Abstract: A limiting-current-type hydrocarbon sensor of the present invention comprises a solid electrolyte formed of a barium-cerium-based oxide, capable of detecting hydrocarbon stably and accurately regardless of whether no oxygen is present or a high concentration of oxygen is present. The cathode on the surface of the solid electrolyte is formed of an alloyed layer including Au and Al. In particular, an alloyed layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase is suited for the alloyed layer of the cathode. The alloyed layer comprises a first layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase that is in contact with the surface of the solid electrolyte, and a second layer including a metal Al phase that covers the first layer. The Al phase of the alloyed layer blocks oxygen, and the Al—Au intermediate phase smoothens hydrogen association and reduces the resistance of the electrode. The hydrocarbon sensor can thus detect hydrocarbon accurately even when oxygen is included in an atmosphere.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor of the present invention includes a substrate made of a solid electrolyte that conducts protons, and a pair of electrodes formed on the substrate, and at least one electrode of the pair of electrodes contains Au and Al. Assuming that a content of an Al simple substance in one of the pair of electrodes is “a” mol %, and a content of aluminum oxide therein is “b” mol %, “a” and “b” satisfy a relationship: a+2b≦7.

Abstract: A limiting-current-type hydrocarbon sensor comprising a solid electrolyte formed of a barium-cerium-based oxide, capable of detecting hydrocarbon stably and accurately regardless of whether no oxygen is present or a high concentration of oxygen is present. The cathode on the surface of the solid electrolyte is formed of an alloyed layer including Au and Al. In particular, an alloyed layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase is suited for the alloyed layer of the cathode. The alloyed layer comprises a first layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase and making contact with the surface of the solid electrolyte and a second layer including a metal Al phase and covering the first layer. The Al phase of the alloyed layer blocks oxygen, and the Al—Au intermediate phase smoothens hydrogen association and reduces the resistance of the electrode. The hydrocarbon sensor can thus detect hydrocarbon accurately even when oxygen is included in an atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention presents an ion conductor with high reliability, that is one of the following perovskite oxides: {circle over (1)} perovskite oxide of the composition BaZr1-xCexO3-p (0<x<0.8); {circle over (2)} perovskite oxide consisting essentially of Ba, Zr, Ce and O, and substantially conducting protons only; {circle over (3)} perovskite oxide of the composition BaZr1-x-yCexMyO3-p (M, O≦x<1,0<y<1, x+y<1) that is a single-phase polycrystal of cubic, tetragonal or orthorhombic crystal structure whose unit cell edges a, b and c (with a≧b≧c) satisfy 0.8386 nm<a<0.8916 nm and b/a≧0.90; {circle over (4)} perovskite oxide of the same composition as in {circle over (3)} that is a single-phase sintered product with a density of at least 96% of the theoretical density; and {circle over (5)} perovskite oxide of the same composition as in {circle over (3)} that is a single-phase sintered product with 1 to 30 &mgr;m granular diameter.

Abstract: The motor housing 27 and the bearing box 19 are formed separately, the motor housing 27 is provided with the central projection 2 for coupling the bearing box 19 with the motor housing 27 and the removal preventing stepped portions 20, 28 are provided on the bearing box 19 and the central projection 2. Thereby, without using any glue, the bearing box 19 is fixed and the assembly workability and productivity are increased. Further, by forming the bearing box 19 with the resin having a heat resistance, the use amount of the high priced resin of the separated bearing box 19 is lessened to make the cost thereof lowered and the heat deformation and deterioration small for maintaining the function of the axial flow fan motor and prolonging the life thereof.

