Abstract: A process data development and analysis system and method is disclosed. In an example embodiment, the system and method are implemented as a web-based tool that supports varied activities for defining and managing all aspects of production line processes used in a manufacturing environment. Software modules provide features and functionality for process and unit management as well as administration and report generation. Manufacturing processes comprise a plurality of units of operation, and a unit of operation comprises one or more working point details (i.e., tasks). Times are associated with each unit of operation so that the manufacturer may understand and analyze the amount of time required to complete the processes and manufacture the product. The process and unit data may be used to create operation standards for use by associates working on the production line. Report generation features allow a user to produce a variety of reports associated with the processes and units of operation.

Abstract: In an electronic key system for a vehicle which includes a control apparatus mounted on an actual vehicle and an electronic key for transmitting a response signal in response to receiving of a request signal transmitted from the control apparatus through a transmitting antenna, the transmitting antenna is installed on an instrument panel of the actual vehicle. In particular, the instrument panel has various instruments (a speedometer, a direction indicator (left), another direction indicator (right), and so forth) and a board for securing the instruments thereto. Accordingly, the transmitting antenna is installed at a position on the board rather near to a seat (a position of front side of the user when the user is seated on the seat).

Abstract: A control device of a legged mobile robot, wherein a state amount error (for example, an error of a vertical position of a body 3), which is a difference between an actual state amount and a state amount of a desired gait related to a translational motion in a predetermined direction (for example, a translational motion in a vertical direction) of a legged mobile robot 1, is determined, and then a desired motion of the desired gait is determined such that the state amount error approaches zero. The desired motion is determined using a dynamic model by additionally inputting a virtual external force determined on the basis of the state amount error to the dynamic model for generating desired gaits. At the same time, a desired floor reaction force of the robot 1 is corrected on the basis of a state amount error of zero, and compliance control is carried out to make the motion and the floor reaction force of the robot 1 follow the desired motion and the desired floor reaction force of the desired gait.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly efficient fuel cell power supply unit, which is constructed by directly connecting a fuel cell with a capacitor. In this power supply unit, a control device of the unit calculates the output voltage V2 of the fuel cell after the variation of electrical load based on the synthetic current-voltage characteristics of the fuel cell and the capacitor and the predetermined width of the variation of electrical load ?I, calculates the corresponding current Ifc2?, and then calculates the equilibrium reacting gas supply amount Qa1, and supplies an excess amount of the reacting gas exceeding Qa1 before the variation of electrical load.

Abstract: To provide a method of and an apparatus for displaying a structure optimizing result which are capable of displaying rigidity values calculated on the basis of an initial wall thickness value, an optimum wall thickness value, and a standard wall thickness value in such a manner that a change between two of these rigidity values is clearly indicated. The structure optimizing result is displayed wherein an actual rigidity value of a structure is calculated on the basis of an inputted initial value of a wall thickness of each component of the structure. An optimum value of the wall thickness of each of the components is calculated on the basis of a sensitivity analysis result in order to make the calculated actual rigidity value close to a required rigidity value of the structure and the calculated result is displayed.

Abstract: A raw steel is coated with or surrounded by a boron compound (step S1). A coating film of h-BN is formed on the surface of the raw steel. Then, the raw steel is nitrided by a nitriding gas while being heated (step S2). B from the boron compound and N from the nitriding gas are diffused into the raw steel, turning the raw steel into a steel material containing B and N. Most of B and N are present as an Fe (B, N) solid solution or an Fe (C, B, N) solid solution in the structure of the steel material. The raw steel is heated and nitrided under conditions such that B and N are contained ranging from 7 to 30 ppm by weight and ranging from 10 to 70 ppm by weight, respectively.

Abstract: An element such as Cr is caused to dissolve sufficiently in a base-material metal (Cu) in a solid solution state at a high temperature and a material in a supersaturated condition is obtained by performing quenching. After that, a strain is applied to this material and this material is subjected to aging treatment at a low temperature simultaneously with or after the application of this strain. As a result of this, it is possible to obtain a copper alloy having properties desirable as an electrode material, for example, a hardness of not less than 30 HRB, an electrical conductivity of not less than 85 IACS %, and a thermal conductivity of not less than 350 W/(m·K).

