Abstract: Dielectric ceramic composition comprising a compound having perovskite-type crystal structure and Y-oxide, and the compound is shown by a general formula ABO3, where “A” is Ba alone or Ba and at least one selected from Ca and Sr, and “B” is Ti alone or Ti and Zr. The dielectric ceramic composition comprises dielectric particles including the above compound as a main component. When ?=1000×(c/a)/d is defined, wherein “d [nm]” is an average particle diameter of raw material powders of the above compound and “c/a” is a ratio of lattice constants of c-axis and a-axis in a perovskite-type crystal structure of the raw material powders, “?” is 11.0 or less.

Abstract: An active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery capable of increasing an action potential after the operation of a charge/discharge cycle in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes lithium transition metal composite oxide particles to the surfaces of which boride particles are sintered.

Abstract: A conventional, multilayer, all-solid-state, lithium ion secondary battery where an electrode layer and an electrolyte layer are stacked has a problem that it has a high interface resistance between the electrode layer and the electrolyte layer and has a difficulty in increasing the capacity of the battery. A battery has been manufactured by applying pastes of a mixture of an active material and a solid electrolyte to form electrode layers and baking a laminate of electrode layers and electrolyte layers at a time. As a result, a matrix structure including the active material and the solid electrolyte has been formed in the electrode layers, so that a battery with a large capacity and a reduced interface resistance between the electrode layer and the electrolyte layer has been successfully achieved.

Abstract: A novel method to prepare an advanced thermoelectric material has hierarchical structures embedded with nanometer-sized voids which are key to enhancement of the thermoelectric performance. Solution-based thin film deposition technique enables preparation of stable film of thermoelectric material and void generator (voigen). A subsequent thermal process creates hierarchical nanovoid structure inside the thermoelectric material. Potential application areas of this advanced thermoelectric material with nanovoid structure are commercial applications (electronics cooling), medical and scientific applications (biological analysis device, medical imaging systems), telecommunications, and defense and military applications (night vision equipments).

Abstract: A spark plug (10) includes an intermediate connecting pin (54) disposed in the central passage (28) of an the insulator body (12). The connecting pin (54) seats in an intermediate taper section (72) within the central passage (28), which is generally frustoconical and establishes a transition between a first larger diameter of the central passage (28) and a second smaller diameter. The intermediate tapered section (72) is located longitudinally above a filleted transition (26) feature of the insulator body (12) exterior. A pin head (53) of the connecting pin (54) has a complementary tapered under-cut and seats against the intermediate tapered section (72) to provide self-centering of the connecting pin (54) without trapping gas during the assembly process. The intermediate taper section (72) also provides an increase in insulator wall thickness which improves dielectric capacity and structural integrity of the insulator (12).

Abstract: Atomized Cu—Cr alloy powder, 20 to 30 percent by weight of Thermite Cr powder and 5 percent by weight of electrolytic Cu powder are mixed together and undergo solid phase sintering treatment to form an electrode material for vacuum circuit breakers. The gross content of Cr of the electrode material is 30 to 50 percent by weight. In manufacturing the electrode material for vacuum circuit breakers, such powders are mixed together and then undergo compression molding to be formed into a compressed compact. The compressed compact is performed solid phase sintering at a temperature lower than the melting point of Cu in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to prepare a solid phase sintered body.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a method for producing an electrical bushing for an implantable device, an electrical bushing, and an implantable device. The method according to one embodiment includes forming a base body from a ceramic slurry and introducing a bushing conductor made of a metal powder, metal slurry, cermet powder and/or cermet slurry into the base body. The metal fraction in the bushing conductor is provided to decrease towards the base body. It includes sintering the green blank that includes the base body and the bushing conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method for a thermistor element having a metal oxide sintered body for thermistor use and multiple lead wires connected to said metal oxide sintered body for thermistor use. The method has a step wherein a thermistor raw material powder formed from a metal oxide, an organic binder powder, and a solvent are mixed and kneaded to form a clay, a step wherein the clay is extrusion-molded by means of a molding die (13) to form a rod-shaped, green molded body having multiple through-holes, a step wherein the rod-shaped green molded body is dried to form a rod-shaped dried molded body, a step wherein the rod-shaped dried formed body is cut to a prescribed length to form a cut molded body having through-holes, and a step wherein lead wires are introduced into the through-holes of the cut molded body and firing is then performed to form a metal oxide sintered body for thermistor use from the cut molded body.

