Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electrode cell which is, when used in a battery, able to improve cycle characteristics of the battery, and a battery including the electrode cell. Presented is an electrode cell including at least an electrode active material layer and an electrolyte layer, wherein the electrode active material layer contains at least one electrode active material selected from the group of: vanadium(III) chloride, lead(II) chloride, tungsten(II) chloride, nickel(II) chloride, vanadium, lead, tungsten and nickel, and wherein the electrolyte layer contains an electrolyte containing aluminum(III) chloride and an ionic liquid that contains a chloride ion and organic onium cation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer compound for an electrode material permitting operation at low temperatures and attainment of large capacities, an electrode using the polymer compound, and a nonaqueous solution battery involving the electrode as the positive electrode thereof. The polymer compound includes a structure capable of intramolecularly forming at least one S—S bond in a single side chain of the repeating unit thereof. The S—S bond constitutes a part of a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle. The electrode includes as an electrode material the polymer compound including a structure capable of intramolecularly forming at least one S—S bond in the single side chain of the repeating unit thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer compound for an electrode material permitting operation at low temperatures and attainment of large capacities, an electrode using the polymer compound, and a nonaqueous solution battery involving the electrode as the positive electrode thereof. The polymer compound includes a structure capable of intramolecularly forming at least one S—S bond in a single side chain of the repeating unit thereof. The S—S bond constitutes a part of a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle. The electrode includes as an electrode material the polymer compound including a structure capable of intramolecularly forming at least one S—S bond in the single side chain of the repeating unit thereof.

Abstract: When the remaining capacity of a battery on a hybrid vehicle is smaller than a threshold value or the battery is unable to output the amount of electric energy required to propel the hybrid vehicle with a propulsive electric motor, the engine is started by a generator which operates in a motor mode. After the engine has been warmed up, the generator operates in a generator mode to generate electric energy which is supplied to the battery and the propulsive electric motor. The threshold value for the remaining capacity of the battery is greater as the atmospheric pressure is lower. Therefore, if the hybrid vehicle is running under a low atmospheric pressure such as on a highland, the electric energy is supplied from the generator to the battery and the propulsive electric motor at an early stage where the capacity of the battery is relatively high.

Abstract: A suspension system for use on a motor vehicle includes a suspension having a leaf spring as a resilient member, and a plurality of strain gauges mounted on the leaf spring in suitable locations thereon. The value of a strain of the leaf spring in a particular position where one of the strain gauges is disposed is estimated on the basis of the measured value of a strain which is detected by another strain gauge. The difference between the estimated strain value and the value of a strain detected by the strain gauge in the particular position is then calculated. A deteriorated condition of the leaf spring can now be determined according to the calculated difference which is checked according to a preset reference or criterion.