reactor, and (e) a bellow tube for supplying the sec. reformed gas to the bottom of the heat-exchanging chamber inside the reactor. The raw material mixt. of hydrocarbons and steam is led to the reaction tubes contg. the prim. reforming catalyst. The prim. reformed gas is led to the combustion chamber to be partially oxidised and subjected to sec. reforming and then used as a heat source of the prim. reforming.    Part of the raw material hydrocarbons is pref. added to the oxygen-contg. gas and then fed to the combustion chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The reformer is simple and compact.
Fuel reformer includes reforming tube with catalyst to reform hydrocarbon or alcohol to hydrogen-rich gas, and combustion burner for heating reforming catalyst through combustion between fuel gas and air. Heat-conductive surface of reforming tube filled with reforming catalyst is opposed to combustion surface of burner.    ADVANTAGE -   Axial temp. distribution in reforming tube is made uniform.
Fuel reformer includes inner and outer tubes, reforming catalyst layer between inner and outer tubes, and shift reaction catalyst layer, where raw gas fed into catalyst layer from one end is reformed, and reformed gas coming from the other end of catalyst layer is taken outside through regenerating chamber and shift reaction catalyst layer in portion of regenerating chamber.    Shift reaction catalyst layer is arranged in inner tube so that reformed gas goes up to middle portion of regenerating chamber, and goes down in central portion.    ADVANTAGE -   Shift reaction catalyst layer is always used in normal state.
Fuel reformer includes plate type heat exchange reactor, where fuel gas passing fuel gas path of reactor is used as heat source to reform hydrocarbon-contg. raw material into hydrogen-abundant raw material.    Reforming catalyst is arranged in raw gas path of reactor, and oxidising catalyst is arranged in combustion gas path.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel reformer is made compact.
The system comprises a reformer driven at such a temp., pressure and steam/carbon ratio that the content of carbon monoxide is 1% or less at the outlet of reformed gas to mfr. hydrogen by using hydrocarbon fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   An inexpensive fuel reforming system can be offered.
The electric power generation system consists of a modifier (1a) which inputs the fuel gas, and the shift converter (6) of the modifier changes the carbon monoxide in the gas obtained into hydrogen and carbon dioxide thereby resulting in a rise in temperature in the converter. Air (105) is introduced into the shift converter, for oxidizing the catalyst at the beginning of its operation, through the flow adjustment valve (12) and air line (15).    The nitrogen recycling line (13) is used for circulating the nitrogen through the shift converter entrance heat exchanger (7) and the shift converter. This results in an efficient temperature rise of the catalyst and the shift converter, thereby reducing the time of complete heat rise of the shift converter. The fuel battery generates power with air and hydrogen generated in the shift converter.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures less consumption of fuel due to short starting time. Provides cost effective device. Enables high power generation.
Dendrites are prevented from shorting a sec. Li battery by the use of a first porous separator, unreactive with Li, adjacent the Li anode, and a second porous fluoropolymer separator, reactive with Li, between the cathode and the first separator, such that as a Li dendrite contacts the second separator, an exothermic reaction occurs locally to prevent propagation to the cathode.    USE -   In high density batteries used in space, military and automotive applications.    ADVANTAGE -   The cycle life of ambient temp. rechargeable Li cells is significantly increased. (Reissued from week 9435 to add EPI classifications/ Reprinted in week 9437)
Plate reformer includes plate reformer body formed by reforming chambers and combustion chambers piled one upon another through heat-conductive partitions. Reforming catalyst is filled in reforming chamber, and combustion catalyst in combustion chamber. Air or fuel dispersing plates are located inside combustion chamber such that air or fuel-dispersing chambers are vertically defined. In side wall of plate reformer body is provided window opened at reforming chamber, and seal plate is fitted to side wall of reforming chamber to close window.    ADVANTAGE -   Reforming catalyst can be exchanged without detaching reforming chamber.
The terminal comprises a terminal body (11) with post fitting opening defining two arms (21A and B, and 21A' and B') which have tapered walls (21A-1 and 21B-1, and 21A'-1 and 21B'1). A clamping member (12) has tapered sides (26A and B). A member (14 and 15) urges the two arms into the clamping member for sliding the tapered sides to close the two arms.    The body has a folded element (20) with a top and bottom ring shaped post fitting members (20A and B) defining the post fitting opening. This is opened towards the folded end of the element so that the arms are formed as folded arms. One of the ring shaped members is formed with notches (20A-2) with pointed tips projecting from the inside circumferential surface for biting into the outside circumferential surface of the battery post (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents battery terminal from rotating on battery post.
A primary fuel flow (1) is divided into at least two parallel and separately regulated (4, 5) flows (2, 3), taken respectively, to a fuel cell (6) and a burner (7). An oxygen-containing agent (8) is regulated separately (12, 13) to provide decoupled electrical and thermal energy. The flow (12) of the oxygen to the fuel cell is preheated (14) by the exhaust gas-flow (25). The exhaust gas thermal energy produces evaporation (27) and conversion (26) to generate useful heat. The unit is produced within a container including all interconnections of stages.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For domestic and industrial heating purposes. Provides simultaneous conversion into thermal and electrical energy form.
The device consists of pair of transistors switching elements (51,53) connected to the positive terminal of a main battery source (1). The transistors are shunted by two diodes (52,54) in an anti-parallel arrangement. This provides current flow in only one device in each group, for a particular polarity of voltage. An electrostatic capacitor (50) is connected to one of the transistor-diode groups in series with the battery. The free terminals of the transistors pairs are joined to form positive terminal for the power supply.    The diode in the first group enables a charging current to flow through the capacitor and to the battery. The diode of second pair enables a discharging current to flow out of battery to the opposite type of current to flow through.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in electromobiles and in electricity-and-diesel hybrid systems for large-sized automobiles. Lowest charging rate at the time of starting. Enables braking energies to be recovered by eliminating resistor. Provides low pollution system and battery with long life.
The fuel cell system (1) combined with gas/air storage system (8) consisting of a high voltage air compressor (9). The air compressor pressurises the oxidising gas stored in gas storage device (13) after passing through heat exchanger (11). The heat energy recovered by heat exchanger is stored in emergency saving equipment (12) for use as a driving heat source when needed. The gas/air in storage tank is expanded in expansion turbine (15) to recover the energy as power from the generator (16).    ADVANTAGE -   Economical, simple and efficient system.
Process is by (a) mixing the raw material with ceramics powder, binding agent and solvent. (b) blowing gas into the slurry of the ceramics raw material forcedly, so that a foaming slurry is obtd. (c) forming a ceramics film with the foaming slurry and (d) firing the ceramics film so porous ceramics film is obtd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for electrode of fuel cell and sensor of gas, temp etc can form pores on the ceramics film.
The fuel gas system has main part (2) connected to modifier (1). Burner (12) carries out the combustion process. The inert gas is stored in tank (6) and is connected to the modifier through passage (D) with valve (7).    The fuel battery main part with modifier generates hydrogen in the modifier, and oxygen in air reacts electromechanically to perform power generation. Exhaust from the main part gets combusted in the burner. The oxygen removal device removes oxygen from combustion and separates the inert gas in tank. The system opens the valve if the operation of main part stops and purges out the inflammable gas. After purging is over, valve is closed and the process continues.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves purge system. Eliminates exchange of tanks and provides excellent operation.
The fuel battery is an electric power generation device where in the main part hydrogen and oxygen in air react electrochemically to generate power. A quality device of change (1) generates hydrogen for fuel battery main part (2). When the fuel battery main part is shutdown for any maintenance in the system it is necessary to purge out the inflammable gas present in the fuel battery system. For this purpose an inert gas generation device (8) with inert gas storage tank (6) is provided. This storage tank is connected to the quality device and the fuel battery main part valve.    The amount of generation of inert gas changes according to the gas pressure in the inert gas storage tank. When the operation of the fuel battery main part stops, valve (7) is opened automatically. This allows entry of inert gas into the quality    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids exchange of tanks etc. Effects automatic operation enabling quick and easy purging.
The fuel cell consists of a package (1) with main part (2) reaction and combustion air blowers (4, 5) with a fuel modifier (3) together with a side wall, ventilator (6) and air louvres (3) and air intake ducts. A pair of (12, 14) hoods hides the fuel cell main part and fuel modifier from the upper hood (13).    The pair of hoods which hide the fuel cell main part and the modifier in the shape of an umbrella connects the intake suction side of the reaction and combustion air blowers. Without increasing the fan ventilation the flame and inflammable gas detector are exposed to high temperature by hot air and becomes over heated.    ADVANTAGE -   Reuse of heat dissipated in fuel cell and fuel modifier to pre-heat reaction air. Improved thermal efficiency. Fan ventilation helps generation of power without overheating.