Abstract: At least one of a valve metal sintered capacitor anode body and a suboxide valve metal sintered capacitor anode body with a particle density of >88% of a theoretical density.

Abstract: An auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body, having a step portion in a principal surface thereof, has an unfired ceramic body and an auxiliary layer which is adhered to one principal surface of the unfired ceramic body and which is made of a material that is substantially unsinterable at a temperature at which the unfired ceramic body is fired. The auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body is fired at a temperature at which the unfired ceramic body is sinterable but the auxiliary layer is substantially unsinterable, while the auxiliary layer remains adhered to the unfired ceramic body. A pressing operation is performed using a die having a projection placed on the side of the auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body retaining the auxiliary layer, so that the step portion, having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the die projection, is formed in the side of the auxiliary-layer-lined unfired ceramic body retaining the auxiliary layer.

Abstract: There are provided a multilayer ceramic substrate and a probe board formed using a pillar-type conductor formed by including preparing a ceramic sheet having at least one through hole; filling the inside of the through hole with a conductive material; firing the ceramic sheet so that the conductive material is fired to form a pillar-type conductor; and removing the ceramic sheet so that the pillar-type conductor remains, and fabricating methods of the same. The multilayer ceramic substrate and the probe board use the pillar-type conductor that can fill the unfilled region formed within the ceramic sintered body, such that the electrical characteristics and surface flatness thereof are improved. In addition, the multilayer ceramic substrate and the probe board formed by using the pillar-type conductor with the improved adhesion and electrical characteristics between the ceramic sintered body and the connecting pad, and the fabricating methods of the same are provided.

Abstract: An oxide sintered compact composed of a composite oxide of lanthanum and hafnium, wherein the amount of hafnium contained in the sintered compact is equivalent or more relative to the lanthanum. A method of producing an oxide sintered compact of lanthanum and hafnium, wherein La2(CO3)3 powder and HfO2 powder are used as raw material powder, blending and mixing are performed so that the composition molar ratio of Hf and La becomes 1 to 1.2, the mixed powder is thereafter heated and synthesized in the atmosphere, the synthesized material is subsequently pulverized to obtain powder, and the synthesized powder is thereafter hot pressed into a sintered compact. Since metal lanthanum rapidly bonds with oxygen and decays, and lanthanum oxide bonds with moisture and forms a hydroxide and changes into powder form, there is a problem in that long-term storage is difficult and a sputtering target cannot be used for a practical use.

Abstract: A ceramic heater includes a core material and a ceramic sheet covering the core material, and wherein a side of the ceramic sheet opposite the core material is an outer side of the ceramic heater. A method for manufacturing the ceramic heater includes forming a through hole in a ceramic sheet which is diametrically enlarged from a first surface toward a second surface of the ceramic sheet, forming a via conductor, forming on the second surface a heating portion and lead portion for connecting the heating portion and the via conductor, and covering a core material with the ceramic sheet such that the first surface faces an outer side of the ceramic heater.

Abstract: A ceramic mixed system is proposed that includes a two-phase mixture of pure components A and B, wherein phase A is based on the cubic to tetragonal modification of Bi3NbO7 and phase B is based on a monoclinic pyrochlore modification of Bi2(Zn2/3Nb4/3)O7. The electrical properties of ceramics produced therefrom make the material suitable for components having a multilayer structure in which capacitors and inductors are integrated and which can be used in data processing or signal processing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an indium tin oxide (ITO) target and methods for preparing indium oxide powder (In2O3) and tin oxide powder (SnO2). The method for manufacturing an ITO (indium tin oxide) target includes preparing an In2O3 powder having a surface area of about 10-18 m2/g and an average particle diameter of between about 40 to 80 nm; preparing a SnO2 powder having a surface area of about 8-15 m2/g and an average particle diameter of about 60-100 nm; molding a mixture of the In2O3 powder and the SnO2 powder; and sintering the mixture at atmospheric pressure under oxidation atmosphere. The ITO target is applicable for a high-quality, transparent electrode for a display, such as a liquid crystal display, electroluminescent display, or field emission display.

