(JP7131048-A)      The solar battery module installation method is applied to a reinforcing board over which a permeable film is formed. A filling material is provided between the reinforcing board and the permeable film. The reinforcing board, filling material, permeable film are bent in a direction opposite to direction of incidence of light beam.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases structure intensity. Enables brief installation. Increases reliability without reduction in module conversion efficiency.    (US5697192-A)      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.
(WO9427335-A1)      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.
(US5415888-A)      A membrane and electrode are prepd. by contacting at least one surface of an ion exchange membrane with an electrode ink comprising (a) catalytically active particles and (b) a hydrocarbon with at least one ether, epoxy or ketone linkage and an alcohol gp.    Pref. the hydrocarbon is 1-methoxy-2-propanol. The ink may further comprise a sulphonyl fluoride polymer and the catalytic particle is a Pt gp. metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are partic. used in fuel cells. The electrode has good physical properties.    (JP9501535-W)      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.
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.
(US5648185-A)       A compound represented by formula CH2 =CHCH2 Si(R)3(I)     where R is selected from the group consisting of -O(CH2 CH2 O)3 CH3 and -O(CH2 CH2O)Li.
(WO9424681-A1)       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.
(WO9510859-A1)      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 R1CH=CR2(CH2)pR3 (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 R6 is 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.
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.
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.
(US36843-E)      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.
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.
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.
(US5607995-A)      A paint composition capable of providing a low-gloss film or coating with a light reflectance in thermal infra-red wavelengths in the range of 3-5 and 8-12 micrometers, comprising: (a) a binder which is not a cationic resin possessing amino group(s), the binder being chemically inert with respect to polyethylene or polypropylene, the binder being selected from the group consisting of an alkyd, acrylic, polyvinyl acetate, a polyurethane, an epoxy resin and mixtures of it, to impart film forming properties, and (b) 0.1% to 10% by weight of the composition of filler particles having a particle size below 110 micrometers being characterized that the filler comprises a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of ethylene and propylene and mixtures of it, the paint compositions having less than 5% gloss measured at 60 degrees, the paint composition having an index of refraction of the polyolefin-air of 4% different than that of the binder-air, the filler imparting to the composition a matte property at the visible light.    (EP617095-B1)      A composition capable of providing a low-gloss film or coating with a high reflectance in the infra-red range, comprising: (a) a binder to impact film forming properties, and (b) filler particles, characterised in that said filler particles comprises a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers and copolymers, propylene homopolymers and copolymers, ethylene and propylene copolymers, and mixtures thereof, said composition having an index of refraction of the polyolefin-air of a least 10% greater than that of the binder-air said filler imparting to the compositions a mat property at the visible light.
(US5904165-A)      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.    (EP697335-B1)      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.
(JP6518818-X)      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.    (EP643434-B1)      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.    (JP3136610-B2)      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.
(WO9424711-A1)      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.
(WO9419831-A1)      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.    (JP7506225-W)      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.
(US5401590-A)      Inhibiting load voltage instability and controlling the formation of hydrogen gas in an alkaline electrochemical cell contg. less than 50 parts of mercury per million parts by wt. of the cell and having a gelled zinc anode and an aq. alkaline electrolyte, comprises adding a mixt. of at least one anionic surfactant and one nonionic surfactant to the zinc anode.    ADVANTAGE -   Environmentally safe, disposable substitute for mercury for electrochemical cells.
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.
(JP2669299-B2)       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 CH2 =CR1 COO(CH2 )2 NHCOO(R2 O)n R3(I).     Pref. inorganic salt is e.g. LiCF3 SO3 , LiPF6 , LiClO4 , LiI, LiBF4 , LiSCN, LiAsF6 , NaCF3 SO3 , NaPF6 , NaClO4, NaI, NaBF4 , NaAsF6 , KCF3 SO3 , KPF6or 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.
(US35765-E)      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.
(WO9418708-A2)      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., silicon 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.    (EP682813-B1)      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.
(JP8508758-W)      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.
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.
(JP6243896-A)      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.    (EP633618-B1)      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.
(JP2811389-B2)      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.
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.
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.
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.
(WO9602947-A1)      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.
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.
(US5419854-A)      Organic electrolyte comprises (a) pentose, hexose, heptose and/or sugar alcohols, uronic acid, aldonic acids and saccharic acids, as at least part of substrate; and (b) a pref. salt is LiClO4, KClO4, NaClO4, LiBF4, KBF4, NaBF4, LiA5F6, KA5F6 or NaAsF6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte is used in electrochrome colouring device. Electrolyte is easy to process, has high wire conductivity, is easy to produce commercially and is inexpensive.    (JP7175092-A)      An organic solid electrolyte contains monosaccharide of formula (CH2O)n where n = 5-7) or its deriv. at least as part of a base material, and salt. A colouring and discolouring device uses the organic solid electrolyte and uses electrochromism as working principle.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a colouring and discolouring device. The monosaccharide and its deriv. are readily obtd. and have many hydroxyl gps. in a mol. The result dissolves various salts. The transparent organic solid electrolytic having good ion conductivity is available at reduced cost. The electrolyte enables film formation from an aq. soln. by cast method or a melted soln. to readily form a film. The electrochromic device using the electrolyte fixes a transparent electrode to a counter electrode owing to adhesive strength provided by the electrolyte, eliminating the need for a supporting mechanism between both the electrodes. The electrochromic device has good colouring.    The deriv. is a sugar alcohol obtd. by reducing the monosaccharide, aldonic acid, uronic acid, or sugar acid obtd. by oxidising the monosaccharide.
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.
(DE4243211-A1)      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.    (JP6283203-A)      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.
(US5424150-A)      Polymeric solid electrolyte consists of a high molecular cpd., an alkali metal perchlorate and upto 20 wt.% a polyalkylene oxide. High molecular cpd. is a prod. formed by graft-polymerising ethylene oxide or propylene oxide to a saponification prod. of a copolymer of ethylene with a vinyl ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid.    Ethylene or propylene oxide and the vinyl alcohol portion of the copolymer are in a molar ratio of 1:1-100:1. Ethylene and vinyl ester of the aliphatic carboxylic acid are in a molar ratio of 1:2-30:1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as the solid electrolyte of various electrochemical devices e.g. batteries. High ionic conductivity even at room temp..    (EP600117-B1)      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.
(EP598996-A1)      The silicic acid concns. amount to between 2 and 4 percent by wt. the concn. of the non-ionic tenside amounts to 0.025-0.1 percent by wt. the concn. of the non-ionic tenside 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 tenside 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.
(DE4331912-A1)      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.    (JP8502623-W)      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.
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.
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.
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.
(US5378381-A)      Polymer solid electrolyte comprises a metal salt and an organic polymer having monomer units with chains comprising alkyl quat. ammonium gps. of formula (I), where m is integer of 1-3; n is integer of 1-4; and X- is counter anion.    Pref., X is Cl, Br or I. The metal salt is an Al halide.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte has high ionic conductivity with good film-forming properties, mechanical strength and flexibility.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(JP6068899-A)      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.
(WO9407273-A1)      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.    (JP8501654-W)      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.
(JP6103990-A)      Solid electrolyte fuel cell has at least one of electroconductive film formed by thermal spraying having N2 gas transmission coefft. of up to 9x10(power(-8) cm4/g.sec.    The solid electrolyte fuel cell is made by forming a thermal sprayed film by thermal spraying an electroconductive film material on a matrix, to have the film thickness of up to 10 microns per one pass of spray gun, and heat treating the film for forming the electroconductive film.    USE -   Used for making solid electrolyte film or interconnector on mass prodn.
(WO9423464-A1)      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.
(WO9424720-A1)      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.
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.
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.
(EP587199-B1)      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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(US5567547-A)      A cathodic paste which comprises:    (a) from about 35 to 65 weight percent of a compatible cathodic material;    (b) from about 1 to 20 weight percent an electroconductive agent;    (c) from about 0 to 20 weight percent of polyethylene oxide having a number average molecular weight of at least 100,000;    (d) from about 10 to 50 weight percent of solvent comprising a 10:1 to 1:10 mixture of:    (i) an organic aliphatic carbonate represented by the formulae:    R15(OC(O))nOR14    and    R13(OC(O)R15)qOC(O)R14    where each R13 and R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R15 is an alkylene group of from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer of from 1 to 2, and q is an integer from 1 to 4; and    (ii) a glyme of Formula I:    RO(R1O)pR2    where R and R2 are -CH3, R1 is -(CH2CH2), and p is an integer of from 2 to 6; and    (e) from at least about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of a solid matrix forming monomer or partial polymer thereof    wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the cathode paste.
(JP7509343-W)      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.
(US5705296-A)      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.
(JP6218827-A)      The fibre reinforced base sheet contains (a) fibres, (b) a resin, and (c) an aggregation preventing agent. The agent prevents the fibres from being entangled during the prodn. of the base sheet.    The aggregation prevention agent is pref. carbon base cpds., silica base cpds., or their mixts., pref. carbon black, fired silica, non-crystalline carbon, or their mixts. The base sheet contains 0.05-5.0 wt. of the aggregation preventing agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as electrolyte-holding sheets in fuel cell stacks. The prodn. is easy because no fibre bundles (or fibre balls) are contained in the mixt. of raw materials, which reduces the flow properties of the mixt. This brings an even porosity and high electrode function to the sheet. Irregular shrinking and cracking of prods. is prevented.
(JP6049213-A)      A solid ionically conductive material comprises a crosslinked polymer selected from polyorganosiloxanos and organosiloxane/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 (SO3)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.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ionically conductive materials are useful as solid electrolyte in the mfr. of batteries and electronic devices e.g. display elements. The material have a high ionic conductivity at room temp., and can be made into a positive ion-monoconductive ionically-conductive material.
(JP6203874-A)      An ionic conductive electrolyte (i) 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 an anode and cathode and an electrolyte as per (i) above with the proviso that the plasticiser is of formula (III) and/or (V) are all claimed.    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.
(JP3149267-B2)      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.
(JP6061518-A)      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.
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.
(JP2718876-B2)      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.
(JP2660477-B2)      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.
(JP3095929-B2)      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.
(JP3180988-B2)      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.
(JP2848551-B2)      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.
(US5447576-A)      A solar cell is encapsulated by (A) mixing 100 pts. ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, pref. 1.5 pts., curing agent and pref. 0.1-0.5 pts. hindered amine light stabiliser being O,O-tert-amyl-O-(1,2,2,6,6)-pentamethyl-1,4- piperidinyl monoperoxycarbonate or poly[(4-OH-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine-EtOH)-co-dimethyl succinate] and a (B) applying the mixt. to a solar cell and curing the mixt. to form a thermosetting encapsulation for the cell.    The mixt. pref. contains a primer. The curing agent is 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butylperoxyhexane or O,O-tert-butyl-O-(2-Et-hexyl) monoperoxycarbonate. The copolymer contains 25-35% vinyl acetate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To minimise thermal discolouration of the cell. A more effective method to prevent discolouration than known ones.
(GB2278491-B)      Heat generation apparatus comprising an elongated metal core unit which has an affinity for adsorbing hydrogen, a heat sink positioned adjacent a heat transfer surface of the metal core unit and serving as a means through which heat generated in the core unit is supplied as useful output, the heat sink serving in conjunction with thermal priming means to set up a temperature gradient in the core unit directed along its longitudinal axis, magnetising means arranged in the proximity of the core unit to produce a magnetising field through the metal directed transversely with respect to the thermal heat flow along the temperature gradient and a hydrogen supply source connected to the metal core unit to cause hydrogen to be adsorbed by the metal.    (US5734122-A)      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.
(JP7131048-A)      The solar battery module installation method is applied to a reinforcing board over which a permeable film is formed. A filling material is provided between the reinforcing board and the permeable film. The reinforcing board, filling material, permeable film are bent in a direction opposite to direction of incidence of light beam.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases structure intensity. Enables brief installation. Increases reliability without reduction in module conversion efficiency.    (US5697192-A)      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.
(US5415888-A)      A membrane and electrode are prepd. by contacting at least one surface of an ion exchange membrane with an electrode ink comprising (a) catalytically active particles and (b) a hydrocarbon with at least one ether, epoxy or ketone linkage and an alcohol gp.    Pref. the hydrocarbon is 1-methoxy-2-propanol. The ink may further comprise a sulphonyl fluoride polymer and the catalytic particle is a Pt gp. metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are partic. used in fuel cells. The electrode has good physical properties.    (JP9501535-W)      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.
(JP2591896-B2)      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.
(JP2869609-B2)      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.
(JP3141908-B2)      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.
(JP2877653-B2)      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.
(JP2896035-B2)      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.
(WO9509441-A1)      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.    (JP9503346-W)      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.
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.
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.
(WO9508709-A1)      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.    (JP8501858-W)      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.
(JP8509094-W)      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.    (US5759944-A)      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.
(JP3141264-B2)       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.
(US5420168-A)      Prodn. of organic aerogels comprises positioning the aerogel so that at least 1 surface is exposed to air, and removing the fluid front the pores of the aerogel by air drying. Pref., the aerogel is positioned so that opposite surfaces are exposed to air to enable comparable drying rates of the surfaces. The aerogel precursor to be dried is formed by forming a mixt. of reactants in a solvent, allowing a gel to form, curing the formed gel to increase the crosslinking density, exchanging the pore fluid in the gel with a selected solvent, and allowing the solvent to evaporate during air drying to form an aerogel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in thermal or acoustic insulation or in rechargeable batteries and super capacitors. The aerogel is obtd. with reduced processing time and costs using simple air drying.    (JP8508535-W)      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.
(JP2730444-B2)      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 -(SiR1R2)m- (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.
(JP6302328-A)      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.
(JP8507830-W)      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.
(JP2780590-B2)      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.
(JP2840000-B2)      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.
(JP2846205-B2)      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.
(JP2905353-B2)      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%.
(US5458695-A)      Solar cell comprises: (a) an electrode (22) on an insulating substrate (21); (b) a photovoltaic conversion layer (23), containing pinholes; (c) an insulating layer (24) covering the above conversion layer and filling in the pinholes (26). A second electrode (25), applied to the above insulating layer is in direct contact with the above conversion through holes etched in the insulator.    Also claimed is prodn. of the solar cell.    USE -   Suitable under low light conditions e.g. white fluorescent light.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell reduces current leakage and therefore gives increased yield over previous methods.
(JP3145522-B2)      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.
(DE4307967-C2)      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.
(DE4307727-C2)      Electrolyte foil comprises a ceramic multilayered structure having a mechanically stable carrier layer (1) of a ceramic material, whose ion conductivity is larger than that of Y-stabilised Zr-oxide, and having a relatively thin electrolyte layer (2) of Y-stabilised Zr-oxide or of a mechanically stable layer alone comprising tetragonal partially stabilised Zr-oxide.    USE -   For a planar high temp. fuel cell.
(WO9419831-A1)      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.    (JP7506225-W)      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.
(JP7073890-A)      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.    (EP615299-B1)      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.
(JP3071327-B2)      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.
(JP2958199-B2)      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.
(US5453135-A)      A photovoltaic conversion device having a metal layer covered by a transparent conductive layer and an active semiconductor layer is new.    The conductive layer is of Zn1-xOx where x has a value of up to 1.0 with claimed X-ray diffraction patterns and peak intensities. Opt. the layer may also contain 150-400 ppm of Zn and 250-600 ppm of ZnO2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Large area, low cost solar cells. The cell has enhanced performance due to improved back reflection.
(US5456762-A)      A photoelectric conversion element comprises a non-single crystallise Si-contg. semiconductor layer of p-type conductivity, a non-single crystallised Si-Ge semiconductor layer of i-type conductivity and a non-single crystalline Si-contg. semiconductor layer of n-type conductivity. The Si-Ge layer contains microcrystalline Ge with particular dia. of 50-500 Angstroms. Pref. the Si-Ge layer is formed at 400-600 deg C using microwave plasma CVD. The si layers are pref. amorphous and contain hydrogen. The content of Ge pref. varies as the thickness direction.    USE -   Used in solar cells for calculators, night indicator lamps etc. and photosensors for fax machines, scanners and FA appts..    ADVANTAGE -   The open circuit voltage and fill factor are enhanced, and light deterioration is suppressed,and residual image and temp. characteristics are improved.
(JP3141263-B2)      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.
(JP3136015-B2)      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.
(JP3000118-B2)      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.
(DE4300649-C2)      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.
(US5387476-A)      The power connection element for planar fuel cells having a solid electrolyte on a ZrO2 base comprises (a) a ceramic plate of compsn. La1-xMe'xCr1+sigma-yMe2yO3 (where x = 0-0.3, y = 0-0.5, sigma = 0-0.5, Me' is Ca and/or Sr, and Me2 is Al, Mg, Co and/or Fe), (b) an intermediate layer of conductive glass contg. alkali(ne earth) metal in amt. 1-20 wt.% and at least one metal oxide with several oxidn. states in amt. 10-85 wt.%, and (c) a current collector plate consisting of Cr, Ni, Fe and Co contg. 0.1-40 wt.% additional alloy elements and 0.02-10 wt.% dispersed oxides. The conductive glass has a thermal expansion coefft. of 8-12 x 10 power 6 k(-1) from 20 deg.C to a transformation temp. below 1000 deg.C, and a min. conductivity of 0.1 S. cm(-1) at 1000 deg.C. The current collector plate has a thermal expansion coefft. of 8-12 x 10 power (-6) k(-1) at 20-1000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For connecting solid electrolyte fuel cells arranged in a stack. The connection is durable, has long life and does not contain precious metals.
(JP6283182-A)      Mfr. of the fuel battery involves using cells (C), each constituted by a solid electrolyte layer (1) with an oxygen pole (2) on one side and a fuel pole (3) on the other. The cells constitute the fuel battery. Gas flows through the gas flow path (f) in the flow path composition member (4).    A flexible electric conduction material (12) between each cell separates adjacent cells. The flow path composition member touches the flexible electric conduction material. The conductive (M) is fused inbetween the flexible electric conduction material.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures heat proof and oxidation resistance.    (JP3007780-B2)      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.
(WO9418708-A2)      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., silicon 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.    (EP682813-B1)      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.
(JP8508758-W)      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.
(JP7007167-A)      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.    (EP604801-B1)      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.
(DE4404927-A1)      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.    (JP6298963-A)      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.    (JP2518598-B2)      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.
(JP2955040-B2)      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.
(JP2826243-B2)      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.
(JP3105668-B2)      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.
(WO9602947-A1)      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.
(JP2877634-B2)      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.
(JP2937656-B2)      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.
(JP2707370-B2)      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.
(US5342453-A)      A high efficiency single heterojunction solar cell comprises a substrate coated with an absorber layer of GaAs and an emitter layer in contact with the absorber. The emitter layer is formed from a compsn. AlyGaxIn1-x-yP where x+y is 0.47-0.57. The emitter layer has a band gap energy of at least 1.8 eV. The emitter and absorber layers being of opposite conductivity types.    Pref. opt. anti-reflective layers of ZnS and MgF2 can be added.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar cells. Conversion efficiency above 25% are obtd. by using an improved emitter layer.
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.
(DE4243211-A1)      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.    (JP6283203-A)      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.
(WO9411906-A1)      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%).
(JP6150948-A)      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).
(JP3067907-B2)      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.
(JP2604094-B2)      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.
(DE4331912-A1)      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.    (JP8502623-W)      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.
(JP3155088-B2)      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.
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.
(WO9411913-A1)      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.    (JP8502851-W)      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.
(JP8502388-W)      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.
(JP3171642-B2)      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.
(JP6220468-A)      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.    (US5436086-A)      Fuel gas is prepared for a fuel cell by (A) prim. selective oxidation of CO in a reformed fuel gas (RFG) flow, pref. using a catalyst adsorbing CO preferentially to H2, (B) sec. selective oxidation of any residual CO while providing small amounts of O2 by using a 1st O2 permeable membrane (OPX) on the 2nd side of the OPM, pref. using an oxygenated liq. esp. water produced by the fuel cell, and allowing the O2 to diffuse across the OPM into the RFG on the 1st side of the OPM. O2 is provided for the prim. selective catalytic oxidation by passing the RFG over a 1st side of a 2nd OPM, provided with an O2 supply on the 2nd side of the OPM and allowing O2 to diffuse across the OPM. The O2 supply is pref. humidified, esp. by providing a 3rd OPM, intimately contacted on the 1st side with an O2 supply while the 2nd side is contacted with water, which is allowed to pass across the OPM.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To provide fuel gas free from contaminant gases for a fuel cell. Very small amounts of air or O2 can be supplied to a RFG to remove residual CO without oxidising H2 so that the prodn. of electric power from the cell is optimised.
(JP6151930-A)      Conventionally, thin film of chalcogen compound used as the absorption layer of a solar battery is produced using a two stage process. First, electrodes such as Mo are formed on a wafer. A copper thin film and indium thin film are heat-treat- ed in the presence of selenium gas forming CuInSe2 as chalcogen compound thin film. The process is improved by using a reducing atmosphere consisting of elements of group VIb like Cu metal, In metal or vapour of In compound.    ADVANTAGE -   Composition homogeneity on a microscopic scale is achieved in the chalcogen compound thin film.
(DE4335914-C2)      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.
(US5808315-A)      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.    (JP3202362-B2)      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.
(JP3101358-B2)      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.
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.
(JP6318470-A)      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.
(JP3203062-B2)      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.
(JP8501189-W)      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.    (EP662247-B1)      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.
(JP94096443-B2)      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.
(JP2740081-B2)      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.
(JP3169694-B2)      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.
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.
(JP6068899-A)      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.
(EP589535-B1)      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.    (US5800938-A)      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.
(JP2650666-B2)      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.
(JP3051575-B2)      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.
(JP6103990-A)      Solid electrolyte fuel cell has at least one of electroconductive film formed by thermal spraying having N2 gas transmission coefft. of up to 9x10(power(-8) cm4/g.sec.    The solid electrolyte fuel cell is made by forming a thermal sprayed film by thermal spraying an electroconductive film material on a matrix, to have the film thickness of up to 10 microns per one pass of spray gun, and heat treating the film for forming the electroconductive film.    USE -   Used for making solid electrolyte film or interconnector on mass prodn.
(FR2697947-A1)      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).    (US5417831-A)      A solid electrolyte for use at high temperate has the general formula [L10)1-a(MO)a]1-b[Al203]b where LO is ZrO2, HFO2 (or a mixture), MO is CaO, MgO or a rare earth oxide a = 0.03-0.2 and b = 0.01-0.25.    A multilayer oxygen electrode is attached to the solid electrolyte and comprises an upper layer of conductive oxidic material, an intermediate layer of ion conductive and oxygen conductive material and a second intermediate layer of ion conductive stabilized zirconium oxide free of Al203.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High temperature electrolysis e.g. the conversion of steam to hydrogen and oxygen. Durable electrodes with an extended service life.
(JP2714518-B2)      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.
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.
(JP2669271-B2)      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.
(JP6090013-A)      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.    (US5360745-A)      A thin film solar cell is mfd. by (a) melting a substrate source material in a high temp. plasma and spraying into the cavity of a mould with high speed gas to form an ingot, (b) slicing a substrate from the ingot, (c) forming a thin film active semiconductor layer comprising a p-n junction, and (d) forming 1st and 2nd electrical contacts to the p-type and n-type regions of the p-n junction respectively. The substrate is metallurgical grade Si.    ADVANTAGE -   A highly reliable thin film solar cell is produced simply at low cost. Reduced time for forming an active layer p-n junction.    (DE4345521-A1)      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.
(US5336570-A)      The fuel cell comprises (d) a layered porous anode, (b) a duct to supply H2 to the anode, (c) a layered porous cathode exposable to O2, (d) a layered electrolyte member between and in contact with the electrodes for transporting ions between them, (e) catalytic means at the electrodes for ionising H2 and O2 respectively, (f) a support for the electrolytic structure, which engages one of the electrodes, and (g) a restraining means engaging the electrodes to constrain the electrolyte member between and in contact with the electrodes.    The restraining means displaces transverse swelling of the electrolyte member parallel to the electrodes. The electrodes are of a self-supporting graphite material. The fuel cell is tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved performance and operation.
(JP8503100-W)      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.
(DE4324181-C2)      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.
(JP6260194-A)      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.    (US5432138-A)      Mfr. comprises forming a wet film from a slurry of gamma Li aluminate particles with a liq phase of the slurry being formed by an aq. PVA soln; and drying the film to produce the Li aluminate matrix layer.    Pref. liq. phase contains 3-20 wt.% PVA. PVA soln. is a 4 wt.% soln. with a viscosity of 4-70 mPas. Soln. has a deg. of hydrolysis exceeding 70 mol.% and an average deg. of polymerisation of 300-6000.    USE -   Mfr. of a matrix layer for a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC).    ADVANTAGE -   No expensive special waste disposal is required. Not necessary to work will strict exclusion of moisture.
(DE4328892-A1)      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.
(WO9404721-A1)      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.    (DE4227963-C2)      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.
(JP8500374-W)      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.
(US5340515-A)      Polycrystalline gamma-Li aluminate fibres are prepd. by (a) filling micromould fibres, having an inner dia. of at least 5 microns and a length upto 2 cm, with a dispersion of Li and Al salts or LiAlO2 powder having particle sizes upto 1 micron, solvents, binders, plasticisers and deflocculants, (b) placing the filled fibres in a graphite cylinder contg. LiOH or Li2O powder (c) firing at temps. over the lithium oxide volatilisation temp. for at least 5 minutes under an inert atmos., followed by (d) firing in air at 500-1000 deg.C for at least one hour to burn-off the micromould and yield the desired fibres. The 1st firing is pref. 20-60 minutes, in an N2 or Ar atmos..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in cutting tools, engine parts, catalysts, electrolyte tiles for molten carbonate fuel cells, etc.. Improved fabrication.    (JP8503027-W)      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.
(WO9412446-A1)      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.    (JP8503685-W)      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.
(JP2527288-B2)      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.
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.
(DE4225576-A1)      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.    (JP6163966-A)      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.
(DE4225385-C2)      Layer of a ternary cpd. semiconductor of type I-III-VI2, of two metallic components and one non-metallic component, pref. Cu and In or Cu and Ga and Se or S, is formed on an endless flexible substrate of SiO2-coated stainless steel, on which a first and second discrete layer of metal components are applied, followed by a layer of non-metallic component. Temp. is increased to cause a chemical reaction between components.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells.    Allows economic mass prodn.
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.
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.
(JP6218827-A)      The fibre reinforced base sheet contains (a) fibres, (b) a resin, and (c) an aggregation preventing agent. The agent prevents the fibres from being entangled during the prodn. of the base sheet.    The aggregation prevention agent is pref. carbon base cpds., silica base cpds., or their mixts., pref. carbon black, fired silica, non-crystalline carbon, or their mixts. The base sheet contains 0.05-5.0 wt. of the aggregation preventing agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as electrolyte-holding sheets in fuel cell stacks. The prodn. is easy because no fibre bundles (or fibre balls) are contained in the mixt. of raw materials, which reduces the flow properties of the mixt. This brings an even porosity and high electrode function to the sheet. Irregular shrinking and cracking of prods. is prevented.
(JP2725732-B2)      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.
(JP3185360-B2)      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.
(JP2809556-B2)      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..
(JP2737535-B2)      The battery includes multiple unit cells (2) that are laminated sequentially. The unit cell is constituted by an electrolyte layer (4) comprising carbonate as raw material, which is enclosed on either sides by a fuel pole (3) and an oxidizing agent pole (5).    The unit cell includes an internal modifier plate (1) comprising two kinds of reforming catalysts with different reforming capacity. The catalyst with superior reforming capacity is arranged in the modifier plate such that arrangement density increases sequentially along raw material gas flow direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves reliability. Prevents partial temperature rise in battery.
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.
(JP6188004-A)      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.    (US5407758-A)      The metal components for a high temperature fuel cell using yttrium stabilized zirconium oxide as the solid electrolyte are former from an alloy containing (percent) 3-10 iron, 0.5-5.0 rare earth metal(s) and/or rare earth metal oxide(s).    The alloy has a coefficient of thermal expansion at 200 degrees C of 8.5-10.5x10 power minus 6 rising to 14-15x10 power minus 6 at 900 degrees C. Typical alloys include CrFe5Y2O3l.    USE -   In high temperature fuel cells    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the alloy reduces thermally induced stress which can cause cracking of the brittle solid electrolyte.
(JP7288131-A)      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.
(JP2891548-B2)      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.
(JP6061518-A)      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.
(JP6510630-W)      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.
(JP6223848-A)      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.    (EP603620-B1)      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.
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.
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.
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.
(US5397713-A)      A thin film solar cell is produced by (a) forming a flaky graphite layer having a thickness and treating stress in a thickness direction smaller than that perpendicular to this direction, (b) forming a semiconductor thin film by a high temp. process, (c) adhering a 2nd substrate to support the semiconductor thin film, (d) breaking the flaky graphite layer by applying a mechanical stress to the substrates, thus sepg. the semiconductor thin film from the heat resistant substrate, and (e) producing a rear electrode on the semiconductor thin film without removing fragments of the flaky graphite layer remaining on the semiconductor thin film, the fragments being used as part of the rear electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   High reliability and low cost.
(EP624341-B1)      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.
(DE4322980-C2)      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.
(EP616133-B1)      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.
(US5368532-A)      A motor driven endless belt, sensors located below an upper run of the belt for sensing the position of a user, and a controller for controlling the speed of the belt in accordance with the position of the user relative to the sensors. The detection or lack of detection of the user by the sensors can cause the belt to accelerate, decelerate, remain at a constant speed or stop.    A proper sequence of user detections by the sensors permits the controller to initiate an automatic speed adjusting system. The controller also provides a safety system for stopping the belt. In one form, the controller stops the belt upon a lack of the sensors detecting the user, alternatively, a safety sensor is mounted on an upper surface of a member located proximate the belt, and the controller stops the belt when the safety sensor senses the user.    ADVANTAGE -   Allow a treadmill user the ability to adjust the speed of the belt to more realistically simulate walking and jogging conditions, and provide a reliable and inexpensive automatic control system which is not affected by the ambient temperature or humidity or the user's jogging posture or clothing, and which is less susceptible to damage.
(JP96022734-B2)      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.
(US5888172-A)      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.
(JP6342924-A)      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.    (US5421908-A)      The cell includes a first electrode layer disposed on a face of an insulating substrate. A transparent second electrode layer is disposed opposite the first electrode layer so as to sandwich a semiconductor layer between them. The semiconductor layer is a photoelectric conversion layer.    A third electrode layer is disposed on the opposite face of the substrate, the third electrode layer being electrically connected to the second electrode layer by a first conductor which is substantially insulated from the first electrode layer. The first conductor extends through a first connecting hole that extends through the substrate, the first electrode layer and the semiconductor layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Has simple substrate patterning. Has extremely small power loss.
