Abstract: A fuel cell separator manufacturing method including the steps of removing an abnormal layer (91) arising at the surface layer of a metal material for use as a separator (20) when it is rolled, a exposing portions of conductors (92) included in a surface layer part of the metal material itself to project, and carrying out a passivation treatment on the surface layer part of the metal material itself. The steps of removing the abnormal layer and exposing portions of the conductors are possible in the same process, chemically or electro-chemically. Therefore, the number of steps can be cut and increased productivity and reduced cost of separators can be achieved.

Abstract: A motor driving method for a steering apparatus for applying an auxiliary steering force to a steering system with two motors. When the two motors are driven, a first one of the two motors is operated first. Thereafter, the other, second motor is driven, whereby smooth steering is effected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell comprising a pair of separators sandwiching outsides of a membrane electrode assembly composed of a pair of electrodes provided on both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an outer seal member sandwiched by a pair of separators at a position surrounding an outer periphery of the membrane electrode assembly, an inner seal member sandwiched by one of the pair of separators and an outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane, and a backing member opposing to the inner seal member interposing the electrolyte membrane, wherein steps are formed at contact surfaces of the inner seal member and the outer seal member on one of the pair of separators.

Abstract: In a structure in which a middle portion of a wiper blade is pivoted to a leading end portion of a wiper arm via a pivot substantially orthogonal to an arm length direction so as to freely oscillate, and a supporting member supporting a portion closer to a wiper shaft than the middle portion of the wiper blade is provided in the wiper arm, the structure reduces a sliding resistance which occurs due to a movement of the wiper blade toward and away from a window surface. A stabilizer has an upper piece portion and a pair of side piece portions, a supporting concave portion supporting a wiper blade in an outward fitting manner is formed, and a plurality of ribs which extend toward the window surface are formed on inner surfaces of the side piece portions, thereby being in linear contact with outer surfaces of side piece portions of a support receiving body which is fitted to a first lever terminal end portion of the wiper blade.

Abstract: It is determined whether the motion state of legs 2, 2 is a one-leg supporting state or a two-leg supporting state, and a total floor reaction force is estimated based on a motion equation of the center of gravity of a bipedal movable body 1. If the motion state of legs 2, 2 is the one-leg supporting state, the estimated value of the total floor reaction force is used as an estimated value of the floor reaction force on the leg 2 which is landed. When the motion state changes to the two-leg supporting state, a vertical component of the floor reaction force on the rear leg is estimated from the MP height of the front leg based on a predetermined correlation between the MP height of the front leg and the vertical component of the floor reaction force on the leg.

Abstract: A landing shock absorbing device 18 provided in a foot mechanism 6 of a leg of a robot comprises an inflatable and compressible bag-like member 19 (a variable capacity element) on a bottom face side of the foot mechanism 6. The bag-like member 19 is constructed of an elastic material such as rubber. Air in the atmosphere can flow into and out of the bag-like member 19 by inflow/outflow means 20 provided with a solenoid valve 27 and the like. In a landing state of the foot mechanism 6 and in a state immediately after the foot mechanism shifts from the landing state to a lifting state, the solenoid valve 27 is closed to maintain the bag-like member 19 in a compressed state.

Abstract: There is provided a car door structure which comprises an interior door trim 52 at an interior side of a door inner panel 11, and a noise isolation sheet 20 which is installed between the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 52, covering the door inner panel 11 partially or wholly. The edge portion of the noise isolation sheet 20 is nipped by a nip portion 40. The nip portion 40 is formed with portions of the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 52 by making the portions come closer.

Abstract: A gait generation device includes means for setting a translation floor reaction force's horizontal component (component concerning a friction force) applied to a robot 1, a limitation-target quantity, such as a ZMP, and an allowable range, means for determining at least a provisional instantaneous value of a desired floor reaction force and a provisional instantaneous value for a desired movement of the robot 1, and means that receives at least the provisional instantaneous value for the desired movement and determines a model floor reaction force instantaneous value with the aid of a dynamics model.

