Abstract: There is disclosed a lead acid battery and battery separator, the separator comprising a porous ceramic body manufactured from ceramic fibers welded together at their respective contact points such that the resulting separator body is substantially rigid and non-compressible and wherein the separator has a porosity of at least about 90%. The electrodes of the battery may be comprised of a similar porous ceramic material impregnated, respectively, with Pb and PbO.sub.2. A lead-containing foil may be maintained in close contact with each of the electrodes as current collectors attached to the battery terminals.

Abstract: A non-zinc chloride type flux applied for use in plating a substrate metal member with molten tin, containing at least one chemical compound selected from the group of stannous chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and ammonium chloride and excluding zinc chloride therefrom. The flux is floated on the surface of molten tin in the plating process or used in a condition of solution before the substrate metal member is plated with molten tin.

Abstract: A fuel cell and a battery with a reinforced polymeric ion exchange membrane are disclosed. The membrane comprises (a) a porous support layer, preferably of fluorine-containing polymer, and (b) an ion exchange resin, preferably a fluorinated ion exchange layer(s) supported on one or both sides of the porous support layer. The total thickness of the membrane is preferably from 20 to 500 .mu.m. The membrane has low fuel crossover, high electric conductivity and high mechanical strength. The membrane may especially be used in a direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes a positive electrode comprising a positive active material; an electrolyte layer including a gel polymer solid electrolyte; and a carbon-based negative electrode capable of occluding and releasing lithium, which contains a binder including a resin composition of a copolymer of (a) a vinyl pyridine compound of formula (1), ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and (b) a hydroxyl-group-containing (meth)acrylate compound.

Abstract: A biodegradable scale inhibitor and dispersant is provided. The scale inhibitor includes a copolymer comprising at least one of N-oxygenatedhydrocarbonamide monomers and at least one of amino acid monomers. A method of reducing scale build-up on heating exchanger surfaces that come in contact with an industrial water is provided by adding a copolymer comprising at least one of N-oxygenatedhydrocarbonamide monomers and at least one of amino acid monomers to the water system such as cooling towers.

Abstract: Separators for use in accumulators are provided with integral longitudinal and transverse ribs. The separators have an increased transverse and longitudinal rigidity thus permitting a clear reduction in the sheet thickness. They are preferably provided in the form of rolls with the rib structure preventing a permanent distortion of the separators.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolytic secondary cell has an anode of an active material represented by Li.sub.x MO.sub.2 (M represents a material selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, V, and Mo), an anode of a carbon material which can be doped or undoped with lithium, and an electrolyte produced by dissolving an electrolytic material selected from the group consisting of LiBF.sub.4, LiPF.sub.6, and LiAsF.sub.6, into a mixture of 50.about.60 volume % of a mixture of cyclic carbonate and cyclic ester, 20.about.40 volume % of chain carbonate, and 10.about.25 volume % of chain ester.

Abstract: Processes for producing saturated polymers monosubstituted with carboxylic amides are disclosed. One process comprises reacting a monounsaturated hydrocarbon polymer with carbon monoxide and a polyamine containing at least two amino groups at least one of which is a reactive amino group, in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of the transition metals of Group 8 to 10 and the metal compounds thereof. Another process comprises reacting a polyamine containing a reactive amino group with a monofunctionalized, saturated hydrocarbon polymer containing a carboxylic acid or carboxylic ester functional group, the monofunctionalized hydrocarbon polymer obtained by reacting a starting mono-unsaturated hydrocarbon polymer with carbon monoxide and water or alcohol in the presence of a Group 8-10 transition metal catalyst. The products of the processes are useful as additives in lubricating oils and in fuels, for example, as dispersants and/or detergents.

Abstract: A fireplace log ignition source which if desired may be used alone as an artificial fireplace log. A plurality of flammable elongate ignition elements are provided, each being resiliently flexible and having at least one distal end which may be bent so as to extend substantially outwardly from the log and substantially perpendicular thereto, so as to form a plurality of points of possible ignition of the log along its longitudinal length. In a preferred embodiment the ignition elements each comprise a wire, surrounded by a thread coated with a flammable material. A portion of the ignition element contacts the periphery of the artificial fireplace log. The wire therein is resiliently biased so as to maintain the ignition element in gripping engagement with the periphery of the fireplace log. The wire also maintains the ignition element in a desired fixed position after ignition thereof and when burning.

Abstract: A biodegradable lubricant which is prepared from: about 60-99% by weight of at least one biodegradable synthetic ester base stock which comprises the reaction product of: a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula R(OH).sub.n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and n is at least 2; and mixed acids comprising about 30 to 80 molar % of a linear acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.12, and about 20 to 70 molar % of at least one branched acid having a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.10 and wherein no more than 10% of the branched acids used to form the biodegradable synthetic ester base stock contains a quaternary carbon; wherein the ester base stock exhibits the following properties: at least 60% biodegradation in 28 days as measured by the Modified Sturm test; a pour point of less than -25.degree. C.; a viscosity of less than 7500 cps at -25.degree. C.