(DE4338958-C2)      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.    (US5853351-A)      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.
(NL9201893-A)      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.
(US5383826-A)      The user interface console for programming exercise parameters relating to the operation of an exercise device, includes a display for displaying the value of each of the exercise parameters and a selector for selecting one of the exercise parameters to be programmed. The interface console further includes a programmer for programming the selected exercise parameter with a desired value. The programmer includes an encoder having a rotatable shaft, wherein the user programs the selected exercise parameter by rotating the rotatable shaft. In response, the encoder generates electrical signals representative of the incremental motion of the rotatable shaft. The interface console further includes a microprocessor, coupled to the programmer and the display, for receiving the electrical signals and for responsively adjusting the value of the selected exercise parameter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Console for programming functions or parameters, relating to the operation of exercise equipment, including, for example, stationary exercise bicycles, exercise treadmills, steppers, rowers or skiers.
(DE4324326-A1)      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.
(JP94096443-B2)      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.
(US5308296-A)      The interactive video and exercise appts. to be used to perform physical conditioning exercises interactively with an action scenario displayed on a video monitor, includes a support frame having a number of exercise devices adjustably attached to it to allow a complete range of exercise movements simulating various physical activities corresp. with the action scenario on the video monitor.    A compact disc-interactive player, video monitor, and audio output are positioned on the support frame and are interconnected to one another and each exercise device such that the resistance of movement of the exercise devices is varied w.r.t. a corresp. scenario segment of a scenario program being played on the CD-I player, as data is continuously exchanged between the exercise devices and the compact disc-interactive player, enabling the scenario program to interactively proceed in accordance with the user's actions.    ADVANTAGE -   Offers user more stimulating exercise program
(DE4228091-C2)      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.
(DE4313509-C2)      The water wheel (1) and a wheel hub gear (6) acting as transmission, are separately manufactured units, which are easy to connect. The water wheel is fastened to the hub (5) of the gear. The gear is fastened on one side to carrier devices (9).    The water wheel hub is formed as a flange. This is screwed to the hub of the gear on the drive side. The centre of gravity of the water wheel is located in the area of the supporting bearings of the hub gear. The carrier devices are for fastening to a wall of a building (11).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Waterpower generation system. Low-maintenance. Economical. Flexible adaptation to varying uses. Small to medium capacity.
(US5295927-A)      The machine biomechanically simulates climbing stairs to provide exercise for a user and broadly includes a support frame, right and left foot-receiving pedals, and a drive system. The frame includes a base and a generally tubular, inclined slide mast.    The pedals are mounted on respective independently moveable shuttles slidably received in channels at each side of the mast. The electrically released drive system is operably coupled to the pedals and includes a multiple pulley and strap arrangement.    ADVANTAGE -   Inexpensive to mfr., durable, provides non-jarring aerobic exercise for user.
(DE4225385-C2)      Layer of a ternary cpd. semiconductor of type I-III-VI2, of two metallic components and one non-metallic component, pref. Cu and In or Cu and Ga and Se or S, is formed on an endless flexible substrate of SiO2-coated stainless steel, on which a first and second discrete layer of metal components are applied, followed by a layer of non-metallic component. Temp. is increased to cause a chemical reaction between components.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells.    Allows economic mass prodn.
(WO9403141-A1)      The machiner has each restraint member displaceable under control of a user through a set range of movement w.r.t. a frame. Movement in a first direction in the range applies a stretching force to an associated muscle gp. or joint through the body part. An angle indicator is positioned for viewing by the user to provide 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, 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 gp. or joint that is to be stretched. A force measuring pressure gauge is operable when the blocking valve is engaged to measure the force exerted by the body part upon the engagement member in the second direction.    USE -   Allows are individual to stretch number of muscle gps. or joints to increase flexibility.
(JP6061518-A)      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.
(US5286305-A)      Solar power plant consisting of elongated modules whose longitudinal axes lie in a plane parallel to the direction of the sun rays to be converted. These modules are covered by lenses which refract sun rays impinging under an oblique angle downwards. It comprises two groups of refracting portion mirror-symmetrically arranged along the zenithal line which portions converge the refracted downwardly directed sun beams into wedges of rays.    These wedges of rays run twice per day in a vertical plane and during the remaining sunshine hours move within a narrow angular interval either towards the sun or away from the sun. This angular motion results in a vertical movement of the focal line so that the focal line coincides only twice per day with the height of the strip type photovoltaic cells. To force all wedge s of rays to impinge evenly distributed onto the photovoltaic cell, a secondary lens is arranged above the photovoltaic cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The concentrator lens refracts the noon rays into wedges of rays which are tilted in the direction of the sun by about the same measure of angle as the wedges of rays appertaining to low angles of incidence.    (JP7507660-W)      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.
(JP6335269-A)      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.    (GB2278492-B)      An electric energy deriving method comprising the step of: extracting, as an electric current, electric energy stored between the earth (1) and an ionized layer (3) as an atmosphere electric field by photo-ionizing an atmosphere (4) between the earth (1) and the ionized layer (3) through a high output and high frequency laser (5), performing dielectric breakdown, and electrically connecting the earth (1) and the ionized layer (3).
(DE4418581-C2)      The energy conversion device includes an electrical oscillatory circuit with output-side or load-side connected load-current circuit, and including in the circuit an integrated cost and a capacitor, the capacitance of which varies solely through the rhythmic movement of the surface waves, with fixed plates, shells or windings as the charge carriers, to give parameter-excited electrical oscillations in the oscillatory circuit. The surface waves are damped, or are boosted by the electrical oscillations resulting from the supply of electrical energy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   i.e. for converting surface waves of liquid, in particular of water waves into electrical energy or power and vice versa. Direct energy conversion i.e. water surface wave to electrical energy conversion without resorting to fluidic-flow power generators or other machines with moving parts.    (JP8182362-A)      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.
(DE19502953-C2)      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.
(WO9419831-A1)      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.    (JP7506225-W)      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.
(CN1107265-A)      The present invention aims at the unstable rotary movement source to transform its constable rotary mechanical energy into electric energy with the aid of said differential distributing electric energy storing and distributing system, i.e. both the very low rotary mechanical energy and very high excessive rotary mechanical energy can all be effectively absorbed and transformed into electric energy by said system. Thus the transformation efficiency is effectively increased. Fu rther the ac generator can be controlled as motor to drive the dc generator to charge the acumulator when the time apart from peak power consumption.    (EP666633-B1)      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.
(NL9400094-A)      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.    (US5455485-A)      In a lighting system for mounting on a manually-powered vehicle, having a dynamo (2) for generating electrical energy and a lighting device (5) as an electrical energy consumer, the improvement comprising: the dynamo (2) operationally connected to a propeller (3) driven by airflow, and the dynamo (2) electrically connected through an electrical circuit (6) to the lighting device (5).
(WO9418708-A2)      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., silicon 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.    (EP682813-B1)      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.
(JP3147257-B2)      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.
(DE4302292-A1)      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.    (EP608698-B1)      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.
(WO9417427-A1)      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.
(EP767875-A1)      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.
(JP6342924-A)      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.    (US5421908-A)      The cell includes a first electrode layer disposed on a face of an insulating substrate. A transparent second electrode layer is disposed opposite the first electrode layer so as to sandwich a semiconductor layer between them. The semiconductor layer is a photoelectric conversion layer.    A third electrode layer is disposed on the opposite face of the substrate, the third electrode layer being electrically connected to the second electrode layer by a first conductor which is substantially insulated from the first electrode layer. The first conductor extends through a first connecting hole that extends through the substrate, the first electrode layer and the semiconductor layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Has simple substrate patterning. Has extremely small power loss.
(JP3142093-B2)      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.
(WO9414091-A1)      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.    (DE4242264-C2)      A building component includes a micro double triple surface, consisting of pyramid sections. At least one surface has numerous adjacent pyramid sections, which have a hexagonal cross-section and six triangular surfaces, forming a six sided pyramid. Each six sided unit borders onto the sides of adjacent units, and three sides form a pyramid. The component pref. consists of a transparent material such as glass or a plastics such as polymethyl methacrylate.    ADVANTAGE -   The component is simple and economical to produce.
(ZA9307671-A)      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.
(WO9504885-A1)      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.
(GB2271671-B)      A power generator comprising of various inclined planes along which coils (6 and 7) and secondary coils are arranged, wherein armatures are suspended by means of a magnetic field, the armatures moving with friction due to air only and generating an electrical current by magnetic induction in primary coil (6), that determines a control of the velocity of the armatures, and in the secondary coils providing the electrical output.
(JP2673765-B2)      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.
(DE4229185-C2)      The system recovers energy from ground heat, using shafts and passages extending downwards, through a heat source and upwards to the surface again. At the latter, the medium flowing through them is used to drive an electric generator.Fresh air is used as the medium (13), and drives a rotor (9) at the outlet from the upwards-flow shaft (7). The rotor in turn drives the generator.    The system of underground passages (2,6,7) for the air can pass through a heating area, while both the inlet (10) and outlet (12) shafts are insulated. There can be numerous vertical inlet shafts, insulated all the way to their bottom ends, while the heating passages slope upwards to the bottom of the outlet shaft.    ADVANTAGE -   Converts kinetic energy of medium directly into electrical power.
(DE4225385-C2)      Layer of a ternary cpd. semiconductor of type I-III-VI2, of two metallic components and one non-metallic component, pref. Cu and In or Cu and Ga and Se or S, is formed on an endless flexible substrate of SiO2-coated stainless steel, on which a first and second discrete layer of metal components are applied, followed by a layer of non-metallic component. Temp. is increased to cause a chemical reaction between components.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar cells.    Allows economic mass prodn.
(DE4225133-C2)      Solar energy is converted into thermal and electrical energy using collectors and concentrators. Solar collectors (1) and solar cells are arranged above, with a single or double-axis concentrator (2) for direct sunlight.    The concentrator is made of e.g. glass or transparent material. The absorber (4) consists of cooled solar cells, and the concentrator has a Fresnel lens (3).    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency.
(DE4225130-C2)      A two-stage concentration arrangement has been designed, with several solar cells (3), for concentrating the solar radiation on the cells. It has a first concentrators (1) with linear concentration and a second concentrator (2), after the first, with two-dimensional concentration.    The arrangement can track the sun about its polar axis which is parallel to the first concentrator, while half the angle of opening of the second concentrator amounts to 20 deg. to 30 deg. approximately.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar energy installations. concentration factor is about 300.
(US6132180-A)      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.
(DE4221896-C2)      A solar power installation with at least one swivelling or deflection device for diverting incident solar radiation on to a receiver remote from the deflection device, operates without resorting to additional manual adjustment facilities and electronically controlled adjustment devices, using a simplified drive, by providing two sensors (61) for each deflection axis (3,30) of the swivelling or deflection device (1), these sensors being designed as drive elements generating drive power for the adjustment device.    USE -   Solar radiation energy power conversion plant.
(JP6061518-A)      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.
(US5286305-A)      Solar power plant consisting of elongated modules whose longitudinal axes lie in a plane parallel to the direction of the sun rays to be converted. These modules are covered by lenses which refract sun rays impinging under an oblique angle downwards. It comprises two groups of refracting portion mirror-symmetrically arranged along the zenithal line which portions converge the refracted downwardly directed sun beams into wedges of rays.    These wedges of rays run twice per day in a vertical plane and during the remaining sunshine hours move within a narrow angular interval either towards the sun or away from the sun. This angular motion results in a vertical movement of the focal line so that the focal line coincides only twice per day with the height of the strip type photovoltaic cells. To force all wedge s of rays to impinge evenly distributed onto the photovoltaic cell, a secondary lens is arranged above the photovoltaic cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The concentrator lens refracts the noon rays into wedges of rays which are tilted in the direction of the sun by about the same measure of angle as the wedges of rays appertaining to low angles of incidence.    (JP7507660-W)      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.
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.
(US5288337-A)      The photovoltaic module has a light-receiving structure having a transparent front cover portion. A number of photovoltaic cells are disposed along a preselected plane behind and parallel to the front cover portion to receive radiation transmitted thereby. A number of specular reflectors oblique to the preselected plane and disposed alongside the photovoltaic cells direct radiation incident thereon back into the front cover portion and onto the photovoltaic cells for conversion to electrical energy.    The specular reflectors extend behind the preselected plane. The specular reflectors comprise reflective surfaces configured to reflect radiation incident thereon back into the front cover portion for internal reflection onto the photovoltaic cells. The reflective surfaces are concave with curved portions.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits additional radiation to be reflected onto solar cells or other photovoltaic cells to increase output power without deviating form flat panel design. Relatively tolerant to direction of incoming light, and thus time of day of use.    (JP6061519-A)      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.
(JP2718876-B2)      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.
(GB2278491-B)      Heat generation apparatus comprising an elongated metal core unit which has an affinity for adsorbing hydrogen, a heat sink positioned adjacent a heat transfer surface of the metal core unit and serving as a means through which heat generated in the core unit is supplied as useful output, the heat sink serving in conjunction with thermal priming means to set up a temperature gradient in the core unit directed along its longitudinal axis, magnetising means arranged in the proximity of the core unit to produce a magnetising field through the metal directed transversely with respect to the thermal heat flow along the temperature gradient and a hydrogen supply source connected to the metal core unit to cause hydrogen to be adsorbed by the metal.    (US5734122-A)      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.
(JP2896035-B2)      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.
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.
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.
(JP3141606-B2)      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.
(US5420168-A)      Prodn. of organic aerogels comprises positioning the aerogel so that at least 1 surface is exposed to air, and removing the fluid front the pores of the aerogel by air drying. Pref., the aerogel is positioned so that opposite surfaces are exposed to air to enable comparable drying rates of the surfaces. The aerogel precursor to be dried is formed by forming a mixt. of reactants in a solvent, allowing a gel to form, curing the formed gel to increase the crosslinking density, exchanging the pore fluid in the gel with a selected solvent, and allowing the solvent to evaporate during air drying to form an aerogel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in thermal or acoustic insulation or in rechargeable batteries and super capacitors. The aerogel is obtd. with reduced processing time and costs using simple air drying.    (JP8508535-W)      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.
(NL191721-B)      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.    (US5616055-A)      Connecting terminal comprising an essentially cylindrical casing provided with a longitudinal division and having at least one pair of jaws, each jaw having a camming surface, the camming surfaces being separated by the division, between which jaws is located an opening for acceptance of a bolt having, at an extremity, an attendant contrapiece with a corresponding camming surface which by exertion of pressure upon said camming surface of the jaws, causes the jaws to close, characterized in that both camming surfaces are camming continuously curved.
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.
(US5456993-A)      1. Upper cap for electrical accumulators for stationary or movable applications in houses and vehicles, the accumulator including a positive and a negative terminal pins, the cap comprising an upper surface and at least two foldable flappers, each flapper having an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edges being hinged to the cap, whereby the flappers may be positioned in a folded position wherein the flappers upwardly extend relative to the upper surface of the cap and an unfolded position wherein the flappers extend substantially in a plane with the upper surface of the cap, each flapper including at least one through opening through which fingers may pass, the opening being located close to the outer edge thereof, whereby when both flappers are in the folded position both openings thereof are adjacent one to the other to define a handle for taking and carrying the accumulator, the upper surface of the cap comprising locking means including at least a pair of upwardly extending projections in the upper surface, the projections being located in positions whereby when the flappers are in the unfolded position each projection snugly fits into the opening of the associated flapper, occupying the entire opening and being level with outer surfaces of the flappers.
(DE4308780-C1)      A fuel cell stack arrangement allows 2 reaction gases to be fed to each fuel cell stack (11...11'''), one of which comprises a fuel gas containing hydrogen, the other an oxidation gas. The fuel cell stacks are arranged around a central connection pipe (2) one behind the other, with the first reaction gas fed along the central pipe and the second reaction gas supplied to the intermediate space between the central pipe and an outer casing (4), the exhaust gases discharged via radial openings.    Pref. the central pipe has a multi-sided cross-section with a respective fuel cell stack abutting each flat side to form a coplanar stack group, with a number of successive groups along the pipe axis. Each stack has a number of plates connected in series with conductive end plates for the current and gas connections.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact fuel cell arrangement using relatively small power modules.
(JP8507830-W)      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.
(JP2780590-B2)      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.
(JP2840000-B2)      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.
(DE4308179-C2)      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.
(WO9427341-A1)      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.
(JP2680521-B2)      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.
(JP7506214-W)      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.
(JP3136015-B2)      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.
(DE4305568-C2)      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.
(US5432023-A)      The fuel cell comprises a stacked body having a fuel electrode, an oxidising electrode, and an electrolyte plate nipped between the fuel and oxidising electrodes. A fuel source supplies a fuel to the stacked body, and an air source supplies an oxidising agent to the stacked body.    A device recovers water generated at the oxidising electrode, and comprises a first water absorber adjoined to the oxidising electrode and a second water absorber adjoined to the first water absorber and provided externally of the stacked body. The second water absorber has a higher water absorbing ability than the first water absorber, which is composed of a porous material. The second absorber is composed of a porous material, and has a smaller average pore diameter than the first absorber. The fuel cell is operated at a temp. of about 100 C. or below.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for miniaturised fuel cell. Minimises noxious emissions and leakage. Produces stable output for long time.
(WO9506842-A1)      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.
(JP3203442-B2)      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.
(JP6283182-A)      Mfr. of the fuel battery involves using cells (C), each constituted by a solid electrolyte layer (1) with an oxygen pole (2) on one side and a fuel pole (3) on the other. The cells constitute the fuel battery. Gas flows through the gas flow path (f) in the flow path composition member (4).    A flexible electric conduction material (12) between each cell separates adjacent cells. The flow path composition member touches the flexible electric conduction material. The conductive (M) is fused inbetween the flexible electric conduction material.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures heat proof and oxidation resistance.    (JP3007780-B2)      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.
(JP8508758-W)      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.
(JP2955040-B2)      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.
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.
(JP3105668-B2)      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.
(WO9417078-A1)      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.    (JP8506108-W)      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.
(US5454741-A)      A battery terminal mounted on a battery post, comprising:    a cable connector adapted for connection with an electrical cable; an annular post fitting formed by bending a vertically oriented metal band in an arc to form a vertically oriented cylindrical shape, and having open free ends; first and second clamping members contiguous to said open free ends of the post fitting, and formed by end portions of said vertically oriented metal band, said first and second clamping members having tapered sliding surfaces; a tightening tool comprising tapered surfaces fitting over said tapered sliding surfaces; a nut positioned inside the clamping members; said first and second clamping members having jam walls, respectively, for preventing nut rotation; and a bolt passed through the tightening tool and tightened into the nut to move the tightening tool towards said first and second clamping members, thereby closing the first and second clamping members, and in turn, closing the free ends of the post fitting to firmly clamp the battery terminal to the battery post.
(JP2877634-B2)      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.
(JP2937656-B2)      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.
(EP601521-B1)      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.
(DE4241393-C1)      The electrical load is wired to a connection portion (1) of the terminal which is integral with a base portion (2) set into the casing of the accumulator. Annular grooves around the surface of the base portion have a hooklike profile and are filled with shrunken plastic (4) to constitute a labyrinth seal. The grooves are shaped pref. by thermal deformation or cold pressing to achieve an esp. smooth surface for contact with the plastic.    ADVANTAGE -   The labyrinth seal satisfies all requirements for effective prevention of electrolyte or gas leakage and is proof against unseating by forces in the axial direction.
(JP3118982-B2)      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.
(DE4331912-A1)      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.    (JP8502623-W)      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.
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.
(JP6203863-A)      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.    (US5397655-A)      The inert gas removal adjustment method, for a fuel cell block with a number of fuel cells, involves a progressive rise in a proportion of inert gas due to a cathode-side or anode-side gas mixture flowing through the fuel cells. An inert-gas-rich gas mixture is drained out as a function of a voltage drop, and the voltage drop is measured between at least two immediately adjacent fuel cells.    Pref. the adjustment involves measuring the voltage drop of two of the fuel cells located at either or both the start and-or end of the cell block. The gas flow is pref. directed through two anode gas chambers and two cathode gas chambers of two immediately adjacent fuel cells in opposite directions, with flow directed through the gas chambers of each cell in opposite directions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. electric vehicles. Avoids bulky, heavy, costly high current circuitry; about 10% prodn. cost saving in 30-40kW capacity fuel cell block.
(JP6203862-A)      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.    (US36148-E)      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.
(DE4407096-A1)      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.    (JP2618602-B2)      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.
(JP6220468-A)      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.    (US5436086-A)      Fuel gas is prepared for a fuel cell by (A) prim. selective oxidation of CO in a reformed fuel gas (RFG) flow, pref. using a catalyst adsorbing CO preferentially to H2, (B) sec. selective oxidation of any residual CO while providing small amounts of O2 by using a 1st O2 permeable membrane (OPX) on the 2nd side of the OPM, pref. using an oxygenated liq. esp. water produced by the fuel cell, and allowing the O2 to diffuse across the OPM into the RFG on the 1st side of the OPM. O2 is provided for the prim. selective catalytic oxidation by passing the RFG over a 1st side of a 2nd OPM, provided with an O2 supply on the 2nd side of the OPM and allowing O2 to diffuse across the OPM. The O2 supply is pref. humidified, esp. by providing a 3rd OPM, intimately contacted on the 1st side with an O2 supply while the 2nd side is contacted with water, which is allowed to pass across the OPM.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To provide fuel gas free from contaminant gases for a fuel cell. Very small amounts of air or O2 can be supplied to a RFG to remove residual CO without oxidising H2 so that the prodn. of electric power from the cell is optimised.
(US5314766-A)      A precharged anode comprises at least 50 wt.% partially oxidised tetrabasic lead sulphate (4PbOn PbSO4) intermingled with beta lead dioxide (beta-PbO2) as the balance. The PbOn portion of the sulphate is in part alpha-PbO2.    Pref. the beta-PbO2 has a surface area of 10 m2/g or higher. A thermoplastic resin binder is mixed with the above active material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for an automotive lead-acid battery. The anode can be mass-produced in a continuous process, without curing and steaming, in an energy efficient, economical way.
(DE4235125-C2)      Prodn. of synthesis gas (CO + H2) comprises electrochemical generation of CO in a high temp. solid electrolyte cell at 800-1,000 C, in which CO2 is supplied to the cathode and reduced to CO, while oxide anions in the solid electrolyte diffuse to the anode and are oxidised to O2, using a constant p.d. across the cell (e.g. 1.15-1.40 V).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The CO generated is mixed with H2 (e.g. from the electrolysis of aq. K2SO4) and the mixt. converted to MeOH. The process is economical and efficient, avoiding intensive purification of CO.
(JP6318470-A)      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.
(JP3203062-B2)      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.
(EP591871-B1)      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.
(DE4234093-A1)      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.    (JP6218275-A)      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.
(JP2740081-B2)      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.
(WO9411912-A1)      The laminated fluid flow field assembly comprises the separator layer formed of electrically conductive, fluid impermeable sheet material, and having two oppositely facing major surfaces, and the stencil layer formed of electrically conductive sheet material, and having two oppositely facing major surfaces.    The stencil layer has a fluid inlet formed in it and has at least one opening formed in it extending between the major surfaces, the at least one opening in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The separator layer and stencil layer are consolidated along one of their respective major surfaces, such that the separator layer and stencil layer cooperate to form at least one open-faced channel for conducting pressurised fluid introduced at the fluid inlet.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced weight and volume. Simpler to mfr.
(ZA9306582-A)      The electrode plate is a frame incorporating a structural member of members and a web material which provides an additional surface area to the frame than that provided by the structural members. This web material allows for the active material to key more readily on to the electrode plate.    Pref. the active material is applied to the frame of the electrode plate by a process of spraying.    USE -   Used in batteries.
(JP2650666-B2)      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.
(JP2714518-B2)      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.
(JP2669271-B2)      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.
(US5302142-A)      The battery terminal has a terminal main body including a pair of tightening plates, each having a through-hole formed thereon, continuous with an open free end of the electrode engaging portion into which the battery post is inserted. An electric wire connecting portion is continuous with the electrode engaging portion. A rotatable nut is interposed between the tightening plates such that a supporting shaft projecting from each of opposed side walls of the rotatable nut is rotatably inserted through each of the opposed through-holes formed on the tightening plates.    A tightening tool has an trapezoidal cut-out portion which is formed on each of side walls thereof and has a pair of tapered surfaces which are brought into contact with an outer surface of each of the tightening plates. A bolt-installing through-hole is formed on an upper surface of the tightening tool, through which a bolt is tightened into the rotatable nut.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fixing circular electrode engaging portion of battery to outer surface of battery post. Can be tightened in any desired direction so that impact wrench can be prevented from interfering with parts of vehicle.
(US5336570-A)      The fuel cell comprises (d) a layered porous anode, (b) a duct to supply H2 to the anode, (c) a layered porous cathode exposable to O2, (d) a layered electrolyte member between and in contact with the electrodes for transporting ions between them, (e) catalytic means at the electrodes for ionising H2 and O2 respectively, (f) a support for the electrolytic structure, which engages one of the electrodes, and (g) a restraining means engaging the electrodes to constrain the electrolyte member between and in contact with the electrodes.    The restraining means displaces transverse swelling of the electrolyte member parallel to the electrodes. The electrodes are of a self-supporting graphite material. The fuel cell is tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved performance and operation.
(JP8503100-W)      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.
(US5346778-A)      The fuel system includes a stack of cells designed to operate using hydrogen gas as fuel and air as the oxidant during periods of normal power output. The fuel cell stack is designed to operate at a pressure of not more than about 30 psig above atmospheric pressure, and at a temperature below the boiling point of water at ambient pressure. A storage device is provided to store pure oxygen under elevated pressure.    A valve controller in fluid flow path is responsive to an amperage output from the fuel cell stack above a set level, for opening the valve so as to add pure oxygen to the supply of pressurized air fed to the fuel cell stack, to enrich the air fed to the fuel cell stack to contain at least 30 per cent but not more than 60 per cent oxygen by volume during periods when the amperage output is above a set level.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimisation of high pressure gas storage requirements.
(US5838136-A)      The vehicle electrical system has a device for connection between the two like poles of the battery. The device comprises a normally open switch R1 connecting the AUX and CRA batteries. A sensor for the state of charge of the AUX battery opens the switch R1 to prevent overcharging and to present separate outputs for cranking and auxiliary functions. The sensor closes R1 when the AUX battery state of charge is reduced.    The AUX battery is allowed to discharge preferentially while still preserving the CRA battery state of charge sufficiently to start the vehicle.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved safety.
(DE4328892-A1)      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.
NOVELTY - A closed type lead storage battery is manufactured by injecting surplus dilute sulfuric acid sol (9) between a battery jar (1) and electrode group (5). The battery jar has decreased electrolyte liquid, leading to insufficient electrolyte condition. After filling the sol containing sodium silicate or silica powder, sulfuric acid is absorbed by the electrode group. The sulfuric acid sol is non-fluidized.    USE - Motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE - The amount of electrolyte is secured. The concentration difference of the upper and lower sides, produced by the battery-jar formation, is alleviated by filling sol with high sulfuric acid concentration in the battery. With surface tension, stratification produced during charging and discharging is prevented and the quality of the product is improved.
NOVELTY - A fuel cell (1) is between separators (3) comprising a hot gas supply slot (4) and an oxidizing agent supply slot (5) on opposing sides, respectively and through holes (10) on its upper surface for cooling. The cool air is supplied to the holes by free convection or by forced air cooling using a fan, based on the amount of heat released by the fuel cell.    USE - As fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Since through holes are provided on the separators for supplying cool air by either free convection or forced air cooling, the cell is effectively cooled without being contacted.
(JP8500931-W)      The moistening method is applied for the combustion gas air, for preventing drying out or dilution of the electrolyte during operation of the fuel cell. Exhaust gas from the fuel cell, obtained on the cathode side, is at least partially recirculated to the cathode.    Pref. a recirculating line (34) is coupled to the exhaust gas line (28) on the cathode side, with a setting element (30) within the recirculating line controlling the recirculated quantity of the exhaust gases in proportion to the power output of the fuel cell. The recirculating line is pref. coupled via a gas compressor (36) to the air delivery line (26) on the cathode side of the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents incorrect functioning of fuel cell to ensure economical use.
(DE4221827-A1)      The electrical connector of the type used to connect with the post (13) of a large electrical battery, has a 'U'-shaped clamp (3) that is secured by tightening a nut (5) on a threaded stud (4). The threaded stud is integral with the crimped connection to a main cable (8).    The connection has a pair of formed projections (14) that are squeezed around the exposed wires of the cable. A washer (12) is located between the two parts of the terminal clamp.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplified connection. Greater flexibility on insertion.    (DE4221827-C2)      An electric clamping arrangement for connection of a main electrical cable to a battery terminal and including a clamping piece for electrical and mechanical connection to the battery terminal, this clamping piece comprising a tensioning ring (3) and at least one connection screw (2) and nut (3) for connecting to the main cable (8). Simpler assembly of the clamp arrangement is achieved, together with greater flexibility for fitting and good contact making, by enabling the main cable (8) to be pressed right into the receptacle provided for it and with the axes of the connector thread (2) and the main cable forming one line.    USE -   Wide range of electrical equipment.
(DE4400411-A1)      The vent cap for storage batteries has an electrolyte drain and baffle design adapted for maximising return to the battery of any liq. which may enter the vent from vibration, tilting, overheating, overcharge and the like. The vent barrel(s) include a step to assist in closure of the fill openings, and baffles within the vent prevent accumulation of electrolyte within the cap. The arrangement of the entrance to the gas escape passage (leading through an explosion device such as a disc of microporous polymer) is located on the centre lines of the barrel and at the highest possible location within the vent.    Pref., the vent cap is of the ganged variety, i.e. useful for simultaneously capping three or more fill openings of the battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lead-acid batteries. Minimises the intrusion of electrolyte into the attenuation material.    (JP7057711-A)      The vent cap for storage batteries has an electrolyte drain and baffle design adapted for maximising return to the battery of any liq. which may enter the vent from vibration, tilting, overheating, overcharge and the like. The vent barrel(s) include a step to assist in closure of the fill openings, and baffles within the vent prevent accumulation of electrolyte within the cap. The arrangement of the entrance to the gas escape passage (leading through an explosion device such as a disc of microporous polymer) is located on the centre lines of the barrel and at the highest possible location within the vent.    Pref., the vent cap is of the ganged variety, i.e. useful for simultaneously capping three or more fill openings of the battery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lead-acid batteries. Minimises the intrusion of electrolyte into the attenuation material.
