Abstract: An activated carbon for electric double layer capacitor whose rate of FS (filling swing) in an &agr;s-plot by the nitrogen adsorption method is at most 27 cm3/g STP. An activated carbon electrode formed with the activated carbon. An electric double layer capacitor equipped with the activated carbon electrodes as polarizable electrodes and having excellent durability.

Abstract: A carbonaceous electrode material for electric double layer capacitors having a large capacitor per volume, a low resistivity and a large bulk density, is provided as a carbonaceous material having a specific surface area of 800-2000 m2/g as measured by the nitrogen adsorption BET method, and an average layer-plane spacing of at most 0.36 nm as measured by the X-ray diffraction method. The carbonaceous material is preferably produced by carbonizing and activating a carbon precursor of pitch origin in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A vinylidene fluoride polymer binder solution for forming an electrode for a non-aqueous-type battery is formed by adding an acid, preferably an organic acid, as a stabilizer to a solution of a vinylidene fluoride polymer in an organic solvent. The acid is preferably added in an amount sufficient to ensure a pH of at most 9 when measured with respect to a 10-times dilution of the binder solution with deionized water. The acid addition is effective for preventing a problematic viscosity increase in the binder solution and also gelling of an electrode-forming composition formed by adding a powdery electrode material in the binder solution.

Abstract: A binder solution for providing an electrode suitable for use in non-aqueous-type electrochemical devices, such as a battery and an electric double layer capacitor, is formed by dissolving a vinylidene fluoride polymer having an inherent viscosity (and thus a polymerization degree) higher than a conventional level in an organic solvent. An electrode-forming composition is formed by dispersing powdery electrode material in the binder solution and is applied onto an electroconductive substrate while avoiding the gelation of the polymer, followed by drying, to form a composite electrode layer, which retains the powdery electrode material at a smaller amount of vinylidene fluoride polymer than a conventional level and is well resistant to a non-aqueous electrolytic solution.

Abstract: A dual-type pyroelectric elements. The first pyroelectric element is constituted by a larger electrode on a first surface and a smaller electrode on a second surface, respectively of a pyroelectric sheet. The second pyroelectric element is on the other hand constituted by a smaller electrode on the first surface and a larger electrode on the second surface respectively of the pyroelectric sheet. Further, takeout electrodes are taken out respectively integrally from the smaller electrodes on both surfaces of the pyroelectric sheet in mutually opposite directions.

Abstract: An electronic circuit element comprising a substrate having a predetermined electric characteristic and a pair of opposing surfaces. At least one first electrode is provided on one of the surfaces of the substrate while a second electrode is provided on the other of the surfaces of the substrate so as to oppose the at least one first electrode. A lead electrode is provided on the other surface of the substrate so as to extend from an edge of the second electrode. A compensating electrode is provided to at least one of the first and second electrodes on the substrate for compensating for a difference in the overlapping area between the first electrode and the second electrode inclusive of the lead electrode, due to a deviation in a disposition of the second electrode on the basis of the first electrode.

Abstract: A pyroelectric infrared sensor includes a package having a light-receiving window, and at least two dual pyroelectric elements arranged in the package, each of the dual pyroelectric elements having first and second unit pyroelectric elements, the first and second unit pyroelectric elements being connected in series or parallel with each other so as to have opposite polarities, wherein the first and second light-receiving electrodes and the first and second back electrodes are formed such that an effective light-receiving electrode area of the first unit pyroelectric element opposing a central portion of the light-receiving window is smaller than an effective light-receiving electrode area of the second unit pyroelectric element opposing a peripheral portion of the light-receiving window.

Abstract: A pyroelectric element includes a plurality of electrodes formed on one major surface of a pyroelectric film and constituting a first group and at least one electrode formed on the other major surface of the pyroelectric film and constituting a second group, wherein directions of proximal end portions of lead portions of the electrodes and widths of the proximal end portions are set to be a predetermined direction and a predetermined value such that effective light-receiving electrode areas of unit pyroelectric elements are substantially equal to each other even if electrode patterns of the first and second groups are slightly offset from each other. Provided is a pyroelectric element having excellent electrical characteristics against disturbing external light.

Abstract: A polymer pyroelectric infrared sensor having an improved sensitivity and an improved heat resistance is formed by disposing a pyroelectric film having electrodes for taking out a pyroelectric output on both sides so as to face a window for introducing infrared rays. The pyroelectric film comprises a pyroelectric film of vinylidene fluoride copolymer having a crystallinity of 60% or more and a relative dielectric constant of 10 or below at 25.degree. C. and in a low frequency region of 0.1-10 Hz.