Abstract: There is provided a high-frequency dielectric material that has a high relative permittivity, a high Q value, and a TCF property value close to zero (0) and can realize co-firing of the dielectric material with silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). The high-frequency dielectric material is characterized by comprising a composition of main constituent materials having a formulation of CaO: 1 mole, Nb2O5: (1??×?)/3 mole, ZnO: (1??)/3 mole, TiO2: ? mole, and Li2O: ?×(1??)/6 mole, wherein 0.65???0.75, 0.09???0.15, 0.066??×??0.100, and 0.15???0.35; and 1 to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the composition of main constituent materials, of a sintering aid selected from the group consisting of oxides of copper (Cu), boron (B), lithium (Li), bismuth (Bi), and vanadium (V) and a mixture of two or more of the oxides.

Abstract: A multilayer thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient is manufactured by step 41 of forming a green laminate having thermistor green layers and internal electrode layers, step 42 of heat-treating this laminate at a temperature in the range of from 80 to less than 300° C., step 43 of performing dry-barrel polishing for the heat-treated green laminate, step 44 of forming external electrode films on respective end surfaces of this laminate, and step 45 of firing this laminate together with the individual electrode films. According to this method, a highly reliable multilayer thermistor with a positive temperature coefficient can be stably manufactured.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter is made of a first thermoelectric conversion material in which at least one type of second thermoelectric conversion material particles having an average size of 1 to 100 nm is dispersed. At least a part of the second thermoelectric conversion material particles is dispersed at a distance not more than the mean free path of the phonons of the first thermoelectric conversion material.

Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum nitride sintered product according to the present invention includes the steps of (a) preparing a powder mixture that contains AlN, 2 to 10 parts by weight of Eu2O3 with respect to 100 parts by weight of AlN, Al2O3 such that a molar ratio of Al2O3 to Eu2O3 is 2 to 10, and TiO2 such that a molar ratio of TiO2 to Al2O3 is 0.05 to 1.2, but not Sm; (b) producing a compact from the powder mixture; and (c) firing the compact by subjecting the compact to hot-press firing in a vacuum or in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring concentration of a constituent in a gas may include an ionically conductive layer and a sensing electrode coupled to the ionically conductive layer. The sensing electrode may be exposed to a gas. The sensor may also include a reference electrode that is exposed to the gas and made of substantially a same material as the sensing electrode.

Abstract: A gas delivery substrate and method of manufacture is disclosed. A thermoplastic extrusion compound is created comprising a ceramic material and a thermoplastic resin, a green body is formed by thermoplastic extrusion of the compound, and the green body is sintered to form the gas delivery substrate. Such gas delivery substrates may be thin walled, highly porous and have secondary operations such as crimping and machining done prior to sintering.

Abstract: A process for producing zinc oxide varistors is to perform the doping of zinc oxide and the sintering of zinc oxide grains with a high-impedance sintering material through two independent procedures, so that the doped zinc oxide and the high-impedance sintering material are well mixed in a predetermined ratio and then used to make the zinc oxide varistors through conventional technology by low-temperature sintering (lower than 900° C.); the resultant zinc oxide varistors may use pure silver as inner electrode and particularly possess one or more of varistor properties, thermistor properties, capacitor properties, inductor properties, piezoelectricity and magnetism.

Abstract: A method for making a composite magnetic-dielectric disc assembly includes forming a dielectric ceramic cylinder, forming a magnetic ceramic rod, assembling the magnetic ceramic rod coaxially inside the dielectric ceramic cylinder to form a rod-and-cylinder assembly, kilning (firing) the rod-and-cylinder assembly, slicing the rod-and-cylinder assembly to form a plurality of composite magnetic-dielectric disc-shaped assemblies. The magnetic-dielectric disc assemblies can be used in manufacturing, for example, circulators, isolators or similar electronic components. Accordingly, the method for making the disc assemblies can be included as part of a method for making such electronic components.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated dielectric, which comprises laminating a raw material layer containing a high dielectric constant glass ceramic composition comprising from 30 to 70 mass % of a Ba—Ti compound powder having a Ti/Ba molar ratio of from 3.0 to 5.7 and from 30 to 70 mass % of an alkali free glass powder containing, by mol %, from 15 to 40% of SiO2, from 5 to 37% of B2O3, from 2 to 15% of Al2O3, from 1 to 25% of CaO+SrO, from 5 to 25% of BaO and from 25 to 50% of SiO2+Al2O3, and a raw material layer containing a low dielectric constant glass ceramic composition comprising from 10 to 70 mass % of a ceramic powder and from 30 to 90 mass % of an alkali free glass powder wherein SiO2+Al2O3 is at least 34 mol % and larger by at least 9 mol % than that in the above alkali free glass powder, followed by firing.