(JP2527288-B2)      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.
(EP580918-B1)      An equipment consisting of a stack (1) of essentially centra-symmetrical high-temperature fuel cells (10), a heat-insulating envelope (2) and an after-burning space (15) between the cylindrical surface of the stack (1) of cells and the envelope, whilst air supply lines (12) to the fuel cells are arranged on the cylindrical surface of the stack of cells, characterised in that the envelope (2) is made multilayered and exhibits a system of channels (31-37) for a flow of air, that between an outer wall (20) forming a first layer of the envelope and the inner parts (21-26) of the envelope lies a first cavity (31,32) in which a cooling of the envelope is effected by air (50), and that the system of channels (33-37) adjoining the first cavity is provided for further heating of the air.
(DE4224290-C2)      Prodn. of a Li-contg. Ni-oxide cathode comprises sintering Ni-contg. particles to give a sintered body and oxidising forming Ni-oxide.    The Ni-contg. particles are Ni-alloy particles contg. Gp.IIIa-Va, VIIa and VIII metals that form weakly soluble oxides or Li-metallate. In a 1st step, a metal oxide layer is formed on the surface of the Ni alloy particles and, in a 2nd step, the Ni is oxidised into Ni alloy particles covered with metal oxide layer.    USE -   Used for fuel cells.
(JP2725732-B2)      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.
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.
NOVELTY - The object has a porous carbon compact with bulk density of 1.0 g/cc, for supporting hydrogen occlusion alloy which is a negative electrode active material. The porosity of the compact is measured to be 35% or more using mercury pressure process.    USE - Negative electrode object of nickel hydride battery used as electric power unit for portable equipment and electric vehicles, and as battery for power storage.    ADVANTAGE - Provides highly efficient battery with high weight energy density, since the porous carbon compact has specified porosity and bulk density.
(JP2672923-B2)      Appts. comprises reforming cell units (7) made of a gas sepn. plate (6) having concaves on a surface and contg. a methanol reforming cell (comprising methanol reforming catalyst) in the concave. The methanol reforming cell is contacted with raw material gas comprising methanol and water or steam, and heating cell units (4) in which a heating cell (1) having an oxidising catalyst is interposed with gas sepn. plates (2,3), one having a fuel gas use channel and the other having an oxidising gas use channel. The lamination is so carried out that one or more reforming cell units is/are interposed between two heating cell units. A raw material gas is supplied through an inlet hole (11) and reformed by steam reformation reaction, then released through an outlet hole (12). A fuel gas and an oxidising gas are supplied to the heating cell unit (4) through a fuel gas supplying hole (15) and an oxidising gas supplying hole (13). The heat is generated by oxidn. of the fuel gas, and is used to heat the reformation cell units (7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A light, compact and safe layer-built methanol reforming appts. is provided.
(US5367250-A)      The tester includes a housing adapted to be held in the hand. Red and green light emitting diodes (LED's) mounted in the housing are operatively interconnected with a conductive probe and power cable through circuitry which causes the red LED to glow when the probe contacts a positive voltage, and the green LED to glow when the probe contacts a low voltage, ground, or a negative voltage. Continuity testing may be performed by contacting the probe against one terminal of a device to be tested, and contacting the other terminal of the device to ground or to an auxiliary test lead extending from the housing, causing the green LED to glow.    The instrument includes a momentary contact switch that permits the probe to be energised by internal connection to the positive or ground input terminal. Actuating the switch momentarily to energise the probe with a positive voltage causes the green LED to cease glowing and the red LED to glow if the test probe is in contact with a low resistance device, rather than directly to ground, thus providing means to determine whether ground or the supply terminal of a high-current load device has been probed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Adapted to be connected to vehicle battery. Portable.
(JP2891548-B2)      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.
(EP580223-A1)      The battery comprises a casing holding positive and negative plates and electrical terminals; and optional battery fluid, and has a heat shield disposed over it so as to be tightly fixed to it.    Preferably the heat shield and the casing are made of polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved vehicle battery where robotic handling is possible.    (GB2269047-B)      A vehicle battery comprising a battery case for holding battery fluid, positive and negative plates and positive and negative battery terminals; and a heat shield, formed in one piece, or formed from two pieces joined together, secured to the battery case in a substantially tight fit with substantially no air gap therebetween, such that the battery case and the heat shield are a substantially unitary rigid structure.
(FR2692727-A1)      The connector consists of the eye connector (1) composed of two half-shells (6,7) adapted to be elastically deformed for tightly surrounding the terminal under the effect of the locking key which is articulated on the eye connector. The two half-shells are elastically deformable in a radial direction and each has a tapered piece (8) on their exterior. The half-shells are made rigid by a rib (17).    The locking key includes a body and a movable tongue. The key is articulated on the eye connector about an axis that is aligned with a through-hole in the body (5), and held in place by a bolt.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables rapid connection and disconnection of connector on corresp. battery terminal.    (EP578597-B1)      Connector for a battery terminal of the type permitting the connection of each of the terminals of said battery to the power circuit and comprising a means for rapidly locking and unlocking said conductor on the appropriate terminal, the connector substantially comprising a spade terminal (1) having two half-shells (6, 7) suitable for being displaced radially in a resilient manner to grip the terminal by means of a closure key (2) pivotally mounted on said space terminal, characterised in that the two half-shells (6, 7) each comprise externally an inclined portion (8), each inclined portion being acted upon when the key is rotated.
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.
(US5389466-A)      An electric wire-connecting portion extends from one of the first tightening plate, the second tightening plate and a portion of the annular electrode-engaging portion. A lever-holding portion is continuous with the first tightening plate and projects toward the second tightening plate. A lever is pivotal about a pivotal axis and has a cam-shaped bearing portion which is supported on the lever-holding portion.    The bearing portion of the lever has a curved first side and a straight second side, and an intersection between the first side and the second side. The intersection is located rearwardly of a line to the second side and passing through the pivotal axis of the lever and the first side is shorter than the distance between the pivotal axis of the lever and the second side. The straight second side presses the second tightening plate toward the first tightening plate in response to pivotal motion of the lever, thus closing the free end of the electrode-engaging portion and pressing the electrode-engaging portion against the battery post.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Quick release cam action battery past terminal, esp. for automotive use.
(JP95022674-B2)      In biological deodorisation, malodorous component is contacted with a circulating liq. through the bed packed with microorganism-adhering filler. The method is involves lowering pH of the circulating liq. to 3 or below with sulphuric acid formed by biologically oxidising hydrogen sulphide, a component of malodours.    ADVANTAGE -   The method allows removal of microorganism deposited on the biological bed for deodorisation, so an increase of pressure less in the packed bed by the growth of biological mass can be prevented.
(JP8508198-W)      Method of using an appts. for the accelerated bioremediation of treated contaminated material (I) treated with chemical and/or biological amendments (II) for facilitating accelerated bioremediation comprises generating a (I) entraining air stream at a predetermined velocity for entraining (I) and microenfractionating (I). The method is defined by a 6 step process (also claimed). Step (6) pref. comprises (embodiment also claimed): acceleratedly bioremediating (I), at least about 70% of total hydrocarbon material in (I) being remediated within 120 days of treating (I) with (II), and the vol. of (I) being thus treated being at least about 1500 cubic yards per day per micro-enfractionating appts. Also claimed are a method for removing metal from metal-contaminated soil and a combined method of microenfractionation of contaminated material and fixation of metals.    USE -   The method is esp. useful for bioremediation of soil and water pollutants. Sites which may be treated include surface soils, water in treatment lagoons or evaporation areas, and ground water contaminated with leachate from the above sources. (III) are almost all associated with wood treatment facilities.    ADVANTAGE -   (II) are organic in nature and are nutritionally balanced to provide all of the nutrients required to efficiently biodegrade whatever the material contaminant is present.
(US5414170-A)      Acetylene is hydrogenated in an olefin prod. plant, by (a) passing a feedstream through a depropaniser to form a (more than 4C)-rich liq. phase and a vapour phase stream rich in 3C and lighter cpds.; and (b) cooling vapour phase to form a mixed vapour-liq. stream, and passing this through a mixed phase hydrogenation zone to selectively hydrogenate at least part of the acetylene.    Process then comprises (c) sepg. the effluent from the zone into a hydrogenated vapour stream and a hydrogenated liq. stream, and passing the vapour to a hydrogenation zone; (d) passing the effluent obtd. from (c) to zones of further sepn.; and (e) recycling the liq. stream to (a) as a reflux.    ADVANTAGE -   No external fluid solvent is required, with reduced sensitivity to excursions in acetylene and CO concn. as well as depropaniser upsets.
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.
(EP623572-B1)      Digestion shed with flexible guiding and conditioning of airflows, having a ventilation system designed for pressure- or suction ventilation as well as a corresponding shed floor in the form of a gas-distributor plate for receiving the material to be rotted down in stack form, a transfer machine (16) for the material to be rotted down, heat exchangers (15) and biofilter (17), characterised in that the digestion shed is subdivided into panel areas (1-11) by means of horizontally and/or vertically pivotable or displaceable wall-like elements (12,13), as a result of which the panel areas (2-4) of an intensive zone of the rotting process are separated by the wall-like elements from the panel areas (5-11) of secondary rotting as well as from the panel area (1) of the input of the material to be rotted down and are equipped in such a way that the ventilation in the panel areas (2-4) is effected as pressure ventilation and in the panel areas (5-11) as suction ventilation.
(EP623399-B1)      Waste disposal process involves grinding and then baling (5) the waste (1) so it has high resistance to pressure. The bales (3) are then aerobically fermented in a closed building (7) to dehydrate until microbiological activity ceases. The bales are then placed in a dumping site. Also claimed is the closed building for use in the process as above. The building includes a biofilter (9) and air passages (11) in its floor.    USE -   Waste disposal process partic. for municipal solid waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Redn. of vol. of waste and vermin and pests and elimination of wind borne waste at dumping site. Improved collection of biogas from dumping site.
(JP5310802-A)      A polysaccharide obtd. by fermentation of fibres of Gramineae plants in a medium contg. ammoniacal and nitrate nitrogen, soluble phosphate and soluble potassium and having mol.wt. of 70 x 10 power 3 or over calculated as dextran and contg. a sec. amine.    Fibres of Gramineae plants (e.g. straw of rice plants, ditch reed and wheat) are cut to tops of 5-30 mm and soaked in a culture medium contg. 0.01-0.5 wt.% of a base medium composed of 1.0% of ammoniacal nitrogen, 5.5% of nitrate nitrogen, 6.0% of soluble phosphate, 10.0% of soluble potassium, at ratios of 1:15-60 and fermented under sun-light at 10-30 deg.C for 120-240 days to give pH 7-9.2. The fermented mixt. is filtered, centrifuged, ultrafiltered and pasteurised to give the polysaccharide contg. soln. The polysaccharide exhibits peaks of dextran of molecular wt. of 70 x 10 power 3 and IR absorption spectrum of sec. amine at around 1560 and 3350 cm(-1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A polysaccharide effective against hepatitis B and can be used as food additives.    In an example, in 1,000 g of a culture medium composed of 0.1 wt.% of the base medium added with flour g of Monas soln., 40 g of tips of 15 cm length of rice straw was soaked, covered with a clear vinyl chloride sheet and cultured under sun light at 10-30 deg.C for 190 days till pH about 9.2. The cultured mixt. was filtered, centrifuged, ultrafiltered and pasteurised at 1.2 kg/cm2, 121 deg.C for 60 min. to give the aimed polysaccharide soln.    A male patient with B hepatitis was orally given 100 mg/day of the polysaccharide in three portions showed improvement in GPT, GOT, Al-P, gamma-GTP, icterus index, platelet count, haematocrit, haemoglobin and RBC, and reduced hospitabilisation days to 50 days which required four months or over in general.
(JP3146216-B2)      Process comprises hydrogenation of CO2 gas in the presence of a homogenous system liq. phase reaction catalyst which consists of ruthenium carbonyl complex and iodine cpd. to yield methanol, methane and CO.    Iodine cpd. is e.g., iodine, alkali metal iodide, alkaline earth metal iodide or transition metal iodide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methanol, methane and CO are prepd. from CO2 gas discharged from thermal power plants and cement plants in great quantity. Since the present catalyst is soluble in a solvent, it is able to be used to liq. phase reaction in which temp. control is easy. By changing reaction condition, the main product can be selected.    In an example, Ru3(CO)12 (0.2 mmol) a solvent (20 ml) and iodine cpd. (10 mmol) were charged in an autoclave and a mixt. gas of CO2/H2 (1:3) was fed at room temp. under 80 atmos and then reaction was carried out at 200, 240, 260 deg.C. The solvent is N-methylpyrrolidone, N-ethylpyrrolidone or 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone. The iodine cpd. is I, KI, NaI, LiI or ZnI2. The ratio of I/Ru was 17. Depending on the temp. and the kind of iodine cpd., the amt. of methanol, methane and CO are controlled.
(JP2911707-B2)      Garbage is fluidised by stirring at ordinary temp., which is primarily fermented by blowing air heated to constant temp. of 35-50 deg. C under stirring. Fermented material is secondarily fermented by blowing air heated to constant temp. of 50-70 deg. C under stirring. Treated material is left at ordinary temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Treated material can be used as useful compost.
(JP3155118-B2)      Desulfovibrio genus strain RS-1 having sulphate reducing power, power for endosynthesis of magnetic microparticles comprising magnetite and magnetic reactivity.    Magnetite magnetic microparticles are prepd. by culturing. Desulfovibrio genus bacteria having sulphate reducing power, power for endosynthesis of magnetic microparticles comprising magnetite and magnetic reactivity in the presence of sulphate ion and separating out magnetite microparticles from grown bacteria body.    USE -   Desulfovibrio genus strain RS-1 (FERM P-13283) has sulphate-reducing power and is useful in processing life waste water or sewage by means of active sludge, and is useful for synthesis of uniform form and size of magnetite magnetic microparticles. Magnetite magnetic microparticles are expected to be useful as carrier for physiologically active substance fixing.
(EP692005-A1)      A protective coating compsn. (I) for motor-vehicle underbodies and gravel guards is claimed. It is characterised in that it comprises, in wt.% of the wt. of the compsn., 20-40% of PVC resin (PVC/PVA), 1-3% of a hot-swelling agent comprising an acrylonitrile/acrylic ester/olefin copolymer encapsulating an appropriate amt. of a 4-6C alkane.    Also claimed is a protective coating compsn. (II) comprising 20-40 wt.% PVC (PVA) resin, 30-50 wt.% plasticiser, 0.5-1.5 wt.% adhesion promoter, 20-30% natural coated fillers, 1-3% additives and pigments, 1-3% swelling agent, 0.2-1.2% phenolic resin and 1-3 wt.% solvents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A compsn. for protecting underbodies of motor vehicles and gravel guards against bruising, abrasive and/or corrosive action of external agents is provided. The wt. of the protective coating is reduced without redn. in the protective efficiency. The coating also provides improved soundproofing.    (EP692005-B1)      A protective coating compsn. (I) for motor-vehicle underbodies and gravel guards is claimed. It is characterised in that it comprises, in wt.% of the wt. of the compsn., 20-40% of PVC resin (PVC/PVA), 1-3% of a hot-swelling agent comprising an acrylonitrile/acrylic ester/olefin copolymer encapsulating an appropriate amt. of a 4-6C alkane.    Also claimed is a protective coating compsn. (II) comprising 20-40 wt.% PVC (PVA) resin, 30-50 wt.% plasticiser, 0.5-1.5 wt.% adhesion promoter, 20-30% natural coated fillers, 1-3% additives and pigments, 1-3% swelling agent, 0.2-1.2% phenolic resin and 1-3 wt.% solvents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A compsn. for protecting underbodies of motor vehicles and gravel guards against bruising, abrasive and/or corrosive action of external agents is provided. The wt. of the protective coating is reduced without redn. in the protective efficiency. The coating also provides improved soundproofing.
(WO9611891-A1)      A method and apparatus for continuously processing and reclaiming waste materials includes provision of a number of adjacent cells, each with an impermeable liner. An impermeable domed structure is erected over each cell. Waste material and cover soil is added to each cell in the ratio 1:5 to 10:1. Each cell is covered with an impermeable cover after which the impermeable domed structure is moved to another cell. The decomposition of the waste is controlled and monitored in the cells and after a period of time the material in the cells is recovered and recycled. Each cell is then used for further waste disposal.    USE -   For the reclamation of waste material and garbage.    ADVANTAGE -   The method and apparatus of the invention allows reuse of the components on site. The amount of potentially hazardous leachates is limited and used to enhance decomposition of the waste material. After decomposition, the resultant material is removed and recycled and the cell is available for reuse.
NOVELTY - The laminated cell has a fuel supplier (36) which supplies fuel to an anode pole (33) through fuel route (35), and an oxidizing agent supplier (38) which supplies agent to cathode pole (34) through agent path (37). The interval of path (41) of cooling water supplier (38) arranged orthogonal to the path (37), is changed towards a downstream region from the upper region of the path (37).    USE - Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - By changing the interval of the cooling-water flow path towards downstream region from upper region of oxidizing agent flow path, battery cooling capacity is made small towards downstream region and oxidizing agent temperature rises gradually, thus gaseous-diffusion elimination is carried out easily, liquefaction and dropletizing on cathode pole decrease and also gas occlusion is prevented.
(DE4312923-C2)      To convert bio waste into reusable material, especially vegetable waste matter in communal waste collection, it is initially ground and then mixed with a biological carrier material. The water content of the mixt. is reduced to 8-10 % and the mixt. is further ground. The dried and ground material is finally separated into usable and unusable fractions by a metal separator, wind sifter and a drum sieve.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste conversion costs are reduced, and the waste is restructured into a usable material which can be offered for sale on a cost effective basis.
(JP2603183-B2)      Method comprises (1) culturing bacteria using methanol as carbon source, and (2) culturing and activating them using methane gas.    Also claimed is a method also comprising (1) immobilising the bacteria and (2) contacting immobilised bacteria with a mixt. of methane and oxygen for activation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bacteria produce methane monooxygenase (MMO), and decompose organic chlorine cpds. e.g. reduce trichloroethylene at 10ppm to half in 10 days. It is useful to remove toxic organic chlorine cpds. contained in waste water and gas, and the ground and ground water near factories. The bacteria may be efficiently produced at lower cost (1/6) than a conventional method which uses explosive and dangerous methane gas adone and requires an expensive large fermenter.    Concentration: Pref methanol concn. for (1) is maintained at upto 3000mg/l. Predf. methane concn. for (2) is maintained at 20-50%.    In an example Pre-culture of methylosinus trichloroporium TSUKUBA (50ml) was cultured in a medium (1.51) contg. methanol (1000mg/l) at 30 deg. at pH6.5 at an air flow of 40ml/min. with stirring at 600rpm for 150 hrs. In 50 and 100hrs. methanol was added to adjust the concn. to 1000mg/l. In 150 hrs. the concn. of bacteria reached to 2500 mg/l, and the bacteria was measured for the ability to decompose trichloroethylene, but K1 primary reaction constant) was 0. The bacteria was cultured at a flow of mixt. gas of methane/air (methane concn. 20v/v%) at a flow rate of 50ml/min. In 70hrs. the concn. of bacteria reached 4000mg/l, and K1 was found to be 31/g.hr, showing a high ability to decompose trichloroethylene.
(JP2603182-B2)      Culture method to decompose organic chlorine cpds. comprises culturing bacteria utilising methane in a culture soln. contg. copper in a concentration of 0.18 micro mol/l or less.    The concentration of copper is pref. 0.024-0.18 micro l/l. By lowering the concentration of copper, more of the soluble MMO can be produced, which shows higher substrate specificity than membrane fraction MMO.    The bacteria belonging to Methylosinus genus, Methylocystis genus and Methylobactor genus.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bacteria produce methane monoxygenase (MMO), and show an excellent ability to decompose organic chlorine cpds., e.g., they can reduce trichloroethylene at 10 ppm to half in 10 days. Therefore, it is useful to remove toxic organic chlorine cpds. contained in waste water and gas, and ground and ground water near factories, and advantageous over the conventional methods such as air diffusion and absorption with activated carbon which inevitably leave harmful waste. By this method, the ability of the bacteria can be improved and stabilised so that organic chlorine cpds. may be decomposed in a common equipment.
(DE4311769-C2)      In the extn. and removal of rubbish dumps contg. domestic or industrial waste, portions of the removal material are heated in a multistage heating action at different temps. for the unsorted matter together with seepage water. The final heating stage has a temp. of more than 1000C. for matter conversion, together with a synthesis gas, with material sepn. if required.    USE -   The technique is esp. for rubbish dumps which have been in place for a number of years without control contg. domestic and industrial waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The method gives a complete clearance of the rubbish and its conversion to a material which can be used for recultivation.
(ZA9401933-A)      Pulpwood or pulp retaining at least 60 wt.% of lignin is treated with an inoculum of one or more fungi from the group consisting of Schizophyllum commune, Trichaptum biforme and Phanerochaete gigantea. Environmental conditions effective for promoting fungal growth are maintained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reduce the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in papermaking. The improved field of useful white rot fungi have good colour effects and are more flexible in respect of growth and temp. operating ranges.    (JP8510015-W)      Pulpwood or pulp retaining at least 60 wt.% of lignin is treated with an inoculum of one or more fungi from the group consisting of Schizophyllum commune, Trichaptum biforme and Phanerochaete gigantea. Environmental conditions effective for promoting fungal growth are maintained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reduce the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in papermaking. The improved field of useful white rot fungi have good colour effects and are more flexible in respect of growth and temp. operating ranges.    (EP689625-B1)      Pulpwood or pulp retaining at least 60 wt.% of lignin is treated with an inoculum of one or more fungi from the group consisting of Schizophyllum commune, Trichaptum biforme and Phanerochaete gigantea. Environmental conditions effective for promoting fungal growth are maintained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reduce the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in papermaking. The improved field of useful white rot fungi have good colour effects and are more flexible in respect of growth and temp. operating ranges.
(EP642481-A1)      A composter (300) with a body for containing material to be converted to humus has a base (303 which promotes air flow through itself and the body, and a lid (302), the lid and base promoting aerobic decomposition.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Humus is produced from household wastes. Composting is efficient. Construction and installation are simple, enabling distribution in knocked down form to householders by Local Authorities. Operation and access are easy. The lid is kept closed against high winds and vermin.    (US5674744-A)      Apparatus for making humus, comprising a body for containing material to be composted to humus, a base having device for promoting air flow through it and through the body, and a lid, whereby the base and lid promote aerobic decomposition of material to be composted, the base comprising a planar member including a number of radially arranged rows of perforations on which the material to be composted is received and support device for receiving the perforated planar member, the support device having a configuration complementary to the planar member, and a surface of the support device having radially arranged grooves alignable with the radially arranged rows of perforations through the planar member for fluid communication between them.
(JP95032874-B2)      A metal absorbent obtd. from the alga Chattonella antiqua, is new.    Also claimed is the preparation of a metal adsorbent, which comprises cultivating Chattonella antiqua to a high concentration in a medium containing inorganic nutrient salts, separating the alga from the culture solution, and extracting.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Since the adsorbent obtained has a high ability to adsorb heavy metals, it can be used to remove harmful metals and recover useful heavy metals from mining and industrial waste water. It can be produced from the alga Chattonella antiqua, which is a kind of red tide plankton.    In an example, an inorganic nutrient salt medium was prepared by adding 21 mg of sodium sulphate, 13 mg of sodium dihydrogenphosphate, and 1 mg of iron to 1 l of seawater. Seawater containing Chattonella antiqua was added to the medium at 24 deg.C and Chattonella antiqua was exposed to 15000 lux light for 6 days under ventilation and stirring to be cultivated. The Chattonella antiqua was separated with a centrifugal separator, extracted with a mixture of chloroform and methanol in an equal volume and then with boiling distilled water, and freeze-dried to obtain a metal adsorbent.
(US5543071-A)      A refrigerant composition consisting essentially of: (a) chlorodifluoromethane in an amt. from 38% to 53% by wt. of the composition; (b) a compound selected from the gp. consisting of 1-chloro-1,2,2,2,-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1,,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and mixts of it, the compound being present in an amt. from 34% to 56% by wt. of the composition; (c) a butane selected from the gp. consisting of n-butane, isobutane, and mixts of it, the butane being present in an amt. from 2% to 13.5% by wt. of the composition; the composition having the property that it shows an increase in its boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 10C. w.r.t. its initial boiling point when all the composition is evaporated; the composition further having an Ozone Depletion Potentiality lower than 0.03; where the composition is a drop-in replacement for dichlorodifluoromethane for use in a refrigeration circuit designed for use with dichlorodifluoromethane.    (EP619356-B1)      Nearly azeotropic compositions essentially consisting of (a) R22 in an amount between 38 and 53% by weight with respect to the total composition, (b) R124 and/or R124a in an amount 34 and 58% by weight with respect to the total composition, (c) R600 and/or R600a in an amount between 2 and 13.5% by weight with respect to the total composition, the three components being always present and the sum of their percentages being 100.
(JP96024905-B2)      Cleaning contaminated soil comprises scattering Methylosinus microorganism(s) able to decompose aliphatic chlorine cpds. and a readily oxygen-generating substance(s). Pref., microorganism is a methane-utilising bacterium(ia).    Microorganism is pref. Methyosinul tricospolium TSUKUBA, Bi-ko Ken, Donation No. 10004. Oxygen-generating substance is pref. a peroxide(s).    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and cleans effectively soil contaminated by organic chlorine cpds. In an example, the method achieved a decompsn. rate of the trichloroethylene contaminant of 80% three days after scattering.    In an example, Gram negative Methylosinus bacterium utilises methane, has no flagella or motility and grows in methane and methanol but does not grow in ethane, propane, n-butane, dimethyl ether, methylamine, ethanol or nutrient broth. It has 64.5 mol% (G+C) DNA, 96.5% of C18:1 major fatty acids a hydroxy fatty acid type of 2-oH and a quinone type of Q8. Bacterium can decompose trichloromethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethylene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane and chloroform. It decomposes e.g. 10 ppm trichloroethylene by a half in 10 days. Oxygen-generating substance is pref. hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide and/or magnesium peroxide.    A culture liq. of the bacterium and hydrogen peroxide were scattered on soil contaminated by 0.1 ppm trichloroethylene to final levels of 10power6 cells/g soil and 10 ppm, respectively. Method achieved decompsn. rates 40% after 1 day, 65% after 2 days and 80% after 3 days.
(US5561059-A)      A biodegradable and nontoxic substrate bioavailability enhancing chemical mixt. to be applied to contaminants and pollutants contg. hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenols, and other fats and oils, in the presence of hydrocarbon-digesting microbes, to increase the speed and efficiency of microbial bioremediation of the contaminants and pollutants, the mixt. comprising: a surfactant, an emulsifier, an emulsifying solvent, and a sequestering agent in an effective amt. to rapidly emulsify the oil constituent of the contaminants and pollutants into microscopic oil particles held in suspension in a colloidal state with substantial numbers of the particles being of a size smaller than the hydrocarbon-digesting microbes and serve as a nutrient therefor; and a pH control agent in an effective amt. to facilitate growth of the hydrocarbon-digesting microbes; whereby said bioavailability enhancing chemical mixt. increases the speed and efficiency of bioremediation by breaking the available nutrient contaminate substrate into microscopic oil particles smaller than the hydrocarbon-digesting microbes for more efficient digestion thereby.
(US5405531-A)      Reducing the amt. of hydrogen sulphide in an aq. system comprised of water and hydrogen sulphide and preventing the formation of hydrogen sulphide in the aq. system comprises contacting nitrate and nitrite ions with the aq. system in a concn. which establishes and enhances the growth of denitrifying bacteria already present in the aq. system, and in which the denitrifying bacteria out-completes sulphate reducing bacteria which may be present in the system, such that the bacteria are deprived of the organic nutrients needed to produce hydrogen sulphide.    USE -   Used in oil field applications.    (US5750392-A)      Hydrogen sulphide content of an aq. system is reduced, and/or the formation of hydrogen sulphide is inhibited, by bringing into contact with the molybdate ions, or cpds. which yield these ions, in concn. sufficient to enhance the growth of denitrifying bacteria (I) which are present or are added to the system. Bacteria (I) outcompete sulphate-reducing bacteria (II) which may be present in the system for organic nutrients in the system, so that bacteria (II) are deprived of the nutrient they need to produce hydrogen sulphide.    A compsn. comprising (a) and (b) is claimed per se. Also claimed is a method of reducing the hydrogen sulphide content of an aq. system and inhibiting formation of hydrogen sulphide, by bringing molybdate and nitrite ions or cpds. that yield these ions, into contact with the system in concn. sufficient to kill bacteria (II) which may be present in the system, and enhance the growth of bacteria (I).    USE -   The method is of use in the oil field to reduce contamination by hydrogen sulphide in enhanced oil recovery. The treated aq. system is injected into the subterranean formation to displace oil therefrom.
(FR2723980-A1)      Method of treating a subterranean formation to extend or widen fractures intersecting a wellbore to facilitate the flow of fluids from the formation into the fracture, comprises (a) introducing an explosive gas consisting of a gaseous oxidiser and a gaseous fuel intersecting a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation; and (b) igniting the explosive gas within the fracture whereby the detonation of the gas produces a high pressure wave within the fracture which results in the expansion of the fracture in the formation so that the subsequent flow of fluids to the wellbore is enhanced.    Also claimed are a method of propping a fracture; and a method of extending fractures.    USE -   Opening and extending (natural) fractures in a subterranean formation.    ADVANTAGE -   Natural fractures such as coal seams, shales and chalk formations, which exhibit non-linear elastic properties are opened or extended by using a gaseous explosive mixt. of a fuel and an oxidiser.
(WO9421565-A1)      The process converts liq. organic matter with possible solids in reactor chambers. Microorganisms or catalytic agents convert the feedstock into liq. and/or gaseous effluents. The interior of the reactor vessel is filled with a slowly rotating rotor with baffle plates spaced apart on a central axis defining separate chambers. Each chamber is sepd. by baffle plates or by the ends of the reactor vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to digest organic waste materials. The process takes place more effectively in separate chambers and can handle liquids with high solids contents.    (JP7507720-W)      The process converts liq. organic matter with possible solids in reactor chambers. Microorganisms or catalytic agents convert the feedstock into liq. and/or gaseeous effluents. The interior of the reactor vessel is filled with a slowly rotating rotor with baffle plates spaced apart on a central axis defining separate chambers. Each chamber is sepd. by baffle plates or by the ends of the reactor vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to digest organic waste materials. The process takes place more effectively in separate chambers and can handle liquids with high solids contents.    (EP642470-B1)      The process converts liq. organic matter with possible solids in reactor chambers. Microorganisms or catalytic agents convert the feedstock into liq. and/or gaseeous effluents. The interior of the reactor vessel is filled with a slowly rotating rotor with baffle plates spaced apart on a central axis defining separate chambers. Each chamber is sepd. by baffle plates or by the ends of the reactor vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to digest organic waste materials. The process takes place more effectively in separate chambers and can handle liquids with high solids contents.