The system deals with regenerative braking of a vehicle. When a brake pedal (32) is pressed, the change switch in the brake mechanism is activated and the drive motor becomes a generator to power the brake. The modifier (15) takes in methanol (M) and water (W) through a vaporizer (16) in the vehicle. This enables the supply of power to the drive motor (34) by the hydrogen-oxygen type fuel battery through the controller (33). Operation of the brake pedal performs the regenerative braking to an invariable speed machine (41). With the power available, the force feed pumps (11,21) compress the air, hydrogen and carbon dioxide and performs the sepn. of oxygen and hydrogen in an oxygen gas sepn. vessel (22) and in a fuel gas separation vessel (12) respectively. The oxygen and hydrogen are supplied to the oxygen tank (23) and to the hydrogen tank (13) from where they are supplied to the fuel battery (31) for generation of power. The unreacted gases are led to the modifier (15) through the circulation routes (20c,10c). The system has bypass routes (10b,20b), check valves (18,28) and backing pressure valves (19a,19b, 29a and 29b) etc., for increasing the partial pressure of hydrogen and oxygen supplied to the fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high output and efficient operation of fuel battery regardless of load. Improves gas utilization factor.
The dry sec. battery consists of a battery case (3) with an anode terminal (1) and a cathode terminal (2). In the battery, the electric power generation element consists of lithium cathode, anode and a non-aq. electrolyte of the lithium salt or chloride.    The face of the battery has ratio of the height (long side) to the depth (shorter side) of five or less, as the sealing face of the battery using a sealing board (4). Sealing is carried out by the duplex winding bundle.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables low cost mass prodn. (Reissued from week 9434 to add classifications/ Printed in week 9435)
The housing (1) comprises a 2-part inner casing (A) enclosing the battery, with upper and lower halves (3,4), spaced by an intermediate insulation layer (7) from an outer casing (B) with upper and lower halves (5,6). Each of the casings comprises two deep-drawn half-shells with a rolled peripheral edge, used for laser-welding of the two halves together. The inner and outer casings each have an attached console plate (14,15), with locating openings for corrugated sleeves (21,22,23) extending between the two console plates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle batteries. Simple mfr. providing effective seal with simple insertion of battery and maintenance of high temp. within inner casing.
In a process for pelletising or granulating a material or a mixt. of materials, one of the materials is reactive with a liq. to form a gas. Prior to final compaction to form a granule or pellet the reactive material is treated to coat all the outer surfaces with a substance that is less soluble in the liq. than the reactive material. The coating thickness and type are selected to provide control over the reaction of the material.    A pellet or granule made by the claimed process.    Prior to coating the material or mixt. is lightly pressed or ground to densify it. The reactive material may be calcium hydride. The coating is formed by passing a mixt. of carbon dioxide and water vapour over and/or through the hydride to form a coating of calcium carbonate and optionally calcium hydroxide on the hydride. This controls subsequent hydration of the pellets or granules to produce hydrogen gas. The coating may be formed by treating with atmospheric air for between 8 and 16 hours to dry it to 1500 ppm of water and 400 ppm of carbon dioxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Coating of calcium hydride pellets for prodn. of hydrogen for use in fuel cells. Enables controllable reaction of the pellets with water to produce hydrogen.
The mass carrier for the electrodes, in a lead battery, has the conductive metal members (1) forming a comb-shaped electrode body together with metallised connecting members (2). The metal members (1) form the tines of the electrode body. Members (3), wholly of plastics, are across the metal members (1), bonded by a frame (4), secured to the metal members (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The structure forms the electrode body for a lead battery, and the like. The structure gives a reduced battery weight in relation to its storage capacity, especially for vehicles and battery-driven vehicles.
The exchanging apparatus includes a working fluid and a structure for exchanging heat between the working fluid and an external environment. The structure includes a wall element having an external surface exposed to the external environment and an internal surface exposed to the working fluid so that heat can be exchanged between the environment and the working fluid by conductive heat transfer through the wall element. A reservoir element provides a reservoir for the working fluid and a distribution element for providing the working fluid along the wall element to provide isothermal heat exchange between the working fluid and the external environment.    The structure can be a double lumen tubular structure having an inner lumen which provides a reservoir for the working fluid, and a lumen where heat is exchanged between the working fluid and an external environment. The inner tube can be a porous structure with several pores that uniformly distribute the working fluid to the outer lumen.    USE -   Electrochemical energy system, e.g. fuel cells.
The fuel cell comprises a stack having superposed a number of electromotive parts composed of a fuel electrode, an oxidizing electrode, and an electrolyte layer nipped by the two electrodes and using aq liquid fuel as the fuel for the fuel cell. A liquid fuel introducing path is formed which is destined to be directly exposed tot he liquid fuel on terminal surfaces of the component parts of the electromotive parts in a direction perpendicular to the flow of an oxidizing gas along one of the outer peripheral surfaces of the stack including the terminal surface of the fuel electrode and lying parallelly to the flow of the oxidizing gas and enabling the liquid fuel in the liquid fuel introducing path to be supplied to the fuel electrodes by a capillary attraction.    A fuel cell provided with a device for recovery of the water produced by the cell reaction in the oxidizing electrodes the fuel cell effecting the removal of the water produced in the oxidising electrodes during the operation of the fuel cell by a capillary attraction generated by two porous members.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows miniaturisation without sacrifice of high efficiency.
Cell comprises a cathodic chamber for flowing an electrolytic soln. of VII/VIII, an anode chamber for flowing an electrolytic soln. of VV/VIV and ion-exchanging membrane of polysulphone resin.    The polysulphone resin is of formula (I) (where Ar is e.g. Ph, diphenylpropyl, diphenyl or naphthyl, X, Y and Z are each -O- or -S-, l is 0-1, m and n are 2-50 and m/n is 2-10. It is prepd. by introducing an ion-exchanging gp. of polymer contg. -SO2- gp. in its main chain and forming the ion-exchanging polymer into film and has high ionic selectivity, resistance against oxidn. and film strength.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ion-exchange membrane has high resistance against oxidn. to V(V) to provide durable vanadium redox flow cell. It has low membrane resistivity which does not increase by increasing the current density to enhance the output/unit area and to minimise the cell size. It is used in electric automobiles.
The cell system comprises a boiler adapted to producing steam or hot water from boiler feedwater. A fuel cell produces electricity and as a by-product, thermal energy. A fuel cell cooling and boiler feedwater heating apparatus in which water is used as a cooling agent, and in which (i) the water is circulated about the fuel cell subsystem in a manner that captures a portion of the by-product heat so that the temperature of the water is elevated. The water at the elevated temperature is used as or transferred to and used to at least partially heat the boiler feedwater to a desired temperature.    An operation which receives the steam or hot water produced by the boiler, converts the steam or hot water to condensate, and returns the condensate to the integrated boiler/fuel cell system for use as a heat sink for thermal energy produced in the fuel cell subsystem.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for burner assembly in natural gas reformer.
The high-corrosion resistant Al-thin film is obtd. by disposing an Al-electrode becoming cathode in a vacuum unit becoming anode, applying dc voltage between the vacuum unit, and the Al-electrode for generating arc discharge, and applying negative bias voltage with respect to the vacuum unit to a substrate, forming the Al-thin film on the substrate.    USE -   Used for separator material and wet-seal members for fused carbonate fuel cells.
Composite thermal spraying material is made by obtd. metal-ceramics composite material powder by mechanical alloying metal-and ceramics-powder mixed with a given ratio, and oxidising the metal components of the composite material powder.    Metal ceramics composite thermal sprayed coating is formed by thermal spraying the composite material of plural kinds of ceramics obtd. by oxidising metal components of metal, ceramics composite material powder obtd. by mechanical alloying, to form a thermal sprayed coating, followed by reducing the coating to form the metal ceramics composite thermal sprayed coating.    USE -   Used for thermal sprayed coating for fuel-side electrodes of solid electrolyte fuel cells.
Scattering appts. has three segments (31) serially jointed to form a rotary plane cutter (30) with an interlocking joint (32) used for each space between neighbouring two segments (31), and each joint face has some protruded irregular face.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mfg. nickel sheet used for ionisation for fused carbonate type fuel cell pole plates. Detrimental scratch defects are never given for the nickel powder layer surface.
A sinter contains a 1:9 - 1:1 powder mixt. of a solid soln. expressed by ((1-y)(xCe(1-x)ZrO2)-ySrO) (where x is 0.5 - 0.9 and y is 0.02 - 0.1) and a stabilised zirconia.    The powder of the solid soln. is obtd. by mixing a 1:1 - 9:1 mixed powder of CeO2 and ZrO2 with SrCO3 powder at a ratio of 98:2 - 90:10, calcining the resulting powder mixt. at 1500 - 1680 deg. C for duration of 1 - 10 hours. The SrCO3 powder used is pref. a commercially available powder contg. 0.5% or less of an impurity. The stabilised zirconia is pref. an yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) contg. 6 mol.% or more yttria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for oxygen sensors, solid electrolyte type fuel cells, water vapour decomposition appts., etc..