Abstract: A limiting-current-type hydrocarbon sensor comprising a solid electrolyte formed of a barium-cerium-based oxide, capable of detecting hydrocarbon stably and accurately regardless of whether no oxygen is present or a high concentration of oxygen is present. The cathode on the surface of the solid electrolyte is formed of an alloyed layer including Au and Al. In particular, an alloyed layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase is suited for the alloyed layer of the cathode. The alloyed layer comprises a first layer including an Al—Au intermediate phase and making contact with the surface of the solid electrolyte and a second layer including a metal Al phase and covering the first layer. The Al phase of the alloyed layer blocks oxygen, and the Al—Au intermediate phase smoothens hydrogen association and reduces the resistance of the electrode. The hydrocarbon sensor can thus detect hydrocarbon accurately even when oxygen is included in an atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for more accurately determining the position of a moving object by using an azimuth detector distinct from an angular speed detector to correct the gain error and the offset error of the angular speed detector. The position of the moving body is determined using the offset error- and gain error-corrected angular speed. The correction of the offset error includes checking the azimuth and movement of the moving object for three predetermined periods of time; then checking whether the moving object was moving in a straight line each of the three predetermined periods of time. If the object was moving in a straight line each of the three predetermined periods of time, then an offset error correction value is computed using data from the second of the three predetermined periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a limiting-current type hydrocarbon sensor comprising a solid-electrolytic layer made of a Ba—Ce-based oxide, and provides a sensor capable of stably detecting hydrocarbon at high sensitivity, regardless of the concentration of oxygen in an atmosphere. A material mainly containing Al is used for at least one of two electrodes on the solid-electrolytic layer made of a Ba—Ce-based oxide to block oxygen at the electrode, i.e. cathode, whereby a hydrocarbon sensor being stable, high in sensitivity, compact, easy to use and low in cost can be provided. Furthermore, the other electrode, anode, of the limiting-current type hydrocarbon sensor is made of a material mainly containing Ag.

Abstract: An on-board automobile navigation system provides advisory information to the driver based on real-time traffic information and a learned commute route. The system empirically determines a commute route based on historical travel data of the vehicle. The system further receives real-time traffic information via a wireless link. The real-time traffic information may include information relating to traffic accidents, construction, and other traffic problems and the locations of such problems. At power up, the system automatically determines whether the present day and time are within a previously defined commute time window and, if so, prompts the driver to accept or decline a previously defined commute destination. The system automatically receives the real-time traffic information and compares the location information associated with any traffic problems to the commute route.

Abstract: This invention provides a monoclonal antibody which recognizes an epitope corresponding to amino acids 10 to 220, amino acids 221 to 297, or amino acids 469 to 662, counting from the N-terminus of a human Mx protein MxA, and specifically reacts with the human Mx protein by western blotting, immunoprecipitation or immunocyte staining, and a hybridoma which produces the antibody. The human Mx protein MxA monoclonal antibody of this invention can be used, for example, in the diagnosis of viral infection.

Abstract: A axial flow blower device has an improved in fixing structure for lead wires supplying electric current to a motor. A fan 9 driven by the motor 8 is provided at a central portion of a frame 1 the front and rear ends of which are constructed by two end plates 2,3. The two end plates 2,3 are arranged to secure the lead wires 10 supplying the electric current to the motor 8. Each of the end plates 2,3 has an opening 11 on its peripheral portions of said end plates 2,3 for insertion of the lead wires 10, and an insertion holes 15,16 extending obliquely from the opening 12 of the peripheral portions. One of the openings 12 is provided with a support groove 17 for supporting the lead wires 10 so that the support groove 17 forms an arcuate angle with respect to the one opening 12. The lead wires 10 passed through the insertion hole 15 can be supported by the support groove 17 when the lead wires 10 are twisted at an angle corresponding to the arcuate angle.

Abstract: An axial flow fan motor is provided with a motor housing that supports a bearing box. Bearings supported by the bearing box rotatably support a rotary shaft on which a yoke and an impeller are fixed. A U-letter shaped groove is provided on one portion of the motor housing, which is adapted to be engaged with a projection provided on an outer circumference on a PC board assembled with a control circuit. Since the PC board is securely positioned, the tip end of a probe of an automatic test machine can securely contact the terminal pin.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor of solid type has a pair of electrodes, and a proton conductive solid electrolyte of a barium-cerium oxide, for example, a rare earth element at least in the third element.