Abstract: The fuel cell comprises: a membrane electrode assembly having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode side diffusion electrode (an anode electrode, and a second diffusion layer) disposed at one side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a cathode side diffusion electrode (a cathode electrode, and a first diffusion layer) disposed at the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane; a pair of separators which hold the membrane electrode assembly; a projecting portion which extends from the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and which projects from the peripheries of the anode side diffusion electrode and the cathode side diffusion electrode; and a seal, provided on the separators, which was liquid sealant at the time of application. The seal makes contact with the projecting portion while the membrane electrode assembly is disposed between the separators.

Abstract: There are provided a control device, a control method, a control unit, and an engine control unit, which are capable of controlling a controlled object with relatively large phase delay and dead time, while attaining elimination of lag in control timing between the input and output of the controlled object and improvement of control accuracy at the same time. A state predictor calculates a deviation (output deviation) between an output from an oxygen concentration sensor and a predetermined target value at a predetermined deviation calculation period. Then, a DSM controller calculates a target air-fuel ratio for converging the output from the oxygen concentration sensor to the predetermined target value, according to the calculated deviation, based on any one of a ? modulation algorithm, a ?? modulation algorithm, and a ?? modulation algorithm at a predetermined calculation period shorter than the predetermined deviation calculation period.

Abstract: There is provided a joint device for an artificial leg, which makes it possible to dramatically achieve reduction of the weight of a power source and an increase in duration of the same, as well as facilitates knee bending/stretching motion, toe-up motion, and kicking motion. The joint device has an above-knee member and an under-knee member spaced from each other. Three expansible links are connected between the above-knee member and the under-knee member, for accumulating energy generated by the weight of a user's body acting on the artificial leg, and operating by releasing the accumulated energy to actuate the under-knee member into joint motion.

Abstract: A compact is obtained from a mixed powder of a multi-component system ceramics composed of constitutive elements of at least two metal elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, Al, V, Nb, Zr, Hf, Mo, Ta, Cr, and W, N, and optionally C; and Fe, Ni, Co, or an alloy composed of a constitutive element of at least one metal element of Fe, Ni, and Co. A composite material is prepared by sintering the compact.

Abstract: An improved metal alloy composition for a fuel cell catalyst containing platinum, manganese, and cobalt.

Abstract: A vehicle seat of the invention has an upper movable member (10) supporting a headrest (3), a lower movable member (30) provided inside a backrest, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the upper movable member and the lower movable member. The coupling mechanism includes an upper link mechanism (15) positioned in an upper part of a side frame (40) and coupled to the upper movable member, a lower link mechanism (32) positioned in a lower part of the side frame and coupled to the lower movable member, and a rod (27) extending along the side frame and coupling the upper link mechanism and the lower link mechanism. The upper link mechanism amplifies a backward moving amount of the lower movable member, and moves the headrest forward.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a plurality of fuel cell units. Each fuel cell unit includes an electrode assembly having electrodes and an electrolyte, a pair of separators, and gas sealing members. At least two of the fuel cell units include at least two electrode assemblies and at least three separators. In each of the separators, reaction gas communication ports are provided. In one of the separators of one of the stacked fuel cell units that is located at the end in a direction of stacking, through paths are formed. In one of the separators of one of the stacked fuel cell units that is located at the other end in the direction of stacking, reaction gas communication paths are formed. Both the through paths and the reaction gas communication paths are formed in all separators that are located between two fuel cell units that are located at the ends.