Each cell (c) in the stack has a solid electrolyte plate (1), 02 electrode (2), fuel electrode (3) and a conductive flow channel member (4) opposing the 02 electrode for forming an 02-gas channel or opposing the fuel electrode for forming a fuel gas channel. The cells are stacked with a space in between for forming the 02 or fuel gas channels, in which an elastic conductive member (12) is provided for allowing conductivity and elasticity as well as gas permeability between adjacent cells.    A conductive film element (6) is interposed between the flow channel member (4) and the elastic member (12) being conductively bonded to the former and fused to the latter.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement for providing a conductive connection between adjacent cells minimises internal resistance and provides large power output.
Planar solid electrolyte fuel cell comprises: (i) several separator plates (11) made of metal each having a branch part (40) and a reaction part (42) surrounding the branch, the branch part being equipped with two reaction gas inlet holes (4,5) and the reaction part having 1st guide walls (19A) on one surface and 2nd guide walls (19b) on the other surface to fed and distribute gases; (ii) several unit cells (33), each in the form of an annular plate and equipped with an anode (1), a solid electrolyte (3) and cathode (2) lying over each other, in which each unit is enclosed by two separator plates (11); (iii) several electrical insulators (21) arranged on the centre part of the plates (11) and equipped with two through-holes aligned with the reaction gas guide holes (4,5) and extending in direction of the plates (11), in which the insulators (21) and separators (11) are arranged over one another using the branch parts of the separators; (iv) 1st gas sealing parts (6A) arranged between the branch parts of the separators and electrical insulators and act to restrain each reaction gas guide holes (4,5); and (v) 2nd gas sealing parts (6B) between each peripheral sections of cells (33) and each reaction part (42) of the separator plates (11) enclosing the cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Relatively high thermal reliability.
An ion exchange membrane comprises a soln. graft copolymer comprising: (a) a backbone polymer (A) with a main chain contg. aromatic rings with at least one initiation site on an aromatic ring or on a benzylic carbon per mol.; (b) at least one polymerised vinyl monomer or ring contg. cpd. having ion exchange functionality anionically grafted onto the backbone initiation site.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is used in aq. electrodialysis sepn. processes, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, piezo:dialysis, diffusion dialysis, pervaporation, and in water electrolysis and fuel cells. The prepn. process provides a wide range of ion exchange membrane with controlled properties which can be tailored to the requirements of specific sepn. processes.
(JP2816070-B2)      The battery includes a multilayered body comprising several cells each provided with an electrolyte sandwiched between air pole and fuel pole having gas passageway. Several manifolds (10) are fixed around the multilayered body. A metallization coating is formed on a flange portion (10c) of the manifold at the inner side that contacts the multilayered body by performing metallization of metal or ceramic material. An insulation coating is formed on the upper surface of the metallization coating. The ratio of thickness of the insulation coating and that of the flange portion is set within 1/1.5-1/5.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents peeling of coating due to pressure fluctuation, during operation condition.
NOVELTY - The process involves determining a relationship between maximum output power densities and discharged electric power amounts over a period of time. A maximum discharged electric power amount is determined at preset lowest maximum output power density based on the determined relationship between the power densities and the power amounts. Difference between the determined power amount and a present value of the electric power amount is detected as present remaining capacity of a battery. A battery system monitoring unit is driven in response to the detected remaining capacity of the battery.    USE - Process for detecting remaining capacity of a battery in an electric vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The process allows accurately detecting the remaining capacity of the battery until the maximum output power reaches the preset lowest maximum-output power irrespective of charged state, discharge rate and degree of deterioration of the battery. The process allows simply and accurately detecting the relationship between the discharged electric power amount and the maximum output power. The process allows increasing the speed of a vehicle at an end of discharging of the battery.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a block diagram of a battery remaining capacity detecting system.    Battery remaining capacity detecting system (1)    CPU (2)    RAM (3)    Microcomputer (7)    Battery temperature detecting unit (10)
The disconnect device includes a microprocessor which iteratively inputs the value of the battery voltage as well as the ambient temperature surrounding the battery. The microprocessor also sets a cut off voltage level which increases proportionately with elapsed time from the last system reset of the device and preferably adjusts the cut off voltage level as a function of the ambient temperature of the battery. The cut off voltage level is set so that when the battery reaches the cut off voltage, sufficient energy remains in the battery for engine ignition, i.e. engine starting.    The microprocessor then iteratively compares the battery voltage signal with the cut off voltage level and generates an output signal whenever the battery voltage is less than or equal to the cut off voltage level. The output signal initiates a timer which counts down a relatively short period of time, for example two minutes. At the end of the two minute period and assuming that a system reset did not occur during the activation of the timer, the device generates a battery disconnect signal which disconnects the battery from the electrical load of the vehicle.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures that battery retains sufficient electrical charge or energy for vehicle ignition.
Reformer consists of required stages of reformer units arranged in a container. A unit comprises a combustion chamber filled with catalyst for burning and an air diffusion plate at the front surface. The combustion chamber is placed between heat transfer partition walls at both sides. An air feed pipe is connected to an opening of the container and the air fed by the air feed pipe is fed to the combustion chamber. The container is used as the common use air diffusion chamber for plate reformer units.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for making produced gas from fuel for making fuel gas feed to the fuel battery anode in the fuel battery generation system. The reformer is significantly simplified. It dispenses with air or fuel dispersion chamber for exclusive use for the unit and the header. It can exchange degenerated unit only when required.
Reformer has a reforming pipe and a burner. The reforming pipe comprises an intermediate cylinder erected vertically, and outer and inner cylinders. The cylinders are concentrically arranged with intervals between them. The upper part of the outer and inner cylinders are joined with the intermediate cylinder. The lower ends are connected with a ring-shaped bottom plate sepd. from the lower end of the intermediate cylinder. Reforming catalyst particles are put into the space between the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder. A burner is provided inside the reforming pipe and feeds heating medium for the reforming pipe.    The unit reforms raw hydrocarbon fuel to a gas rich in hydrogen by steam reforming. The reforming pipe has a presser device on the upper side of the filled layer of reforming catalyst. The presser device consists of a number of pressure balance particles (stainless steel balls).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing fuel gas for fuel battery. The catalyst is uniformly pressed constantly, even when the reforming gas flow speed is high.
The generation method comprises the steps of operating a fuel cell device having a cathode side and an anode side, including the sub-steps of passing an air stream through the cathode side of the fuel cell device and feeding a gaseous fuel stream to the anode side of the fuel cell device. Oxygen is electrochemically combined from the air stream in the fuel cell device with fuel from the fuel stream, with attendant formation of a cathode exhaust gas stream containing nitrogen and residual oxygen, and generation of electric power. The passing step is generated.    The residual oxygen content of the cathode exhaust gas stream is reduced to a level at which the cathode exhaust gas constitutes the high-purity nitrogen gas, including at least one of the sub-step of performing the controlling step in such a manner as to optimise the oxygen utilisation at the cathode side of the fuel side of the fuel cell device even at the expense of reducing the amount of electric power generated relative to the optimum electric power generation operating conditions of the fuel cell device.    USE -   Industrial gas.
Mfr. comprises steam reforming MeOH or a hydrocarbon to produce H2 for fuel cells, H2 produced by steam reforming is passed through a hydrogen sepn. functional membrane, and taken out together with water vapour.    An apparatus for producing H2 has an H2 sepn. functional membrane neighbouring to one end of the portion in which the reforming catalyst is charged and a means for supplying the material comprising a hydrocarbon or MeOH with water vapour, a heating portion provided neighboured to the other end of the portion in which the reforming catalyst is charged and a means for supplying water vapour to take out the hydrogen passed through the hydrogen sepn. membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To supply H2 to fuel cells, partic. those operating at 200 deg.C or lower.
The cell has gas flow path slots (13) and (23) which are formed as notches on the collectors (12) and (22) respectively. Between them an anode catalyst layer (11), an ion exchange process film (04) and a cathode catalyst electrode (21) are arranged. Two or more holes (17) for cooling water from outside are provided on blocks (26) and (16).    The collectors contain loose conductive carbon material, let pass the oxidizing agent gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The risk of peeling off of electrode catalyst film is minimised. Inclusion of carbon in collector object improves the efficiency of electric power generation.