(WO9420668-A1)      Cellulose, newspapers, rubber, glass or synthetics in waste materials are cleaned by (a) providing a washer with a basket which is perforated so that water flows through and the material is retained in the basket, (b) charging the basket with the materials, water, alkali and a surfactant, (c) agitating the basket so that the material moves back and forth and is freed from impurities, and (d) allowing the water, alkali, surfactant and impurities to pass through the perforations, retaining the material in the basket.    A system of two washing machines, such as used for washing textiles is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material can be recycled from used prods. e.g. disposable nappies, soiled cellulose and newsprint and old tyres. Organic waste, e.g. from kitchens or gardens, can be composted.    (JP8509782-W)      Cellulose, newspapers, rubber, glass or synthetics in waste materials are cleaned by (a) providing a washer with a basket which is perforated so that water flows through and the material is retained in the basket, (b) charging the basket with the materials, water, alkali and a surfactant, (c) agitating the basket so that the material moves back and forth and is freed from impurities, and (d) allowing the water, alkali, surfactant and impurities to pass through the perforations, retaining the material in the basket.    A system of two washing machines, such as used for washing textiles is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material can be recycled from used prods. e.g. disposable nappies, soiled cellulose and newsprint and old tyres. Organic waste, e.g. from kitchens or gardens, can be composted.
(DE4307430-C2)      In a new procedure for composting organic materials, the material is placed in an aerated composting container and broken down by microbial action. The novel feature is that after intensive composting, the material is chopped and returned to the container for further composting. Also claimed is a procedure in which the material is moistened after a first period of composting before being once more composted in an aerated container.    USE -   Especially for composting waste materials, household refuse etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The compost produced is of high quality and does not need to undergo a post-composting process, which normally requires the compost to be spread on a suitable surface. The space required for the composting process is therefore greatly reduced.
(JP2646178-B2)      A vegetable growing method, where vegetable seeds are planted in and budded from an upper layer of vegetable growing culture medium. The upper layer comprises an organic culture medium mainly organic fertiliser, made from a culture medium used for growing mushrooms and a lower layer comprises a fertiliser layer or a soil wherein a fertiliser is mixed. The roots of the seeds are extended through the upper layer into the lower layer so that the fertiliser in the fertiliser layer or the soil is absorbed by the vegetable to grow the vegetable. The organic culture medium can also comprise: (1) saw-dust and rice bran; (2) powder or granular corn cob and rice bran; (3) bean-curd refuse, powder or granular corn cob and residues of rice, barley and potatoes left after alcohol brewing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Just by supplying water and without applying any fertiliser, the vegetables can be grown well, without causing nutrition deficiency nor hypernutrition. Previously, bean-curd waste, corn cob, and residue of rice, barley and potatoes left after alcohol brewing, have been discarded after a complicated and expensive treatment, but here, the effective utilisation process of such waste is provided.
(EP682973-B1)      H2S, mercaptans and volatile organo-N cpds. are eliminated in 3 stages: (a) conversion of mercaptans into disulphides, and H2S into sulphides, in presence of air and specific catalysts for this oxidn.; (b) catalytic combustion of the volatile organic cpds. entrained in the air, including NH3 and some light amines, in 30-70% (50-65%) of the current, and (c) catalytic redn. of the oxides of N by NH3 and the reducing amines in the part of the current not subjected to combustion.    USE -   Appln. is esp. to fermenting organic matter, partic. liq. pig manure, poultry manure or other animal excreta, or to waste water.
(EP613872-B1)      Composting of crushed organic waste material such as garden and woodland refuse, raw or cooked food comprises (a) humidification by immersion in aq liq for 2-10 hours, (b) aerobic pre-composting in a digester for 2-6 days at 65-80 C, (c) aerobic maturation in maturation chamber for 8-20 days at 25-40 C.    ADVANTAGE -   Continuous automatic process. Compact odour free installation.
(JP2805426-B2)      An insect repellent contains Bacillus subtilis S-1.    Bacillus subtilis S-1 (FERM-P 13347) is aerobically cultured in an agar medium contg. 0.5-1.0 wt.% of meat extract and peptone at 20-40 deg.C, pH 5.5-8.0 and the cultured mixt. is adsorbed in mineral powder to give the repellent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Insect pest repellent during compost prodn. against flies, mites, ants and cockroaches and their larvae.    In an example, kitchen waste and the repellent were placed in a cylindrical container of 15 cm. da. and allowed to stand for 30 min. The waste attracted 0.5 (sic) fly, while control gp. without the repellent attracted 4.25 (sic) flies.
(JP2769593-B2)      Appts. to remove foreign matter from laver mixed water comprises a water spray unit to spray water from a first sepn. chamber having a laver mixed water inlet port to a second sepn. chamber having a laver mixed water outlet port.    USE -   For making dry sheets of laver.
(EP612704-B1)      A process for acidifying manure, in particular slurry, in which the ammonia present is substantially fixed in the manure and the carbonates present in the manure are substantially dishcarged in the form of carbon dioxide gas, characterized in that for acidification acid-producing bacteria are used, and that the pH of the manure to be acidified is adjusted a single time to a value lower than approximately 6.5, wherein the use of colloidal support material upon which bacteria and yeasts are fixed and the introduction of air or oxygen in the manure to such an extent that the circumstances in the manure become essentially aerobic are disclaimed.
(US5340871-A)      Prod. comprises a non-aq. dispersion of addn. polymers in an alkyd medium, additives and propellant (e.g. propane, isobutane, butane or their mixts.) in a container can fitted with an actuating device, a valve cup with a vapour trap, a valve assembly and a dip tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are aerosol spray devices for the application of paints and/or coating compsns.. The prods. avoid high contents of volatile organic cpds. and also volatile halogenated hydrocarbons.
(EP611742-B1)      Kitchen garbage disposal system, comprising: a process vessel (1) for being installed out-doors and containing a medium (2), mixing means (3), installed in said process vessel (1), for mixing the medium (2) and kitchen garbage charged into said process vessel, and means (18) for leading air for inside the process vessel (1) to the outside atmosphere, characterised by a kitchen garbage discharge port (20) positioned indoors, a discharge passage (19) communicating said kitchen garbage discharge port (20) and said process vessel (1), and said leading means being an air blower (18) which purges the air taken into said process vessel (1) from said kitchen garbage discharge port (20) through said discharge passage (19) to the outside atmosphere.
(US5348984-A)      The extrudable, expandable compsn. for producing stable, low density polyolefin foam prods. having a stable foam density of 20-40 kg/m3, comprises: (a) a plasticised polyolefin resin; and (b) a blowing agent for expanding the compsn. comprising CO2 and a hydrocarbon from N-butane, isobutane, proane, and mixts. where the CO2 and the hydrocarbon are present in a wt. ratio of 1:3-3:1, where the hydrocarbon is present in an amt. sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the resin and to produce a stable foam with a decreased density and desirable surface texture over that of CO2 alone, without substantially increasing the flammability of the blowing agent.    Pref. the polyolefin resin includes an aging modifier present in an amt. sufficient to control the shrinkage of the foam and a nucleation agent present in an amt. sufficient to promote a uniform pore structure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Soft cushions and packaging material. Decreased density and improved surface texture.
(JP2973757-B2)      A wet refuse treating device comprises a hollow cylinder provided with a wet refuse feed port and a heat conductor extending outwards from the hollow cylinder. The tip of the heat conductor is immersed in the waste water pipe from a bathtub.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment wet refuse produced in the kitchen of restaurant, hotel, hospital, etc. and compost it. In the winter or in a cold region, the heat of the waste water makes the bacteria active enough to decompose the refuse.    In an example, a hollow cylinder (2) of plastics provided with a wet refuse feed port (1) is installed on the ground outdoors, and a metallic heat conductor (5) is secured to the bottom of the hollow cylinder (2). The tip of the heat conductor (5) extends outward from the hollow cylinder (2). The feed port (1) is normally closed with a lid (3). The exhaust water pipe (7) from the bathtub (6) is embedded in the ground, and its tip is connected with a sewer pipe (8). The tip of the heat conductor (5) penetrates in the exhaust water pipe (7) on the way.
(DE4400612-C2)      A new separator (20), especially for oil-water mixtures, consists of a sludge sedimentation tank, a light liquid separator and a coalescence separator, and has the novel feature that the sludge sedimentation tank (1) is seeded with bacteria or microbes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In particular for separating oil or oil sludge from waste water. The separated substances are almost completely disposed of at the treatment site.
(WO9417919-A2)      Usable substances are recovered from a composite comprising an Al layer and a polyolefin layer by charging the composite into a reaction chamber and carbonising at a temp. below the m.pt. of the Al. The residue is sepd. into Al and other residues. The carbonisation gas is used to supply energy to a furnace.    Part of the carbonisation gas is pref. used to maintain the carbonisation temp.. The raw material is pref. comminuted, followed by removal of any cellulose present, opt. predried and fed (dis)continuously, uncompressed, to an oven contg. the reaction chamber. The temp. is pref. raised, in the direction of movement of the charge from an initial temp. to the required temp. and the gas formed is withdrawn with residue being withdrawn and cooled.    USE -   The composite may also contain cellulose e.g. in the form of drinks cartons and the carbonisation gas can be used to supply energy for recovery and processing of the cellulose.    (DE4304294-C2)      Useful materials are recovered from a composite material comprising at least one Al layer and a layer of polyolefin, e.g. drinks carton, by a process in which the composite is charged into a reaction chamber after communition and is carbonised at a temp. below the m.pt. of the Al. The Al and residues are separated and the gas generated by the low temp. treatment is used as energy carrier for a boiler.    ADVANTAGE -   The process does not depend on removal of any cellulose but allows recovery of cellulose if required.
(DE4341175-A1)      Prodn. of organic and mineral-organic (mixed) fertiliser, comprises microbially composting raw material contg.: (a) up to 51 wt.% whole plants; and (b) sludge, which may be previously processed.    Pref. plants are grasses and cereals, partic. soft wheat, rye, oats, Triticum spp., maslin, etc. Legumes and/or straw may also be present. Pref. sludge conveniently contains poultry manure or nutrients derived from other organic waste or by-products. When the sludge used contains harmful biaryl ethers, opt. chlorinated biphenyls, phenols or aromatic acids, the microorganism is pref. a Pseudomonas or Sphingomonas bacterium or a Phanerochaetae, Paecilomyces, Trametes, Trichosporon or Candida fungus, which degrades these chemicals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method produces fertiliser which is hygienic, standardised and has high nutrient value, esp. essential amts. of free, assimilable N2. The method is cheap to operate, requiring low prim. energy input, and can make use of dairy and similar industrial sludge which is otherwise expensive to dispose of. Furthermore, fertiliser provides improved soil conditioning and better nutrient availability compared with conventional nitrogen fertilisers.
(US5543324-A)      A consortium of microorganisms identified as ATCC 55381 and comprising the bacterial genera Arthrobacter, Aurobacterium, and Pseudomonas, said consortium being isolated from waste treatment sludge and being capable of completely degrading picric acid.
(WO9423134-A1)      Treatment of a solid or liq. medium contaminated with a hydrocarbon (I) comprises treating the medium, in presence of water and microorganism(s) (MO) capable of metabolising (I), with a salt compsn. (II) contg. ammonium bicarbonate and/or potassium bicarbonate. (II) yields NH4+ and HCO3- ions when dissolved in water, and is added to the medium as aq. soln. or as a solid. (I) contamination is eliminated or reduced to a desired lower level.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. for treating soil or groundwater contaminated with crude oil, diesel fuel or gasoline (all claimed), e.g. due to leakage or spillage during storage, pumping, prodn. or transportation. (II) provides nutrients for enhancing the propagation of MO, and hence the degradation of (I), without any undesirably large increase or decrease in the pH of the medium being decontaminated. If soil is decontaminated with (II) contg. KHCO3, the treatment also provides K as a nutrient for future plant growth.
(JP6226232-A)      Disposal system involves charging a rotating vessel with kitchen garbage via a port. The garbage is mixed in the vessel with a medium for cultivating the aschelminthes and microorganisms.    The port may open into the centre or the side of the vessel's rotation. The vessel can be rotated intermittently. Rotational position detectors ensure the vessel stops in a set position. Vessel wt. detector detects when decomposition is complete. A grinder can act on the garbage before it enters the vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Disposal system for organic kitchen garbage. Faster decomposition of organic kitchen garbage than with composting.    (EP608555-B1)      Organic kitchen garbage disposal apparatus comprising a process vessel (4) containing a medium (B) to cultivate aschelminthes and micro-organisms, characterised by grinding means (3) for grinding kitchen garbage (A) charged; a kitchen garbage discharge port (30b) for discharging the kitchen garbage (A) of said grinding means (3) into the process vessel (4), and said process vessel (4) being rotatable.
(JP2516154-B2)      In the prodn. water is decomposed electrolytically to generate hydrogen; the hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a hydrogen-assimilating methane-producing bacterial culture; the methane produced is burned to obtain energy; the resultant carbon dioxide is supplied to the culture of the bacterium; and at least part of the cell of the grown bacterium is purified to obtain a useful material.    Appts. for the prodn. has a hydrogen generator for the electrolytic decomposition of water; a reactor with a mechanism to introduce hydrogen and carbon dioxide and a mechanism to discharge methane for culture of hydrogen-assimilating methane-producing bacterium; a combustor to burn the methane discharged from the reactor; and a mechanism to circulate carbon dioxide from the combustion to the reactor.    The methane-producing bacteria is e.g. methanobacterium, methanobrevibacter, methanomicrobium and methanococcus bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   With the method, the original material, hydrogen, can be obtd. stably from solar energy to solar cell for hydrolytical decomposition of water. The cost of hydrogen is only about one fourth of the conventional hydrogen cost. The carbon dioxide is used in a closed system, to reduce global warming. It permits mass accumulation of useful matter in the cell of the bacteria without prodn. of excessive sludge; and the residue after extn. of material e.g. cholinoid can be used as a feed or fertiliser.
(JP7075712-A)      A bacteria supporting medium is made of synthetic resin and has a spiral shape with a relatively small pitch. It is constructed of a number of S-shaped continuous portions defining along their outer boundary a continuous winding line.    Each S-shaped portion extends radially and has an upwardly expanding part and a downwardly expanding part. These taper towards a central opening. A portion of each of the upwardly and downwardly expanding portions bulge slightly outwards. Upper and lower segments of the winding line are slightly offset.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The medium is used to support bacteria in the treatment of water. The medium has a large bacteria-supporting surface. It is shaped so that solids do not become trapped.    (US5500111-A)      A bacteria-supporting medium of synthetic resin which has a spiral shape with a relatively small pitch and comprises number S-shaped portions continuous with each other and defined at outer boundaries by a continuous winding line, each of the S-shaped portions extending radially and including an upwardly-expanding part and a downwardly-expanding part, said upwardly-extending and downwardly-extending parts being tapered toward a central opening, one portion of the upwardly-expanding part, as well as one portion of the downwardly-expanding part, slightly bulging out, and upper and lower segments of the winding line being offset slightly upon dividing the winding line by an inner circumferential line.
(JP7016428-A)      Purifying gas or water or catalyst comprising using a photocatalytic reaction with a semiconductor oxide e.g. Ti dioxide to which an electrolyte conductivity - and capillary condensn. improving agent is added.    USE -   For treating dirty waters.    (EP738539-A1)      Purificn. of (waste) gases and vapours, which may contain aerosols and are contaminated or mixed with undesirable chemical substances, involves a photocatalysis reaction on the surface of semiconductor oxide catalysts (I), esp. TiO2, in a closed or open system, using a fluidised or fixed bed catalyst; and opt. washing out the mineralisation prods. formed by photocatalysis. The novel features are that (a) (I) is treated with liquid or solid agent (II), which acts as electrolyte and improves capillary condensation, i.e. mineral acid, alkali, salt or hydrolysis prods. (IIA) or mixts. or these; and/or (b) doped with inorg. halogen cpd(s). (III), excluding pure F cpds., as halogen radical source; or (c) doped with agent(s) (IV) combining the properties and functions of (a) and (b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are used for oxidn. of NOx to HNO3 or redn. of NOx to N2 with NH3 and/or other reducing agents (claimed). They are also useful for decomposing e.g. CO and CH4 in air. Charge recombination inside (I) is very limited and additional new radicals are formed to reactivate the reaction.
(JP2925866-B2)      Appts. includes a fermenting vessel (3) with a feed lid (20), stirring pawl shaft (4) with stirring pawls, suction blower (8), and driving motor (7) for detecting opening or closing of the feed lid (20) and rotating the stirring pawl shaft (4) based on the detection result.    ADVANTAGE -   Dispersion of malodour from garbage may be prevented.
(DE4300188-C2)      For a rapid and aerobic decomposition of degradable material, for compost, the degrading stretch is divided into separate and succesive sections, each with a container rotating round the longitudinal axis. The heat carrier medium is passed through the walls of each container in a counter flow to the direction of material travel through the containers.    Also claimed is an assembly with a number of rotating containers along the path of the material for composting. Each has an air feed and exhaust. The heat carrier medium is passed through the container wall, not directly in contact with the material, against the direction of material travel.    ADVANTAGE -   The method gives a continuous composting action with a wholly enclosed material circuit. It prevents an uncontrolled temp. change pattern in the material.
(EP604708-B1)      Methane fermentation method comprises growing at least one methanogenic bacterium (A) in a medium contg. major substrates assimilated by the bacterium at a low rate. The new feature is that fermentation is carried out using at least 2 substrates, one of which is more rapidly assimilated than the other.    Suitable (A) are Methanosarcina; the rapidly assimilated substrate is MeOH or MeNH2, and the slowly assimilated one is acetic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used to generate methane, esp. in treatment of solid waste and waste water. Rapid and efficient methane prodn. is achieved. Use of the rapidly assimilated substrate reduces start-up time (high cell concns. are reached quickly) and allows smaller fermenters to be used. Typically M. acetivorans C2A, at 35-40 deg.C, had generation times of 24.1 hour on acetic acid; 5.2 hour on MeOH and 6.7-7.3 hour on methylamine.
(US5403799-A)      Macroporous upset-resistant inorganic oxide catalyst support comprises 1 or more zeolite particle of size 1-1000 microns, and an inorganic binder which binds them forming macropores.    Support has total pore vol. of 0.1-1.5 cc per g, where macropores of dia. 0.5-100 microns have vol. 0.1-1.0cc per g (by mercury porosimetry).    ADVANTAGE -   Has crush resistance of 5lbs on supports of size 3mm or more.    (EP603989-B1)      An upset resistant porous inorganic oxide catalyst support comprises ultimate particles of a zeolite and an inorganic binder. The support has: a total pore vol. of 0.1-1.5 cm3/g; a gp. of large pores with pore dias. as measured by mercury porosimetry of 0.5-100 microns, the large pores providing a pore vol. of 0.1-1.0 cm3/g; and a strong crush resistance which is of the order of 5 lbs when measured on particles having a min. dimension of 3mm.    Also claimed is a method of making porous inorganic bodies with large micropores.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A catalyst for the biotreatment of aq. waste streams or contaminated vapours is claimed, comprising the catalyst support of the invention having on it a catalytically effective amt. of a microorganism. The porous bodies may also be used as adsorbents or in filtration devices. The catalyst support has very large pores and good physical strength. It offers improved protection against process upsets and is resistant to excursions in pH.
(US5329774-A)      4C hydrocarbons are sepd. from a feed entering sepn. equipment by cooling and partially condensing in successive stages of condensation and phase sepn., such that a gaseous overhead from each sepn. stage is further cooled and partially condensed and supplied to the next sepn. stage, and the 1.2 sepd. from each stage used to seal the gas.    Further refrigeration is supplied to the gas to affect condensations by indirect heat exchange with a closed cycle refrigerant subjected to a compression/expansion cycle.    ADVANTAGE -   Feed undergoes no compression and no abrupt expansion, and undergoes pressure loss due only to friction of the passage of the feed through the appts.
(WO9418305-A1)      Appts. for treating a garbage mixture comprises a fermentation stage (20) where the garbage is deposited into non-compacted swathes for fermentation of any organic waste. The resulting mixture is loaded into grinder/separator stages (30, 40, 50) where it is reduced into smaller particles.These are sorted in screened separators.    The grinders each have three parallel rotating axles carrying chains mounted by one end and having a hardened flailing tip at the other. The axles are spaced so that the tips of the chains pass in close proximity to each other. Two of the axles are arranged opposite each other at an upstream location and are counter-rotated. The third is downstream and is rotated in the same direction as one of the upstream axles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts. transforms household waste to usable output prods., including an organic soil fertiliser and non-fermentable prods. with various industrial uses, e.g. as a high strength, moulded prod. for fence parts, pavement blocks, curbs, railway ties etc. The grinder chains do not become snarled and are subject to less wear and deterioration than known models. Also, the fermentation waste is readily separated from the non-fermentable.
(JP95055295-B2)      A catalyst (a) supports at least one Pt gp. element comprising Pd, Pt, or Rh (0.3-10g/L) on a gamma Al2O3 substrate on an acid-resistant three-dimensional ceramic honeycomb. A catalyst (b) is formed by adding at least one oxide of lanthanide-based metal La, Nd, or Pr, with a lanthanide-based metal/catalyst support Al mol. ratio of 2/98-40/60, to the catalyst (a) for preventing a decrease in methane invert ratio at high temps. and for improving catalyst heat resistance.    A catalyst (c) is formed by adding Mg oxide, with Mg/catalyst (a) Pt gp.-element atomic ratio of 1-30, to the catalyst (b) for depressing formaldehyde growth by NOx coexistence. The catalyst comprises a multistage catalyst layer (catalyst (b) and catalyst (c), (5a), (5b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used for purifying exhaust gas released from a natural gas engine. The catalyst reduces the generation of formaldehyde harmful to a human body and having high photochemical reaction, and traces of other components.
NOVELTY - The separators (11, 12) are arranged on either sides of the positive and negative electrodes (51, 52) between which a solid polymer electrolyte film (1) is sandwiched. An air flow path (3) is formed between the positive electrode and the separator (11). A gas-sealing portion (10) is formed at the air outlet side end of the air flow path, so as to eject the unconverted gas through the air outlet (16).    USE - Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Improves the flow of hydrogen gas and air in the electrodes and prevents reduction in partial pressure, effectively.
(DE4241894-A1)      Organic waste, partic. domestic refuse, is composed by a process in which waste material (14) is put on a mat of fluorohydrocarbon-contg. plastic (12), which is rolled up. Heat is supplied to the mat via water fed into internal passages (26) in the mat and is controlled to a predetermined constant value by supply of hot or cold water. The mat is unrolled to remove the compost by means of stripping devices (20,28).    ADVANTAGE -   Rapid and complete composting, reducing bulk by approx. 50%.    (EP601430-B1)      Process for composting organic waste in particular household garbage, in which the waste to be composted is decomposed microbially under predetermined physical conditions, characterised by the following steps (a) depositing the waste (14) to be composted on a flexible mat (12), (b) rolling up the mat (12), (c) supplying thermal energy via the mat (12) into the waste (14) to be composted, (d) adjusting the amt. of heat in the waste (14) to be composted to a predetermined constant value, if necessary by reducing heat from the waste (14) via the mat (12), (e) unrolling the mat (12) and removing the composted waste (14) therefrom.
(US5360566-A)      Refrigerant compsn. comprises at least one, esp. two or three hydrocarbons (total 70-95 mol.%), CO2 and additives (e.g. flame retardants); such that the b.pt. of the compsn. at the higher pressure in the refrigeration cycle is about equal to the ambient operating temp. and pref. lower than the dew point at both the higher and lower cycle pressures. Pref. hydrocarbons are propane, pentane, ethane, methane, butane and/or hexane; and ethylene and/or propylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are refrigerants for closed cycle refrigerators which avoid hazardous environmental pollution. The prods. are non-inflammable, nontoxic and free from halogenated hydrocarbons.
(DE4334498-C2)      Composting organic waste includes filling material into a container chamber in a central operating region, moving the container to a collection area, placing the waste in a chamber and mixing the material in the chamber using a worm arrangement. Air is fed into the container to achieve an optimum temp. and oxygen content for the composting process. The filled container is then taken to the central operating region.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is effective and ensures that composting is optimised.
(US5414187-A)      Mixt. of isoparaffins and olefins is alkylated by (i) contacting with a catalyst complex comprising (a) an organosulphonic acid ((R2-O)2P(O))yR(SOrR1)x which has been previously contacted under anhydrous conditions with a Lewis acid and (b) free Lewis acid; and (ii) sepg. alkylate stream from the catalyst.    R is an organo gp. contg. 1 or more covalent C-F band; R1 is H; R2 is H or (1-20C)hydrocarbyl; r is 2 or 3; and x and y are each 1-3; such that P and S are covalently bonded to C.    USE -   In prodn. of high octane alkylate stream for addn. to gasoline.
(JP8502926-W)      Process for recovering a condensable organic component from a gas stream comprises: (a) providing an incoming gas stream contg. a condensable organic component, the component having b.pt. more than 50 deg.C at atmos. pressure; (b) providing a membrane with a feed side and a permeate side and which comprises a polymer material with a glass transition temp. of at least 100 deg.C and free vol. of at least 10%; (c) contacting the feed side with the gas stream; (d) withdrawing from the permeate side a permeate stream enriched in the condensable organic component compared with gas stream; and (e) withdrawing from the feed side a residue stream depleted in the condensable organic component compared with gas stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Membrane gas sepn. process esp. for removing condensable organic vapours from gas mixts., e.g. hydrocarbons from natural gas, organic vapours from air, methane, nitrogen or hydrogen. Process combines high flux with selectivity for the condensable component.
(WO9416032-A1)      Polymeric material is depolymerised by (a) preparing a molten mixt. of (i) a basic material which is NaOH, KOH, Na2B4O7.10H2O, Na3BO3, Na2SiO2 and/or K2SiO3, (ii) a source of Cu selected from Cu metal, univalent Cu and/or divalent Cu and (iii) a polymeric material which is polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and/or polypropylene and (b) maintaining the molten mixt. under unpressurised air atmos. and at temp. sufficient to reflux the mixt. below 250 deg.C for sufficient time to depolymerise the material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for depolymerising polymeric materials for recycling or disposal. Process for the recycling or safe disposal of polymeric materials esp. polyethylene which can be carried out in the presence of solids or liq. waste contaminants. The liq. active hydrocarbon prod. obtd. from degradation of polyethylene has b.pt. and chemical properties resembling kerosene or diesel fuel.    (EP677092-A1)      Polymeric material is depolymerised by (a) preparing a molten mixt. of (i) a basic material which is NaOH, KOH, Na2B4O7.10H2O, Na3BO3, Na2SiO2 and/or K2SiO3, (ii) a source of Cu selected from Cumetal, univalent Cu and/or divalent Cu and (iii) a polymeric material which is polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride and/or polypropylene and (b) maintaining the molten mixt. under unpressurised air atmos. and at temp. sufficient to reflux the mixt. below 250 deg.C for sufficient time to depolymerise the material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for depolymerising polymeric materials for recycling or disposal. Process for the recycling or safe disposal of polymeric materials esp. polyethylene which can be carried out in the presence of solids or liq. waste contaminants. The liq. active hydrocarbon prod. obtd. from degradation of polyethylene has b.pt. and chemical properties resembling kerosene or diesel fuel.
(JP2795785-B2)      Cycloolefin copolymer resin foam consists of cyclic olefin copolymer resin contg. foams formed from alkali metal carbonate and foaming agent.    Prepn. of the resin foam is carried out by extruding a mixture of cycloolefin copolymer resin, alkali metal carbonate and foaming agent, which is fused under heat pressing in an extrusion moulding machine, to low pressure zone through metal mould of the extrusion moulding machine to obtain a foam.    The olefin copolymer resin has density about 1 g/cm3 and glass transition temp. about 140 deg.C. The foaming agent is satd. aliphatic hydrocarbon, e.g. n-butane, iso-butane, n-pentane, iso-pentane, neo-pentane, etc. are desirable.    ADVANTAGE -   The cyclic olefin copolymer resin foam has good dimensional stability, heat resistant stiffness, chemical resistance, weathering property and electrical insulation based on cyclic olefin copolymer and has light weight based on uniform fine foams and shows reduced contraction to inhibit generation of creasing on the surface.
(JP3135708-B2)      Plant pathogenic fungus inhibitor contg. Pseudomonas sp. bacterium having antagonism against plant pathogenic fungus and betaine.    Also claimed are organic fertiliser having plant pathogenic fungus inhibiting ability to which above Pseudomonas sp. bacterium and betaine are added.    The organic fertiliser is prepd. by (1) fermenting by adding water to Pseudomonas sp. bacterium, betaine, organic raw material and raw material for fertiliser opt. contg. fermenting additive or (2) mixing Pseudomonas sp. bacterium, betaine, water and opt. porous adsorptive carrier to fermented organic fertiliser.    Examples of Pseudomonas sp. bacteria are, P. mesophilica, P. putida, P. fluorescens, P. aeruginosa, P. pickettii, P. stuzeri, P. maltophilia, etc. Pref. betaine is trimethyl glycine,. Number of Pseudomonas sp. bacterium to be added to, e.g. turf grass is about 10 power 5 to 10 power 12, pref. 10 power 7 to 10 power 10/1 m2 and amount of betaine to be added is about 10 mg to 50 g, pref. 250 mg-25 g.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plant pathogenic fungus inhibitor and the organic fertiliser enhance particularly resistance of turf grass against pathogenic fungi such as Pythium aphanidermatum Pythium vanterpooli, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, etc.
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.
(US5443021-A)      The dump comprises a dumping area contg. waste producing biogas in combination with a collector arranged to collect biogas produced by the waste. An electroburner is arranged to supply heat to a waste melting furnace at the dump site. The collector communicates with the electroburner to fuel the electroburner with biogas produced by the waste. The waste melting furnace includes a combustion chamber arranged to receive waste without prior thermal destructive processing and heat from the electroburner for melting and compacting the waste from the dumping area. Pref., the collector also communicates with a thermal engine driving an alternator supplying the electroburner with electric power. The electroburner is pref. supplied with air and is provided with a device for heating the air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for dumps for waste, esp. household waste and industrial waste. The biogas that is given off by the dump is used for melting the waste and reducing its vol..