Abstract: A passenger detection apparatus includes sensors arranged on a seat in a vehicle; shield cables corresponding to the sensors, wherein one end the core wire is connected to the corresponding one of the sensors; a measurement signal output device for outputting a measurement AC signal; a device for detecting a current output from the measurement signal output device; a device for outputting a capacitance canceling AC signal, which has the same phase and the same level as those of the measurement AC signal; a device for selectively applying one of the measurement AC signal and a DC voltage to the other end of each shield cable; and a device for selectively applying one of the capacitance canceling AC signal and a second signal, which has a different waveform from that of the measurement AC signal, to the shield of each shield cable.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel dual-membered suctional gasket which has a reliable function to fit and fix the gasket to an object to be sealed, and also provides an effective suction effect and air venting function. For that purpose, the gasket which has a function to prevent fluid from leaking when compressed, comprises an inner sealing member 1 and outer sealing member 2 arranged on a surface perpendicular to a compressing direction; and a plurality of connecting members 3 for connecting and fixing the inner sealing member 1 and the outer sealing member 2 together. Suction cup structures are formed, when a proper amount of air closed between the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member is vented from the inner sealing member, the outer sealing member or the both sealing members by compressing the dual-membered gasket.

Abstract: To contrive a reduction in the overall size of the device in the case of arranging at least two screens, to reduce color shading of a 3-dimensional image, and thereby to give a further absorbedness feeling to the viewer. A 3-dimensional image display device includes a space partitioned by a frame assembled in a box shape, the space accommodating a plurality of viewers, three screens disposed so as to partition the space, three projectors disposed correspondingly to the screens, respectively, and a controller for supplying image data to the projectors and further includes a phase plate disposed between the first projector and the front screen, and further, a phase plate disposed between the third projector and a reflective mirror member.

Abstract: An in-vehicle illuminating device capable of preventing light emitted from a light source from coming directly into a passenger's sight. An in-vehicle illuminating device 1 includes a housing 2, a reflective member 18 provided within the housing 2, a light source or LEDs 10 orienting a light axis of light emitted therefrom to the reflective member 18. Reflected light obtained by allowing the reflective member 18 to reflect the light emitted from the LEDs 40 is irradiated to the outside of the housing 2, thus preventing light emitted from the LEDs 40 from coming directly into a passenger's sight.

Abstract: A cargo net for vehicle enabling stored luggage to be prevented from being damaged by vibrations transmitted from a floor of a luggage compartment. A cargo net 1 comprises a first partition member 2 and a second partition member 3 having one end 3a thereof connected with one end of the first partition member 2, so that it is detachably attached to a luggage compartment 5 of a vehicle 4. The first and second partition members 2, 3 are formed into a pouched shape, each including an openable and closable portion 12 near the center of the luggage compartment 5. The cargo net 1 can hold the luggage 21 stored in the second partition member 3 without being contacted by the floor 5a of the luggage compartment 5, the stored luggage 21 can be prevented from being damaged by the vibration of the vehicle 4 from the floor 5a.

Abstract: An in-vehicle illuminating device 1 capable of efficiently guiding luminous flux emitted from a luminous source to a light guiding body. The in-vehicle illuminating device 1 is provided with a rod-shaped light guiding body 13 which reflects, on its inner surface, light rays incident from an optical incidence plane 16 provided at an end 13a to guide the light rays to the other end longitudinally provided, a lamp 19 which emits light to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped light guiding body 13 and is arranged in the vicinity of the optical incidence plane 16, and an light introducing body 20 for introducing the luminous flux emitted from the lamp 19 to the optical incidence plane 16. The light introducing body 20 allows the optical incidence plane 16 to be set within a range of the luminous flux emitted from the lamp 19.

Abstract: A raw steel is coated with or surrounded by a boron compound (step S1). A coating film of h-BN is formed on the surface of the raw steel. Then, the raw steel is nitrided by a nitriding gas while being heated (step S2). B from the boron compound and N from the nitriding gas are diffused into the raw steel, turning the raw steel into a steel material containing B and N. Most of B and N are present as an Fe (B, N) solid solution or an Fe (C, B, N) solid solution in the structure of the steel material. The raw steel is heated and nitrided under conditions such that B and N are contained ranging from 7 to 30 ppm by weight and ranging from 10 to 70 ppm by weight, respectively.