Abstract: A brake drum includes a ring-shaped drum body, and a friction member secured to the inner circumferential surface of the drum body. Because the drum body is formed of a lightweight Al alloy and the friction member is formed of an Al-base composite material, the brake drum can be reduced in weight as a whole. Further, because the friction member, having projection portions formed on its outer periphery, is cast enveloped by molten metal of the Al alloy, the friction member and the drum body can be firmly fastened together. Thus, even when a great braking force is applied to the drum brake, the friction member can be prevented from being undesirably detached from the drum body.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a tire sensor unit which receives electric power from a car body in a non-contact manner. The tire sensor unit 10 (10a-10d) is mounted on a corresponding tire 2 (2a-2d) of a car, and electric power is radio-transmitted from a corresponding non-contact type power supply portion 40 (40a-40d) provided in the car body to the tire sensor unit 10 by electromagnetic induction or by microwaves. The tire sensor unit 10 is provided with a non-contact type power receiving portion which generates direct-current power by energy transmitted from the non-contact type power supply portion 40 so as to supply electric power necessary for activating the tire sensor unit 10. The tire sensor unit 10 senses air pressure or the like, and radio-transmits the information to the receiving device 20.

Abstract: A body support assembly in which irregular portions such as bunchy portions and irregular portions are prevented and further curing and holding performance are improved. The body support assembly (1) comprises a flexible cushion body (2) covered with a short-shaped cover body (3) impregnated with a curing resin and the cushion body (2) is made to abut against a user's body to be deformed in a shape matching the user's body, and then the cover body (3) is cured to be used. At least an upper edge portion of the cover body (3) is formed in a thinned edge portion (7) decreasing in thickness gradually from the cushion body (2). The thinned edge portion (7) includes a flange-shaped junction (6) formed by making a side for covering one surface of the cushion body (2) and a side for covering the other surface thereof abut against each other in an upper edge portion of the cover body (3) to be join together.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an electric power steering system is provided, which controls a motor for applying assist steering torque to a steering line of a vehicle at least according to steering torque signal of the steering line, vehicle velocity signal and motor current signal. The control apparatus includes a target current controller for setting target current signal for driving the motor, a deviation calculator for computing a deviation between the target current and motor current signals, a deviation adjuster for adjusting the deviation with a variable gain according to the vehicle velocity signal, a proportional element for executing proportional control for the motor, an integral element for executing integral control for the motor and an gain adjuster for adjusting the gain according to a differential of the steering torque signal.

Abstract: There are provided means for determining a desired trajectory of a translation floor reaction force's vertical component of a legged mobile robot 1, a vertical component of the total center-of-gravity acceleration or a body acceleration vertical component of the robot 1, means for determining a desired vertical position of the total center-of-gravity of the robot 1 or a body 24 thereof so as to satisfy the desired trajectory, and means for determining a desired vertical position of the total center-of-gravity of the robot 1 or the body 24 thereof based on a geometrical condition concerning a joint of a leg 2. Depending on the gait mode, such as walking or running, one of the desired vertical positions is selected, or the desired vertical positions are combined by taking the weighted average thereof or the like, thereby determining a final desired vertical position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamp device comprising a support frame member, a lower clamp unit and an upper clamp unit supported by the support frame member. The lower clamp unit has a pair of lower jaws and first actuating means for actuating at least one of the lower jaws between clamped and unclamped positions. The upper clamp unit has a first upper jaw and a second upper jaw, and a second actuating means for actuating at least one of the upper jaws between clamped and unclamped positions, the first upper jaw being fixed for movement with one of the lower jaws.

Abstract: A gait generation device for generating a desired gait which includes floating periods in which all the legs 2, 2 of a legged mobile robot 1 float in the air and landing periods in which at least one leg 2 is in contact with a floor which appear alternately generates the desired gait in such a manner that, at least when shifting from the floating period to the landing period, the velocity of an end portion 22 of a landing leg with respect to the floor and the acceleration thereof with respect to the floor is substantially 0 at the instant of landing. After both the velocity of the end portion of the leg with respect to the floor and the acceleration thereof with respect to the floor are determined to be substantially 0, a movement of the body of the robot with the desired gait is determined in such a manner that the horizontal component of a moment produced about the desired ZMP by the resultant force of gravity and an inertial force applied to the robot 1 is substantially 0.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus is provided, which has a first device for detection of steering torque, a motor, a motor drive unit, a second device for determining a target current based upon at least a signal of steering torque, a third device for detection of a motor current, and a control unit for generating a signal for motor drive based upon at least a deviation between the target current and motor current and transmitting the signal for motor drive to the motor drive unit. The apparatus has a feature that the control unit includes a fourth device for weakening a magnetic field within the motor according to the deviation or a value computed based upon the deviation.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack which comprises a plurality of unit fuel cells laminated via separators, and is connected to external resistors each allowing a feeble current to flow to each unit fuel cell, whereby such problems as an open-circuit voltage generation and corrosion that may be caused by fuel gas remaining after operation shutdown can be resolved. A switch is preferably attached in series with an external resistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and storing tools in a vehicle, including a storage body shaped to fit inside the hub of a spare wheel. The storage body has a jack storage space for securely holding a vehicle raising jack, a lug wrench-receiving space for securely holding a lug wrench and a hollow storage well for holding and storing one or more various user-selected tools or accessories. The storage well has a volume approximately as large as said jack storage space. The storage well may be substantially crescent shaped in cross section and extends substantially the full depth of the storage body for thereby providing a relatively large storage space in a otherwise restricted area of a vehicle trunk. Optionally, tools may be added to the storage body, and fitted into the appropriate storage spaces therein, to form a compact tool kit and storage receptacle for a vehicle.