Abstract: The cycling stability and capacity of Li-ion rechargeable batteries are improved, particularly in an elevated temperature range of about 55.degree. C., by the use of lithium aluminum manganese oxy-fluoride electrode components having the general formula, Li.sub.1+x Al.sub.y Mn.sub.2-x-y O.sub.4-z F.sub.z, where x.ltoreq.0.4, 0.1.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.3, and 0.05.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.5.

Abstract: An improved anode for use in non-aqueous active metal secondary cells include a substrate current collector, a layer of active metal anode material on said current collector and a relatively narrow peripheral band of material capable of accepting reversible insertion of the active metal for capturing dendrite material formed in charging the anode on said current collector surrounding said layer of active metal anode material.

Abstract: A tertiary-hexyl methyl ether composition comprising 2-Methoxy-2,3-dimethyl butane (MDMB) in an amount of at least 10% by weight based on the total tertiary-hexyl methyl ethers is useful as an octane booster for motor gasoline or motor gasoline feedstock.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes cells (40) in form of rectangular plates stacked in a spaced relationship to form a cell assembly (41), with intercellular passages (y) formed between the cells. Each cell is held by a pair of cell holders (5) and includes an electrolyte layer (1) having an oxygen electrode (2) applied to one surface thereof and a fuel electrode (3) applied to the other surface, and a passage-defining member (4) for defining intracellular passages (x) opposed to the oxygen electrode (2) or the fuel electrode (3). The intracellular passages (x) are open at one pair of opposite sides and closed at the other pair of opposite sides of each cell. The intercellular passages (y) are closed at open sides (40b) where the intracellular passages (x) are open, and open at closed sides (40c) where the intracellular passages (x) are closed. The cell holders (5) define notches (51) for receiving the opposite sides (40a) where the intracellular passages (x) are open.

Abstract: The anti-shudder durability of power transmitting fluids, particularly automatic transmission fluids, is improved by incorporating a combination of low potency friction modifiers and phosphorus-containing compounds. The anti-shudder durability of these fluids may be further enhanced by inclusion of a metallic detergent and/or a polyol ester friction modifier.

Abstract: A method and matter of composition for controlling NO.sub.x emissions from existing diesel engines. The method is achieved by adding a small amount of material to the diesel fuel to decrease the amount of NO.sub.x produced during combustion. Specifically, small amounts, less than about 1%, of urea or a triazine compound (methylol melamines) are added to diesel fuel. Because urea and triazine compounds are generally insoluble in diesel fuel, microemulsion technology is used to suspend or dissolve the urea or triazine compound in the diesel fuel. A typical fuel formulation includes 5% t-butyl alcohol, 4.5% water, 0.5% urea or triazine compound, 9% oleic acid, and 1% ethanolamine. The subject invention provides improved emissions in heavy diesel engines without the need for major modifications.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a process for treating carbonaceous material wherein the resulting product is resistant to undesired combustion. According to the process, carbonaceous material is treated with a gaseous mixture comprising a major amount of inert gas and a minor amount of oxygen either during or subsequent to carrying out the upgrading step to at least partially oxidize the carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A cell for sealed nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a high energy density and a long cycle life is disclosed. It comprises a battery casing made of a synthetic resin which accommodates a power-generating unit including a hydrogen storage alloy negative electrode whose hydrogen equilibrium pressure is 0.01-0.1 MPa at 45.degree. C., when H/M=0.5, and a lid for sealing an open end of the casing provided with a safety vent whose operation pressure is 0.2-0.8 MPa. A pressure-resistant strength of the battery casing is in a range of 0.7-2.0 MPa and set higher than the operation pressure of the safety vent by 0.5 MPa or more.

Abstract: A lithium battery is provided which can promptly cut off current when it is being overheated by a short or the like, thereby preventing an explosion thereof. A shape-memory alloy spring made of a nickel-titanium alloy is included between the cover and the cap, either for making contact with both the cover and the cap, thereby electrically connecting the cover with the cap, or for separating from the cap in the case of an overheating of the battery, thereby electrically disconnecting the cover from the cap. A semi-spherical protrusion is formed at the center of the spring so as to make contact with the bottom of the cap, so that if the battery is overheated, the protrusion becomes flat, and is separated from the cap, thereby electrically disconnecting the cap from the cover. The semi-spherical protrusion of the shape-memory alloy spring repeatedly contracts and expands so as to prevent the overheating of the battery.

Abstract: An electrode plate including an active portion pasted with active material and a plate head including a connection tab. The plate head is constituted by the same metal foam as the plate support, but the density of the metal foam in the plate head is not less than 2.5 times the density of the metal foam in the remainder of the electrode plate, the higher density of the plate head coming from an operation in which the foam of the support is compressed, the tab of the plate head emerging from the middle of the thickness of the plate and being derived from compression of the support in two directions: compression firstly in the direction of its height; and compression secondly in the direction of its thickness. Such an electrode plate is made from a plate of metal foam whose top edge is compressed so as to form the plate head.