Abstract: After an alloy powder including W, Cr, at least one of Ti, Zr, and Hf, and at least one of V, Nb, and Ta is produced, the alloy powder, a powdery carbon material, and a catalyst are heat-treated in the presence of a nitrogen gas. The alloy powder is carbonitrided into a multicomponent ceramics powder, and sintered into a sintered body. Alternatively, a powder of a first substance including at least two of Ti, Al, V, Nb, Zr, Hf, Mo, Ta, Cr, and W is molded into a molded body. Then, the surface of the molded body is surrounded by a second substance including a metal element which is not contained in the powder of the first substance, and the molded body is heat-treated in an atmosphere in which N is present. A porous sintered body thus produced is crushed into a multicomponent ceramics powder.

Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst comprising platinum, titanium and tungsten. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of platinum is less than 60 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of titanium is at least 20 atomic percent, and/or the concentration of tungsten is at least 25 atomic percent.

Abstract: A metal material comprises a Zn—Al—Sn based alloy (ZAS alloy) and Cu diffused in the alloy, wherein Cu is diffused into the inside of the alloy to a depth from the surface of 0.5 mm or more, the concentration of Cu decreases from the surface of the ZAS alloy towards the inside thereof, and there is present no specific interface between Cu and the ZAS alloy; and a method for producing the metal material involves applying, to the surface of the ZAS alloy, an agent comprising a solvent and, dispersed therein, a material containing Cu such as a Cu powder and a Cu—Mn alloy powder and preferably, dispersed or dissolved therein, a reducing agent capable of reducing an oxide film present on the surface of the ZAS alloy, and heating the ZAS alloy having the agent applied thereon, to thereby diffuse Cu into the alloy.

Abstract: A device and method for matching the rates of speed at which an electric motor that is drivingly connected to a worm gear raises and lowers a window in an automobile power window assembly. By axially displacing the motor's armature, and/or by varying the thread and tooth profiles of the worm and the gear, the amount of torque produced by the motor and transmitted through the worm gear can be altered. In order to compensate for the effect of gravity on the motor load and on the window's speed of ascent and descent, more torque is provided when the window is being raised and less torque is provided when the window is being lowered.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle and more particularly a front seat for a vehicle includes a central pillar extending from the floor to the roof of the vehicle, and a center support extending forwardly from the central pillar. A lower rib extends laterally from the center support and supports a seat bottom fixed thereto. Primary and secondary intermediate ribs also extend laterally from the central pillar. A seat back is fixed to and supported by the primary and secondary intermediate ribs. Also, an upper rib is provided which extends laterally from the central pillar above the intermediate ribs. A headrest is fixed to and supported by the upper rib.

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: A vehicle seat with a temperature control unit is composed of a plurality of ditches installed on a surface of a seat pad covered with the second plate having a vent and a divergence department on a surface of a seat pad covered with the first plate, wherein the presence of a plurality of ditches on a surface of a seat pad and a divergence department to diverge a heated or cooled air sent from a blower to each ditch give good ventilation of a heated or cooled air.

Abstract: A unit cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and first and second separators for sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode and a cathode having a substantially square shape having a side length L1 in a range of 140 mm to 200 mm. The first and second separators have a substantially square shape having a side length L2 in a range of 200 mm to 300 mm.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a puncture preventive layer formed by windingly sticking a tube having seal material wrapped therein to the tire inner surface circumferentially of the tire and continuously and spirally with its side surfaces closely contacted each other: or a pneumatic tire having a puncture preventive layer formed by sticking micro balloons having seal material wrapped therein to the tire inner surface with their sides closely contacted with each other.

Abstract: A floor mat for a loading platform placed on an upper surface of a floor of the loading platform of a vehicle. The floor mat is provided with a plurality of retaining holes formed near an edge of the floor surface and through which at least one load securing tool is inserted.

Abstract: A lid apparatus including a tubular frame mounted to an interior member of a vehicle at a periphery of an opening which is defined in a wall surface of the interior member; a lid that covers the opening; a hinge that joins the lid to the frame; a securing device which secures the frame to an inner periphery of the opening; and a positioning piece which is continuously formed with respect to the frame wall and which abuts against the interior member at a peripheral edge of the opening.