(JP6163068-A)      NOVELTY - Through the respective inner pipes (16a,18a) or the respective outer pipes (16b,18b) of the air-preheater (16) and fuel gas preheater (18) air and fuel gas pass respectively before electricity generation. The inner and outer pipes are formed with corrugated pipe of wavy cross-section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A gas passageway provided with provisions for blowing off or stopping air or fuel to the inner pipe and outer pipe of the air-preheater (16) and fuel gas preheater (18) is connected to gas allocation chamber. The air- preheater (16) and the fuel gas preheater (18) are connected to the battery cell (11) through the gas passageway.    USE -   Solid electrolyte fuel battery stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Since inner pipe is made up of corrugated material, large thermal stress is not generated between the inner pipe and outer pipe. Improves thermal efficiency. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure depicts sectional view of the solid electrolyte fuel battery stack. (11) Battery cell; (16) Air preheater; (16a,18a) Inner pipes; (16b,18b) Outer pipes; (18) Fuel gas preheater.
Electric power reserve device has fixed flow direction of hydrogen, oxygen or vapour supplied for vapour electrolysis at the electrolysis and electric power generation.    The electric power reserve device produces hydrogen and oxygen with a vapour electrolysis cell which has solid oxide electrolyte. The gases are reserved temporarily and the hydrogen and the oxygen are flowed reversely again to the vapour electrolysis cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Operation is simple. Outbreak of repeat thermal stress and the thermal stress fatigue due to temp. variation is decreased.
(JP2766756-B2)      The plate (21) is made of a conductive material and has several penetration openings (20) arranged in parallel. The penetration openings are formed on one planar surface (22). The openings are formed at a position whose distance from the edge of the planar surface is less than 1/10 of the total thickness of the planar surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Facilitates production of plate by thermo compression bonding. Reduces internal resistance of SOFC.
Electrolysis system using fuel cell comprises: a fuel cell using a gas contg. H2 as the fuel; an electrolytic bath receiving the power generated from the fuel cell; a condenser to separate the pure water discharged from the fuel cell into steam and warm water; a tank holding the sepd. warm water as cleaning liq. bath feeding liq. and sealing liq. a piping system to circulate the sepd. steam as the heat source and pure water source.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolytic bath is used as plating bath, etching bath etc. The whole system is a closed system.    In an example, a cation exchange membrane (0.6mm thick) of polystyrene having H+ sulphone gp was used. The fuel cell generated 4000KW of power. The generated power fulfilled the requirement of an anode oxidn line at a rate of 1500 ton/month. The fuel cell discharged 70 deg.C water of 2485Kcal and 160 deg.C steam of 1720Kcal.
Composite plate-shaped fuel cell component is mfd. by assembling at least two electrically conductive porous plates (18,20) with a sheet-shaped sealant body (58) coextensively sandwiched between them including two coextensive layers of different sealant materials, one of which is initially flowable at a relatively low temp. but eventually solidifies as an elastomer and will remain solid even if heated and the other of which is a solid at the low temp. but becomes flowable when heated, at least one of the sealants being a fluoroelastomer. The porous plates are pressed towards one another initially at the lower temp. causing the flowable sealant material to flow into and completely fill and solidify in the pore of a sealant region extending a predetermined distance into one of the plates. The plates are subsequently pressed towards one another at a higher temp., after the first sealant material has solidified, causing the second sealant material, which is flowable at the higher temp., flow into and completely fill the pores of another sealed region extending to a predetermined distance into the other of the porous plates.    At least on layer of sealant is a fluoroelastomer, esp. a fully-saturated fluorinated polymer contg. more than 60 wt.% fluorine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is used to plug the pores of pairs of porous electrolyte retention plates to prevent fluid flow between them. Method assures that the sealant penetrates to a desired depth into each porous component without creating high residual stresses which can cause cracking and fluid leakage. It is simple and inexpensive to perform.
New cpds. of general formula ((ML3)xA)y comprising 3 types are claimed:    Type I = ML3A (where x=y=1) (where M = La, Ce, Pr, Nd or Sm; L = beta-diketonate, esp. tetramethylheptanedionate; A = triglyme, tetraglyme, tmeda, pmedta or hmteta).    Type II = (MLa)2A (where x = 2 and y = 1) (where M = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, or Y; L = beta-diketonate, esp. tetramethylheptanedionate; A = triglyme, tetraglyme, tmeda, pmdeta, hmteta).    Type III = (ML3A)2 (where x=1 and y=2) (where M = any rare earth metal or Y; L = beta-diketonate, esp. tetramethylheptanedionat A = diglyme).    Prepn. of the cpds. is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cpds. are precursors for CVD of oxide layers in superconductors, piezoelectrics, microwaves, fuel cells, radiation detectors, optoelectronics and catalysts. They are air and moisture stable low melting, vacuum volable at low temps. Leaving minimal residue and give good quality oxide deposits.
The battery terminal comprises a cable connector (16 and 20) to connect with an electrical cable and an annular post fitting (17) formed by bending a vertically oriented metal band in an arc to form a vertically oriented cylindrical shape with open free ends. Two clamps (18A and B) are formed by the free ends and have tapered sliding surfaces.    A tightening tool (12) has tapered surfaces to fit over the clamps. A nut (14) is located inside the clamp. A bolt (13) is passed through the tightening tool to tighten into the nut to move together the two clamps to close them. This action closes the free ends of the post fittings to firmly clamp the battery terminal to the post.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases thickness of metal plate and therefore mechanical strength of post by simplifying shape of main terminal formed from metal plate.
A high temp. fuel cell has a base plate (7) through which fuel gas and an oxidant are introduced. The gas stream is passed through a contact plate (2). Between contact plates are electrolytes (4) and frames (5). Quartz glass is deposited on the frames. The head (6) and base (7) plates are of a single thickness. The plates and frames are of nickel based material and are welded into the assembly to provide a gas seal.    ADVANTAGE -   High temperature operation with relatively low cost materials.
Water is introduced into a MHD reactor through a needle valve and flow regulator under controlled pressure and subjected to electronic bombardment to produce ionisation, producing a conductive plasma with low resistance.    The electrical and magnetic forces separate the ions and electrons according to their polarity, the hydrogen emerging on one side and oxygen on the other.    USE -   Prodn. of hydrogen from water.
Cell having anode, electrolyte and cathode includes a porous metal compression pad for compensating component dimensional variations at pressures above 1500, pref. 1500-10000 psig. The metal has sufficient porosity of pref 15-85, esp. 20-60% to attain an elastic strain of 3-40% at 2500 psig. Pref. the metal is pref. Cu, Ni, stainless steel or an alloy of these.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Use is in a fuel cell (stack) or electrolysis cell stack (claimed). Compression pad permits operating pressures of up to 10000 psig (or more) while maintaining a conductive path; uniform contact pressure and fluid tight seals and preventing movement of the electrolyte.
The system is provided for an engine-driven system having an engine, a storage battery to provide starting power for the engine, and a main switch having a condition in which the engine is operative and a second condition in which the engine is inoperative. A load circuit is connected to the battery to receive electrical power from the battery.    The battery protection system protects the battery from being discharged below a predetermined minimum value sufficient to start the engine. Visible light pulses are used to call attention to the fact that the voltage of the battery (13) has decreased to a value low enough so that any further decrease may make it impossible to restart the engine.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents battery discharging to below level at which engine will not start.
The device consists of battery jar (6) within which positive electrode barrel (3) and negative electrode board (5) are arranged along with a separator (4). A higher spacer (1) is inserted in the plate group (9) and the battery is made up of flexible material. Oxygen gas released during charging is absorbed by the negative electrode. A glass separator (4) composed of glass fibres is inserted between positive and negative electrode boards performing isolation between the electrodes and holding sulphuric acid as electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is used as back up power source for computers and automobiles due to its portability. Non-leaking battery, with strong pressure exerted on plate group is obtained. Longer life time and better isolation of the two electrodes.
The device consists fuel battery main part (2), main tank (3) and auxiliary reserve tank (4) containing hydrogen occlusion alloy. Fuel battery main part generates power from hydrogen air mixture. The hydrogen occlusion alloy from main tank is supplied into the fuel battery main part smoothly. When the hydrogen supply from the main tank diminishes, hydrogen supply is provided from the reserve tank. Hydrogen from reserve tank is supplied based on the difference in hydrogen occlusion alloy balance characteristic from the main tank. As hydrogen is supplied only from one tank at a time the supply is given smoothly even while switching from main to reserve tanks.    ADVANTAGE -   Prolonged, continuous power generation. Portability of power generator is feasible. the auxiliary and main tanks do not get heated up. Efficiency of luminous power generation increases. Smooth, uninterrupted power supply is made possible.
The device has an anode blower (30) which supplies the anode exhaust gas to the combustion chamber of a modifier. The anode exhaust gas is taken from the modifier (10). An anode gas line and an anode exhaust line are connected, by-passing the fuel battery (20). In the upstream of the modifier, the gas is circulated in a closed loop, by-passing the modifier, connecting the combustion gas line and fuel gas supply line. The gas passes between these by-pass lines and existing line thereby heating nitrogen gas by heat exchange. Thus the temperature rise of nitrogen gas is carried out.    ADVANTAGE -   Nitrogen gas heating is hastened and supplied at the time of starting of any electric power equipment.