Abstract: Valve guides made of ferrous sintered alloy for internal combustion engines have improved durability of the valve stem without soft nitriding process. The valve guides include Cu: 8 to 20 mass %, C: 0.8 to 1.5 mass %, and at least one of MnS, WS2, and MoS2: 0.5 to 2 mass % and the balance of Fe, the valve guides have many pores, have a metal structure in which the copper phase dispersed in an iron pearlite matrix exists, and have a structure in which metal sulfides are dispersed between particles between the matrix and the copper phase.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an audio system in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system and method can be used to send a test signal to a particular loudspeaker. Controls allow a user to test each loudspeaker individually and to move the test signal from one loudspeaker to another easily. The system and method can include a particular key or button sequence to enter the diagnostic mode. The system also includes provisions that allow users to easily direct a test signal to a particular loudspeaker.

Abstract: A process for forming a tubular member is provided which includes a preforming process for tube-expanding (bulge) forming and bending forming a tubular material (Pa) using first and second molds (M1, M2) and a final forming process for crush forming a preformed tube (Pc) using a third mold (M3) so as to give its cross section a desired shape, the preforming being carried out using the first and second molds (M1, M2) heated at temperatures equal to or higher than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material and the final forming being carried out using the third mold (M3) heated at temperatures equal to or lower than the recrystallization temperature of the tubular material. The process enables a tubular material of aluminium alloy to be formed into a tubular member of high precision and high quality which has expanded portions as well as bent portions and whose cross section varies across its length. The process also enables drastic increase in productivity.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral raw at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a workpiece during a production run in which workpieces are supplied to workstations by an autoloader. In accordance with the method, the supply of the workpieces by the autoloader is performed in accordance with a supply control routine. When it is desired to inspect a workpiece in a workstation, the supply control routine is interrupted after its then current cycle and the autoloader is used to move the workpiece to a quality control station. The supply of the workpieces in accordance with the supply control routine is then resumed. While the autoloader is operating in accordance with the supply control routine, the workpiece is inspected. If the workpiece is acceptable, the supply control routine is again interrupted after its then current cycle and the autoloader is used to move the workpiece to an output area. The supply of the workpieces in accordance with the supply control routine is then resumed again.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled or joined to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral row at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: An intake manifold is provided that comprises a plurality of intake ducts, a surge tank, a vacuum chamber, and a negative pressure check valve. The negative pressure check valve enables negative pressure induced in the surge tank to flow into the vacuum chamber. Each upstream end of the intake ducts protrudes into the inside of the surge tank. Further, a pressure inlet formed inside the surge tank, to lead the negative pressure induced inside the surge tank to the negative pressure check valve, is positioned on a side closer to an engine than the respective upstream ends of the intake ducts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a billet for cold forging according to the present invention is characterized by the first spheroidizing annealing step of spheroidizing a carbide in a blank, the drawing step of drawing the blank at a predetermined sectional area reduction ratio after the first spheroidizing annealing step, and the second spheroidizing annealing step of promoting the dispersion of the internal carbide for an increased spheroidizing ratio after the drawing step. The drawing step has a drawing ratio of approximately 20%. The blank is cut to a desired dimension between said first spheroidizing annealing step and said second spheroidizing annealing step.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a billet for cold forging according to the present invention is characterized by the first spheroidizing annealing step of spheroidizing a carbide in a blank, the drawing step of drawing the blank at a predetermined sectional area reduction ratio after the first spheroidizing annealing step, and the second spheroidizing annealing step of promoting the dispersion of the internal carbide for an increased spheroidizing ratio after the drawing step. The drawing step has a drawing ratio of approximately 20%. The blank is cut to a desired dimension between said first spheroidizing annealing step and said second spheroidizing annealing step.