Abstract: A man-powered braking apparatus which uses rocking motion to switch over between the braking state and the releasing state, assures smooth operation, and minimizes the reduction in braking force when the braking lever is returned. When the force to the braking lever 20 is removed, the braking state in which the pawl member 40 is engaged with the ratchet plate 12 is maintained. When the force is removed, the power transmission pin 25 is moved, being kept fitted into the cam groove 52 in the transmission link member 50, and is shifted from the force transmission cam groove 53 to the release holding cam groove 54, the transmission link member 50 being turned to the releasing position, and the pawl member 40 is brought into the state in which it is energized in the direction for being disengaged from the ratchet plate 12 while the braking state being maintained.

Abstract: A parts list system includes a figure generator, a information database, a figure controller, a part table database and a part table controller. The figure generator generates a CAD figure relating to a unit which includes a plurality of parts, the CAD figure containing at least a figure of the unit and first character strings. The information database stores an attribute of at least a second character string relating to each of the plurality of parts. The figure controller extracts a third character string from the first character strings, the third character string corresponding to the attribute of the second character string. The part table database stores a parts list for managing the parts used for the unit. The part table controller registers the third character strings on the parts list.

Abstract: The controller changes the low vehicle speed region set volume according to an operational input to the volume control switch within a first volume setting range set up in advance when the volume control switch is operated in the low vehicle speed region, and changes the high vehicle speed region set volume according to an operational input to the volume control switch within a second volume setting range set up in advance when the volume control switch is operated in the high vehicle speed region. A lower limit of the second volume setting range is set higher than an upper limit of the first volume setting range. Thus, it is possible to accurately control the volume of the audio system and improve feeling of volume change.

Abstract: An actuator has a resilient shape memory member 1 with superelasticity, a magnetic body 2, and a magnetic field generator 3. At least one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is fixed to the resilient shape memory member 1 such that one of the magnetic body 2 and the magnetic field generator 3 is stationary while the other is movable, whereby the movable member is moved by a magnetic field provided from the magnetic field generator 3.

Abstract: A welding jig for holding a motorcycle fuel tank when the fuel tank is welded includes a plurality of attachments for holding said fuel tank through resilient bodies. The plurality of attachments have springs hold the outer plate of a fuel tank, and an inner jig positions an inner plate. The attachments are attached to clamp arms which are opened/closed by cylinders. When the overlap portion between the outer and inner plates is welded, the thermal deformation caused by welding is accommodated by the springs. The attachments are spaced from the fuel tank in the order in which the welding point is approached.

Abstract: A system capable of managing orders of resources so that order quantities of resources for production of products are properly determined with consideration given to various conditions of a person receiving orders. In this system, according to the latest production plan, placed order quantities are corrected based on corrected required quantities for a plurality of periods in “the first predetermined period” and the placed order quantities are modified so as to suppress a fluctuation in the entire order quantity caused by an order quantity fluctuation in the first predetermined period for a plurality of periods in “the second predetermined period.

Abstract: A protection screen is placed between a cabin and a loading platform and mounted to a vehicle body. The loading platform is placed adjacent to a back surface of the cabin and joined at a rear portion thereof to the vehicle body via a pivot axis so as to be inclined from a horizontal normal position to a dump position where the loading platform is inclined upward to a front. The protection screen includes an upper screen having a width wider than that of seat backs of occupant seats provided in the cabin; a lower screen continuously connected to a lower end of the upper screen and having a width narrower than that of the upper screen; and a bracket connecting the upper and lower screens together.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second metal separators for sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. In the membrane electrode assembly, a surface area of a gas diffusion layer is larger than a surface area of a gas diffusion layer. A seal member is provided at a position corresponding to an outer marginal region of the gas diffusion layer. The seal member includes a main seal inserted between a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the first metal separator, and an a flow field wall inserted between the gas diffusion layer and the first metal separator for defining a part of an oxygen-containing gas flow field.

Abstract: There is provided a cover panel including a lighting device which is attachable without a mounting seat. A cover panel 1 includes a panel main body 5 fixed on an instrument panel 3 in an interior of an automobile and a lighting device 6 provided inside the panel main body 5. The panel main body 5 comprises an opening 7 which forms a gap between itself and the instrument panel 3, and light emitted through the opening 7 from the lighting device 6 illuminates the interior of the automobile. The panel main body 5 and the lighting device 6 are integrated and are fixed on the instrument panel 3, so that the cover panel 1 including the lighting device 6 can be fixed on the instrument panel 3 without utilizing the mounting seat as was conventionally done.