The device consists of battery jar (1) made of polyolefin resin material containing electrolyte (2) and two electrodes (3) and (4) placed within. In order to connect battery to external device, metallic terminals (3a) and (4a) are provided. There is leakage of electrolyte from the battery if the junction terminals and opening part (6) are not joined to battery jar using proper adhesion material. To prevent this leakage, junction part material (7), which connects metal part to battery jar, is made of polyolefin resin containing monomer.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery of desired shape is obtained. Manufacturing process becomes easy using polyolefin resin as compared to PVC material. Most suitable for household electric appliances.
The charge evaluation system uses the measured voltage during operation of the IC engine starter motor and the measured battery temp. The dead point timing of one of the reciprocating pistons is detected and the voltage at this point is recorded for conversion into a value characteristic of the battery charge.    Pref. the dead point timing is determined by monitoring the current provided by the battery (13) which is differentiated, the battery voltage being recorded when the current characteristic exhibits a relative extreme value, or a turing point. The charge measurement is terminated in accordance with a given criteria, e.g. elapsed time or a defined engine revs.    ADVANTAGE -   Accurate evaluation of battery charge.
Pad includes: expansion pathways (17) located across the width of the elastomeric material (13) of sufficient vol. to allow the material to maintain its overall uncompressed length while in a compressed state; and electrical pathways (23) formed across the width of the material while in a compressed state but not in an uncompressed state. The Shore A durometer hardness of the elastomeric material (13) is greater than 50, the resistivity of the conductive material (15) in the electrical pathways (23) is less than 0.1 ohm.cm and the elastic strain of the pad is less than 70% up to pressures of 3000 psig.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for compensating dimensional variations in the components of a cell (claimed) e.g. a fuel or electrolysis cell (stack). Pad maintains uniform contact at pressure differentials up to about 3000 psig (claimed).
Raw material comprises La chromite grains and Cr oxides grains dispersed in the La chromite grains; the specific surface area may be 0.9 sq.m/g or less.    USE -   For making interconnectors for cells.
The catalyst used for steam cracking of hydrocarbon fuel, consists of a metal foil support loaded with catalytic active material. The support has a specific shape which can be deformed easily by outside stress. Pref. a number of small holes are opened in the metal foil support. The support has a cylindrical shape or a prismatic column with a V-, U- or Z-shaped cross-section.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to convert hydrocarbon fuel into fuel gas rich in H2 in a fuel cell system. The catalyst can be deformed easily, so that it is hardly collapsed.    In an example, a cylindrical support (31a) 7.5 mm dia., 7.5 mm long was made of ferrite stainless steel foil 0.2 mm thick contg. 5% Al and 20% Cr. Small holes (30a) 0.5 mm dia. were opened. A Ni-Al2O3 catalyst layer (32) was coated on support (31a).
System comprises a reformer for generating hydrogen from fuel gas; a device for oxidising CO into CO2; and a fuel cell etc. The shift reaction catalyst layer in which CO is introduced and changed into H2 and CO2 is sepd. into two portions along the direction of the flow, provided that the upstream side is completely furnished with the catalyst layer and the downstream side comprises a catalyst layer equipped with a heat conduction pipe or wall for cooling.    A system similar to above, which further comprises a CO conversion device for introducing water vapour from the entrance of the low-temp. shift modifier or the previous heat exchanger to reduce CO from the reformer gas to be charged into the fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The CO concn. at the exit of the shift modifier can be lowered to 1.0% or lower at the exit even when a material having high CO concn. is charged; the S/C ratio of the material to be fed can be lowered to 3 or even lower.
The battery has a casing (3) with a centre (4) having two principal contacts (1,2) for the electrical circuit used by the vehicle and power supplied by the battery. A solid, rotatable, manoeuvrable handle (7) moves axially about a control axis (6). Some wheels (18) are mounted on a horizontal axis (17) crossing the control axis, and cooperate with ramps (19) on the interior face of a cover (5) and allow axial displacement of the control axis and an electrical contact (29,26,27,28) actioned through the control axis to open or close the electrical contact between the two main contacts.    The control axis has a rotor (24) and presents a cylindrical contact with a sector conductor (24a) and a complementary insulated sector (24b). The surface of the cylindrical contact cooperates with two fingers (31) acting as auxiliary contacts (32,33) and in connection with the main terminals of the alternator.    USE -   Unipolar battery cut-out for vehicle with alternator and also on bipolar cut-out.
In a fuel cell waste heat of cell reaction is used in a gas or steam turbine (120). Efficient radiative heat transfer occurs between the external columnar surface of the converter assembly (20) and the heat transfer assembly (30) contg. the working medium of a heat sink or source and by incoming reactants (17,19) being heated by the exhaust.    Converters are capable of high efficiencies, depending only on relation between the free energy and enthalpy of the electrochemical reaction , and are not limited by Carnot-cycle considerations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flexible and efficient system design of fuel to electricity conversions in a fuel cell (electric generator) mode or electricity to fuel conversions in an electrolyser (fuel synthesiser) mode.
A method of producing hydrogen using solar energy is disclosed, in which the solar radiation is converted into thermal energy and electrical energy; these are then used to electrolyse water to H2+O2.    In the method, the solar radiation is split into a shorter wavelength component, which is converted into electrical energy, and a longer wavelength component which is converted into thermal energy the thermal energy is used to convert water into steam at more than 700%; the electrical energy is then used to electrolyse the steam.    Pref. the thermal energy of the hot H2, O2 and exhaust steam leaving the electrolysis cell is recovered and used for preheating the water and the steam fed to the electrolysis cell. The recovery device is e.g. a heat exchanger.    Appts. (F16.1) for conducting the method is described and claimed, comprising a solar concentrator (3) which focuses solar radiation on an array or solar cells (5), which generate electricity, and on a thermal energy generator (7). The thermal energy and electricity are used in an electrolysis cell (9) to generate steam and electrolyse it to H2 and O2; the H2 is stored (11).    Pref. the H2 and O2 can be sepd. in or close to the electrolysis cell the longer and shorter-wavelength radiation is pref. separated using an appropriate mirror fitted with a spectrally-selective filter e.g. an edge or interference filter. Part of the radiation may be conducted to the thermal energy generator using e.g., an optical fibre or light guide.    Use of a selectively, reflecting mirror for separating solar radiation into longer and shorter wavelengths, is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of H2 from solar energy, the H2 may be used as e.g. fuel gas. Has high efficiency of solar energy conversion (e.g. 22% in an example). has low operating cost/unit energy produced.
The battery (3) is divided into two independent parts. An electromagnetic device (A) switches the batteries one at a time based on the manual switch (B). When starting is attempted repeatedly by the two independent parts of the battery, energy is supplied in turns. Three diodes are connected to the positive electrode of the three-phase ac generator driven by the ic engine.    The possibility of large current discharge that accompanies spark in a switch is prevented. The IC engine is started positively without the danger of an excessive discharge from the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery energy wastage is prevented.
Source gas is distributed into catalyst-filled reforming pipes each of which is connected to a collecting pipe via one or more flow resistance mechanisms.    ADVANTAGE -   Source gas uniformly flows in the reformer.
Appts. comprises positive charged ions or metal atom clusters. When H-atoms enter in a polarisation field of the ions or clusters, the H-atoms are polarised to combine the atoms with the ions or clusters.    USE -   For making fuel cells. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9421 based on complete specification).
The mount for a car battery has springs or rubber blocks (5) beneath it to damp out vibrations from the engine. Alternatively, the whole battery may be held in a container made of thick rubber, with a rubber lid. The damping is designed for those frequencies present when the engine is idling.    ADVANTAGE -   Damps out battery vibration caused by car's engine.
The battery terminal (10a) comprises a holding arrangement (20) formed by a single plate for holding a terminal post (2) which consists of a first member (21A) for holding the post with a first tapered outer surface. A second holding member (21B) has a second tapered outer surface. A pressure part (12) has a first tapered inner surface (26B) to engage with the first tapered outer surface.    A second inner taper engages with the second tapered surface on the post. The pressure part is then forced to travel toward the holding arrangement and the tapers force against each other. A pair of left and right tightening members are provided on each free end of a pair of top and bottom annular terminal fitting members (20A,B) of a terminal (11) formed by folding the base member in two.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Positive tightening is ensured during tightening by sliding action of tightening members. Uses stable tightening force.
The sealing valve (10) has two housing parts (11,12) enclosing a seal (13) which closes a gap between the two housing parts. These have non-aligned bores (14,15) allowing battery acid to be discharged from the battery cell when the seal is displaced from a cooperating sealing surface (21) in response to the internal battery pressure.    The seal has an integral spring (22,23,24) on the opposite side to a sealing bead contacting the sealing surface and biasing the sealing bead in the direction of the latter.    ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for low-cost mass prodn.