(DE4334249-C2)      Treating compost to produce a marketable prod. comprises (a) opt. mixing the compost with granulating assistant; (b) granulating by rolling in a rotating plate or drum; (c) drying the granulate; (d) classifying into a fraction (A) with correct grain size, a fraction (B) of low grain size and a fraction (C) with high grain size; and (e) purifying by sepg. the fraction (A) and removing by prods.. The granulate is opt. coated.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and reliable.
(DE4237872-C2)      Monitoring the disinfection taking place during the biological rotting of compostable waste, by exothermic processes, includes determining the temp. in the waste.    The waste passes through a rotting cell in a horizontal direction. The temp. in the inside of the waste are continuously measured by contact measurement on the side wall of the rotting cell. The contact measurement pref. takes place at half height in the rotting cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable.
(US5339974-A)      Domestic composter structure is provided comprising an upwardly tapering lower portion, an upwardly tapering upper portion reversible to fit within that, with an upper edge joint in the lower portion engaging a lower edge joint in the upper portion for assembly into a composter in use.    The portions are fitted with the upper portion within the lower portion for transport purposes.    Pref. the joints are manually dis-assemblable without use of tools.    ADVANTAGE -   Transport within a passenger car is facilitated.
(JP2909286-B2)      The putrefaction/maturation of good-quality compost is carried out by fermenting compost with the addn. of 2-oxo-4-methyl-5-ureido hexahydropyridine (CDU) and dried blood, and pref. with the addn. of thermophile and alkaliphile bacteria, pref. Bacillus licheniformis.    ADVANTAGE -   The compost accelerates the growth of young seedlings, and also effectively controls various plant diseases, e.g. cucumber cracked-vine diseases, etc..
(GB2272692-B)      A worm composter comprising a container made of a water permeable substance such that the surplus moisture from the waste and the waste processing passes through the container wall and evaporates from the outer surface of the container.
(DE4237620-A1)      Process for recovery of high purity liq methane from gas mixts. of methane, 2C+ hydrocarbons, CO2 and N2, comprises (a) passing the input gas mixt. into an adsorption unit to remove moisture, (b) passing the dried gas mixt. into a membrane sepn. unit where CO2 is sepd. off to a residual content of less than 2 vol.% and (c) subjecting the remaining gas mixt., consisting essentially of methane, 2C+ hydrocarbons and N2, to a low temp. distn. in which the 2C+ hydrocarbons and residual CO2 are removed by distn. and the N2 is removed by flash evapn., to give a high purity liq. methane prod. stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high purity liq. methane is useful as an environmentally benign fuel for diesel engines in locomotives, buses and commercial vehicles. The process allows recovery of high purity liq. methane from natural gas. The amine scrubbing stage used in some previous processes to remove CO2 is eliminated and a smaller adsorption unit can be used than previously.    (US5414190-A)      CH4 is recovered from a feed gas mixt. contg. (2C or more) hydrocarbons, CO2, N2 and H2O, by (a) introducing the mixt. to a regenerable adsorption stage to selectively remove water; (b) passing dried feed gas mixt. to a membrane sepg. stage to selective reduce CO2 to residual content less than 2 vol.%; and (c) passing mixt. obtd. to a distn. stage to separate the (2C or more) hydrocarbons and residue of CO2 from the CH4.    Opt. CH4 obtd. is liquefied from the distn. stage, then passed to a storage tank, such that boil-off gas is withdrawn and the N2-content of the liq. CH4 gradually reduced.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids use of an amine washing stage.
(EP670360-A1)      Reduction of deposits on thermally treating synthetic organic wastes at 230-550 deg C, 10 mbar-450 bar, and for 0.02-40 hrs in inert gas, opt in the presence of small amts of oxygen, is claimed, in which the specific amt of meltable plastic contg heteroatoms is limited to less than 10-0 (pref 5-0) wt% in the starting product to be treated.    ADVANTAGE -   Esp. prevents formation of coke.
(JP8502479-W)      A refrigerant compsn. comprises bis(difluoromethyl) ether and 1-trifluoromethoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, difluoro, methoxy pentafluoroethane, 1-trifluoromethoxy-1,2,2,2-tetra-fluoroethane, 1-trifluoromethoxy-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, tris(trifluoromethyl)-amine, difluoromethyl sulphur pentafluoride, pentafluoroethyl sulphur pentafluoride, ammonia, butane or isobutane.    Also claimed is the above refrigerant compsn. being an azeotropic or azeotropic-like compsn.    Also claimed are: (i) a process for producing refrigeration by condensing and evaporating the above compsn. in the vicinity of the body to be cooled; and (ii) a process for producing heat comprising condensing an evaporating the above compsn. in the vicinity of the body to be heated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. is useful as cleaning agent, expansion agent for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellant, refrigerant, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectric, fire extinguishing agent, power cycle working fluid, polymerisation media, particulate removal fluid, carrier fluid, buffing abrasive agent and displacement drying agent. HFCs have no chlorine and therefore have zero ozone depletion potential.
(US5396018-A)      Recovery process comprises: (i) passing a prod. stream of converted hydrocarbons leaving the hydrocarbon conversion process and contg. acid catalyst, through a fixed bed of a solid absorbent material having affinity for the acid catalyst; (ii) desorbing the adsorbed acid catalyst by passing a process stream of hydrocarbons through the adsorbent bed; and (iii) cycling the process stream together with the desorbed acid catalyst to the hydrocarbon conversion process. Reactivity of process stream is elevated by increasing the amt. of olefinic and/or aromatic cpd(s). in the process stream.    Acid catalyst pref. comprises a fluorinated sulphonic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Recovery of acid catalyst from acid catalysed hydrocarbon conversion (claimed). Improved process economy. Diminished environmental risk during storage and final processing.
(US5411664-A)      Halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment or soil are dehalogenated and/or degraded, by adding a mixt. of (a) fibrous organic matter to support bacterial or fungal growth, and (b) multi-valent metal particles in amt. to promote reductive dehalogenation.    Metal particles comprise Fe and/or Mg in dosage 50-5000 mg per kg of water, soil or sediment, or Zn, Cu, Co and/or Ni in dosage 1-1000 mg/kg.    ADVANTAGE -   Dehalogenated prods. are easily degraded by aerobic microbial processes.    (US6083394-A)      Dehalogenation and/or degradation of halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment or soil is affected by adding a combination of fibrous organic matter which is capable of supporting bacterial or fungal growth and multivalent metal particles in amts. which promote reductive dehalogenation of the organic cpds. A compsn. for carrying this out comprising metal particles and fibrous organic matter in a wt. ratio of 1:1-1:500000 is also claimed.    Pref. the metal is selected from (a) Fe and Mg or mixts. of these, at 50-5000 mg, pref. 250-2500 mg/kg of water or dry wt. of soil or sediment, with the wt. ratio of metal:organic matter = 1:1-1:10000; or (b) Zn, Cu, Co and Ni or mixts. of these, at 1-1000 mg, pref. 10-100 mg/kg of water or dry wt. of soil or sediment, with the wt. ratio of metal:organic matter = 1:10-1:500000.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process and compsn. promote an anaerobic reductive dehalogenation thereby making the contaminants more readily degradable by microorganisms which are naturally present in the soil, water or sediment.
(US5411649-A)      Catalytic controlled oxidn. of methane using microwaves for the synthesis of ethane and ethylene comprises: (a) introducing methane over the surface of a catalyst having electrical charge defects and geometric deformations enabling it to absorb electromagnetic energy or microwaves; and (b) subjecting the methane and catalyst to an electromagnetic field. The catalyst comprises a rare earth oxide or rare earth alkali metal mixed oxide.    Pref., the catalyst is doped with at least 1 alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal. The catalyst is SmLiO2, LaLiO2, LaNO2, NdNaO2 or SmNaO2. The electromagnetic field used comprises microwaves having bands authorised for industrial, scientific and medical applications.    USE -   For controlled oxidn. of methane.
(ZA9307039-A)      Heavy metals are sepd. from aq. media contg. the same by contacting the said medium with finely divided iron oxide (Fe3O4) and finely divided ferrous sulphide, maintaining said contact until at least a substantial proportion of said heavy metal has become bound to said iron oxide and ferrous sulphide, and then sepg. the iron oxide and ferrous sulphide having heavy metal bound thereto from the aq. medium.    (US5441648-A)      Heavy metal is sepd. from an aq. medium by (a) contacting it with ferrous sulphide which is physically attached to finely-divided synthetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) of particle size less than 1 microns; (b) maintaining contact until 90% or more of the heavy metal binds the sulphide; and (c) magnetically sepg Fe3O4 and sulphide contg. bound heavy metal from the medium. Pref the sulphide is formed in situ by reacting FeSO4 in soln with a water-soluble sulphide, or by reacting a sulphate-reducing bacterium (eg desulphovibrio) on dissolved FeSO4.    USE -   Used for removing cadmium, uranium, lead, copper, mercury, cobalt, chromium and nickel from industrial effluent.
(JP3116976-B2)      A new polyimide sepn. membrane is made of aromatic polyimide having the repeat unit of formula (I).    USE -   Used for gas sepn. like methane from He, methane from H2, or O2 from N2, or for dehydration, purification, or filtration. Esp., the new membrane has a higher sepn. factor for methane sepn. from He.    In an example, in 64.9g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were suspended 2.9g of 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetra carboxylic acid dianhydride; 2.3g of 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane were added over 30 min. The reaction mixt. was polymerised at 25 deg. C for 1 hr. The resultant polyamic acid was cast on a glass substrate, heated at 100 deg. C for 3 hrs., further heated at 300 deg. C for 1 hr. to obtain a polyimide sepn. membrane 28.45 microns thick.
NOVELTY - The fuel cell (31) is divided into electricity generation chamber (35), fuel ejection chamber (36) and fuel supply chamber (37) filled with catalyst. The cell tubes (38) in the fuel cell, have fuel injection tube (39) whose one end is connected to the chamber (37) and other end extends into the cell tube. A cave hole ejects water to the fuel waste gas (42) collected in chamber (37), for discharging waste gas.    USE - Cylindrical-type solid electrolyte fuel cell (SOFC) module used for generating electricity using fuels such as natural gas, coal gas, methane, methanol.    ADVANTAGE - An inexpensive cylindrical-type solid electrolyte fuel cell module with uniform capability and high recycle capability, is provided.
(JP2622799-B2)      Prodn. of a substance by culturing a microbe in a medium prepd. from an organic waste. The medium being pref. prepd. by treating an organic waste microbe with an enzyme or with an enzyme-producing microbe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An organic waste discarded from a food plant can be used again as a resource and the final residue can be used as a fertiliser and/or a feed. In an example, 10 times, the amount of tap water was added to 100 g of dry beer gains and the mixt. was stirred at room temp. slowly for 5 hrs. to extract the components which may be nutrients for the useful microbe. 10 times the amount of tap water was added to 500 g of a live yeast dehydrated by a dehydrator and 300 cc of a culture of Myxococcus xanthus ATCC25232 was added to it and cultured at 25 deg.C for 3 days. 5 l of the culture was mixed with 1 l of the above beer grain extract. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was inoculated to the above mixed soln. and cultured at 38 deg.C for 48 hrs. Ethanol was added to the culture to recover 4 to 5 g/l white powder hyaluronic acid.
(US5447705-A)      Catalyst for the partial oxidn. of methane or a gaseous mixt. contg. methane has a perovskite crystalline structure and is of formula LnxA(1-y)ByO3, where x is between 0 and 10; y is between 0 and 1; Ln is at least 1 of a rare earth metal, Sr or Bi; A is a Gp. IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB or VIII metal; B is a Gp. IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB or VIII metal, and A and B are different metals.    Pref., Ln is at lest 1 or La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, En, Dy, Ho or Ef; A is Ti, Cr, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh or Ni, and B is Ti, Cr, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, or Ni. The catalyst is prepd. by preparing an aq. soln. (S) contg. soluble cpds. of Ln, and/or A and/or B, adding a soln. (T) contg. a complexing acid, to produce a ppte. contg. Ln, A and B, sepg. residual solvent, drying the ppte., and calcining at 200-900 C.    USE -   Used for prods. of H2 or CO-CO2-H2 mixts.
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.
(US5434080-A)      The automatic composting plant is contained within an enclosed building, for a number of lines of compost material. Ventilation channels are below the compost material lines, with screw conveyors. The compost moving systems are independently driven, using a discharge screw, and a charging screw over the material, an angled connecting screw conveyor, and a distribution screw conveyor moving over the material which add, transfer and mix the compost material, and remove the finished compost. Elongated slits at the ventilation channels, between them and the material, carry cleaning units moving along them.    ADVANTAGE -   The plant gives an automatic processing of compost for a community, without emissions which would affect the environment.    (EP592368-B1)      A fully automatic compositing installation in a closed hall limited by walls and a roof having several composting boxes disposed side by side, ventilation channels extending there under and associated with the boxes and means for conveying, mixing, turning over, moving and discharging the raw mateiral to be treated and the compost, characterised in that the means for conveying, mixing, turning over, moving and discharging conssists of at least one fixed discharge conveying spiral (11) that extends in front of the discharge apertures (10) of several composting boxes (6), at lesat one fixed input conveying spiral (12) that extends above several composting boxes, at least one diagonally disposed connection conveying spiral (13) and at lesat one distribution conveying spiral (15) movable above the composting boxes.
(US5406747-A)      Earth and sandy materials are regenerated and sterilised with steam in a device comprising (a) an elongated treatment chamber having a feed side and a delivery side; (b) a screw conveyor in (a) to continuously convey and mix materials from feed side to delivery side; and (c) 1 or more device for introducing steam under pressure into (a), which have feed orifices spaced along (a) from feed side to delivery side.    Wall of (a) has a feed opening so that material can enter, with a filling funnel surrounding this having one or more gp. of steam feed orifices that direct steam toward the feed openings.    USE -   Used for treatment of compost earth and playground sand.    (EP591625-B1)      A device for the regeneration and sterilisation of soil, in particular compost or similar soil, with steam, featuring: an elongated treatment chamber (2,2"), a screw (4,4") positioned in the treatment chamber (2,2") for the continuous conveyance and mixing of the material fed in for treatment from the inlet side (5) to th outlet side (16) of the treatment chamber (2,2"), and a vaporization device (8,8'), characterised in that the vaporization device (8,8') features stream inlet openings (20,20",22) along th length of the treatment chamber (2,2") to introduce compressed stream into it and that the number of steam inlet openings (20,20",22) on each longitudinal section in a zone adjacent to the inlet side (5) is greater than in the area on the outlet side (16).
(EP593911-A1)      Thermal cracking of synthetic organic waste materials is effected at 200-600 deg.C and 0.01-450 bar for a residence time of 1 minute to 24 hour in an inert gas atmos. contg. 0.1-10 vol.% O2. The temp. is pref. 220-500 (esp. 240-480) deg.C.. The pressure is 0.1-350 (esp. 0.1-1) bar. The resilience time is pref. 5 minutes to 24 hours.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process may be used to convert waste plastics, e.g. high-density polyethylene (HDPE), to prods. of lower viscosity. Addn. of O2 accelerates thermal degradation without causing resin or deposit formation.    (DE4232353-C2)      Processing of synthetic organic material waste comprises thermal decomposition of the waste in the presence of oxygen (0.1-10 vol.%) dispersed in an inert carrier gas and opt. additives, at temps. 200-600 deg.C (pref. 240-480 deg.C) and pressures 0.01-450 bar (pref. 0.1-1 bar), for times of 1 min. - 24 hrs. (pref. 5 min. -24 hrs.).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Volatile decomposition prods. are carried from the furnace zone by a stream of inert gas, and can be recovered by condensation. The process times are shortened by the presence of oxygen, and the prodn. of intractable tars or resins is reduced.
(US5400918-A)      An enclosure is provided comprising a continuous wall skin of spherical shape made up of a number of identical panels with all their side edges being identical, each including a base line; each panel having tabs on each side edge extending outwardly from it with edges lying in a common line parallel with the base line and the side edges diverging toward the base line; the tabs including a male tab and a female tab on each edge; the male tabs having slits in their side edges extending toward each other in line with the base line; the panel including a sub tab cut at each female tab which is flexible for forming a hole; the panels being detachably connected together by male female tab interaction, and constituting the entire structure of the wall skin and self sustaining in its spherical shape and the interconnected tabs constitute sole means for securing the tabs together.    USE -   For forming a composter.
(JP3202801-B2)      Light is irradiated as the organic cpd. in the presence of titanium oxide and/or hydrated titanium oxide, and oxygen in a perfluoro inert liq., including perfluoroalkyl amine.    The organic cpd. pref. comprises, e.g., methane or ethane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The use of the perfluoro inert liq. for oxidn. decomposition readily decomposes gas or liq. organic cpd. No intermediate prod. or CO is grown. C contained in the organic cpd. is converted into CO2. The result treats the harmful organic cpd. causing environmental pollution. Decomposing polydiphenyl chloride generates no harmful substance, including dioxin.
(US5354346-A)      Pressure swing adsorption for recovering two gases passes a feed stream at elevated pressure through an adsorbent bed, stops the feed before breakthrough, depressurised the bed to ambient to remove the adsorbed gas, and recycles at least part of the resultant effluent to the feed stream. A low pressure purge stream of the strongly adsorbed gas is passed through the bed to remove residual second gas, and the bed is evacuated to below ambient pressure to recover the strongly adsorbed gas as prod. The bed is partially repressurised with effluent from another bed in the purge stage before re-pressurising with less strongly adsorbed gas.    The gases are pref. selected from H2, O2, CO2, N2, CO, CH2 and other hydrocarbons, and the adsorbent is zeolite, carbon, alumina, or silica gel.    ADVANTAGE -   The method increases process energy efficiency and gives two prods. with high yield and purity.
(DE4331932-C2)      An installation for producing a bio-gas, incudes a sludge gas unit, a gas drier, a gas storage unit, a gas compressor and a combustion machine coupled to an electric generator. The sludge is treated by gassing the raw sludge. The combustion machine is a gas turbine, and a sludge dewatering unit is located behind the sludge rotting unit. A heat exchanger is used for the indirect heating of drying air and a gas line runs from the gas turbine exhaust to the heating medium inlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The installation is efficient and reliable and delivers a significant amt. of useable energy.
(JP6241063-A)      Plastic scrap of any kind of composition is used for generating electricity. In the process the scrap in a plasma reactor and under reducing conditions is exposed to plasma contg. sub-stoichiometric oxygen at a temp. above 1200 deg.C; it is there converted to plasma-pyrolytic gas which consists of low molecular weight carbon fragments, after which the gas is cooled down to below 1500 deg.C. The gas used is compressed to have a high calorific value and is fed at high temp. to a gas turbine for electricity generation; the heat lost is utilised to generate steam and this too is fed to a similar turbine for current generation.    ADVANTAGE -   The process converts the high energy content of mixed plastic scrap into electrical energy with a very high conversion efficiency. At the same time it converts the scrap into environmentally acceptable material which can be disposed of without producing any harmful substances. It saves fossil fuels, raw material resources generally and hence the whole environment.    (US5369947-A)      A process is provided for converting plastics wastes into power comprising steps of reacting plastics waste in a plasma reactor under reducing conditions in a plasma contg. sub-stoichiometric oxygen at a temp. above 1200 deg.C to form a plasma pyrolysis gas consisting of low mol. wt. carbon fragments; cooling this to below 1500 deg.C and compressing it to above 10 bar; delivering the compressed gas as a fuel of high calorific value and high temp. to a gas turbine for generating electric power; passing waste gases from the turbine to a boiler to generate steam which is then fed to a steam turbine for generating more power.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency power prodn.
(NL9301411-A)      The covering material for a compost heap has a membrane (1) which is impermeable to water but permeable to air. It is covered on both sides by a textile carrier material (2,3).    The membrane (1) is of polyethylene or polyurethane. The textile carriers (2,3) are a high density non-woven, woven or knitted material of polyester.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is for covering a compost heap, esp. for rotting in the compost conversion of bio-waste. The material gives the required ventilation and water movement, with protection against drying out or saturation.    (DE4231414-C2)      The covering material for a compost heap has a membrane (1) which is impermeable to water but permeable to air. It is covered on both sides by a textile carrier material (2,3).    The membrane (1) is of polyethylene or polyurethane. The textile carriers (2,3) are a high density non-woven, woven or knitted material of polyester.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is for covering a compost heap, esp. for rotting in the compost conversion of bio-waste. The material gives the required ventilation and water movement, with protection against drying out or saturation.
(US5322628-A)      Metallic and organic forms of mercury are dried and simultaneously removed from fluid, by (a) contacting with a layer of a multi-layered bed contg. silver mixed with, coated on, or impregnated in a porous substrate; then (b) contacting with a second layer having gold mixed with, coated on, or impregnated in a porous substrate.    Substrate comprises zeolite 3A, 4A and/or 5A. First and second layers have bed height ratio of 100-20:1. First layer removes water and Hg-metal. Second layer removes organic mercury and residual water.    ADVANTAGE -   Drier bed can be regenerated.
(JP7234210-A)      An analysis system (10) (fig 1) is used to measure the concn of non-methane organic gases (NMOGs) in a gas mixture including methane, and includes a porous layer open tubular (plot) column (30) which is used as part of a trap (22) in which the NMOGs are collected prior to analysis.    When at a low trapping temp the plot column adsorbs the NMOGs but allows the methane in the mixt to pass through when the plot column is at a higher, desorption temp the NMOGs are desorbed into a stream of carried gas flowing through the column.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For determn of non-methane organic gases in gas mixts including methane eg IC engine exhaust gas. Esp useful for eg environmental studies. Simple appts capable of giving quick, accurate, reliable determn can give results very rapidly (eg within a few seconds of several minutes with prior art analysers). Allows use of direct sampling techniques without the need for collection traps and large volumes of dilution air.
(DE4230644-C2)      Closed system process for the recovery of carbon dioxide from coal power stations and its subsequent hydro-biological conversion into methane by anaerobic fermentation, which ends with a fermentation reactor rather than a chimney.    Pref. sulphur and nitrogen are removed following liquefaction of the exhaust gas/carbon dioxide, with vol. redn. further increased by cooling and over pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for the treatment of industrial exhaust gases and as a commercially-viable process for the prepn. of methane. Methane is obtd. via a low energy process.
(EP589155-A1)      Elimination of substances (A) of high fat content (esp. processed leather scraps for glue prodn.) comprises subjected to anaerobic decomposition in admixture with (a) NH3-contg. pH stabilising buffer and (b) biogas-generating bacteria.    Pref. (A) is mixed with liq. chicken manure and with a liq. medium to produce a pumpable mixt. The medium, already mixed with buffer and bacteria (able to cleave fat and generate methane) before adding (A), in esp. water recycled from the fermenter, opt. contg. some liq. manure.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is economical and less polluting than known methods of (A) disposal. Almost complete conversion is achieved and since methane is generated energy can be recovered. The slurry-like residue left after fermentation can be used as organic fertiliser. The use of a buffer allows very large amts. of acid to be produced without causing a fall in pH sufficient to kill the bacteria.    (EP589155-B1)      Elimination of substances (A) of high fat content (esp. processed leather scraps for glue prodn.) comprises subjected to anaerobic decomposition in admixture with (a) NH3-contg. pH stabilising buffer and (b) biogas-generating bacteria.    Pref. (A) is mixed with liq. chicken manure and with a liq. medium to produce a pumpable mixt. The medium, already mixed with buffer and bacteria (able to cleave fat and generate methane) before adding (A), in esp. water recycled from the fermenter, opt. contg. some liq. manure.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is economical and less polluting than known methods of (A) disposal. Almost complete conversion is achieved and since methane is generated energy can be recovered. The slurry-like residue left after fermentation can be used as organic fertiliser. The use of a buffer allows very large amts. of acid to be produced without causing a fall in pH sufficient to kill the bacteria.
(US5352272-A)      Appts. for sepg. gas mixt. components uses a membrane unit operated at 5 deg.C or less. The temp. of the permeate or non-permeate flow is altered and the flow is passed through an exchanger for heat-exchange against feed mixt.    The membrane is such that when using a feed of 80 mol% N2 and 20% O2 at 30 deg.C with pressure of 30 psia on one side of the membrane and a vacuum less than 1 mm Hg on the other the O2 permeability is less than 2000 and is greater than 2000/(O/N selectivity)7/2. The membrane is e.g. of glassy polymer, such as polyphenyleneoxide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyether, polyestercarbonate, polyarylate, polyester, polyacetylene, polytriazole, polyoxadiazole, polyolefin, polysulphone, polyethersulphone, polyamideimide, polyvinylsilane, polybenz(bis)oxazole, polybenzo(bis)thiazole, or polybenzo(bis)imidazole.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for sepn. of N2 from air or CO2 from methane. Provides higher yield and purity.
(JP2634735-B2)      Treatment comprises roughly crushing the plastics, throwing the crushed plastics into a finely crushing machine, together with a liq. contg. a surfactant, and crushing the grains with the liq. into a slurry-like fuel.
(JP2634734-B2)      Treatment comprises roughly crushing a combustible material contg. the plastics, heating and pressuring the grains to form half molten solids, crushing the solids being cooled into fine grains and adding a liq. to them to produce slurry-like fuel.
(JP2673081-B2)      Treating waste comprises crushing the wastes into fine grains, mixing a liq. contg. a surfactant with the fine grains to make a slurry-like fuel; a flow rate adjuster may be provided for the liq.
(JP2622052-B2)      Appts. comprises a wastes housing disposed in a combustion chamber, and gas guide passage connected to the wastes housing. The gas produced in the wastes housing is guided to an engine.
(DE4239297-C2)      A wine-type drink contains at least 10 wt. % of garlic wine obtained by the alcoholic fermentation of garlic. Pref. the drink contains at least 80 wt. % garlic wine, esp. 100 wt. %; and contains 5-18 wt. % alcohol. The garlic wine is obtained by fermenting sugar, garlic and water with yeast at room temp. for 3-8 weeks; removing from the sediment; an ageing for several weeks.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The garlic wine is used as wine, for flavouring, and for the medicinal uses of garlic (anti microbial, centrifugal antiviral, antihypertensive, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antitumour). The garlic wine does not have the unwanted smell of garlic.
(DE4324639-C2)      A process for stabilising compost includes releasing the liq. present by cell destrictuion, and then removal of the liq. The cells of the compost are subjected to excess pressure or reduced pressure, during which time they are damaged. The excess pressure is applied mechanically.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable.
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.
(JP7509513-W)      An aq. self foaming, self-levelling liq. compsn. comprises: water; at least one surfactant; and sufficient gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon(s) to exert a positive pressure in the head space of a dispenser for dispensation of the compsn. The compsn. is dispensed as a liq. the liq. foaming instantly on spreading. A package combination comprises the compsn. packed in a non-pressurised dispenser of barrier material. The dispenser is adapted to contain the compsn. under positive pressure and is equipped with a positive shut-off valve adapted to dispense a proportional amt. of the compsn.    USE -   The compsns. are useful for topical applications of personal cleaning, household cleaning and shaving prepns. They are replacements for bar soaps and shampoos.
(JP95090142-B2)      Liq. comprises 20-40 wt.% FeSO4, 2-10 wt.% MgSO4 and balance water. Ascorbic acid is included in an amt. of at least 1/100,000 wt.% and acetic acid is included in an amt. of up to 1/10,000 wt.% (w.r.t. the total amt. of FeSO4 and MgSO4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to absorb toxic gas e.g., CO, NH3, H2S or CH4. The liq. may be stored stably and oxidises and decomposes human waste Fe2+ oxidises the waste and Fe(2+) ions are kept stably in open air by the action of MgSO4. The mixt. of the liq. and human waste produces no ammonia gas and is used as fertiliser.    In an example, charcoal was burnt in a closed greenhouse for 50 mins. A bottle contg. 3500 cm3 of the new liq. was placed in the house for 10 min. No CO toxic symptoms were developed after a man stayed in the house over 3 hrs.
(US5732891-A)      The prodn. comprises addn. of comminuted harvest residues e.g. corn cobs and straw, barley straw, etc., and the residues are comminuted to a particle dia. of a few microns while mixing with the dung, and the latter is adsorbed on and absorbed in the residues.    Pref. the residues are transferred by conveying and dosing devices (10,11) from a hopper (9) into a grinding and mixing machine (7), in which they are mixed with dung pumped from a tank (2). The residues are comminuted in the machine (7) by discs with prongs or swing hammers, impact crosses or plates, vortex flow rotors or rotors with cutting blades.    ADVANTAGE -   The comminution activates the added solids to achieve maximal adsorption and reaction capacity for rapid and efficient chemical reaction with the organic components of the dung, so a high quality manure is obtained without composting. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9402 based on complete specification).
(EP613494-A1)      A liquefied fuel gas comprises a mixt. of: (a) propane; (b) methylethyl ketone; and (c) a member of the C4H10O or C4H20O2 group of hydrocarbons.    A process for making the above liquified fuel is also claimed.    Liquified fuel gas comprising a mixt. of propane, methyl-ethyl ketone and a member of the mono- or di:oxy butane group of hydrocarbon(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel gas can be used as an automotive fuel and as a torch fuel for cutting and/or welding. The liquified fuel gas of the invention has a higher flame temp., a faster rate of burning and a lower emission of pollutants than prior art fuel gases. It can be stored and transported easily and economically. It can be burned with oxygen for flame cutting of ferrous materials, producing a cleaner, faster cut with no slag or scoria formation. It may be used with 95% oxygen whereas other burning and cutting fuels require 99% oxygen or better. It may be used for cutting underwater at considerable depths, down to 400 ft. It also provides an automotive fuel having enhanced performance and lower emissions of sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitric oxides.
(US5414157-A)      Feedstock is converted to an oxidn. prod. by (a) passing it with air or O2 through an open space and bed of solid granular oxidn catalyst at 300-600 deg,; (b) withdrawing the oxidn prod. from the open space; and (c) simultaneously withdrawing it from an additional location in the reaction zone due to longer contact w.r.t those withdrawn in (b).    Feedstock comprises opt. oxygenated (1-10C)hydrocarbons. Open space lies above the catalyst bed, and the other location is at or below its bottom.    ADVANTAGE -   Greater yield of desired prod. is obtd. w.r.t. operation where all the reaction prods. are removed after longer contact with the catalyst.
(JP95055874-B2)      The fertiliser comprises fermented seed fungi made of a mixt. of cow, pig and fowl droppings and fermenting accelerator comprising rice, bran, sugar and crushed pieces to which leguminous bacteria are deposited.    USE -   Used for culturing agricultural plants.
