Abstract: A copying paper processing apparatus comprises a sorter, a stapling device for stapling sheets of copying paper sorted by the sorter, and a device for automatically selecting and setting a sort mode when a staple mode is selected and set. The processing apparatus may comprise a switch for selecting the stapling operation, and a device for automatically selecting and setting a staple mode when the staple selecting switch is turned on and a sort mode is selectively set. The processing apparatus may comprise a device for transmitting a signal indicating that there is no staple needle when the number of staple needles left in the stapling device is a predetermined number greater than the total number of bins of the sorter. The processing apparatus may comprise a device for inhibiting the operation of the stapling device when one of sensors respectively disposed in a paper-receiving base of the stapling device and a sorter bin of the sorter detects that there is no paper.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery, in which the negative electrode is constituted by a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of absorbing/desorbing hydrogen electrochemically, and a hydrophobic material and a hydrophilic material are provided in a portion of the surface layer of the negative electrode and in the side of the negative electrode respectively so as to properly secure both the wetting property and hydrophobic property of the negative electrode against the alkaline electrolytic solution. Accordingly, a hydrogen can be absorbed electrochemically in the portion of the negative electrode which is wetted by the electrolytic solution and a hydrogen gas generated in charging the battery can be absorbed by a vapor phase reaction in the hydrophobic portion of the negative electrode which is exposed to the vapor phase so that the internal gas pressure can be reduced to thereby make it possible to perform rapid charging.

Abstract: A sealed type nickel-hydride battery comprising a positive electrode made of nickel oxides and/or Ni(OH).sub.2 as an active material, a negative electrode made of hydrogen storage alloys as main materials which may absorb and desorb hydrogen as an active material electrochemically, an alkaline electrolyte, and a separator. Prior to sealing in a battery case, the positive electrode contains cobalt and/or cobalt hydroxide having an oxidation potential lower than that of nickel hydroxide and the negative electrode is not subjected to a sufficient precharge as required for the substantial battery capacity to be limited by the capacity of the positive electrode. The battery is sealed in this state, and at an initial charge, the cobalt and/or cobalt oxides are charged and a precharged section absorbed hydrogen is formed in a negative electrode corresponding to the charge capacity of the cobalt and/or cobalt oxides.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement of a hydrogen absorbing alloy to be used as a negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery. The hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of electrochemically absorbing/desorbing hydrogen has a CaCu.sub.5 type crystal structure and is represented by the general formula of A.sub.1-x B.sub.x C.sub.y D.sub.z, in which formula: D is selected from the group consisting of V, In, Tl, Ga and mixtures thereof; the atomic ratio z has a value within the range made up as follows, 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.3 for V, 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.1 for In, 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.1 for Tl, and 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.1 for Ga; and the atomic ratio (y+z) has a value within the range of from 4.7 to 5.3.

Abstract: A sealed storage battery comprises a positive electrode including a metallic oxide as an active material, a negative electrode including hydrogen-storage-alloy powder capable of electrochemically charging and discharging hydrogen as an active material, an alkaline electrolyte, and two separators (12a and 1 2b) for absorbing and retaining the alkaline electrolyte. The hydrogen-storage-alloy power has a crystal structure and is provided with numerous irregularities on the surface thereof, and has SF-value of 2.5 or below, which SF-value represents a plateau characteristic of equilibrium pressure of released hydrogen. The numerous irregularities on the surface of the alloy powder cause oxygen being generated from the positive electrode to be eliminated promptly.

Abstract: This specification discloses a gas diffusion electrode for a battery, wherein a layer which is formed of a binding agent and substance such as graphite, nickel oxide, aluminum oxide or the like so as to represent no catalytic action with respect to a fuel is provided on the electrolyte side of a high-porosity sintered member of which the constituent is nickel, thereby preventing a decrease in the electrode potential due to the active fuel and in the utilization rate of such fuel, while at the same time restraining permeation of a gas supplied to the electrode into the electrolyte and leakage of such electrolyte into the gas.