The connecting pole has at least one groove (7) round it with a hook-shaped profile.    Pref., the inserted plug section (2) of the pole is covered by a shrunk plastics, pref. a thermoplastic polymerisate such as polypropylene, using the plastics material of the battery cover or housing. The shrunk plastics (4) can also be a duroplastic material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery, with a connection pole, is a starter battery for vehicles, etc. and is partic. a lead battery. The connecting pole has an improved labyrinth sealing action to prevent the escape of electrolyte and gas from the battery.
The pre-heater for a water-cooled IC engine with an external heating system for the car which is independent of the engine, uses a common water circuit. There is a temperature monitor which automatically sets the heating system into motion when the temperature falls below a limit, the system heating the car and the engine in parallel flow circuits. If required, a third parallel circuit for battery heating can be switched in. There is a manual override.    The monitor is a thermoelectric element with a direct connection to the circulating pump. In an alternative design, the three heating circuits are activated sequentially from a central control unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple, compact and reliable even down to outside temperatures of -60 degrees Centigrade.
In the battery, pouring of electrolyte (5) is carried out through openings in the upper section of a frame in the form of an insulating spacer (4) and passage of charge current and removal of discharge current is carried out using terminals (10,12). Current flows between terminals (10,12) through conductors (13) and the series connected cells (1) simultaneously in each gp. of cells (1). The magnitude of discharge current and voltage depends on resistance of the conductors (13).    The cells (1) are connected in groups so that the outputs (9) of identical polarity electrodes are group connected to the terminal with the same polarity and electrodes of a common polarity are set on a common conducting base (11), larger than the frame and connected by a conductor (13) to the other terminal of the battery with the corresp. polarity. The conductors (13) are made of copper or aluminium to reduce resistance and mass.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced mass and increased battery life.
The current limited, voltage regulated, battery maintainer and charger apparatus includes a circuit for monitoring and maintaining a 12 volt storage battery, determining the presence of forward polarity and in response controlling the amount of charging current necessary to continuously maintain the battery in a ready state, without overcharging or causing other damage to the battery. The battery maintainer device selectively charges 12 volt lead acid, gel-cell or sealed lead acid batterys using current limitation and voltage regulation circuitry, to modulate an amount of current to maintain a voltage potential across the battery. The current flow can drop to zero current flow, to maintain a constant and continuous storage battery voltage of 13.8 volts.    The battery maintainer apparatus also includes a variety of safety features not ordinarily associated with a battery charger including but not limited to a circuit which shuts out charging current when reverse polarity is detected. Current is not supplied to the output terminals until the terminals have come in contact with a storage battery of sufficient initial voltage, thus preventing the output terminals from sparking should they accidentally contact each other prior to hook-up with the storage battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For constant, continuous and non-supervised use on all 12 volt lead acid, gel-cell, and sealed lead acid batteries used for e.g boats, motorcycles, tractors, snowmobiles, back-up power supplies. Electrically maintains voltage of battery at optimum voltage, to obtain max. battery life. Prevents damaging effects of standard battery charges and protects against out-gassing and overheating associated with overcharging.
Reformer includes outer tube (3), inner tube (5), heater (9) for heating inner tube (5) from interior side, granular catalyst (10) filled between inner and outer tubes, and heat conductor (11) for transferring heat from inner tube to catalyst (10). Heat conductor (11) includes separate heat conductors (11a,11b) provided for outer tube (3) and inner tube (5), respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compression stress can be effectively prevented from being applied upon granular catalyst.
The supply device has a cylinder (1) connected to a vapouriser (3). A supply pump (9) monitors the rate of flow of the discharge cooling water from fuel cell (24) to the vaporiser (3). This causes a heating evaporation of liquefaction fuel gas in gas container (4).    By controlling the speed of rotation of the pump, the rate of flow of liquefaction gas can be controlled. Hence, the pressure of fuel gas in the container can be controlled and made to operate at predetermined pressures.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids use of evaporation device and uses natural evaporation in liquefaction fuel tank.
The reformer comprises planar sheets, each having grooves and laminated to provide paths for fluids. A reforming catalyst is applied to the surface of one of the facing planar sheets and a combustion catalyst is applied to the surface of the other sheet of the facing pair.    Pref. the reformer comprises a laminate of a catalyst reaction layer, which undergoes exothermic reaction by catalytically reacting the fuel and a reformer reaction layer for reforming the fuel, and the laminate having grooves, wherein, the fuel is introduced into the catalyst reaction layer and the reformer reaction layer and the prods. obtd. through the reactions are discharged using an internal manifold.    A reformer esp. comprises a porous body carrying a catalyst which converts a fuel contg. a hydrocarbon gp. into H2, wherein the catalyst is distributed in the porous body with a concn. gradient.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For compact fuel cell systems, reformers, and reformer systems.
Sealing leaks in the gas chambers and/or gas channels between the individual units of high temp. fuel cells comprises using at least 2 different gases. The first (I) contains gaseous cpd(s). which can be autoxidised to an oxide which conducts metal and/or O ions, whilst the second (IIA) and any other gas (IIB) contains or liberates O2. These gases are supplied to the chambers and/or channels at high temp. so that the first gas flows to one side and the other(s) to the other side.    Pref. (I) flows to the outside. (IIA) flow to the cathode side and (IIB) to the anode side or vice versa. The gas pressure is ca. 10 power -3 to 10 power -5. The (I) pressure pref. is higher than the (II) pressure at times, pref. for 1 to 10 power -3 s, and vice versa. In particular, the pressure of both gases is increased alternately in stages.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sealed high temp. fuel cells are claimed per se. The cells can be sealed effectively at min. cost.
The battery cable terminal for electrical connection with a terminal post of an electrical storage battery has an internally threaded, apertured platform electrically attached to and overlying a ring of preferably usual clamping formation so that a screw received by the aperture can be turned to bear against the exposed face of a battery terminal to which the ring is attached.    The screw is provided with a cutting face at its terminal end for cutting into the exposed face of the battery terminal and making fresh electrical contact surface when turned to re-establish electrical contact between cable terminal and battery terminal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides simple, convenient, effective way to positively re-establish electric connection between terminal connector ring of battery cable and post of battery following break in electric transmission due to corrosion.
Fuel cell comprises a portion having a reforming catalyst for passing a reforming material, having a precious metal based catalyst on the upper stream portion and a Ni-based catalyst on the upper stream portion and a Ni-based catalyst in the down-stream portion. The portion having the reforming catalyst is an anode chamber and/or a catalyst chamber (in)directly comprising the reforming catalyst. The precious metal-based catalyst comprises as the activating component, Rh, Ru, Pd, Pt, or a mixt. partic. pref. among them is Ru or Rh. The precious metal catalyst is pref. added at an amt. of 5 - 30 wt.% w.r.t. the total wt. of the catalyst.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has good reaction efficiency and a high efficiency in generating hydrogen, yields a low S/C ratio to suppress generation of C even under high temps. of 600 - 700 deg.C.
Material supply comprises indirectly heating the starting fuel gas for reforming using water vapour at a pressure higher than the pressure of the water vapour for use in reforming; mixing the water vapour for reforming with a starting fuel gas to obtain a starting gas for reforming; and indirectly heating the starting gas obtd. to supply it to the reformer. The water vapour for indirectly heating the starting fuel gas for reforming is pref. water vapour for reforming. The water vapour for heating the vapour heater may be provided from a pressurised water vapour having an elevated pressure. The preheater for heating the material gas can be heated using a water vapour having a still higher pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for supplying material to the reformers of fuel cell electric power plants.
(JP6103983-A)   NOVELTY - An area of gaseous diffusion layer, having water- repellent property, is covered by a vaporized polymeric material. The hydrophilic area (2) of the gaseous diffusion layer is exposed after heat processing the covered area.    USE - For manufacturing fuel electrode of solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell used in electric power unit of vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The Heating-gas supply function and water supply function are performed simultaneously, without accompanying a complicated process.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows the hydrophilic process with respect to a fuel electrode.    carbon paper (1)    hydrophilic area (2)
The battery cell emits heat during power generation due to the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. A cooling system supplies the necessary cooling water to carry away the heat produced. Before recycling, the heat contained in the cooling water should be exchanged with another medium and steam should be separated.    Temperature (20) and pressure (11) sensors detect the condition of the hot cooling water. Based on this, the extent of heat to be recovered is determined and controlled by the controller (14). A gas can be used to extract the heat from the cooling water. Also, at the initial starting condition, if heat is required for the reaction, heat from gas can be exchanged to the cooling water.    ADVANTAGE -   Since heat recovery is constantly monitored, power generating chemical reaction takes place efficiently resulting in enhanced performance of battery.