Abstract: A method of producing a dielectric layer made of a polycrystalline dielectric material having anisotropy in the coefficient of thermal expansion is provided, including the steps of providing a raw material powder, and heat treating the raw material powder at least to a temperature sufficient to cause a phase change from a first crystal orientation at room temperature to a different crystal orientation to provide an aggregate of oriented raw material particles having the same chemical composition as the raw material powder but having the different crystal orientation. The method also includes a step of forming a compact from the aggregate of oriented raw material particles, including a step of applying a shearing force to the aggregate and firing the compact to form the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ceramic substrate having a via hole(s) and a surface wiring pattern electrically connected to the via hole(s). The method includes: preparing a sintered ceramic substrate having a via hole(s); forming over the sintered ceramic substrate a sintered ceramic layer having a hole(s) or opening(s) whose bottom is configured to be at least a part of an exposed end surface of the via hole(s) by post-firing method; forming inside the hole(s) or opening(s) a conductive portion which electrically connects the surface of the sintered ceramic layer and the via hole(s); and forming over the surface of the sintered ceramic layer a surface wiring pattern electrically connected to the conductive portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spark plug and method for manufacturing it, which spark plug has been manufactured from one electrically conductive element and one electrically non-conductive element, sintered composite ceramic material having been used for the manufacture. These spark plugs can preferably be used for stationary-mode heaters, operated with fuels, of motor vehicles. According to the object which is set, it should be possible to manufacture such spark plugs cost-effectively and flexibly and at the same time provide an extended service life and oxidation resistance. The conductive element here is to be embraced on two opposite sides by the electrically non-conductive element and it has an enlarged cross section in the distal region while a cross-sectional ratio of between 2.5 and 5 to 1 is maintained with respect to the cross section of the electrically conductive element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of semiconductor granules comprising a step in which semiconductor powders are sintered and/or melted. The powders are nanometric and/or micrometric sized.

Abstract: A single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell (SC-SOFC) system includes an electrolyte having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of cell units on the first surface of the electrolyte, and a plurality of interconnects electrically connecting the plurality of the cell units. Each of the cell units includes an elongate anode current collector, a plurality of spaced apart anodes connected to a side of the anode current collector, an elongate cathode current collector, a plurality of spaced apart cathodes connected to a side of the cathode current collector. The plurality of cathodes and anodes are substantially in parallel and are interdigitated, forming a plurality of anode-cathode pairs. A plurality of barriers are positioned between adjacent anodes and cathodes. A method of producing the SC-SOFC system is also provided.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of ceramic fibers is provided. First, a ceramic powder and a solution are mixed into a mixed slurry. The mixed slurry is then spun in water to form a plurality of blank fibers. Next, the blank fibers are sintered to form a plurality of ceramic fibers. In the prior art, ceramic fibers are manufactured by using organic metal salts and toxic solvents as raw materials, which complicates the process and always cause environmental pollution. The manufacturing method of ceramic fibers of the present invention utilizes a ceramic material and a non-toxic solution as the raw materials. The method of the present invention is simple, cost saving, and has no pollution, and is applicable to manufacturing piezoelectric ceramic fibers or other ceramic fibers.

Abstract: A plasma treatment device for exhaust gas purification includes a honeycomb body and metal electrodes. The honeycomb body is made of dielectric and has therein a plurality of holes which introduces exhaust gas thereinto. The metal electrodes extend along the holes, and are interposed between the holes. The plasma treatment device purifies exhaust gas by applying electric voltage between the metal electrodes to generate plasma inside the holes. A method for manufacturing the plasma treatment device includes steps of positioning the metal electrodes in an extrusion die, providing dielectric material for the honeycomb body into the extrusion die, and performing extrusion so as to form the honeycomb body thereby integrating the honeycomb body with the metal electrodes.

Abstract: There is provided a high-frequency dielectric material that has a high relative permittivity, a high Q value, and a TCF property value close to zero (0) and can realize co-firing of the dielectric material with silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). The high-frequency dielectric material is characterized by comprising a composition of main constituent materials having a formulation of CaO: 1 mole, Nb2O5: (1??×?)/3 mole, ZnO: (1??)/3 mole, TiO2: ? mole, and Li2O: ?×(1??)/6 mole, wherein 0.65???0.75, 0.09???0.15, 0.066??×??0.100, and 0.15???0.35; and 1 to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the composition of main constituent materials, of a sintering aid selected from the group consisting of oxides of copper (Cu), boron (B), lithium (Li), bismuth (Bi), and vanadium (V) and a mixture of two or more of the oxides.