Abstract: A face shaped molding body of first electrode/solid electrolyte/second electrode composed of first and second electrodes on both the faces of the sold electrolyte layer is adapted to impress DC valve between the first electrode and second electrode in a condition where the solid electrolyte layer is heated to a given operation temperature. Atmosphere poor in oxygen or atmosphere rich in oxygen can be formed, by a gas pump which is selectively capable of discharging or feeding at least oxygen gas from the first atmosphere to the second atmosphere, so that atmosphere suitable for food preservation can be retained or chamber wherein oxygen is likely to be poor at heating can be retained in a condition rich in oxygen. Also, oxygen gas can be exchanged for steam when necessary so that the exchange ratio can be controlled by the controlling of the electrolysis voltage. Further, atmosphere is likely to be controlled, because the transportation amount of the oxygen gas and steam can be weighed by the current amount.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell, oxygen sensor, oxygen pump or the like, in which a barium-cerium complex oxide is used as an electrolyte. This device comprises a cathode formed on one surface of a layer of the barium-cerium complex oxide and an anode formed on another surface of the layer, and at least one of the anode and the cathode is formed to have a layered structure comprising a first thin film electrode formed on the layer of the barium-cerium complex oxide and a second electrode formed on the first thin film electrode. Further, at least one electrode comprises a mixture of platinum and one element selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper and carbon.

Abstract: A vehicle using hydrogen absorbing alloys includes: a plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloy storing vessels for independently storing a plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloys with a different hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure; a connecting section for passing hydrogen to and fro among the plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloy storing vessels; and a heating section for heating a low pressure hydrogen absorbing alloy which has the lowest hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure among the plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloys, using the combustion heat from fuel of an internal combustion engine or an external combustion engine of the vehicle as a heat source. Heat of reaction generated by absorption or desorption of hydrogen is utilized for heating or cooling the air in a passenger compartment or a component of the vehicle. The connecting section includes a hydrogen gas storing vessel.

Abstract: A vehicle using hydrogen absorbing alloys includes: a plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloy storing vessels for independently storing a plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloys with a different hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure; a connecting section for passing hydrogen to and fro among the plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloy storing vessels; and a heating section for heating a low pressure hydrogen absorbing alloy which has the lowest hydrogen equilibrium decomposition pressure among the plurality of hydrogen absorbing alloys, using the combustion heat from fuel of an internal combustion engine or an external combustion engine of the vehicle as a heat source. Heat of reaction generated by absorption or desorption of hydrogen is utilized for heating or cooling the air in a passenger compartment or a component of the vehicle. The connecting section includes a hydrogen gas storing vessel.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy comprising Laves phases with a C14-type crystal structure is provided. The alloy can absorb or release different hydrogen isotopes one after another in accordance with changes In pressure, by utilizing the differences in equilibrium absorption or desorption pressures of the respective hydrogen isotopes. This alloy can be used to effectively separate hydrogen isotopes by utilizing the differences in equilibrium absorption or desorption pressures between the respective hydrogen isotopes, or by utilizing the differences in desorption rates between the hydrogen isotopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing ion conductive material for use in an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell or a sensor and more particularly to the super ion conductive material based on protons or oxide cations and also to a synthesizing method of the mixing ion conductive material.A mixing ion conductive oxide which has a proton conductivity and/or oxide cation conductivity and has a composition comprising 1 mol of barium oxide, 1-x mol of cerium oxide and x mol of gadolinium oxide; wherein 1>x>0.1. When x=0.2, the mixing ion conductive material shows a conductivity shown in FIG. 2. The oxide sintered body mentioned above has a density higher than 96.5% of the theoretical density and a grain size of 0.1 to 10 micron. The synthesizing method of the oxide sintered body is characterized by that the powders for use in the final heat treatment is crushed into a particle size less than 3 micron and is subjected to a vacuum drying process.

Abstract: This invention provides a solid electrolyte fuel cell operable with high efficiency even in the temperature range of about 850.degree. to 650.degree. C., The invention is characterized by the use of a novel perovskite double oxide of the composition A.sub.X B.sub.Y O.sub.3-.alpha.. The fabrication of the electrolyte, air electrode and fuel electrode layers by tape casting has contributed to marked improvement in processability and productivity.