Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a heat generating unit that has a small size with high efficiency and high directivity, and carries out a uniform heating process with a fast temperature rise, and a heating apparatus using such a heat generating unit. The heat generating element (2) in the heat generating unit is formed into a film-sheet shape by using a material mainly composed of a carbon-based substance, and has an equivalent thermal conductivity in a plane direction, and power supply parts (10A, 10B) supply power to two opposing ends of the heat generating element (2) so that the entire heat generating element (2) in the heat generating unit generates heat with high efficiency.

Abstract: An MEA having an MEA body part 5C; a frame 6 made of a plate-like thermoplastic resin; and gaskets 7 formed on opposed surfaces of the frame 6 so as to hold the frame 6 between. The gaskets 7 each have an annular portion 7A that is annularly formed so as to extend along the inner periphery of the frame 6 and elongated portions 7B1 to 7B8 that extend from the annular portion 7A and come into contact with the side faces of an associated electrode layer 5C after passing over the inner periphery of the frame 6 and a peripheral region 5D of a polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, at least one of electrodes comprises conductive carbon carrying a platinum group metal catalyst, conductive carbon carrying no catalyst metal and a hydrogen ion-conductive polymer electrolyte. The preferable amount of the conductive carbon carrying no catalyst metal is equivalent to 5 to 50 wt % of the conductive carbon carrying the catalyst metal. Incorporation of the conductive carbon carrying no catalyst metal to the catalyst layer enables reduction in potential concentration on part of electron conduction channels in an electrode, whereby an electrode for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having an excellent life characteristic can be provided.

Abstract: In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, at least one of electrodes comprises conductive carbon carrying a platinum group metal catalyst, conductive carbon carrying no catalyst metal and a hydrogen ion-conductive polymer electrolyte. The preferable amount of the conductive carbon carrying no catalyst metal is equivalent to 5 to 50 wt % of the conductive carbon carrying the catalyst metal. Incorporation of the conductive carbon carrying no catalyst metal to the catalyst layer enables reduction in potential concentration on part of electron conduction channels in an electrode, whereby an electrode for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having an excellent life characteristic can be provided.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrolyte membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell according to this invention comprises the steps of: laminating a hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane on one face of a first shape-retaining film; forming a first catalyst layer on the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane; joining a shape-retaining member to the first catalyst layer side of the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane; removing the first shape-retaining film from the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane; and forming a second catalyst layer on a face of the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane exposed by the removal, so that the hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane and the catalyst layers are not damaged even when a thin hydrogen-ion conductive polymer membrane is used.

Abstract: A method of producing a fuel cell comprising the steps of: (A) molding a separator having a gas flow channel or a cooling water flow channel by injection molding process having a step of injecting a mixture comprising one or more conductive inorganic materials and one or more resins into a mold; (B) producing an assembly comprising an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte; and (C) combining the separator with the assembly to produce a fuel cell.

Abstract: A magnetically floating carrier system has a carriage body which is adapted to be floated by the attraction force of floating magnets acting upon the bottom surfaces of rails. The carriage body is driven by a linear motor. The rails are mounted on a framework extending longitudinally to define a track and having one side thereof supported. The carriage body is provided with a support member extending upwards at the other side of the framework to a point above the top surfaces of the framework. A pallet for supporting a load is mounted on the top end of the support member so as to be disposed over the framework. The carriage carries four magnets at front and rear parts thereof which are adapted to exert a force of attraction on the pair of rails. The magnets are mounted at both ends of two beams mounted on front and rear parts of the carriage body for see-saw motions and steering motions.