(JP3147491-B2)      Determn. of organic acid remaining in water obtd by treating organic waste water by methane fermentation comprises (a) passing a part of treated water through monitoring reacting tank for treating it by methane fermentation, (b) measuring the amt of methane gas formed from unit amt of treated water and (c) calculating residual organic acid concn in treated water from measured methane gas amt.    Methane fermenting appts includes (A) methane fermenting tank which receives organic waste water and treats it by methane fermentation, (B) monitoring reacting tank which receives a part of treated water and methane-ferments it, (C) means to measure methane gas formed in monitoring reacting tank, (D) means to measure flow rate of treated water entering monitoring reacting tank, (E) appts for calculating residual organic acid concn. from measured values and (F) appts for the regulating the flow rate of organic waste water entering methane fermenting tank (A) and the temp in methane fermenting tank(A).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The concn. of organic acids such as propionic acid, acetic acid, etc. which inhibit methane fermentation, can be easily determined, efficiently with high accuracy, continuously and the methane fermenting process can be regulated depending upon the determined value under optimum condition.
(EP579289-B1)      Method of separating a gas mixture of at least three components by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) into three different fractions comprises (a) repeatedly performing a cycle of operations including (b) passing the gas mixture through first and second adsorptive regions in series; both of the adsorptive regions having (c) an adsorbent on which a second component of the mixture is more strongly adsorbed than a first component, but less strongly adsorbed than a third component; (d) withdrawing a first fraction enriched in the first component from the downstream end of the first adsorptive region; (e) stopping admission of the gas mixture to the first adsorptive region; (f) withdrawing a second fraction enriched in the second component from the downstream end of the second adsorptive region, and from the upstream end of the second adsorptive region into a common pipeline; and (g) withdrawing a third fraction enriched in the third component from the upstream end of the first adsorptive region.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method improves the overall efficiency of a PSA process in which a multicomponent gas mixt. flowing out of an adsorbent bed continuously changes in concn. either during the prodn. step or the depressurisation step by collecting the mixt. in two fractions, one enriched in a desired product and the other enriched in an impurity.
(JP95074110-B2)      Appts. comprises an endless belt conveyor disposed in stairs in a drying chamber, openable floor plates attached to the conveyor and a drive unit to open and close the floor plates to drop fowl droppings.    USE -   Used for treating fowl droppings.
(JP8501115-W)      Conversion of organic material into a prod. gas comprises (a) providing a liq. reactant mixt. contg. water and liq. organic material within a pressure reactor, (b) providing an effective amt. of a reduced metal catalyst which is Ru, Rh, Os and/or Ir within the reactor, and (c) maintaining the liq. reactant mixt. and catalyst at temp. of 350-450 deg.C and pressure of at least 130 atmos. for a time sufficient to catalyse a reaction to obtain a prod. gas of methane, CO2 and H2.    The conversion of multi-carbon cpds. into a prod. gas by the above steps is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for conversion of organic materials esp. hazardous wastes and biomass materials to prod. gas useful as fuel. Process energy requirements are minimised by maintaining organic material as liq.    (EP643756-B1)      Conversion of organic material into a prod. gas comprises (a) providing a liq. reactant mixt. contg. water and liq. organic material within a pressure reactor, (b) providing an effective amt. of a reduced metal catalyst which is Ru, Rh, Os and/or Ir within the reactor, and (c) maintaining the liq. reactant mixt. and catalyst at temp. of 350-450 deg.C and pressure of at least 130 atmos. for a time sufficient to catalyse a reaction to obtain a prod. gas of methane, CO2 and H2.    The conversion of multi-carbon cpds. into a prod. gas by the above steps is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for conversion of organic materials esp. hazardous wastes and biomass materials to prod. gas useful as fuel. Process energy requirements are minimised by maintaining organic material as liq.
(JP7507593-W)      Organic waste (I) treatment process comprises:    (A) feeding (I) into molten metal contained in a carbonisation reactor without adding separate oxidising agent to generate hydrogen gas and carbonise the metal;    (B) directing the metal into a decarbonisation reactor;    (C) adding oxidising agent to the decarbonisation reactor metal to decarbonise the metal and generate an enriched stream of carbon monoxide gas; and    (D) directing the metal to the carbonisation reactor.    Appts. for the process is also claimed.    The metal is pref. Fe or Mg. Also the metal may comprise two immiscible metals, the first having free energy of oxidn. exceeding that of oxidn. of C to CO at the prevailing conditions, and the second having free energy of oxidn. exceeding that of oxidn. of CO to CO2. An Fe/Cu mixt. is pref.. The enriched C oxide stream pref. comprises CO or CO and CO2 with increased CO2/CO mol. ratio compared to that produced in molten Fe. The oxidising agent is pref. oxygen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas stream produced are utilised, e.g. the H2 is used for sythesis of NH3 or oxoalcohol or as fuel. The waste is e.g. tar, oil, organic waste contg. halogens, metals, etc. and may include inorganic waste.
(JP7507591-W)      Process comprises:    (A) introducing organic waste contg. H and C into molten metal without adding separate oxidising agent, to decompose the waste and form an enriched H2 gas stream while carbonising the molten metal;    (B) removing the hydrogen enriched gas stream;    (C) subsequently adding separate oxidising agent to the metal to oxidise carbon and form an enriched carbon monoxide gas stream while decarbonising the metal; and    (D) removing all the enriched CO gas stream from the vessel.    The metal is pref. Fe or Mg. The enriched C oxide stream comprises CO or CO and CO2 with increased CO2/CO mol. ratio compared to that produced in molten Fe. The oxidising agent is oxygen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The H2 enriched stream is used for synthesis of NH3 or oxoalcohol or as fuel. The waste may be tar, oil, organic waste contg. halogens, metals, etc. and may include inorganic waste.
(US1430-H)      Appts for removing CH4 vapour from gas, comprises (a) a bioreactor container closed to the atmos. contg. carrier coated with a methanotropic bacteria culture and kaolin clay; (b) a conduit connecting outlet of (a) to a gas pump; and (c) a conduit connecting gas pump to a lower part of (a).    Appts also includes (d) a gas sample connected to (c); and (e) a humidifying salt soln within the lower part of (a), so that gas circulates through it and the carrier via the pump and CH4 is removed.    ADVANTAGE -   Rate of oxidn of toxic vapours is increased, esp CH4 and trichloroethylene.
(JP2911707-B2)      Garbage is fluidised by stirring at ordinary temp., which is primarily fermented by blowing air heated to constant temp. of 35-50 deg. C under stirring. Fermented material is secondarily fermented by blowing air heated to constant temp. of 50-70 deg. C under stirring. Treated material is left at ordinary temp.    ADVANTAGE -   Treated material can be used as useful compost.
(JP3155118-B2)      Desulfovibrio genus strain RS-1 having sulphate reducing power, power for endosynthesis of magnetic microparticles comprising magnetite and magnetic reactivity.    Magnetite magnetic microparticles are prepd. by culturing. Desulfovibrio genus bacteria having sulphate reducing power, power for endosynthesis of magnetic microparticles comprising magnetite and magnetic reactivity in the presence of sulphate ion and separating out magnetite microparticles from grown bacteria body.    USE -   Desulfovibrio genus strain RS-1 (FERM P-13283) has sulphate-reducing power and is useful in processing life waste water or sewage by means of active sludge, and is useful for synthesis of uniform form and size of magnetite magnetic microparticles. Magnetite magnetic microparticles are expected to be useful as carrier for physiologically active substance fixing.
(EP692005-A1)      A protective coating compsn. (I) for motor-vehicle underbodies and gravel guards is claimed. It is characterised in that it comprises, in wt.% of the wt. of the compsn., 20-40% of PVC resin (PVC/PVA), 1-3% of a hot-swelling agent comprising an acrylonitrile/acrylic ester/olefin copolymer encapsulating an appropriate amt. of a 4-6C alkane.    Also claimed is a protective coating compsn. (II) comprising 20-40 wt.% PVC (PVA) resin, 30-50 wt.% plasticiser, 0.5-1.5 wt.% adhesion promoter, 20-30% natural coated fillers, 1-3% additives and pigments, 1-3% swelling agent, 0.2-1.2% phenolic resin and 1-3 wt.% solvents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A compsn. for protecting underbodies of motor vehicles and gravel guards against bruising, abrasive and/or corrosive action of external agents is provided. The wt. of the protective coating is reduced without redn. in the protective efficiency. The coating also provides improved soundproofing.    (EP692005-B1)      A protective coating compsn. (I) for motor-vehicle underbodies and gravel guards is claimed. It is characterised in that it comprises, in wt.% of the wt. of the compsn., 20-40% of PVC resin (PVC/PVA), 1-3% of a hot-swelling agent comprising an acrylonitrile/acrylic ester/olefin copolymer encapsulating an appropriate amt. of a 4-6C alkane.    Also claimed is a protective coating compsn. (II) comprising 20-40 wt.% PVC (PVA) resin, 30-50 wt.% plasticiser, 0.5-1.5 wt.% adhesion promoter, 20-30% natural coated fillers, 1-3% additives and pigments, 1-3% swelling agent, 0.2-1.2% phenolic resin and 1-3 wt.% solvents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A compsn. for protecting underbodies of motor vehicles and gravel guards against bruising, abrasive and/or corrosive action of external agents is provided. The wt. of the protective coating is reduced without redn. in the protective efficiency. The coating also provides improved soundproofing.
(WO9611891-A1)      A method and apparatus for continuously processing and reclaiming waste materials includes provision of a number of adjacent cells, each with an impermeable liner. An impermeable domed structure is erected over each cell. Waste material and cover soil is added to each cell in the ratio 1:5 to 10:1. Each cell is covered with an impermeable cover after which the impermeable domed structure is moved to another cell. The decomposition of the waste is controlled and monitored in the cells and after a period of time the material in the cells is recovered and recycled. Each cell is then used for further waste disposal.    USE -   For the reclamation of waste material and garbage.    ADVANTAGE -   The method and apparatus of the invention allows reuse of the components on site. The amount of potentially hazardous leachates is limited and used to enhance decomposition of the waste material. After decomposition, the resultant material is removed and recycled and the cell is available for reuse.
NOVELTY - The laminated cell has a fuel supplier (36) which supplies fuel to an anode pole (33) through fuel route (35), and an oxidizing agent supplier (38) which supplies agent to cathode pole (34) through agent path (37). The interval of path (41) of cooling water supplier (38) arranged orthogonal to the path (37), is changed towards a downstream region from the upper region of the path (37).    USE - Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - By changing the interval of the cooling-water flow path towards downstream region from upper region of oxidizing agent flow path, battery cooling capacity is made small towards downstream region and oxidizing agent temperature rises gradually, thus gaseous-diffusion elimination is carried out easily, liquefaction and dropletizing on cathode pole decrease and also gas occlusion is prevented.
(DE4312923-C2)      To convert bio waste into reusable material, especially vegetable waste matter in communal waste collection, it is initially ground and then mixed with a biological carrier material. The water content of the mixt. is reduced to 8-10 % and the mixt. is further ground. The dried and ground material is finally separated into usable and unusable fractions by a metal separator, wind sifter and a drum sieve.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste conversion costs are reduced, and the waste is restructured into a usable material which can be offered for sale on a cost effective basis.
(JP2603183-B2)      Method comprises (1) culturing bacteria using methanol as carbon source, and (2) culturing and activating them using methane gas.    Also claimed is a method also comprising (1) immobilising the bacteria and (2) contacting immobilised bacteria with a mixt. of methane and oxygen for activation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bacteria produce methane monooxygenase (MMO), and decompose organic chlorine cpds. e.g. reduce trichloroethylene at 10ppm to half in 10 days. It is useful to remove toxic organic chlorine cpds. contained in waste water and gas, and the ground and ground water near factories. The bacteria may be efficiently produced at lower cost (1/6) than a conventional method which uses explosive and dangerous methane gas adone and requires an expensive large fermenter.    Concentration: Pref methanol concn. for (1) is maintained at upto 3000mg/l. Predf. methane concn. for (2) is maintained at 20-50%.    In an example Pre-culture of methylosinus trichloroporium TSUKUBA (50ml) was cultured in a medium (1.51) contg. methanol (1000mg/l) at 30 deg. at pH6.5 at an air flow of 40ml/min. with stirring at 600rpm for 150 hrs. In 50 and 100hrs. methanol was added to adjust the concn. to 1000mg/l. In 150 hrs. the concn. of bacteria reached to 2500 mg/l, and the bacteria was measured for the ability to decompose trichloroethylene, but K1 primary reaction constant) was 0. The bacteria was cultured at a flow of mixt. gas of methane/air (methane concn. 20v/v%) at a flow rate of 50ml/min. In 70hrs. the concn. of bacteria reached 4000mg/l, and K1 was found to be 31/g.hr, showing a high ability to decompose trichloroethylene.
(JP2603182-B2)      Culture method to decompose organic chlorine cpds. comprises culturing bacteria utilising methane in a culture soln. contg. copper in a concentration of 0.18 micro mol/l or less.    The concentration of copper is pref. 0.024-0.18 micro l/l. By lowering the concentration of copper, more of the soluble MMO can be produced, which shows higher substrate specificity than membrane fraction MMO.    The bacteria belonging to Methylosinus genus, Methylocystis genus and Methylobactor genus.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bacteria produce methane monoxygenase (MMO), and show an excellent ability to decompose organic chlorine cpds., e.g., they can reduce trichloroethylene at 10 ppm to half in 10 days. Therefore, it is useful to remove toxic organic chlorine cpds. contained in waste water and gas, and ground and ground water near factories, and advantageous over the conventional methods such as air diffusion and absorption with activated carbon which inevitably leave harmful waste. By this method, the ability of the bacteria can be improved and stabilised so that organic chlorine cpds. may be decomposed in a common equipment.
(DE4311769-C2)      In the extn. and removal of rubbish dumps contg. domestic or industrial waste, portions of the removal material are heated in a multistage heating action at different temps. for the unsorted matter together with seepage water. The final heating stage has a temp. of more than 1000C. for matter conversion, together with a synthesis gas, with material sepn. if required.    USE -   The technique is esp. for rubbish dumps which have been in place for a number of years without control contg. domestic and industrial waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The method gives a complete clearance of the rubbish and its conversion to a material which can be used for recultivation.
(ZA9401933-A)      Pulpwood or pulp retaining at least 60 wt.% of lignin is treated with an inoculum of one or more fungi from the group consisting of Schizophyllum commune, Trichaptum biforme and Phanerochaete gigantea. Environmental conditions effective for promoting fungal growth are maintained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reduce the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in papermaking. The improved field of useful white rot fungi have good colour effects and are more flexible in respect of growth and temp. operating ranges.    (JP8510015-W)      Pulpwood or pulp retaining at least 60 wt.% of lignin is treated with an inoculum of one or more fungi from the group consisting of Schizophyllum commune, Trichaptum biforme and Phanerochaete gigantea. Environmental conditions effective for promoting fungal growth are maintained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reduce the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in papermaking. The improved field of useful white rot fungi have good colour effects and are more flexible in respect of growth and temp. operating ranges.    (EP689625-B1)      Pulpwood or pulp retaining at least 60 wt.% of lignin is treated with an inoculum of one or more fungi from the group consisting of Schizophyllum commune, Trichaptum biforme and Phanerochaete gigantea. Environmental conditions effective for promoting fungal growth are maintained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to reduce the pitch content of pulps and pulpwoods used in papermaking. The improved field of useful white rot fungi have good colour effects and are more flexible in respect of growth and temp. operating ranges.
(EP642481-A1)      A composter (300) with a body for containing material to be converted to humus has a base (303 which promotes air flow through itself and the body, and a lid (302), the lid and base promoting aerobic decomposition.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Humus is produced from household wastes. Composting is efficient. Construction and installation are simple, enabling distribution in knocked down form to householders by Local Authorities. Operation and access are easy. The lid is kept closed against high winds and vermin.    (US5674744-A)      Apparatus for making humus, comprising a body for containing material to be composted to humus, a base having device for promoting air flow through it and through the body, and a lid, whereby the base and lid promote aerobic decomposition of material to be composted, the base comprising a planar member including a number of radially arranged rows of perforations on which the material to be composted is received and support device for receiving the perforated planar member, the support device having a configuration complementary to the planar member, and a surface of the support device having radially arranged grooves alignable with the radially arranged rows of perforations through the planar member for fluid communication between them.
(JP95032874-B2)      A metal absorbent obtd. from the alga Chattonella antiqua, is new.    Also claimed is the preparation of a metal adsorbent, which comprises cultivating Chattonella antiqua to a high concentration in a medium containing inorganic nutrient salts, separating the alga from the culture solution, and extracting.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Since the adsorbent obtained has a high ability to adsorb heavy metals, it can be used to remove harmful metals and recover useful heavy metals from mining and industrial waste water. It can be produced from the alga Chattonella antiqua, which is a kind of red tide plankton.    In an example, an inorganic nutrient salt medium was prepared by adding 21 mg of sodium sulphate, 13 mg of sodium dihydrogenphosphate, and 1 mg of iron to 1 l of seawater. Seawater containing Chattonella antiqua was added to the medium at 24 deg.C and Chattonella antiqua was exposed to 15000 lux light for 6 days under ventilation and stirring to be cultivated. The Chattonella antiqua was separated with a centrifugal separator, extracted with a mixture of chloroform and methanol in an equal volume and then with boiling distilled water, and freeze-dried to obtain a metal adsorbent.
(US5543071-A)      A refrigerant composition consisting essentially of: (a) chlorodifluoromethane in an amt. from 38% to 53% by wt. of the composition; (b) a compound selected from the gp. consisting of 1-chloro-1,2,2,2,-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1,,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and mixts of it, the compound being present in an amt. from 34% to 56% by wt. of the composition; (c) a butane selected from the gp. consisting of n-butane, isobutane, and mixts of it, the butane being present in an amt. from 2% to 13.5% by wt. of the composition; the composition having the property that it shows an increase in its boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 10C. w.r.t. its initial boiling point when all the composition is evaporated; the composition further having an Ozone Depletion Potentiality lower than 0.03; where the composition is a drop-in replacement for dichlorodifluoromethane for use in a refrigeration circuit designed for use with dichlorodifluoromethane.    (EP619356-B1)      Nearly azeotropic compositions essentially consisting of (a) R22 in an amount between 38 and 53% by weight with respect to the total composition, (b) R124 and/or R124a in an amount 34 and 58% by weight with respect to the total composition, (c) R600 and/or R600a in an amount between 2 and 13.5% by weight with respect to the total composition, the three components being always present and the sum of their percentages being 100.
(JP96024905-B2)      Cleaning contaminated soil comprises scattering Methylosinus microorganism(s) able to decompose aliphatic chlorine cpds. and a readily oxygen-generating substance(s). Pref., microorganism is a methane-utilising bacterium(ia).    Microorganism is pref. Methyosinul tricospolium TSUKUBA, Bi-ko Ken, Donation No. 10004. Oxygen-generating substance is pref. a peroxide(s).    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and cleans effectively soil contaminated by organic chlorine cpds. In an example, the method achieved a decompsn. rate of the trichloroethylene contaminant of 80% three days after scattering.    In an example, Gram negative Methylosinus bacterium utilises methane, has no flagella or motility and grows in methane and methanol but does not grow in ethane, propane, n-butane, dimethyl ether, methylamine, ethanol or nutrient broth. It has 64.5 mol% (G+C) DNA, 96.5% of C18:1 major fatty acids a hydroxy fatty acid type of 2-oH and a quinone type of Q8. Bacterium can decompose trichloromethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethylene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane and chloroform. It decomposes e.g. 10 ppm trichloroethylene by a half in 10 days. Oxygen-generating substance is pref. hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide and/or magnesium peroxide.    A culture liq. of the bacterium and hydrogen peroxide were scattered on soil contaminated by 0.1 ppm trichloroethylene to final levels of 10power6 cells/g soil and 10 ppm, respectively. Method achieved decompsn. rates 40% after 1 day, 65% after 2 days and 80% after 3 days.
(US5561059-A)      A biodegradable and nontoxic substrate bioavailability enhancing chemical mixt. to be applied to contaminants and pollutants contg. hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenols, and other fats and oils, in the presence of hydrocarbon-digesting microbes, to increase the speed and efficiency of microbial bioremediation of the contaminants and pollutants, the mixt. comprising: a surfactant, an emulsifier, an emulsifying solvent, and a sequestering agent in an effective amt. to rapidly emulsify the oil constituent of the contaminants and pollutants into microscopic oil particles held in suspension in a colloidal state with substantial numbers of the particles being of a size smaller than the hydrocarbon-digesting microbes and serve as a nutrient therefor; and a pH control agent in an effective amt. to facilitate growth of the hydrocarbon-digesting microbes; whereby said bioavailability enhancing chemical mixt. increases the speed and efficiency of bioremediation by breaking the available nutrient contaminate substrate into microscopic oil particles smaller than the hydrocarbon-digesting microbes for more efficient digestion thereby.
(US5405531-A)      Reducing the amt. of hydrogen sulphide in an aq. system comprised of water and hydrogen sulphide and preventing the formation of hydrogen sulphide in the aq. system comprises contacting nitrate and nitrite ions with the aq. system in a concn. which establishes and enhances the growth of denitrifying bacteria already present in the aq. system, and in which the denitrifying bacteria out-completes sulphate reducing bacteria which may be present in the system, such that the bacteria are deprived of the organic nutrients needed to produce hydrogen sulphide.    USE -   Used in oil field applications.    (US5750392-A)      Hydrogen sulphide content of an aq. system is reduced, and/or the formation of hydrogen sulphide is inhibited, by bringing into contact with the molybdate ions, or cpds. which yield these ions, in concn. sufficient to enhance the growth of denitrifying bacteria (I) which are present or are added to the system. Bacteria (I) outcompete sulphate-reducing bacteria (II) which may be present in the system for organic nutrients in the system, so that bacteria (II) are deprived of the nutrient they need to produce hydrogen sulphide.    A compsn. comprising (a) and (b) is claimed per se. Also claimed is a method of reducing the hydrogen sulphide content of an aq. system and inhibiting formation of hydrogen sulphide, by bringing molybdate and nitrite ions or cpds. that yield these ions, into contact with the system in concn. sufficient to kill bacteria (II) which may be present in the system, and enhance the growth of bacteria (I).    USE -   The method is of use in the oil field to reduce contamination by hydrogen sulphide in enhanced oil recovery. The treated aq. system is injected into the subterranean formation to displace oil therefrom.
(FR2723980-A1)      Method of treating a subterranean formation to extend or widen fractures intersecting a wellbore to facilitate the flow of fluids from the formation into the fracture, comprises (a) introducing an explosive gas consisting of a gaseous oxidiser and a gaseous fuel intersecting a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation; and (b) igniting the explosive gas within the fracture whereby the detonation of the gas produces a high pressure wave within the fracture which results in the expansion of the fracture in the formation so that the subsequent flow of fluids to the wellbore is enhanced.    Also claimed are a method of propping a fracture; and a method of extending fractures.    USE -   Opening and extending (natural) fractures in a subterranean formation.    ADVANTAGE -   Natural fractures such as coal seams, shales and chalk formations, which exhibit non-linear elastic properties are opened or extended by using a gaseous explosive mixt. of a fuel and an oxidiser.
(WO9421565-A1)      The process converts liq. organic matter with possible solids in reactor chambers. Microorganisms or catalytic agents convert the feedstock into liq. and/or gaseous effluents. The interior of the reactor vessel is filled with a slowly rotating rotor with baffle plates spaced apart on a central axis defining separate chambers. Each chamber is sepd. by baffle plates or by the ends of the reactor vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to digest organic waste materials. The process takes place more effectively in separate chambers and can handle liquids with high solids contents.    (JP7507720-W)      The process converts liq. organic matter with possible solids in reactor chambers. Microorganisms or catalytic agents convert the feedstock into liq. and/or gaseeous effluents. The interior of the reactor vessel is filled with a slowly rotating rotor with baffle plates spaced apart on a central axis defining separate chambers. Each chamber is sepd. by baffle plates or by the ends of the reactor vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to digest organic waste materials. The process takes place more effectively in separate chambers and can handle liquids with high solids contents.    (EP642470-B1)      The process converts liq. organic matter with possible solids in reactor chambers. Microorganisms or catalytic agents convert the feedstock into liq. and/or gaseeous effluents. The interior of the reactor vessel is filled with a slowly rotating rotor with baffle plates spaced apart on a central axis defining separate chambers. Each chamber is sepd. by baffle plates or by the ends of the reactor vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to digest organic waste materials. The process takes place more effectively in separate chambers and can handle liquids with high solids contents.
(WO9420668-A1)      Cellulose, newspapers, rubber, glass or synthetics in waste materials are cleaned by (a) providing a washer with a basket which is perforated so that water flows through and the material is retained in the basket, (b) charging the basket with the materials, water, alkali and a surfactant, (c) agitating the basket so that the material moves back and forth and is freed from impurities, and (d) allowing the water, alkali, surfactant and impurities to pass through the perforations, retaining the material in the basket.    A system of two washing machines, such as used for washing textiles is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material can be recycled from used prods. e.g. disposable nappies, soiled cellulose and newsprint and old tyres. Organic waste, e.g. from kitchens or gardens, can be composted.    (JP8509782-W)      Cellulose, newspapers, rubber, glass or synthetics in waste materials are cleaned by (a) providing a washer with a basket which is perforated so that water flows through and the material is retained in the basket, (b) charging the basket with the materials, water, alkali and a surfactant, (c) agitating the basket so that the material moves back and forth and is freed from impurities, and (d) allowing the water, alkali, surfactant and impurities to pass through the perforations, retaining the material in the basket.    A system of two washing machines, such as used for washing textiles is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material can be recycled from used prods. e.g. disposable nappies, soiled cellulose and newsprint and old tyres. Organic waste, e.g. from kitchens or gardens, can be composted.
(DE4307430-C2)      In a new procedure for composting organic materials, the material is placed in an aerated composting container and broken down by microbial action. The novel feature is that after intensive composting, the material is chopped and returned to the container for further composting. Also claimed is a procedure in which the material is moistened after a first period of composting before being once more composted in an aerated container.    USE -   Especially for composting waste materials, household refuse etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The compost produced is of high quality and does not need to undergo a post-composting process, which normally requires the compost to be spread on a suitable surface. The space required for the composting process is therefore greatly reduced.
(JP2646178-B2)      A vegetable growing method, where vegetable seeds are planted in and budded from an upper layer of vegetable growing culture medium. The upper layer comprises an organic culture medium mainly organic fertiliser, made from a culture medium used for growing mushrooms and a lower layer comprises a fertiliser layer or a soil wherein a fertiliser is mixed. The roots of the seeds are extended through the upper layer into the lower layer so that the fertiliser in the fertiliser layer or the soil is absorbed by the vegetable to grow the vegetable. The organic culture medium can also comprise: (1) saw-dust and rice bran; (2) powder or granular corn cob and rice bran; (3) bean-curd refuse, powder or granular corn cob and residues of rice, barley and potatoes left after alcohol brewing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Just by supplying water and without applying any fertiliser, the vegetables can be grown well, without causing nutrition deficiency nor hypernutrition. Previously, bean-curd waste, corn cob, and residue of rice, barley and potatoes left after alcohol brewing, have been discarded after a complicated and expensive treatment, but here, the effective utilisation process of such waste is provided.
(EP682973-B1)      H2S, mercaptans and volatile organo-N cpds. are eliminated in 3 stages: (a) conversion of mercaptans into disulphides, and H2S into sulphides, in presence of air and specific catalysts for this oxidn.; (b) catalytic combustion of the volatile organic cpds. entrained in the air, including NH3 and some light amines, in 30-70% (50-65%) of the current, and (c) catalytic redn. of the oxides of N by NH3 and the reducing amines in the part of the current not subjected to combustion.    USE -   Appln. is esp. to fermenting organic matter, partic. liq. pig manure, poultry manure or other animal excreta, or to waste water.
(EP613872-B1)      Composting of crushed organic waste material such as garden and woodland refuse, raw or cooked food comprises (a) humidification by immersion in aq liq for 2-10 hours, (b) aerobic pre-composting in a digester for 2-6 days at 65-80 C, (c) aerobic maturation in maturation chamber for 8-20 days at 25-40 C.    ADVANTAGE -   Continuous automatic process. Compact odour free installation.
(JP2805426-B2)      An insect repellent contains Bacillus subtilis S-1.    Bacillus subtilis S-1 (FERM-P 13347) is aerobically cultured in an agar medium contg. 0.5-1.0 wt.% of meat extract and peptone at 20-40 deg.C, pH 5.5-8.0 and the cultured mixt. is adsorbed in mineral powder to give the repellent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Insect pest repellent during compost prodn. against flies, mites, ants and cockroaches and their larvae.    In an example, kitchen waste and the repellent were placed in a cylindrical container of 15 cm. da. and allowed to stand for 30 min. The waste attracted 0.5 (sic) fly, while control gp. without the repellent attracted 4.25 (sic) flies.
(JP2769593-B2)      Appts. to remove foreign matter from laver mixed water comprises a water spray unit to spray water from a first sepn. chamber having a laver mixed water inlet port to a second sepn. chamber having a laver mixed water outlet port.    USE -   For making dry sheets of laver.
(EP612704-B1)      A process for acidifying manure, in particular slurry, in which the ammonia present is substantially fixed in the manure and the carbonates present in the manure are substantially dishcarged in the form of carbon dioxide gas, characterized in that for acidification acid-producing bacteria are used, and that the pH of the manure to be acidified is adjusted a single time to a value lower than approximately 6.5, wherein the use of colloidal support material upon which bacteria and yeasts are fixed and the introduction of air or oxygen in the manure to such an extent that the circumstances in the manure become essentially aerobic are disclaimed.
(US5340871-A)      Prod. comprises a non-aq. dispersion of addn. polymers in an alkyd medium, additives and propellant (e.g. propane, isobutane, butane or their mixts.) in a container can fitted with an actuating device, a valve cup with a vapour trap, a valve assembly and a dip tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are aerosol spray devices for the application of paints and/or coating compsns.. The prods. avoid high contents of volatile organic cpds. and also volatile halogenated hydrocarbons.
(EP611742-B1)      Kitchen garbage disposal system, comprising: a process vessel (1) for being installed out-doors and containing a medium (2), mixing means (3), installed in said process vessel (1), for mixing the medium (2) and kitchen garbage charged into said process vessel, and means (18) for leading air for inside the process vessel (1) to the outside atmosphere, characterised by a kitchen garbage discharge port (20) positioned indoors, a discharge passage (19) communicating said kitchen garbage discharge port (20) and said process vessel (1), and said leading means being an air blower (18) which purges the air taken into said process vessel (1) from said kitchen garbage discharge port (20) through said discharge passage (19) to the outside atmosphere.