Abstract: A handle grip member with electric heater can be produced in high yield through simple processing not using any core of synthetic resin and avoiding molding operation. Depressed groove (4) is spirally provided on an external surface of inner part (1) of rubber, and multiple ribs (5) are provided on an internal surface thereof along the direction of length. Electric heater (7) of tape-shaped metal conductor is implanted in the depressed groove (4), and fixed. Electric wires (8a,8b) are connected to two ends of the electric heater (7) and drawn out. The inner part (1) is inserted in outer part (9) of rubber tube, and the outer part (9) is fixed to the inner part (1) with the use of an adhesive, etc.

Abstract: A cell assembly (10) includes a first unit cell (12) and a second unit cell (14). The first unit cell (12) and the second unit cell (14) are juxtaposed such that electrode surfaces of the first unit cell (12) and electrode surfaces of the second unit cell (14) are aligned in parallel with each other. An oxygen-containing gas flow passage (32) includes a first oxygen-containing gas passage (38) in the first unit cell (12), an oxygen-containing gas connection passage (40) in a connection passage member (16), and a second oxygen-containing gas passage (42) in the second unit cell (14). The first oxygen-containing gas passage (38), the oxygen-containing gas connection passage (40), and the second oxygen-containing gas passage (42) are connected serially from the first unit cell (12) to the second unit cell (14).

Abstract: A one-piece automobile engine cover for protecting vital engine components from external elements such as water and debris. The cover is positioned between the engine and the hood of an automobile and is pivotably attached to the automobile, preferably by the same hinges that attach the hood to the automobile, or by separate, but collinear, hinges. The cover can be latched to the hood to keep it raised for servicing.

Abstract: The invention relates to noble metal-free nickel catalysts that exhibit both high activity and selectivity to hydrogen generation and carbon monoxide oxidation. The noble metal-free water gas shift catalyst of the invention comprises Ni in either a supported or a bulk state and at least one of Ge, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Pb, their oxides and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A clip attaches a strip member to at least a part of an opening of a groove formed on a panel. The clip for attaching a strip member includes a first portion or car body side joining portion to be attached to a bottom surface of the groove, and a second portion or strip side joining portion to be attached to the strip member. The second portion is connected to the first portion rotatably around an axis line along a groove extending direction. Further, an upright-state holding device is provided between the first and second portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sintered gear composed of a sintered alloy having a metal matrix and pores. The tooth surface (2, 3, 4) of the tooth and the bottom land (5) have a densified layer (11) in which the porosity is reduced to 10% or less from the sintered alloy. The densified layer at the tooth surface is formed with a thickness of 300 to 1,000 microns, and the densified layer at the bottom land is formed with a thickness of 10 to 300 microns. The boundary surface of the densified layer is continuous from the tooth surface side to the bottom land side so as not to have a substantial level difference.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator is provided which has in a peripheral part (30) gas passages (31, 31) for guiding reaction gases and reaction product passages (33) for guiding a reaction product. The separator (20) is made up of a central part (22) made of metal, a peripheral part (30) made of a resin material, and an elastic member (40) connecting the central part and the peripheral part together. As a result of the peripheral part being made of a resin material, the gas passages and product passages are resistant to corrosion.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack 1 in a fuel-circulating fuel cell system is supplied with fuel and an oxidizing agent to generate electricity. The fuel discharged from the fuel cell stack 1 is supplied to the fuel cell stack 1 again through a fuel-circulating passage 6. In the fuel-circulating passage 6 is provided a fuel pump 3 powered from an outside source to circulate the fuel through the fuel-circulating passage 6 at a predetermined circulation rate. An ECU 4 transmits an output instruction value to the fuel cell stack 1 and regulates a circulation rate of the fuel in the fuel-circulating passage 6 according to the output instruction value.