In an array of batteries generating power, a fuel control valve is introduced to control and regulate the fuel intake of the batteries. A pneumatic control valve is also introduced to control and regulate the rate of oxygen flow to the batteries. A battery judging device (23) intercepts trouble signals from batteries that have broken down. Fuel rate of flow for other batteries in operation can be proportionately compensated so that the power generation is not interrupted by the breakdown of one battery.    By monitoring battery trouble, the fuel and air flow to the battery under trouble can be detached and operation can be continued with the other normal batteries.
The regulation system detects the voltage drop (AU) between at least 2 immediately adjacent fuel cells (2,4) of the fuel cell block, for detecting a rapid increase in the inert gas component (IG) of the gas mixture fuel through the fuel cell.    The 2 fuel cells have different flow directions for their anode gas spaces (22) and cathode gas spaces (12), with a pair of contacting bipolar plates (6,8) inserted between them used for measuring the voltage drop.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For high efficiency of fuel cell block for electric traction drive.
The extraction system allows removal of water and inert gas at the cathode side and/or removal of inert gas at the anode side by concentrating the water and inert gas in a gas mixture (O2, H2) removed from the fuel cell block (2).    A regulated quantity of water or inert gas is extracted from the fuel cells dependent on the electrical current by removing a corresponding part of the gas mixture at the cathode and/or anode side.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cell used for electric traction drive maintaining optimum efficiency.
To seal the gas spaces between the elements of a high temperature fuel cell, the spaces are treated at high temperature with at least two different gases, of which the first contains, or yields, a gaseous compound that can be oxidised to a metal ion or acid ion conducting oxide. The second or further gas(es) are acidic. The first gas contains a compound with a metallic part corresponding to one or several of the electrolyte materials, or the electrodes.    Typical metallic radicals will be zirconium, nickel, calcium, magnesium or a rare earth metal. The cell is flooded with the first gas, and the second gas flows through from the cathode or anode side.    ADVANTAGE -   Inexpensive sealing method.
The selective oxidn of CO to CO2, the CO being in a gaseous mixt of H2, CO2 and CO, comprises: (i) introducing a first amt or O-contg gas into the mixt, (ii) contacting the gaseous mixt with a catalyst in a reaction chamber having a first inlet and first outlet, the catalyst promoting oxidn of CO to CO2 and (iii) introducing a further amt of O2 or O-contg gas into the chamber through at least one sec inlet located between the first inlet and outlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For selectively oxidising CO in gaseous mixt. Esp useful for H-based fuel cell. Suppresses reverse water-shirt reaction, reduces amt of CO in H-contg gas stream to a level suitable for use in electrochemical fuel cells.
A process for hydrolysing a fluorinated ion exchange membrane having sulphonyl or carboxyl precursor gps., comprises contacting the membrane with an aq. soln. comprising a cpd(s). having an ether or epoxy linkage, and an alcohol gp., for sufficient time to hydrolyse the sulphonyl and/or carboxyl precursor gps. to sulphonate and carboxylate gps., respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ion exchange membrane is useful for sepg. the anode and cathode compartments of a fuel cell or an electrolytic cell, partic. a chloralkali cell. The process provides quick, simple hydrolysis without the need for a complicated pre-swelling step, and produces a membrane having excellent dimensional stability and performance stability. The hydrolysis agent may be stored and used without noxious odours, does not adversely interact with the membrane ion exchange gps., is not highly flammable, does not poison the electrode catalyst, and may be readily disposed of.
A connecting member has a connecting and surrounding portion for at least partially surrounding the battery terminal and connecting the cable to it. The connecting member has two spaced-apart holding portions extending from the connecting and surrounding portion and each holding portion having a bolt receiving hole. A connecting bolt is receivable through the bolt receiving holes and has a pair of opposed half-split members which are split in an axial direction of the bolt to form inner and outer surface of each half-split member along an entire axial length of the bolt.    A recessed inserting groove is disposed on the inner surface of each half-split member such that the grooves in combination form a cable receiving hole through the half-slit members. The cable receiving hole extends in a direction transverse to the axial direction of the bolt. A thread on the outer surfaces of the half-split members engages a nut such that upon insertion of the bolt with a cable received in the cable receiving hole through the bolt receiving holes and tightening the nut, the cable is clamped between the half-split members and the connecting and surrounding portion is clamped against the battery terminal.    USE -   Terminal connecting device for linking an electrical cable to a battery terminal esp. for a car battery.
The starter battery includes series-connected prism-shaped, battery busbars with current lead-outs and ventilation plugs enclosed in a metal container with a removal plastics cover. Simplified design structure and improved specific electrical characteristics and conditions of use are obtained by using batteries of a min. capacity of 30 Amp. hr. and a voltage of 12V. The cover has a window under the current lead-outs, one of which is designed in the form of a cleat with an aperture on one side and an end protuberance on the other side. The container has a welded structure.    The battery comprises ten series-connected accumulators (3) of a nominal capacity of 30 Amp.hr. The nominal voltage of the battery amounts to 12V, and the starting discharge current is 225 Amp., and the working life is 7 years at a working temp., of -20 to +55 deg. C.    USE -   Starting engines and supplying electrical equipment in cold climates. Bul.8/28.2.93.
The potential (voltage) indicator is designed on the basis of a resistive divider of the tested electrical potential, a generator (9) which can be connected to a light-emitting diode (LED) indicator (6) by two switch circuits (10,11) either directly, or via an inverter (12).    Control of the operation of the generator and the switch circuits (10,11) is provided by means of a coding unit (8). The amount of change of the tested electrical potential is indicated by a change from intermittent flashing of the LED diode (6), to an occasional dimming of the LED (6), or continuous illumination of the LED (6).    USE -   Measurement engineering i.e. for indicating voltage potential of automobile batteries. Bul.8/28.2.93.
Desulphurisation catalyst working at lower pressure in the presence of CO3 and CO, consists of a Ni-ion exchanged Y-type zeolite support and a catalyst alloy of Ni-Mo. A desulphurisation plant is also claimed, which comprises a means supplying crude kerosine oil to the plant, a means supplying to the plant H2 gas which contains CO2 and CO, and a reactor contg. the catalyst. Pref. the H2 gas is supplied from a steam cracking plant of a fuel cell system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Kerosine oil is desulphurised at a lower pressure, below 10 kg/cm2. Thus desulphurised kerosine oil is used to produce H2 gas for a fuel cell system.    In an example, Y-type zeolite with Si/Al=5 was treated with 1 M NiNO3 aq. soln. and fired at 500 deg.C. It was further treated with an aq. soln. dissolving 1 M of ammonium molybdate and fired at 550 deg.C. A catalyst loaded with 3 wt.% Ni and 7 wt.% Mo was obtd.
Appts. for processing fuel gas comprises (a) 1st. oxidation device comprising 1st. catalyst, for effecting primary selective catalytic oxidation of CO in reformed fuel gas flow; (b) 2nd. oxidation device comprising 2nd. catalyst for effecting secondary selective catalytic oxidation of residual CO in reformed fuel gas flow; and (c) 1st. oxygen permeable membrane and device for supplying oxygen to membrane, where the 1st. oxygen permeable membrane is in contact on 1st. side of it with the reformed fuel gas before the fuel gas enters the 2nd oxidation device and is in contact on a 2nd. side of it with oxygen supply.    Method for processing fuel gas for fuel gas is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel cells. Risk of explosion due to excessive oxygen levels is negligible.
Positive plate includes an active material of at least 50 pref. 50-80 wt.% partially oxidised tetra-basic Pb sulphate (4PbOn PbSO4) intermingled with up to 50 pref. 20-50 wt.% beta-PbO2, the PbOn portion of the sulphate being at least partly alpha-PbO2; pref. alpha-PbO2 comprises at least 30 pref. 30-50 wt.% of the tetra-basic Pb sulphate.    Pref. the beta-PbO2 has a surface of at least 10 sq.m/g. The mixt. includes a binder, pref. a thermoplastic resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Pre-charged positive plates are provided which may be mfd. in an economical, energy efficient, mass prodn. process.
NOVELTY - Two porous carbon layers (40) of fixed thickness sandwich two precise quality carbon layers (41). Two porous charcoal base plates with thin thermosetting resin film on one side are laminated on one side of carbon structure. Heat processing is done to change thin film into precise quality carbon layer with seal property. Then rib for air flow path (2a) is formed.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for separator manufacturing method.    USE -   For phosphoric acid fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient yield is obtained by changing thin film into precise quality carbon layer. Electrical and thermal resistance is restrained to minimum.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows sectional drawing of separator. (40) Porous carbon layer; (41) Precise quality carbon layer(2a) Air flow path.
Prodn. of synthesis gas, novel in that a reaction cell (42) having a cathode (422) and anode (423) arrangement with an oxygen -ion conducting solid -electrolyte (421) is provided to generate the carbon monoxide component of the synthesis gas, where a d.c. voltage is applied to the electrodes, and that the carbon monoxide is generated by reduction of carbon dioxide supplied to the cathode (422) of the heated reaction cell (42).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Production of synthesis gas, and hence further products e.g. methanol. The feedstock can be from non -fossil fuel sources e.g. carbon dioxide from cement prodn. - which would otherwise be discharged to atmos. The system could form part of a regenerable fuel cycle involving methanol synthesis, combustion of the methanol as fuel, and recycling the carbon dioxide to the synthesis gas reaction cell (42).