Abstract: An electrode base material is held by electrostatic attraction when a voltage from a DC power source is applied to electrodes for electrostatic attraction. A paste is applied to the electrode base material, and then the paste is dried to form the water-repellent layer. Subsequently, another paste is applied to the water-repellent layer, and then the paste is dried. Accordingly, the substantially flat electrode catalyst layer including an extremely small number of depressions is formed. The electrode of the fuel cell produced as described above can be used as an anode or a cathode.

Abstract: A method for forming a supported metal-containing powder. The method comprises forming a dispersion of a particulate support in a solution, which comprises a solvent and a dissolved metal. Heat is removed from the dispersion to precipitate the dissolved metal from the solution onto the particulate support. Preferably, enough heat is removed to freeze the solution. Also, the heat is removed is preferably removed from the dispersion by contacting a container containing the dispersion with a cryogenic liquid. After precipitating the dissolved metal onto the particulate support, the particulate support is separated from the solution, preferably by freeze-drying, to yield the supported metal-containing powder, which comprises the particulate support and a precipitated metal thereon.

Abstract: A male housing (70) has a receptacle (71) for receiving a female housing (20). An introducing surface (77) is formed around the inner front edge of the receptacle (71). A retainer (40) for locking female terminal fittings has an interfering portion (49) that interferes with the receptacle (71) when the retainer (40) is at an incomplete mount position IMP. The interfering portion (49) has a guiding surface (50) for guiding the interfering portion (49) into the receptacle (71) when the retainer (40) is a full locking position. The interfering portion (49) has contact surfaces (57) and the inner front edge of the receptacle (71) has receiving surfaces (79) at positions corresponding to the contact surfaces (57) and backward from the introducing surface (77). The receiving surfaces (79) can achieve surface contact with the contact surfaces (57).

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for lighting up an entrance of a vehicle, capable of decreasing the sound of wind roaring caused during driving. The lighting apparatus includes: at least one lighting element; a clear molded plastic cover member; and an attaching member for attaching the lighting element with the clear molded plastic cover member onto a bottom surface of a side mirror. The side surface of the lighting apparatus adjacent to a vehicle body is formed so as to broaden from the front of the side mirror toward the rear thereof along a direction departing from the vehicle body.

Abstract: When a cable support structure according to the present invention is applied to a slide door in a vehicle, a first support member (20) and a second support member (30) support one end portion and another end portion in a cable guide (1) in a state capable of swinging them in a vertical direction approximately perpendicular to a sliding direction (Q) of a slide door (SD). Accordingly, even in the case where an attitude angle of the slide door (SD) with respect to the vertical direction is changed in correspondence to the slide movement, or a vertical position is changed, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable force from being applied to the cable guide (1) on the basis of the above-described attitude or position change.

Abstract: The temperature of an exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust passage 3 is estimated or detected, and the temperature of an active element of an exhaust gas sensor 8. (O2 sensor) is controlled at a predetermined target temperature by a heater using the estimated or detected temperature of the exhaust gas. For estimating the temperature of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust gas sensor 8, the exhaust passage 3 extending up to the exhaust gas sensor 8 is divided into a plurality of partial exhaust passageways 3a through 3d, the temperatures of the exhaust gas in the partial exhaust passageways 3a through 3d are estimated successively from an exhaust port 2 of an engine 1. The temperature of the exhaust gas is estimated according to an algorithm which takes into account a heat transfer between the exhaust gas and passage-defining members 6a, 6b, 7 which define the exhaust passage 3 and a heat radiation from the passage-defining members into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An antivibration clamp comprises a base made of hard resin and an object-holding portion of hard resin supported by the base. The object-holding portion includes a curved wall defining a recess for receiving an elongated object, and a resilient holding finger extending obliquely from the top of the curved wall or its vicinity toward the recess of the curved wall to press against the outer surface of an object received in the curved wall. The curved wall has an inner wall surface on which a plurality of elongated rigid ribs are formed to protrude inward and extend in the width direction of the curved wall with the ribs being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the curved wall. The inner wall surface and the ribs of the curved wall are coated with an antivibration material made of soft resin.