Abstract: A gas delivery substrate and method of manufacture is disclosed. A thermoplastic extrusion compound is created comprising a ceramic material and a thermoplastic resin, a green body is formed by thermoplastic extrusion of the compound, and the green body is sintered to form the gas delivery substrate. Such gas delivery substrates may be thin walled, highly porous and have secondary operations such as crimping and machining done prior to sintering.

Abstract: A microstructured assembly including a barrier portions and land portions is described. The microstructures have alternating barrier portions and land portions that have barrier surfaces and land surfaces, respectively. Each barrier surface and land surface is connected by curved surface, which is part of a curved portion. The curved surface and the land surface are substantially continuous.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoelectric converter including supplying raw materials by mutually supplying a p-type semiconductor raw material and an n-type semiconductor raw material into a piercing hole of a honeycomb made of a non-metal inorganic material. The method also includes sintering the p-type semiconductor raw material and the n-type semiconductor raw material supplied in the honeycomb to form a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor in the piercing hole of the honeycomb, and connecting the p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor formed in the piercing hole of the honeycomb to each other by an electrode.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is a process for making a solid part designed to form all or part of an anode for the production of aluminium by fused bath electrolysis, containing a cermet formed from at least one metallic oxide such as a mixed oxide with spinel structure, and at least one metallic phase, in which a mixed oxide is used containing a metal R in the form of a cation in its chemical structure, the said metal R being fully or partly reducible by a reduction operation during the manufacturing process, so as to form all or part of the said metallic phase. This process can provide a cermet with a uniform distribution of fine metallic particles.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck includes a base. The base has a support portion made of alumina ceramics, and a surface portion made of yttria ceramics. The surface portion forms at least a substrate mounting surface and side surface of the base on a surface of the support portion. Carbon contents in alumina ceramics of the support portion and yttria ceramics of the surface portion are 0.05 wt % or less.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramic bodies comprising the steps of: preparing a ceramic sheet; forming through holes in the ceramic sheet, each of the through hole forming at least one part of the contour of each ceramic bodies; and cutting the ceramic sheet into pieces of ceramic bodies. The ceramic sheet can be a single ceramic sheet or a laminate of ceramic sheets. The method of manufacturing ceramic bodies further comprises a step of forming a recess in the ceramic sheet, or pressure molding or partially removing of the ceramic body, as required. The manufacturing method provides inexpensive production of small ceramic elements having a complicated shape and extremely smooth surfaces with less uneven filling and nonuniform density.

Abstract: A stator structure includes a magnetically conductive element and a winding. The magnetically conductive element is integrally formed as a single unit by at least one magnetic powder. The winding is wound around the magnetically conductive element. The manufacturing method of the motor stator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wafer processing apparatus, including a heater apparatus, is provided. The heater apparatus includes a coating layer; and a seal structure in contact with the coating layer. The seal structure is formed from a seal formable material. The seal formable material includes at least one of a YASB glassy composition, a CGYP glassy composition, or a combination of the YASB glassy composition and the CGYP glassy composition. A method and device are also included.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic substrate of the present invention includes a first process of providing holes in a shrinkage suppressing layer, a second process of filling the holes with a thick film material, a third process of laminating the shrinkage suppressing layer filled with the thick film material on an outermost layer of a ceramic substrate sintered in a preparatory process, followed by pressing, thereby obtaining a laminate, a fourth process of sintering the laminate, and a fifth process of removing the shrinkage suppressing layer. Thus, the kind of convex portions formed on the outermost layer of the ceramic substrate can be increased.