(US5348984-A)      The extrudable, expandable compsn. for producing stable, low density polyolefin foam prods. having a stable foam density of 20-40 kg/m3, comprises: (a) a plasticised polyolefin resin; and (b) a blowing agent for expanding the compsn. comprising CO2 and a hydrocarbon from N-butane, isobutane, proane, and mixts. where the CO2 and the hydrocarbon are present in a wt. ratio of 1:3-3:1, where the hydrocarbon is present in an amt. sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the resin and to produce a stable foam with a decreased density and desirable surface texture over that of CO2 alone, without substantially increasing the flammability of the blowing agent.    Pref. the polyolefin resin includes an aging modifier present in an amt. sufficient to control the shrinkage of the foam and a nucleation agent present in an amt. sufficient to promote a uniform pore structure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Soft cushions and packaging material. Decreased density and improved surface texture.
(JP2973757-B2)      A wet refuse treating device comprises a hollow cylinder provided with a wet refuse feed port and a heat conductor extending outwards from the hollow cylinder. The tip of the heat conductor is immersed in the waste water pipe from a bathtub.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment wet refuse produced in the kitchen of restaurant, hotel, hospital, etc. and compost it. In the winter or in a cold region, the heat of the waste water makes the bacteria active enough to decompose the refuse.    In an example, a hollow cylinder (2) of plastics provided with a wet refuse feed port (1) is installed on the ground outdoors, and a metallic heat conductor (5) is secured to the bottom of the hollow cylinder (2). The tip of the heat conductor (5) extends outward from the hollow cylinder (2). The feed port (1) is normally closed with a lid (3). The exhaust water pipe (7) from the bathtub (6) is embedded in the ground, and its tip is connected with a sewer pipe (8). The tip of the heat conductor (5) penetrates in the exhaust water pipe (7) on the way.
(DE4400612-C2)      A new separator (20), especially for oil-water mixtures, consists of a sludge sedimentation tank, a light liquid separator and a coalescence separator, and has the novel feature that the sludge sedimentation tank (1) is seeded with bacteria or microbes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In particular for separating oil or oil sludge from waste water. The separated substances are almost completely disposed of at the treatment site.
(WO9417919-A2)      Usable substances are recovered from a composite comprising an Al layer and a polyolefin layer by charging the composite into a reaction chamber and carbonising at a temp. below the m.pt. of the Al. The residue is sepd. into Al and other residues. The carbonisation gas is used to supply energy to a furnace.    Part of the carbonisation gas is pref. used to maintain the carbonisation temp.. The raw material is pref. comminuted, followed by removal of any cellulose present, opt. predried and fed (dis)continuously, uncompressed, to an oven contg. the reaction chamber. The temp. is pref. raised, in the direction of movement of the charge from an initial temp. to the required temp. and the gas formed is withdrawn with residue being withdrawn and cooled.    USE -   The composite may also contain cellulose e.g. in the form of drinks cartons and the carbonisation gas can be used to supply energy for recovery and processing of the cellulose.    (DE4304294-C2)      Useful materials are recovered from a composite material comprising at least one Al layer and a layer of polyolefin, e.g. drinks carton, by a process in which the composite is charged into a reaction chamber after communition and is carbonised at a temp. below the m.pt. of the Al. The Al and residues are separated and the gas generated by the low temp. treatment is used as energy carrier for a boiler.    ADVANTAGE -   The process does not depend on removal of any cellulose but allows recovery of cellulose if required.
(DE4341175-A1)      Prodn. of organic and mineral-organic (mixed) fertiliser, comprises microbially composting raw material contg.: (a) up to 51 wt.% whole plants; and (b) sludge, which may be previously processed.    Pref. plants are grasses and cereals, partic. soft wheat, rye, oats, Triticum spp., maslin, etc. Legumes and/or straw may also be present. Pref. sludge conveniently contains poultry manure or nutrients derived from other organic waste or by-products. When the sludge used contains harmful biaryl ethers, opt. chlorinated biphenyls, phenols or aromatic acids, the microorganism is pref. a Pseudomonas or Sphingomonas bacterium or a Phanerochaetae, Paecilomyces, Trametes, Trichosporon or Candida fungus, which degrades these chemicals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method produces fertiliser which is hygienic, standardised and has high nutrient value, esp. essential amts. of free, assimilable N2. The method is cheap to operate, requiring low prim. energy input, and can make use of dairy and similar industrial sludge which is otherwise expensive to dispose of. Furthermore, fertiliser provides improved soil conditioning and better nutrient availability compared with conventional nitrogen fertilisers.
(US5543324-A)      A consortium of microorganisms identified as ATCC 55381 and comprising the bacterial genera Arthrobacter, Aurobacterium, and Pseudomonas, said consortium being isolated from waste treatment sludge and being capable of completely degrading picric acid.
(WO9423134-A1)      Treatment of a solid or liq. medium contaminated with a hydrocarbon (I) comprises treating the medium, in presence of water and microorganism(s) (MO) capable of metabolising (I), with a salt compsn. (II) contg. ammonium bicarbonate and/or potassium bicarbonate. (II) yields NH4+ and HCO3- ions when dissolved in water, and is added to the medium as aq. soln. or as a solid. (I) contamination is eliminated or reduced to a desired lower level.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. for treating soil or groundwater contaminated with crude oil, diesel fuel or gasoline (all claimed), e.g. due to leakage or spillage during storage, pumping, prodn. or transportation. (II) provides nutrients for enhancing the propagation of MO, and hence the degradation of (I), without any undesirably large increase or decrease in the pH of the medium being decontaminated. If soil is decontaminated with (II) contg. KHCO3, the treatment also provides K as a nutrient for future plant growth.
(JP6226232-A)      Disposal system involves charging a rotating vessel with kitchen garbage via a port. The garbage is mixed in the vessel with a medium for cultivating the aschelminthes and microorganisms.    The port may open into the centre or the side of the vessel's rotation. The vessel can be rotated intermittently. Rotational position detectors ensure the vessel stops in a set position. Vessel wt. detector detects when decomposition is complete. A grinder can act on the garbage before it enters the vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Disposal system for organic kitchen garbage. Faster decomposition of organic kitchen garbage than with composting.    (EP608555-B1)      Organic kitchen garbage disposal apparatus comprising a process vessel (4) containing a medium (B) to cultivate aschelminthes and micro-organisms, characterised by grinding means (3) for grinding kitchen garbage (A) charged; a kitchen garbage discharge port (30b) for discharging the kitchen garbage (A) of said grinding means (3) into the process vessel (4), and said process vessel (4) being rotatable.
(JP2516154-B2)      In the prodn. water is decomposed electrolytically to generate hydrogen; the hydrogen and carbon dioxide are supplied to a hydrogen-assimilating methane-producing bacterial culture; the methane produced is burned to obtain energy; the resultant carbon dioxide is supplied to the culture of the bacterium; and at least part of the cell of the grown bacterium is purified to obtain a useful material.    Appts. for the prodn. has a hydrogen generator for the electrolytic decomposition of water; a reactor with a mechanism to introduce hydrogen and carbon dioxide and a mechanism to discharge methane for culture of hydrogen-assimilating methane-producing bacterium; a combustor to burn the methane discharged from the reactor; and a mechanism to circulate carbon dioxide from the combustion to the reactor.    The methane-producing bacteria is e.g. methanobacterium, methanobrevibacter, methanomicrobium and methanococcus bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   With the method, the original material, hydrogen, can be obtd. stably from solar energy to solar cell for hydrolytical decomposition of water. The cost of hydrogen is only about one fourth of the conventional hydrogen cost. The carbon dioxide is used in a closed system, to reduce global warming. It permits mass accumulation of useful matter in the cell of the bacteria without prodn. of excessive sludge; and the residue after extn. of material e.g. cholinoid can be used as a feed or fertiliser.
(JP7075712-A)      A bacteria supporting medium is made of synthetic resin and has a spiral shape with a relatively small pitch. It is constructed of a number of S-shaped continuous portions defining along their outer boundary a continuous winding line.    Each S-shaped portion extends radially and has an upwardly expanding part and a downwardly expanding part. These taper towards a central opening. A portion of each of the upwardly and downwardly expanding portions bulge slightly outwards. Upper and lower segments of the winding line are slightly offset.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The medium is used to support bacteria in the treatment of water. The medium has a large bacteria-supporting surface. It is shaped so that solids do not become trapped.    (US5500111-A)      A bacteria-supporting medium of synthetic resin which has a spiral shape with a relatively small pitch and comprises number S-shaped portions continuous with each other and defined at outer boundaries by a continuous winding line, each of the S-shaped portions extending radially and including an upwardly-expanding part and a downwardly-expanding part, said upwardly-extending and downwardly-extending parts being tapered toward a central opening, one portion of the upwardly-expanding part, as well as one portion of the downwardly-expanding part, slightly bulging out, and upper and lower segments of the winding line being offset slightly upon dividing the winding line by an inner circumferential line.
(JP7016428-A)      Purifying gas or water or catalyst comprising using a photocatalytic reaction with a semiconductor oxide e.g. Ti dioxide to which an electrolyte conductivity - and capillary condensn. improving agent is added.    USE -   For treating dirty waters.    (EP738539-A1)      Purificn. of (waste) gases and vapours, which may contain aerosols and are contaminated or mixed with undesirable chemical substances, involves a photocatalysis reaction on the surface of semiconductor oxide catalysts (I), esp. TiO2, in a closed or open system, using a fluidised or fixed bed catalyst; and opt. washing out the mineralisation prods. formed by photocatalysis. The novel features are that (a) (I) is treated with liquid or solid agent (II), which acts as electrolyte and improves capillary condensation, i.e. mineral acid, alkali, salt or hydrolysis prods. (IIA) or mixts. or these; and/or (b) doped with inorg. halogen cpd(s). (III), excluding pure F cpds., as halogen radical source; or (c) doped with agent(s) (IV) combining the properties and functions of (a) and (b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are used for oxidn. of NOx to HNO3 or redn. of NOx to N2 with NH3 and/or other reducing agents (claimed). They are also useful for decomposing e.g. CO and CH4 in air. Charge recombination inside (I) is very limited and additional new radicals are formed to reactivate the reaction.
(JP2925866-B2)      Appts. includes a fermenting vessel (3) with a feed lid (20), stirring pawl shaft (4) with stirring pawls, suction blower (8), and driving motor (7) for detecting opening or closing of the feed lid (20) and rotating the stirring pawl shaft (4) based on the detection result.    ADVANTAGE -   Dispersion of malodour from garbage may be prevented.
(DE4300188-C2)      For a rapid and aerobic decomposition of degradable material, for compost, the degrading stretch is divided into separate and succesive sections, each with a container rotating round the longitudinal axis. The heat carrier medium is passed through the walls of each container in a counter flow to the direction of material travel through the containers.    Also claimed is an assembly with a number of rotating containers along the path of the material for composting. Each has an air feed and exhaust. The heat carrier medium is passed through the container wall, not directly in contact with the material, against the direction of material travel.    ADVANTAGE -   The method gives a continuous composting action with a wholly enclosed material circuit. It prevents an uncontrolled temp. change pattern in the material.
(EP604708-B1)      Methane fermentation method comprises growing at least one methanogenic bacterium (A) in a medium contg. major substrates assimilated by the bacterium at a low rate. The new feature is that fermentation is carried out using at least 2 substrates, one of which is more rapidly assimilated than the other.    Suitable (A) are Methanosarcina; the rapidly assimilated substrate is MeOH or MeNH2, and the slowly assimilated one is acetic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used to generate methane, esp. in treatment of solid waste and waste water. Rapid and efficient methane prodn. is achieved. Use of the rapidly assimilated substrate reduces start-up time (high cell concns. are reached quickly) and allows smaller fermenters to be used. Typically M. acetivorans C2A, at 35-40 deg.C, had generation times of 24.1 hour on acetic acid; 5.2 hour on MeOH and 6.7-7.3 hour on methylamine.
(US5403799-A)      Macroporous upset-resistant inorganic oxide catalyst support comprises 1 or more zeolite particle of size 1-1000 microns, and an inorganic binder which binds them forming macropores.    Support has total pore vol. of 0.1-1.5 cc per g, where macropores of dia. 0.5-100 microns have vol. 0.1-1.0cc per g (by mercury porosimetry).    ADVANTAGE -   Has crush resistance of 5lbs on supports of size 3mm or more.    (EP603989-B1)      An upset resistant porous inorganic oxide catalyst support comprises ultimate particles of a zeolite and an inorganic binder. The support has: a total pore vol. of 0.1-1.5 cm3/g; a gp. of large pores with pore dias. as measured by mercury porosimetry of 0.5-100 microns, the large pores providing a pore vol. of 0.1-1.0 cm3/g; and a strong crush resistance which is of the order of 5 lbs when measured on particles having a min. dimension of 3mm.    Also claimed is a method of making porous inorganic bodies with large micropores.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A catalyst for the biotreatment of aq. waste streams or contaminated vapours is claimed, comprising the catalyst support of the invention having on it a catalytically effective amt. of a microorganism. The porous bodies may also be used as adsorbents or in filtration devices. The catalyst support has very large pores and good physical strength. It offers improved protection against process upsets and is resistant to excursions in pH.
(US5329774-A)      4C hydrocarbons are sepd. from a feed entering sepn. equipment by cooling and partially condensing in successive stages of condensation and phase sepn., such that a gaseous overhead from each sepn. stage is further cooled and partially condensed and supplied to the next sepn. stage, and the 1.2 sepd. from each stage used to seal the gas.    Further refrigeration is supplied to the gas to affect condensations by indirect heat exchange with a closed cycle refrigerant subjected to a compression/expansion cycle.    ADVANTAGE -   Feed undergoes no compression and no abrupt expansion, and undergoes pressure loss due only to friction of the passage of the feed through the appts.
(WO9418305-A1)      Appts. for treating a garbage mixture comprises a fermentation stage (20) where the garbage is deposited into non-compacted swathes for fermentation of any organic waste. The resulting mixture is loaded into grinder/separator stages (30, 40, 50) where it is reduced into smaller particles.These are sorted in screened separators.    The grinders each have three parallel rotating axles carrying chains mounted by one end and having a hardened flailing tip at the other. The axles are spaced so that the tips of the chains pass in close proximity to each other. Two of the axles are arranged opposite each other at an upstream location and are counter-rotated. The third is downstream and is rotated in the same direction as one of the upstream axles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts. transforms household waste to usable output prods., including an organic soil fertiliser and non-fermentable prods. with various industrial uses, e.g. as a high strength, moulded prod. for fence parts, pavement blocks, curbs, railway ties etc. The grinder chains do not become snarled and are subject to less wear and deterioration than known models. Also, the fermentation waste is readily separated from the non-fermentable.
(JP95055295-B2)      A catalyst (a) supports at least one Pt gp. element comprising Pd, Pt, or Rh (0.3-10g/L) on a gamma Al2O3 substrate on an acid-resistant three-dimensional ceramic honeycomb. A catalyst (b) is formed by adding at least one oxide of lanthanide-based metal La, Nd, or Pr, with a lanthanide-based metal/catalyst support Al mol. ratio of 2/98-40/60, to the catalyst (a) for preventing a decrease in methane invert ratio at high temps. and for improving catalyst heat resistance.    A catalyst (c) is formed by adding Mg oxide, with Mg/catalyst (a) Pt gp.-element atomic ratio of 1-30, to the catalyst (b) for depressing formaldehyde growth by NOx coexistence. The catalyst comprises a multistage catalyst layer (catalyst (b) and catalyst (c), (5a), (5b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used for purifying exhaust gas released from a natural gas engine. The catalyst reduces the generation of formaldehyde harmful to a human body and having high photochemical reaction, and traces of other components.
NOVELTY - The separators (11, 12) are arranged on either sides of the positive and negative electrodes (51, 52) between which a solid polymer electrolyte film (1) is sandwiched. An air flow path (3) is formed between the positive electrode and the separator (11). A gas-sealing portion (10) is formed at the air outlet side end of the air flow path, so as to eject the unconverted gas through the air outlet (16).    USE - Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - Improves the flow of hydrogen gas and air in the electrodes and prevents reduction in partial pressure, effectively.
(DE4241894-A1)      Organic waste, partic. domestic refuse, is composed by a process in which waste material (14) is put on a mat of fluorohydrocarbon-contg. plastic (12), which is rolled up. Heat is supplied to the mat via water fed into internal passages (26) in the mat and is controlled to a predetermined constant value by supply of hot or cold water. The mat is unrolled to remove the compost by means of stripping devices (20,28).    ADVANTAGE -   Rapid and complete composting, reducing bulk by approx. 50%.    (EP601430-B1)      Process for composting organic waste in particular household garbage, in which the waste to be composted is decomposed microbially under predetermined physical conditions, characterised by the following steps (a) depositing the waste (14) to be composted on a flexible mat (12), (b) rolling up the mat (12), (c) supplying thermal energy via the mat (12) into the waste (14) to be composted, (d) adjusting the amt. of heat in the waste (14) to be composted to a predetermined constant value, if necessary by reducing heat from the waste (14) via the mat (12), (e) unrolling the mat (12) and removing the composted waste (14) therefrom.
(US5360566-A)      Refrigerant compsn. comprises at least one, esp. two or three hydrocarbons (total 70-95 mol.%), CO2 and additives (e.g. flame retardants); such that the b.pt. of the compsn. at the higher pressure in the refrigeration cycle is about equal to the ambient operating temp. and pref. lower than the dew point at both the higher and lower cycle pressures. Pref. hydrocarbons are propane, pentane, ethane, methane, butane and/or hexane; and ethylene and/or propylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are refrigerants for closed cycle refrigerators which avoid hazardous environmental pollution. The prods. are non-inflammable, nontoxic and free from halogenated hydrocarbons.
(DE4334498-C2)      Composting organic waste includes filling material into a container chamber in a central operating region, moving the container to a collection area, placing the waste in a chamber and mixing the material in the chamber using a worm arrangement. Air is fed into the container to achieve an optimum temp. and oxygen content for the composting process. The filled container is then taken to the central operating region.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is effective and ensures that composting is optimised.
(US5414187-A)      Mixt. of isoparaffins and olefins is alkylated by (i) contacting with a catalyst complex comprising (a) an organosulphonic acid ((R2-O)2P(O))yR(SOrR1)x which has been previously contacted under anhydrous conditions with a Lewis acid and (b) free Lewis acid; and (ii) sepg. alkylate stream from the catalyst.    R is an organo gp. contg. 1 or more covalent C-F band; R1 is H; R2 is H or (1-20C)hydrocarbyl; r is 2 or 3; and x and y are each 1-3; such that P and S are covalently bonded to C.    USE -   In prodn. of high octane alkylate stream for addn. to gasoline.
(JP8502926-W)      Process for recovering a condensable organic component from a gas stream comprises: (a) providing an incoming gas stream contg. a condensable organic component, the component having b.pt. more than 50 deg.C at atmos. pressure; (b) providing a membrane with a feed side and a permeate side and which comprises a polymer material with a glass transition temp. of at least 100 deg.C and free vol. of at least 10%; (c) contacting the feed side with the gas stream; (d) withdrawing from the permeate side a permeate stream enriched in the condensable organic component compared with gas stream; and (e) withdrawing from the feed side a residue stream depleted in the condensable organic component compared with gas stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Membrane gas sepn. process esp. for removing condensable organic vapours from gas mixts., e.g. hydrocarbons from natural gas, organic vapours from air, methane, nitrogen or hydrogen. Process combines high flux with selectivity for the condensable component.
(WO9416032-A1)      Polymeric material is depolymerised by (a) preparing a molten mixt. of (i) a basic material which is NaOH, KOH, Na2B4O7.10H2O, Na3BO3, Na2SiO2 and/or K2SiO3, (ii) a source of Cu selected from Cu metal, univalent Cu and/or divalent Cu and (iii) a polymeric material which is polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and/or polypropylene and (b) maintaining the molten mixt. under unpressurised air atmos. and at temp. sufficient to reflux the mixt. below 250 deg.C for sufficient time to depolymerise the material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for depolymerising polymeric materials for recycling or disposal. Process for the recycling or safe disposal of polymeric materials esp. polyethylene which can be carried out in the presence of solids or liq. waste contaminants. The liq. active hydrocarbon prod. obtd. from degradation of polyethylene has b.pt. and chemical properties resembling kerosene or diesel fuel.    (EP677092-A1)      Polymeric material is depolymerised by (a) preparing a molten mixt. of (i) a basic material which is NaOH, KOH, Na2B4O7.10H2O, Na3BO3, Na2SiO2 and/or K2SiO3, (ii) a source of Cu selected from Cumetal, univalent Cu and/or divalent Cu and (iii) a polymeric material which is polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride and/or polypropylene and (b) maintaining the molten mixt. under unpressurised air atmos. and at temp. sufficient to reflux the mixt. below 250 deg.C for sufficient time to depolymerise the material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for depolymerising polymeric materials for recycling or disposal. Process for the recycling or safe disposal of polymeric materials esp. polyethylene which can be carried out in the presence of solids or liq. waste contaminants. The liq. active hydrocarbon prod. obtd. from degradation of polyethylene has b.pt. and chemical properties resembling kerosene or diesel fuel.
(JP2795785-B2)      Cycloolefin copolymer resin foam consists of cyclic olefin copolymer resin contg. foams formed from alkali metal carbonate and foaming agent.    Prepn. of the resin foam is carried out by extruding a mixture of cycloolefin copolymer resin, alkali metal carbonate and foaming agent, which is fused under heat pressing in an extrusion moulding machine, to low pressure zone through metal mould of the extrusion moulding machine to obtain a foam.    The olefin copolymer resin has density about 1 g/cm3 and glass transition temp. about 140 deg.C. The foaming agent is satd. aliphatic hydrocarbon, e.g. n-butane, iso-butane, n-pentane, iso-pentane, neo-pentane, etc. are desirable.    ADVANTAGE -   The cyclic olefin copolymer resin foam has good dimensional stability, heat resistant stiffness, chemical resistance, weathering property and electrical insulation based on cyclic olefin copolymer and has light weight based on uniform fine foams and shows reduced contraction to inhibit generation of creasing on the surface.
(JP3135708-B2)      Plant pathogenic fungus inhibitor contg. Pseudomonas sp. bacterium having antagonism against plant pathogenic fungus and betaine.    Also claimed are organic fertiliser having plant pathogenic fungus inhibiting ability to which above Pseudomonas sp. bacterium and betaine are added.    The organic fertiliser is prepd. by (1) fermenting by adding water to Pseudomonas sp. bacterium, betaine, organic raw material and raw material for fertiliser opt. contg. fermenting additive or (2) mixing Pseudomonas sp. bacterium, betaine, water and opt. porous adsorptive carrier to fermented organic fertiliser.    Examples of Pseudomonas sp. bacteria are, P. mesophilica, P. putida, P. fluorescens, P. aeruginosa, P. pickettii, P. stuzeri, P. maltophilia, etc. Pref. betaine is trimethyl glycine,. Number of Pseudomonas sp. bacterium to be added to, e.g. turf grass is about 10 power 5 to 10 power 12, pref. 10 power 7 to 10 power 10/1 m2 and amount of betaine to be added is about 10 mg to 50 g, pref. 250 mg-25 g.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plant pathogenic fungus inhibitor and the organic fertiliser enhance particularly resistance of turf grass against pathogenic fungi such as Pythium aphanidermatum Pythium vanterpooli, Pythium graminicola, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, etc.
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.
(US5443021-A)      The dump comprises a dumping area contg. waste producing biogas in combination with a collector arranged to collect biogas produced by the waste. An electroburner is arranged to supply heat to a waste melting furnace at the dump site. The collector communicates with the electroburner to fuel the electroburner with biogas produced by the waste. The waste melting furnace includes a combustion chamber arranged to receive waste without prior thermal destructive processing and heat from the electroburner for melting and compacting the waste from the dumping area. Pref., the collector also communicates with a thermal engine driving an alternator supplying the electroburner with electric power. The electroburner is pref. supplied with air and is provided with a device for heating the air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for dumps for waste, esp. household waste and industrial waste. The biogas that is given off by the dump is used for melting the waste and reducing its vol..
(DE4334249-C2)      Treating compost to produce a marketable prod. comprises (a) opt. mixing the compost with granulating assistant; (b) granulating by rolling in a rotating plate or drum; (c) drying the granulate; (d) classifying into a fraction (A) with correct grain size, a fraction (B) of low grain size and a fraction (C) with high grain size; and (e) purifying by sepg. the fraction (A) and removing by prods.. The granulate is opt. coated.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and reliable.
(DE4237872-C2)      Monitoring the disinfection taking place during the biological rotting of compostable waste, by exothermic processes, includes determining the temp. in the waste.    The waste passes through a rotting cell in a horizontal direction. The temp. in the inside of the waste are continuously measured by contact measurement on the side wall of the rotting cell. The contact measurement pref. takes place at half height in the rotting cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable.
(US5339974-A)      Domestic composter structure is provided comprising an upwardly tapering lower portion, an upwardly tapering upper portion reversible to fit within that, with an upper edge joint in the lower portion engaging a lower edge joint in the upper portion for assembly into a composter in use.    The portions are fitted with the upper portion within the lower portion for transport purposes.    Pref. the joints are manually dis-assemblable without use of tools.    ADVANTAGE -   Transport within a passenger car is facilitated.
(JP2909286-B2)      The putrefaction/maturation of good-quality compost is carried out by fermenting compost with the addn. of 2-oxo-4-methyl-5-ureido hexahydropyridine (CDU) and dried blood, and pref. with the addn. of thermophile and alkaliphile bacteria, pref. Bacillus licheniformis.    ADVANTAGE -   The compost accelerates the growth of young seedlings, and also effectively controls various plant diseases, e.g. cucumber cracked-vine diseases, etc..
(GB2272692-B)      A worm composter comprising a container made of a water permeable substance such that the surplus moisture from the waste and the waste processing passes through the container wall and evaporates from the outer surface of the container.
(DE4237620-A1)      Process for recovery of high purity liq methane from gas mixts. of methane, 2C+ hydrocarbons, CO2 and N2, comprises (a) passing the input gas mixt. into an adsorption unit to remove moisture, (b) passing the dried gas mixt. into a membrane sepn. unit where CO2 is sepd. off to a residual content of less than 2 vol.% and (c) subjecting the remaining gas mixt., consisting essentially of methane, 2C+ hydrocarbons and N2, to a low temp. distn. in which the 2C+ hydrocarbons and residual CO2 are removed by distn. and the N2 is removed by flash evapn., to give a high purity liq. methane prod. stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The high purity liq. methane is useful as an environmentally benign fuel for diesel engines in locomotives, buses and commercial vehicles. The process allows recovery of high purity liq. methane from natural gas. The amine scrubbing stage used in some previous processes to remove CO2 is eliminated and a smaller adsorption unit can be used than previously.    (US5414190-A)      CH4 is recovered from a feed gas mixt. contg. (2C or more) hydrocarbons, CO2, N2 and H2O, by (a) introducing the mixt. to a regenerable adsorption stage to selectively remove water; (b) passing dried feed gas mixt. to a membrane sepg. stage to selective reduce CO2 to residual content less than 2 vol.%; and (c) passing mixt. obtd. to a distn. stage to separate the (2C or more) hydrocarbons and residue of CO2 from the CH4.    Opt. CH4 obtd. is liquefied from the distn. stage, then passed to a storage tank, such that boil-off gas is withdrawn and the N2-content of the liq. CH4 gradually reduced.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids use of an amine washing stage.
(EP670360-A1)      Reduction of deposits on thermally treating synthetic organic wastes at 230-550 deg C, 10 mbar-450 bar, and for 0.02-40 hrs in inert gas, opt in the presence of small amts of oxygen, is claimed, in which the specific amt of meltable plastic contg heteroatoms is limited to less than 10-0 (pref 5-0) wt% in the starting product to be treated.    ADVANTAGE -   Esp. prevents formation of coke.
(JP8502479-W)      A refrigerant compsn. comprises bis(difluoromethyl) ether and 1-trifluoromethoxy-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, difluoro, methoxy pentafluoroethane, 1-trifluoromethoxy-1,2,2,2-tetra-fluoroethane, 1-trifluoromethoxy-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, tris(trifluoromethyl)-amine, difluoromethyl sulphur pentafluoride, pentafluoroethyl sulphur pentafluoride, ammonia, butane or isobutane.    Also claimed is the above refrigerant compsn. being an azeotropic or azeotropic-like compsn.    Also claimed are: (i) a process for producing refrigeration by condensing and evaporating the above compsn. in the vicinity of the body to be cooled; and (ii) a process for producing heat comprising condensing an evaporating the above compsn. in the vicinity of the body to be heated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. is useful as cleaning agent, expansion agent for polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellant, refrigerant, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectric, fire extinguishing agent, power cycle working fluid, polymerisation media, particulate removal fluid, carrier fluid, buffing abrasive agent and displacement drying agent. HFCs have no chlorine and therefore have zero ozone depletion potential.
(US5396018-A)      Recovery process comprises: (i) passing a prod. stream of converted hydrocarbons leaving the hydrocarbon conversion process and contg. acid catalyst, through a fixed bed of a solid absorbent material having affinity for the acid catalyst; (ii) desorbing the adsorbed acid catalyst by passing a process stream of hydrocarbons through the adsorbent bed; and (iii) cycling the process stream together with the desorbed acid catalyst to the hydrocarbon conversion process. Reactivity of process stream is elevated by increasing the amt. of olefinic and/or aromatic cpd(s). in the process stream.    Acid catalyst pref. comprises a fluorinated sulphonic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Recovery of acid catalyst from acid catalysed hydrocarbon conversion (claimed). Improved process economy. Diminished environmental risk during storage and final processing.