The water control method comprises the steps of configuring the fuel cell system to position a water tank intermediate a fuel cell and an electrolyzer so that the fuel cell is above th water tank and the electrolyzer below the water tank whereby water produced by the fuel cell is gravity feed to the water tank and oxygen produced at the electrolyzer's anode ascends into the water tank. The fuel cell system is configured to include a device communicating with the water storage tank for supplying water to an anode cavity of an anode component of the fuel cell.    A fiber packed column structure is provided for controlling the flow of water to the main water tank, and fuel cell during fuel cell system operation.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for complex operational components.
NOVELTY - Hydrogen storing metal alloy (4) is filled in the cylindrical housing (1) to which a thermo sensor insertion pipe (5) is inserted. A thermo sensor (6) is removably installed in the pipe.    USE -   For fuel battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies attachment structure of thermo sensor and this improves operativity. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - Sectional view of the hydrogen storage assembly is explained in the figure. (1) Cylindrical housing; (4) Hydrogen storing metal alloy; (5) Thermo sensor insertion pipe; (6) Thermo sensor.
A rechargeable battery for generating electrical potential by acidic and basic electrolytes flowing in fluid-flow channels between ionic membranes comprises: (a) a bipolar stack of at least one membrane flow cell (10,12,14) where ionic charges moving across an ion membrane form membrane potentials, the flow cell comprising: (i) an acidic electrolyte inlet (11) through which acidic electrolyte is introduced into an acidic flow channel (16) formed by first surface (18) of an anion membrane (20) and a first surface (22) of a bilayer membrane (24); (ii) a basic electrolyte inlet (26) to a basic flow channel (28) formed by a first surface (30) of a cation membrane (32) and a second surface (34) of a bilayer membrane (24); and (iii) a salt outlet (36) through which salt is transferred from a salt soln. flow channel (38); (b) a cathode flow compartment (44), wherein H2 is generated from the membrane potential, being located at one end of the bipolar stack and comprising: (i) a cathode electrolyte inlet (54) through which cathode electrolyte is introduced into cathode flow channel (56); and (ii) a H2 outlet (61) through which H2 flows from a first H2 flow channel (63); (c) an anode flow compartment (46), wherein H2 is consumed to form the voltage, being located at a second end of the bipolar stack and comprising: (i) an anode electrolyte inlet (64) to an anode flow channel (66); and (ii) a H2 inlet (82) to a H2 flow channel (84); (d) a means for transferring H2 from H2 outlet to H2 inlet; (e) a means for transferring electrical potential from the rechargeable battery to a load.    Also claimed is a method for generating electrical potential by means of the above battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as batteries for levelling electrical loads, powering electric vehicles and spacecraft instrumentation, etc. Provides a lightweight, corrosion-resistant battery with lower activation polarisation, and increased cycle life. It provides enhanced power density and energy density.
An electric power system having an acid-base concn. cell comprises acid and base electrolyte reservoirs (10,12) of sufficiently different pH to give a cell voltage, and a depolarised H+ concn. power cell comprising (14) an acid contg. cathode compartment having a cathode at which H+ is reduced to H2 and spent acid, and an anode compartment contg. base compartment having an anode at which H2 is consumed to H+ and spent base. An ion exchange membrane lies between the compartments and there are acid and base electrolyte inlets, means for transferring acid and base to these inlets from the reservoirs (16,22), and for removing spent solns. (20,26) back to the reservoirs. There are also means for transferring H2 from cathode to anode and for transferring power generated to an external system.    Also claimed is a method for transferring power as above from the power cell to an external system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In powering electric motors in the drive train of a vehicle, for remote power applications, peak power shaving, and military uses. The cells give high energy and power density and may be recharged conventionally or by rapid recharge by replacing electrolytes.
Generator comprises a battery (l-ln), reagent supply system (2-1...2-2), blow-through system (3-1,3-2) replenishing capacity (4), electrolyte pipelines (5-l-5-n), lower electrolyte pipes (6-l-6-n), discharge pipelines (7-l-7-n), upper electrolyte pipes (8-l-8-n) and the setting-up pipe (9).    The elements are prepared by the electrolyte through the setting up pipe (9). The working gases are fed through the reagents supply system (2.1-2.2) and the electric load is connected. Water formed as a result of the reaction accumulates in the element causing dilution of the electrolyte and an increase in its volume. The electrolyte level in the discharge pipelines (7-l-7-n) increases until it reaches the discharge level. During further operation the electrolyte volume in the elements remains constant and its concentration gradually decreases until it reaches equilibrium.    ADVANTAGE -   Generator operates with a diluted electrolyte. Its electrical characteristics are improved by increasing the current working density. Bul. 45-46/15.12.93
Prodn. comprises: an ion conductive material sepg. electrode chamber; an electrode (A) consisting of metal or its cpd. placed in one electrode chamber while contacting with the ion conductive material; an electrode (B) consisting of metal different from that of electrode (A) or its cpd. placed in the other electrode chamber while contacting the electrode (B) with the ion conductive material; shorting the (A) and (B) with a conductor; and introducing the mixt. of MeOH, O2 and water to both electrodes continuously or intermittently.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methylformate, dimethoxymethane and other partially oxidised methanol prods. are produced using fuel cell system. The reaction proceeds under a mild condition with a high selectivity.    In an example, graphite powder was dipped into 8N HNO3 aq. soln. and dried. The treated graphite powder of 50mg was mixed with 20mg Ru powder and 5mg teflon powder. The mixt. was formed in to a disk (21mm dia.) by hot pressure. Silica wool impregnated with 85% H3PO4 aq. soln. was used as the ion conduction membrane. A mixt. of M3OH (8.3 vol.%), O2 (40.8 vol.%), and water vapour (50.9 vol.%) was introduced to each electrode chamber at a rate of 34.6 mol/min. Methylformate and dimethoxymethane were generated at a rate of 1.05 micromols/min. and 0.07 micromols/min., respectively. The selectivity of the methanol partial oxidn. was 55%.
Electrochemical vapour deposition unit for forming a thin film on a porous substrate by CVD or electrochemical vapour deposition by making one side of the porous substrate an oxygen gas atmos., and the other side a reactive gas atmos., has a powder supply part for supplying a certain amt. of a mixt. of the raw material of reactive substances for reacting with oxygen, and a non-volatile inorganic substance, as a diluent, to a reaction furnace, the reaction furnace having mesh form arresting part for arresting the inorganic substance on the upper part of the substrate and gasification merely the reactive substance, a ceramic seal part for preventing mixing of the reactive gas and oxygen gas, a sample holder, and pressure-difference control part for maintaining pressure difference between oxygen gas atmos. and the reactive gas atmos. that bounded by the substrate constant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for adjusting a constant compsn. reaction gas easily upon determining the compsn. of thin film.
A strain gauge G is attached to a wall (1a in Fig 1) of a hydrogen storage alloy container 1. by previously discharging hydrogen in small quantities from a hydrogen storage alloy 2, remaining hydrogen amts. are orderly calculated. By orderly measuring current strain amts. a relation between a strain amt. and an amt. of remaining hydrogen is set. In measurement of a remaining hydrogen amt, an amt of remaining hydrogen is measured based on a relation between a strain amt. amt measured by the strain gauge and an amt. of remaining hydrogen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An amt. of remaining hydrogen is simply and properly measured.
The vehicle has a battery (3), starter motor (4), alternator (5) and a regulator (9). The serviceability of each unit is established in an integrated manner. The characteristic parameter for each unit is measured during their operation whilst installed on the vehicle and then compared with theoretical parameters on the basis of the serviceability of at least one other unit.    A characteristic curve is determined correlating the number of revolutions and the current absorbed by the starter motor when operatively connected to the battery. The operating point of the motor is determined immediately after starting and verified as to whether the determined point is in the vicinity of the characteristic curve.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Test equipment obtains large amt. of data regarding operation of equipment including min. temp. at which starting is possible. Does not require operator to carry out complicated operations and test appts. has automatic control.
The fuel cell separation element (38) has 2 parallel spaced plates (40, 42) cooperating with respective surface elements to provide 2 outer spaces and an inner space between the plates, which is hermetically sealed. At least one gas-tight channel (62...68) lies between the plates in the plane of the latter, communicating with at least one of the 3 spaces on the output side and with an input space (54...60) on the input side.    The 3 spaces can be supplied with the same medium or different mediums via the gas-tight channels.    USE -   For intermediate separation layer between fuel cells of fuel cell block in electrically-driven vehicle.