Abstract: A method produces a component having a ceramic base body and contact surfaces on opposite sides of the ceramic base body. The method includes forming first protective layers on the opposite sides of the ceramic base body in regions not to be covered by the contact surfaces, forming second protective layers on opposite surfaces of the ceramic base body, sintering the ceramic base body with the first and second protective layers at a first temperature, forming the contact surfaces on the ceramic base body, and sintering the contact surfaces at a temperature that is lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: A stainless steel flow field plate for a fuel cell that includes a layer of titanium or titanium oxide and a layer of titanium oxide/ruthenium oxide that makes the plate conductive and hydrophilic. In one embodiment, titanium is deposited on the surface of a stainless steel bipolar plate as a metal or an oxide using a suitable process, such as PVD or CVD. A solution of ruthenium chloride in ethanol is brushed on the titanium layer. The plate is then calcinated to provide a dimensionally stable titanium oxide/ruthenium oxide layer on the stainless steel that is hydrophilic and electrically conductive in the fuel cell environment.

Abstract: A production method of a dielectric ceramic composition comprising a main component including a compound having a perovskite-type crystal structure expressed by a composition formula (Ba1-xCax) (Ti1-yZry)O3 (note that 0?x?0.2, 0?y?0.2), and a fourth subcomponent including an oxide of R (note that R is at least one selected from Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu); comprising steps of obtaining a post-reaction material by bringing a material of the main component to react in advance with a part of a material of the fourth subcomponent to be included in the dielectric ceramic composition, and adding rest of material of the fourth subcomponent to be included in the dielectric ceramic composition into the post-reaction material. According to the present invention, both of a dielectric ceramic composition capable of improving the specific permittivity and a temperature characteristic of capacitance can be preferable, and the production method can be provided.

Abstract: A production method of a dielectric ceramic composition comprising a main component including a compound having a perovskite-type crystal structure expressed by a general formula ABO3 (note that “A” is Ba alone or a composite of Ba and Ca, and “B” is Ti alone or a composite of Ti and Zr), and a fourth subcomponent including an oxide of R (note that R is at least one selected from Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu); comprising steps of dividing a material of the main component to a first main component material and a second main component material, obtaining a post-reaction material by bringing the material of the first main component to react in advance with a part of the fourth subcomponent material to be included in the dielectric ceramic composition, and adding the material of the second main component and rest of the fourth subcomponent material to be included in the dielectric ceramic composition into the post-reaction material; wherein, when assuming that number of moles o

Abstract: A material made of a dielectric oxide of type Ca0.25Cu0.75TiO3 having a dielectric constant greater than 3,000.

Abstract: Piezoelectric performance is improved in a piezoelectric ceramic having a perovskite-type crystal structure expressed by a general formula ABO3 and the B-site element including niobium. The piezoelectric ceramic has a perovskite-type crystal structure in which plural octahedrons formed of oxygen are arranged to share vertices thereof and elements are located at a center of eight octahedrons and at a center of each octahedron; wherein an element located at the center of eight octahedrons is A-site element, an element located at the center of each octahedron is B-site element, and a general formula of the perovskite-type crystal structure is ABO3; the B-site element includes niobium (Nb); and bismuth (Bi) content in composition of the piezoelectric ceramic is 100 ppm by weight or less.

Abstract: The spark plug manufacturing apparatus includes a holding plate formed with a plurality of mounting holes penetrating from a front surface to a rear surface thereof for holding therein hollow tubular insulators of spark plugs, each of which is fitted therein with a center electrode and a metal stem provided with a terminal part, and is charged with a powder resistance material between the center electrode and the stem, and an electric furnace for heating the insulators held in the mounting holes of the holding plate. The holding plate is made of a ceramic material containing not less than 50 wt % of silicon nitride.

Abstract: The present invention provides piezoelectric ceramics having a thickness of 100 ?m or less, surface flatness of 20 ?m or less and maximum surface uneveness of 3 ?m or less in arbitrary surface region, wherein in-plane variation in dielectric constant is 5% or less of an average dielectric constant. The piezoelectric ceramics are applied to an actuator used for a painting head because of small surface flatness and less in-plane variation in piezoelectric constant.

Abstract: A mixed potential electrochemical sensor for the detection of gases has a ceria-based electrolyte with a surface for exposing to the gases to be detected, and with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode extending through the surface and fixed within the electrolyte as the electrolyte is compressed and sintered. The electrochemical sensor is formed by placing a wire reference electrode and a wire sensing electrode in a die, where each electrode has a first compressed planar section and a second section depending from the first section with the second section of each electrode extending axially within the die. The die is filled with an oxide-electrolyte powder and the powder is pressed within the die with the wire electrodes. The wire-electrodes and the pressed oxide-electrolyte powder are sintered to form a ceramic electrolyte base with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode depending therefrom.