(US5411664-A)      Halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment or soil are dehalogenated and/or degraded, by adding a mixt. of (a) fibrous organic matter to support bacterial or fungal growth, and (b) multi-valent metal particles in amt. to promote reductive dehalogenation.    Metal particles comprise Fe and/or Mg in dosage 50-5000 mg per kg of water, soil or sediment, or Zn, Cu, Co and/or Ni in dosage 1-1000 mg/kg.    ADVANTAGE -   Dehalogenated prods. are easily degraded by aerobic microbial processes.    (US6083394-A)      Dehalogenation and/or degradation of halogenated organic chemical contaminants in water, sediment or soil is affected by adding a combination of fibrous organic matter which is capable of supporting bacterial or fungal growth and multivalent metal particles in amts. which promote reductive dehalogenation of the organic cpds. A compsn. for carrying this out comprising metal particles and fibrous organic matter in a wt. ratio of 1:1-1:500000 is also claimed.    Pref. the metal is selected from (a) Fe and Mg or mixts. of these, at 50-5000 mg, pref. 250-2500 mg/kg of water or dry wt. of soil or sediment, with the wt. ratio of metal:organic matter = 1:1-1:10000; or (b) Zn, Cu, Co and Ni or mixts. of these, at 1-1000 mg, pref. 10-100 mg/kg of water or dry wt. of soil or sediment, with the wt. ratio of metal:organic matter = 1:10-1:500000.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process and compsn. promote an anaerobic reductive dehalogenation thereby making the contaminants more readily degradable by microorganisms which are naturally present in the soil, water or sediment.
(US5411649-A)      Catalytic controlled oxidn. of methane using microwaves for the synthesis of ethane and ethylene comprises: (a) introducing methane over the surface of a catalyst having electrical charge defects and geometric deformations enabling it to absorb electromagnetic energy or microwaves; and (b) subjecting the methane and catalyst to an electromagnetic field. The catalyst comprises a rare earth oxide or rare earth alkali metal mixed oxide.    Pref., the catalyst is doped with at least 1 alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal. The catalyst is SmLiO2, LaLiO2, LaNO2, NdNaO2 or SmNaO2. The electromagnetic field used comprises microwaves having bands authorised for industrial, scientific and medical applications.    USE -   For controlled oxidn. of methane.
(ZA9307039-A)      Heavy metals are sepd. from aq. media contg. the same by contacting the said medium with finely divided iron oxide (Fe3O4) and finely divided ferrous sulphide, maintaining said contact until at least a substantial proportion of said heavy metal has become bound to said iron oxide and ferrous sulphide, and then sepg. the iron oxide and ferrous sulphide having heavy metal bound thereto from the aq. medium.    (US5441648-A)      Heavy metal is sepd. from an aq. medium by (a) contacting it with ferrous sulphide which is physically attached to finely-divided synthetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) of particle size less than 1 microns; (b) maintaining contact until 90% or more of the heavy metal binds the sulphide; and (c) magnetically sepg Fe3O4 and sulphide contg. bound heavy metal from the medium. Pref the sulphide is formed in situ by reacting FeSO4 in soln with a water-soluble sulphide, or by reacting a sulphate-reducing bacterium (eg desulphovibrio) on dissolved FeSO4.    USE -   Used for removing cadmium, uranium, lead, copper, mercury, cobalt, chromium and nickel from industrial effluent.
(JP3116976-B2)      A new polyimide sepn. membrane is made of aromatic polyimide having the repeat unit of formula (I).    USE -   Used for gas sepn. like methane from He, methane from H2, or O2 from N2, or for dehydration, purification, or filtration. Esp., the new membrane has a higher sepn. factor for methane sepn. from He.    In an example, in 64.9g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were suspended 2.9g of 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetra carboxylic acid dianhydride; 2.3g of 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane were added over 30 min. The reaction mixt. was polymerised at 25 deg. C for 1 hr. The resultant polyamic acid was cast on a glass substrate, heated at 100 deg. C for 3 hrs., further heated at 300 deg. C for 1 hr. to obtain a polyimide sepn. membrane 28.45 microns thick.
NOVELTY - The fuel cell (31) is divided into electricity generation chamber (35), fuel ejection chamber (36) and fuel supply chamber (37) filled with catalyst. The cell tubes (38) in the fuel cell, have fuel injection tube (39) whose one end is connected to the chamber (37) and other end extends into the cell tube. A cave hole ejects water to the fuel waste gas (42) collected in chamber (37), for discharging waste gas.    USE - Cylindrical-type solid electrolyte fuel cell (SOFC) module used for generating electricity using fuels such as natural gas, coal gas, methane, methanol.    ADVANTAGE - An inexpensive cylindrical-type solid electrolyte fuel cell module with uniform capability and high recycle capability, is provided.
(JP2622799-B2)      Prodn. of a substance by culturing a microbe in a medium prepd. from an organic waste. The medium being pref. prepd. by treating an organic waste microbe with an enzyme or with an enzyme-producing microbe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An organic waste discarded from a food plant can be used again as a resource and the final residue can be used as a fertiliser and/or a feed. In an example, 10 times, the amount of tap water was added to 100 g of dry beer gains and the mixt. was stirred at room temp. slowly for 5 hrs. to extract the components which may be nutrients for the useful microbe. 10 times the amount of tap water was added to 500 g of a live yeast dehydrated by a dehydrator and 300 cc of a culture of Myxococcus xanthus ATCC25232 was added to it and cultured at 25 deg.C for 3 days. 5 l of the culture was mixed with 1 l of the above beer grain extract. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was inoculated to the above mixed soln. and cultured at 38 deg.C for 48 hrs. Ethanol was added to the culture to recover 4 to 5 g/l white powder hyaluronic acid.
(US5447705-A)      Catalyst for the partial oxidn. of methane or a gaseous mixt. contg. methane has a perovskite crystalline structure and is of formula LnxA(1-y)ByO3, where x is between 0 and 10; y is between 0 and 1; Ln is at least 1 of a rare earth metal, Sr or Bi; A is a Gp. IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB or VIII metal; B is a Gp. IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB or VIII metal, and A and B are different metals.    Pref., Ln is at lest 1 or La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, En, Dy, Ho or Ef; A is Ti, Cr, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh or Ni, and B is Ti, Cr, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, or Ni. The catalyst is prepd. by preparing an aq. soln. (S) contg. soluble cpds. of Ln, and/or A and/or B, adding a soln. (T) contg. a complexing acid, to produce a ppte. contg. Ln, A and B, sepg. residual solvent, drying the ppte., and calcining at 200-900 C.    USE -   Used for prods. of H2 or CO-CO2-H2 mixts.
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.
(US5434080-A)      The automatic composting plant is contained within an enclosed building, for a number of lines of compost material. Ventilation channels are below the compost material lines, with screw conveyors. The compost moving systems are independently driven, using a discharge screw, and a charging screw over the material, an angled connecting screw conveyor, and a distribution screw conveyor moving over the material which add, transfer and mix the compost material, and remove the finished compost. Elongated slits at the ventilation channels, between them and the material, carry cleaning units moving along them.    ADVANTAGE -   The plant gives an automatic processing of compost for a community, without emissions which would affect the environment.    (EP592368-B1)      A fully automatic compositing installation in a closed hall limited by walls and a roof having several composting boxes disposed side by side, ventilation channels extending there under and associated with the boxes and means for conveying, mixing, turning over, moving and discharging the raw mateiral to be treated and the compost, characterised in that the means for conveying, mixing, turning over, moving and discharging conssists of at least one fixed discharge conveying spiral (11) that extends in front of the discharge apertures (10) of several composting boxes (6), at lesat one fixed input conveying spiral (12) that extends above several composting boxes, at least one diagonally disposed connection conveying spiral (13) and at lesat one distribution conveying spiral (15) movable above the composting boxes.
(US5406747-A)      Earth and sandy materials are regenerated and sterilised with steam in a device comprising (a) an elongated treatment chamber having a feed side and a delivery side; (b) a screw conveyor in (a) to continuously convey and mix materials from feed side to delivery side; and (c) 1 or more device for introducing steam under pressure into (a), which have feed orifices spaced along (a) from feed side to delivery side.    Wall of (a) has a feed opening so that material can enter, with a filling funnel surrounding this having one or more gp. of steam feed orifices that direct steam toward the feed openings.    USE -   Used for treatment of compost earth and playground sand.    (EP591625-B1)      A device for the regeneration and sterilisation of soil, in particular compost or similar soil, with steam, featuring: an elongated treatment chamber (2,2"), a screw (4,4") positioned in the treatment chamber (2,2") for the continuous conveyance and mixing of the material fed in for treatment from the inlet side (5) to th outlet side (16) of the treatment chamber (2,2"), and a vaporization device (8,8'), characterised in that the vaporization device (8,8') features stream inlet openings (20,20",22) along th length of the treatment chamber (2,2") to introduce compressed stream into it and that the number of steam inlet openings (20,20",22) on each longitudinal section in a zone adjacent to the inlet side (5) is greater than in the area on the outlet side (16).
(EP593911-A1)      Thermal cracking of synthetic organic waste materials is effected at 200-600 deg.C and 0.01-450 bar for a residence time of 1 minute to 24 hour in an inert gas atmos. contg. 0.1-10 vol.% O2. The temp. is pref. 220-500 (esp. 240-480) deg.C.. The pressure is 0.1-350 (esp. 0.1-1) bar. The resilience time is pref. 5 minutes to 24 hours.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process may be used to convert waste plastics, e.g. high-density polyethylene (HDPE), to prods. of lower viscosity. Addn. of O2 accelerates thermal degradation without causing resin or deposit formation.    (DE4232353-C2)      Processing of synthetic organic material waste comprises thermal decomposition of the waste in the presence of oxygen (0.1-10 vol.%) dispersed in an inert carrier gas and opt. additives, at temps. 200-600 deg.C (pref. 240-480 deg.C) and pressures 0.01-450 bar (pref. 0.1-1 bar), for times of 1 min. - 24 hrs. (pref. 5 min. -24 hrs.).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Volatile decomposition prods. are carried from the furnace zone by a stream of inert gas, and can be recovered by condensation. The process times are shortened by the presence of oxygen, and the prodn. of intractable tars or resins is reduced.
(US5400918-A)      An enclosure is provided comprising a continuous wall skin of spherical shape made up of a number of identical panels with all their side edges being identical, each including a base line; each panel having tabs on each side edge extending outwardly from it with edges lying in a common line parallel with the base line and the side edges diverging toward the base line; the tabs including a male tab and a female tab on each edge; the male tabs having slits in their side edges extending toward each other in line with the base line; the panel including a sub tab cut at each female tab which is flexible for forming a hole; the panels being detachably connected together by male female tab interaction, and constituting the entire structure of the wall skin and self sustaining in its spherical shape and the interconnected tabs constitute sole means for securing the tabs together.    USE -   For forming a composter.
(JP3202801-B2)      Light is irradiated as the organic cpd. in the presence of titanium oxide and/or hydrated titanium oxide, and oxygen in a perfluoro inert liq., including perfluoroalkyl amine.    The organic cpd. pref. comprises, e.g., methane or ethane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The use of the perfluoro inert liq. for oxidn. decomposition readily decomposes gas or liq. organic cpd. No intermediate prod. or CO is grown. C contained in the organic cpd. is converted into CO2. The result treats the harmful organic cpd. causing environmental pollution. Decomposing polydiphenyl chloride generates no harmful substance, including dioxin.
(US5354346-A)      Pressure swing adsorption for recovering two gases passes a feed stream at elevated pressure through an adsorbent bed, stops the feed before breakthrough, depressurised the bed to ambient to remove the adsorbed gas, and recycles at least part of the resultant effluent to the feed stream. A low pressure purge stream of the strongly adsorbed gas is passed through the bed to remove residual second gas, and the bed is evacuated to below ambient pressure to recover the strongly adsorbed gas as prod. The bed is partially repressurised with effluent from another bed in the purge stage before re-pressurising with less strongly adsorbed gas.    The gases are pref. selected from H2, O2, CO2, N2, CO, CH2 and other hydrocarbons, and the adsorbent is zeolite, carbon, alumina, or silica gel.    ADVANTAGE -   The method increases process energy efficiency and gives two prods. with high yield and purity.
(DE4331932-C2)      An installation for producing a bio-gas, incudes a sludge gas unit, a gas drier, a gas storage unit, a gas compressor and a combustion machine coupled to an electric generator. The sludge is treated by gassing the raw sludge. The combustion machine is a gas turbine, and a sludge dewatering unit is located behind the sludge rotting unit. A heat exchanger is used for the indirect heating of drying air and a gas line runs from the gas turbine exhaust to the heating medium inlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The installation is efficient and reliable and delivers a significant amt. of useable energy.
(JP6241063-A)      Plastic scrap of any kind of composition is used for generating electricity. In the process the scrap in a plasma reactor and under reducing conditions is exposed to plasma contg. sub-stoichiometric oxygen at a temp. above 1200 deg.C; it is there converted to plasma-pyrolytic gas which consists of low molecular weight carbon fragments, after which the gas is cooled down to below 1500 deg.C. The gas used is compressed to have a high calorific value and is fed at high temp. to a gas turbine for electricity generation; the heat lost is utilised to generate steam and this too is fed to a similar turbine for current generation.    ADVANTAGE -   The process converts the high energy content of mixed plastic scrap into electrical energy with a very high conversion efficiency. At the same time it converts the scrap into environmentally acceptable material which can be disposed of without producing any harmful substances. It saves fossil fuels, raw material resources generally and hence the whole environment.    (US5369947-A)      A process is provided for converting plastics wastes into power comprising steps of reacting plastics waste in a plasma reactor under reducing conditions in a plasma contg. sub-stoichiometric oxygen at a temp. above 1200 deg.C to form a plasma pyrolysis gas consisting of low mol. wt. carbon fragments; cooling this to below 1500 deg.C and compressing it to above 10 bar; delivering the compressed gas as a fuel of high calorific value and high temp. to a gas turbine for generating electric power; passing waste gases from the turbine to a boiler to generate steam which is then fed to a steam turbine for generating more power.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency power prodn.
(NL9301411-A)      The covering material for a compost heap has a membrane (1) which is impermeable to water but permeable to air. It is covered on both sides by a textile carrier material (2,3).    The membrane (1) is of polyethylene or polyurethane. The textile carriers (2,3) are a high density non-woven, woven or knitted material of polyester.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is for covering a compost heap, esp. for rotting in the compost conversion of bio-waste. The material gives the required ventilation and water movement, with protection against drying out or saturation.    (DE4231414-C2)      The covering material for a compost heap has a membrane (1) which is impermeable to water but permeable to air. It is covered on both sides by a textile carrier material (2,3).    The membrane (1) is of polyethylene or polyurethane. The textile carriers (2,3) are a high density non-woven, woven or knitted material of polyester.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is for covering a compost heap, esp. for rotting in the compost conversion of bio-waste. The material gives the required ventilation and water movement, with protection against drying out or saturation.
(US5322628-A)      Metallic and organic forms of mercury are dried and simultaneously removed from fluid, by (a) contacting with a layer of a multi-layered bed contg. silver mixed with, coated on, or impregnated in a porous substrate; then (b) contacting with a second layer having gold mixed with, coated on, or impregnated in a porous substrate.    Substrate comprises zeolite 3A, 4A and/or 5A. First and second layers have bed height ratio of 100-20:1. First layer removes water and Hg-metal. Second layer removes organic mercury and residual water.    ADVANTAGE -   Drier bed can be regenerated.
(JP7234210-A)      An analysis system (10) (fig 1) is used to measure the concn of non-methane organic gases (NMOGs) in a gas mixture including methane, and includes a porous layer open tubular (plot) column (30) which is used as part of a trap (22) in which the NMOGs are collected prior to analysis.    When at a low trapping temp the plot column adsorbs the NMOGs but allows the methane in the mixt to pass through when the plot column is at a higher, desorption temp the NMOGs are desorbed into a stream of carried gas flowing through the column.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For determn of non-methane organic gases in gas mixts including methane eg IC engine exhaust gas. Esp useful for eg environmental studies. Simple appts capable of giving quick, accurate, reliable determn can give results very rapidly (eg within a few seconds of several minutes with prior art analysers). Allows use of direct sampling techniques without the need for collection traps and large volumes of dilution air.
(DE4230644-C2)      Closed system process for the recovery of carbon dioxide from coal power stations and its subsequent hydro-biological conversion into methane by anaerobic fermentation, which ends with a fermentation reactor rather than a chimney.    Pref. sulphur and nitrogen are removed following liquefaction of the exhaust gas/carbon dioxide, with vol. redn. further increased by cooling and over pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for the treatment of industrial exhaust gases and as a commercially-viable process for the prepn. of methane. Methane is obtd. via a low energy process.
(EP589155-A1)      Elimination of substances (A) of high fat content (esp. processed leather scraps for glue prodn.) comprises subjected to anaerobic decomposition in admixture with (a) NH3-contg. pH stabilising buffer and (b) biogas-generating bacteria.    Pref. (A) is mixed with liq. chicken manure and with a liq. medium to produce a pumpable mixt. The medium, already mixed with buffer and bacteria (able to cleave fat and generate methane) before adding (A), in esp. water recycled from the fermenter, opt. contg. some liq. manure.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is economical and less polluting than known methods of (A) disposal. Almost complete conversion is achieved and since methane is generated energy can be recovered. The slurry-like residue left after fermentation can be used as organic fertiliser. The use of a buffer allows very large amts. of acid to be produced without causing a fall in pH sufficient to kill the bacteria.    (EP589155-B1)      Elimination of substances (A) of high fat content (esp. processed leather scraps for glue prodn.) comprises subjected to anaerobic decomposition in admixture with (a) NH3-contg. pH stabilising buffer and (b) biogas-generating bacteria.    Pref. (A) is mixed with liq. chicken manure and with a liq. medium to produce a pumpable mixt. The medium, already mixed with buffer and bacteria (able to cleave fat and generate methane) before adding (A), in esp. water recycled from the fermenter, opt. contg. some liq. manure.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is economical and less polluting than known methods of (A) disposal. Almost complete conversion is achieved and since methane is generated energy can be recovered. The slurry-like residue left after fermentation can be used as organic fertiliser. The use of a buffer allows very large amts. of acid to be produced without causing a fall in pH sufficient to kill the bacteria.
(US5352272-A)      Appts. for sepg. gas mixt. components uses a membrane unit operated at 5 deg.C or less. The temp. of the permeate or non-permeate flow is altered and the flow is passed through an exchanger for heat-exchange against feed mixt.    The membrane is such that when using a feed of 80 mol% N2 and 20% O2 at 30 deg.C with pressure of 30 psia on one side of the membrane and a vacuum less than 1 mm Hg on the other the O2 permeability is less than 2000 and is greater than 2000/(O/N selectivity)7/2. The membrane is e.g. of glassy polymer, such as polyphenyleneoxide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyether, polyestercarbonate, polyarylate, polyester, polyacetylene, polytriazole, polyoxadiazole, polyolefin, polysulphone, polyethersulphone, polyamideimide, polyvinylsilane, polybenz(bis)oxazole, polybenzo(bis)thiazole, or polybenzo(bis)imidazole.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for sepn. of N2 from air or CO2 from methane. Provides higher yield and purity.
(JP2634735-B2)      Treatment comprises roughly crushing the plastics, throwing the crushed plastics into a finely crushing machine, together with a liq. contg. a surfactant, and crushing the grains with the liq. into a slurry-like fuel.
(JP2634734-B2)      Treatment comprises roughly crushing a combustible material contg. the plastics, heating and pressuring the grains to form half molten solids, crushing the solids being cooled into fine grains and adding a liq. to them to produce slurry-like fuel.
(JP2673081-B2)      Treating waste comprises crushing the wastes into fine grains, mixing a liq. contg. a surfactant with the fine grains to make a slurry-like fuel; a flow rate adjuster may be provided for the liq.
(JP2622052-B2)      Appts. comprises a wastes housing disposed in a combustion chamber, and gas guide passage connected to the wastes housing. The gas produced in the wastes housing is guided to an engine.
(DE4239297-C2)      A wine-type drink contains at least 10 wt. % of garlic wine obtained by the alcoholic fermentation of garlic. Pref. the drink contains at least 80 wt. % garlic wine, esp. 100 wt. %; and contains 5-18 wt. % alcohol. The garlic wine is obtained by fermenting sugar, garlic and water with yeast at room temp. for 3-8 weeks; removing from the sediment; an ageing for several weeks.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The garlic wine is used as wine, for flavouring, and for the medicinal uses of garlic (anti microbial, centrifugal antiviral, antihypertensive, insecticidal, antiparasitic, antitumour). The garlic wine does not have the unwanted smell of garlic.
(DE4324639-C2)      A process for stabilising compost includes releasing the liq. present by cell destrictuion, and then removal of the liq. The cells of the compost are subjected to excess pressure or reduced pressure, during which time they are damaged. The excess pressure is applied mechanically.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable.
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.
(JP7509513-W)      An aq. self foaming, self-levelling liq. compsn. comprises: water; at least one surfactant; and sufficient gaseous aliphatic hydrocarbon(s) to exert a positive pressure in the head space of a dispenser for dispensation of the compsn. The compsn. is dispensed as a liq. the liq. foaming instantly on spreading. A package combination comprises the compsn. packed in a non-pressurised dispenser of barrier material. The dispenser is adapted to contain the compsn. under positive pressure and is equipped with a positive shut-off valve adapted to dispense a proportional amt. of the compsn.    USE -   The compsns. are useful for topical applications of personal cleaning, household cleaning and shaving prepns. They are replacements for bar soaps and shampoos.
(JP95090142-B2)      Liq. comprises 20-40 wt.% FeSO4, 2-10 wt.% MgSO4 and balance water. Ascorbic acid is included in an amt. of at least 1/100,000 wt.% and acetic acid is included in an amt. of up to 1/10,000 wt.% (w.r.t. the total amt. of FeSO4 and MgSO4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to absorb toxic gas e.g., CO, NH3, H2S or CH4. The liq. may be stored stably and oxidises and decomposes human waste Fe2+ oxidises the waste and Fe(2+) ions are kept stably in open air by the action of MgSO4. The mixt. of the liq. and human waste produces no ammonia gas and is used as fertiliser.    In an example, charcoal was burnt in a closed greenhouse for 50 mins. A bottle contg. 3500 cm3 of the new liq. was placed in the house for 10 min. No CO toxic symptoms were developed after a man stayed in the house over 3 hrs.
(US5732891-A)      The prodn. comprises addn. of comminuted harvest residues e.g. corn cobs and straw, barley straw, etc., and the residues are comminuted to a particle dia. of a few microns while mixing with the dung, and the latter is adsorbed on and absorbed in the residues.    Pref. the residues are transferred by conveying and dosing devices (10,11) from a hopper (9) into a grinding and mixing machine (7), in which they are mixed with dung pumped from a tank (2). The residues are comminuted in the machine (7) by discs with prongs or swing hammers, impact crosses or plates, vortex flow rotors or rotors with cutting blades.    ADVANTAGE -   The comminution activates the added solids to achieve maximal adsorption and reaction capacity for rapid and efficient chemical reaction with the organic components of the dung, so a high quality manure is obtained without composting. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9402 based on complete specification).
(EP613494-A1)      A liquefied fuel gas comprises a mixt. of: (a) propane; (b) methylethyl ketone; and (c) a member of the C4H10O or C4H20O2 group of hydrocarbons.    A process for making the above liquified fuel is also claimed.    Liquified fuel gas comprising a mixt. of propane, methyl-ethyl ketone and a member of the mono- or di:oxy butane group of hydrocarbon(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel gas can be used as an automotive fuel and as a torch fuel for cutting and/or welding. The liquified fuel gas of the invention has a higher flame temp., a faster rate of burning and a lower emission of pollutants than prior art fuel gases. It can be stored and transported easily and economically. It can be burned with oxygen for flame cutting of ferrous materials, producing a cleaner, faster cut with no slag or scoria formation. It may be used with 95% oxygen whereas other burning and cutting fuels require 99% oxygen or better. It may be used for cutting underwater at considerable depths, down to 400 ft. It also provides an automotive fuel having enhanced performance and lower emissions of sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitric oxides.
(US5414157-A)      Feedstock is converted to an oxidn. prod. by (a) passing it with air or O2 through an open space and bed of solid granular oxidn catalyst at 300-600 deg,; (b) withdrawing the oxidn prod. from the open space; and (c) simultaneously withdrawing it from an additional location in the reaction zone due to longer contact w.r.t those withdrawn in (b).    Feedstock comprises opt. oxygenated (1-10C)hydrocarbons. Open space lies above the catalyst bed, and the other location is at or below its bottom.    ADVANTAGE -   Greater yield of desired prod. is obtd. w.r.t. operation where all the reaction prods. are removed after longer contact with the catalyst.
(JP95055874-B2)      The fertiliser comprises fermented seed fungi made of a mixt. of cow, pig and fowl droppings and fermenting accelerator comprising rice, bran, sugar and crushed pieces to which leguminous bacteria are deposited.    USE -   Used for culturing agricultural plants.
(JP3147491-B2)      Determn. of organic acid remaining in water obtd by treating organic waste water by methane fermentation comprises (a) passing a part of treated water through monitoring reacting tank for treating it by methane fermentation, (b) measuring the amt of methane gas formed from unit amt of treated water and (c) calculating residual organic acid concn in treated water from measured methane gas amt.    Methane fermenting appts includes (A) methane fermenting tank which receives organic waste water and treats it by methane fermentation, (B) monitoring reacting tank which receives a part of treated water and methane-ferments it, (C) means to measure methane gas formed in monitoring reacting tank, (D) means to measure flow rate of treated water entering monitoring reacting tank, (E) appts for calculating residual organic acid concn. from measured values and (F) appts for the regulating the flow rate of organic waste water entering methane fermenting tank (A) and the temp in methane fermenting tank(A).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The concn. of organic acids such as propionic acid, acetic acid, etc. which inhibit methane fermentation, can be easily determined, efficiently with high accuracy, continuously and the methane fermenting process can be regulated depending upon the determined value under optimum condition.
(EP579289-B1)      Method of separating a gas mixture of at least three components by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) into three different fractions comprises (a) repeatedly performing a cycle of operations including (b) passing the gas mixture through first and second adsorptive regions in series; both of the adsorptive regions having (c) an adsorbent on which a second component of the mixture is more strongly adsorbed than a first component, but less strongly adsorbed than a third component; (d) withdrawing a first fraction enriched in the first component from the downstream end of the first adsorptive region; (e) stopping admission of the gas mixture to the first adsorptive region; (f) withdrawing a second fraction enriched in the second component from the downstream end of the second adsorptive region, and from the upstream end of the second adsorptive region into a common pipeline; and (g) withdrawing a third fraction enriched in the third component from the upstream end of the first adsorptive region.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method improves the overall efficiency of a PSA process in which a multicomponent gas mixt. flowing out of an adsorbent bed continuously changes in concn. either during the prodn. step or the depressurisation step by collecting the mixt. in two fractions, one enriched in a desired product and the other enriched in an impurity.
(JP95074110-B2)      Appts. comprises an endless belt conveyor disposed in stairs in a drying chamber, openable floor plates attached to the conveyor and a drive unit to open and close the floor plates to drop fowl droppings.    USE -   Used for treating fowl droppings.
(JP8501115-W)      Conversion of organic material into a prod. gas comprises (a) providing a liq. reactant mixt. contg. water and liq. organic material within a pressure reactor, (b) providing an effective amt. of a reduced metal catalyst which is Ru, Rh, Os and/or Ir within the reactor, and (c) maintaining the liq. reactant mixt. and catalyst at temp. of 350-450 deg.C and pressure of at least 130 atmos. for a time sufficient to catalyse a reaction to obtain a prod. gas of methane, CO2 and H2.    The conversion of multi-carbon cpds. into a prod. gas by the above steps is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for conversion of organic materials esp. hazardous wastes and biomass materials to prod. gas useful as fuel. Process energy requirements are minimised by maintaining organic material as liq.    (EP643756-B1)      Conversion of organic material into a prod. gas comprises (a) providing a liq. reactant mixt. contg. water and liq. organic material within a pressure reactor, (b) providing an effective amt. of a reduced metal catalyst which is Ru, Rh, Os and/or Ir within the reactor, and (c) maintaining the liq. reactant mixt. and catalyst at temp. of 350-450 deg.C and pressure of at least 130 atmos. for a time sufficient to catalyse a reaction to obtain a prod. gas of methane, CO2 and H2.    The conversion of multi-carbon cpds. into a prod. gas by the above steps is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for conversion of organic materials esp. hazardous wastes and biomass materials to prod. gas useful as fuel. Process energy requirements are minimised by maintaining organic material as liq.
(JP7507593-W)      Organic waste (I) treatment process comprises:    (A) feeding (I) into molten metal contained in a carbonisation reactor without adding separate oxidising agent to generate hydrogen gas and carbonise the metal;    (B) directing the metal into a decarbonisation reactor;    (C) adding oxidising agent to the decarbonisation reactor metal to decarbonise the metal and generate an enriched stream of carbon monoxide gas; and    (D) directing the metal to the carbonisation reactor.    Appts. for the process is also claimed.    The metal is pref. Fe or Mg. Also the metal may comprise two immiscible metals, the first having free energy of oxidn. exceeding that of oxidn. of C to CO at the prevailing conditions, and the second having free energy of oxidn. exceeding that of oxidn. of CO to CO2. An Fe/Cu mixt. is pref.. The enriched C oxide stream pref. comprises CO or CO and CO2 with increased CO2/CO mol. ratio compared to that produced in molten Fe. The oxidising agent is pref. oxygen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas stream produced are utilised, e.g. the H2 is used for sythesis of NH3 or oxoalcohol or as fuel. The waste is e.g. tar, oil, organic waste contg. halogens, metals, etc. and may include inorganic waste.
(JP7507591-W)      Process comprises:    (A) introducing organic waste contg. H and C into molten metal without adding separate oxidising agent, to decompose the waste and form an enriched H2 gas stream while carbonising the molten metal;    (B) removing the hydrogen enriched gas stream;    (C) subsequently adding separate oxidising agent to the metal to oxidise carbon and form an enriched carbon monoxide gas stream while decarbonising the metal; and    (D) removing all the enriched CO gas stream from the vessel.    The metal is pref. Fe or Mg. The enriched C oxide stream comprises CO or CO and CO2 with increased CO2/CO mol. ratio compared to that produced in molten Fe. The oxidising agent is oxygen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The H2 enriched stream is used for synthesis of NH3 or oxoalcohol or as fuel. The waste may be tar, oil, organic waste contg. halogens, metals, etc. and may include inorganic waste.
(US1430-H)      Appts for removing CH4 vapour from gas, comprises (a) a bioreactor container closed to the atmos. contg. carrier coated with a methanotropic bacteria culture and kaolin clay; (b) a conduit connecting outlet of (a) to a gas pump; and (c) a conduit connecting gas pump to a lower part of (a).    Appts also includes (d) a gas sample connected to (c); and (e) a humidifying salt soln within the lower part of (a), so that gas circulates through it and the carrier via the pump and CH4 is removed.    ADVANTAGE -   Rate of oxidn of toxic vapours is increased, esp CH4 and trichloroethylene.