Abstract: A vehicle HVAC control system including front and rear HVAC control systems for controlling a front HVAC system and a rear HVAC system, and a method for controlling the front and rear HVAC systems. A front set point temperature is used by the front HVAC control system to control operation of the front HVAC system. The front set point temperature is communicated to the rear HVAC control system. The rear HVAC control system derives a rear set point temperature, which is based upon the front set point temperature and a temperature adjustment value, to control operation of the rear HVAC system. The temperature adjustment value is one of a plurality of predetermined temperature adjustment values that may be selected by a rear seat passenger to adjust the rear set point temperature relative to the front set point temperature and thereby permit the rear set passengers to control the temperature of air delivered to the rear seat.

Abstract: An electric starter apparatus and method with three-stage gearing and method for starting an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a starter assembly, a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a fourth gear and an engine shaft. The starter assembly includes an electric starter motor and a starter motor shaft communicating with the starter motor. The starter motor shaft is rotatable in response to energizing of the starter motor. The first gear is attached to the starter motor shaft for rotation therewith. The second gear engages the first gear, the third gear engages the second gear, and the fourth gear engages the third gear. The fourth gear is attached to the engine shaft for communicating with an internal combustion engine. The engine is started by energizing the starter motor to rotate the starter motor shaft, the gears, and the engine shaft. The arrangement of gears enables the use of a low-torque/high-rpm electric starter motor in combination with a nickel-cadmium battery.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle has a vehicle body, at least a pair of wheels mounted on the vehicle body for undergoing rotation to cause the motorized vehicle to undergo travelling, and a pair of electric motors each mounted on the vehicle body to selectively undergo forward and reverse rotation to rotationally drive a respective one of the wheels. A first switch is connected to the electric motors so that operation of the first switch causes the electric motors to undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions to turn the motorized vehicle in a first direction while the motorized vehicle does not undergo travelling. A second switch is connected to the electric motors so that operation of the second switch causes the electric motors to undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions to turn the motorized vehicle in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the motorized vehicle does not undergo travelling.

Abstract: A motorcycle saddlebag mounting device having a restricting means for staggering timings of yawing occurring in a motorcycle body and resonance caused by lateral swing of a saddlebag is provided. The restricting means is provided between a support bracket mounted to a seat rail and a saddlebag mounting frame rotatably mounted to the support bracket. Rotation of the frame with respect to the support bracket is restricted, so that resonance caused by yawing of the motorcycle body and lateral swing of the saddlebag is cancelled out.

Abstract: A combined YAG laser/arc welding apparatus is disclosed which performs a welding operation with a large depth of fusion and a deep fusion at a high efficiency. The welding apparatus includes an arc electrode which targets a point on a welded member where a laser beam from a YAG laser is focused. While an arc power supply is connected between the arc electrode and the welded member, the welded member is irradiated by the YAG laser to produce plasmoid gasses and metal vapors or a plume which is effective to start an arc from the arc electrode. A combined YAG laser/arc welding operation takes place while keeping the plume within and without a keyhole. Welded surface is covered by a hood, and a shielded gas passed through a commutation metal network surrounds the welded focus to prevent an oxidation and keeps the plume maintained. A filler wire is fed to a molten pool.

Abstract: An air intake structure for a small watercraft is provided, in which the air intake efficiency is improved. A watercraft body 11 includes a hull and a deck for covering on top of the hull. An engine 20 is disposed in the watercraft body 11, and a propeller 30 is driven by a drive shaft 22, extending rearwardly from the engine 20. A turbocharger 24 is provided for pumping air to the engine 20. An air cleaner case 40 is provided for introducing fresh air to the turbocharger 24. The turbocharger 24 is located at the rear of the engine 20, the air cleaner case 40 is located at the front of the engine 20, and a plurality of air ducts 71-73are located at the front of the air cleaner case 40.

Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting torque steer in a vehicle equipped with steerable wheels that are power driven. The method determines a maximum engine torque limit, determines an estimated driver-desired torque, and controls the actual torque, by adjustment of the throttle angle, to be the smaller of the maximum engine torque limit and the estimated driver-desired torque. Sensors measure steering angle and transmission gear position and a calculator determines the maximum engine torque limit based upon the steering angle and transmission gear position. Further sensors measure engine speed, throttle angle, and atmospheric pressure, and a calculator estimates driver-desired torque based upon the measured engine speed, throttle angle, and atmospheric pressure. A comparator selects the lower of the maximum engine torque limit and the driver-desired engine torque and uses the selected torque to control throttle angle to inhibit torque steer.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided with an outlet side oxygen-containing gas communication hole. First and second oxygen-containing gas flow passage grooves are provided in the direction of the gravity while meandering in the horizontal direction on a surface of a first separator. The second oxygen-containing gas flow passage grooves communicate with the outlet side oxygen-containing gas communication hole via second oxygen-containing gas connecting flow passages. The lowest position of the second oxygen-containing gas flow passage grooves 44 in the direction of gravity is higher than the bottom of the outlet side oxygen-containing gas communication hole 38b by the height h.

Abstract: The present invention provides combustion catalysts that have high exhaust gas-purifying activity and are less expensive than conventional ones.

Abstract: A remote control system for precisely identifying a distance from the vehicle to an entry key and favorably controlling a vehicle-mounted device such as a door corresponding to the distance. The system comprises a transmitter transmitting different types of response demand signals within a predetermined communication area outside the vehicle, a vehicle mounted receiver for receiving a response signal released from a portable transmitter/receiver in response to the reception of the response demand signal, a controller controlling the vehicle mounted device corresponding to the reception of the response signal by the vehicle mounted receiver. Locking and/or unlocking door(s) of the vehicle are controlled on the basis of whether or not the receiver receives the response signal to a response demand signal other than one having the largest communication area.

Abstract: A sunroof and a sunroof switch are disclosed. The switch includes provisions that assist in preventing the simultaneous operation of two different modes. A mechanical arrangement is used to prevent the knob from being depressed and slid at the same time. Also, in some cases, the mechanical arrangement can help to prevent the knob from being depressed once it has been moved or moved once it has been depressed.

Abstract: In an electronic key system for a motorcycle including the control unit mounted on a specific vehicle and a mobile transmitter-receiver carried by a user, the specific vehicle includeing an openable and closable seat on which the user sits, and is provided with a start switch used for starting the control unit in the seat. More specifically, the start switch is installed on, for example, the left side surface inside the user's seat at the position corresponding to the portion which the user may touch when opening the seat. An operating element of the start switch opposes the back surface of the superficial skin on the left side of the seat.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells comprises a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane placed between these electrodes, and a catalyst material of Pt—Ru alloy is contained in the anode and the crystal of Pt—Ru alloy is mainly of a face-centered cubic structure.

Abstract: An alternator is vertically mounted to an engine in a vehicle. The engine is arranged such that a crank shaft is vertical with respect to the ground and a crank shaft pulley is fixed to a lower end of the crank shaft such that a rotation axis of the crank shaft pulley is parallel to the crank shaft. The engine is provided with a mounting bracket and the alternator is fixed to the mounting bracket in a condition that an alternator pulley faces downward and electrical components are arranged at the upper portion of the alternator.

Abstract: A nonstaining coating composition which comprises as essential components (A) a specific aliphatic sulfonic acid compound or amine salt thereof, (B) a compound having per molecule at least one functional group selected among carboxly, a carboxly anhydride group, and a carboxly group blocked with an alkyl vinyl ether, (C) a specific organosilicate and/or a condensate thereof, and (D) a resin having epoxy groups and/or alkoxysilyl groups in the molecule; and a method of finish coating. They give a cured coating film which has nonstaining properties based on a high degree of hydrophilicity from immediately after the formation thereof and has satisfactory long-term weatherability, water resistance, and chemical resistance. The film can impart an excellent finish appearance to the article.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided with an outlet side oxygen-containing gas communication hole. First and second oxygen-containing gas flow passage grooves are provided in the direction of the gravity while meandering in the horizontal direction on a surface of a first separator. The second oxygen-containing gas flow passage grooves communicate with the outlet side oxygen-containing gas communication hole via second oxygen-containing gas connecting flow passages. A porous water-absorbing tube, which is used to discharge water to the outside of the fuel cell stack in accordance with the capillary phenomenon and the difference in pressure of air, is provided for the outlet side oxygen-containing gas communication hole.