Abstract: A primer (16) for forming a resin frame (17) is formed on an outer end portion (16p) of a separator (1) of a fuel cell. An electrodeposition coating device (2) includes an upper frame (21) and a lower frame (22), and covers only the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) with a center portion (12) of the substrate (11) left uncovered. When the substrate (11) is sandwiched between the upper frame (21) and the lower frame (22) of the electrodeposition coating device (2), an annular electrodeposition chamber (31) is formed with the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) located in the electrodeposition chamber (31). Then, the electrodeposition chamber (31) is filled with an electrodeposition coating solution (32), and electrodeposition coating is performed. Then, cleaning is performed by using purified water, and drying is performed by using hightemperature air.

Abstract: An opening section of a tank projects to the inside of the tank. In the inwardly projecting section, a fitting projects to the inside of the tank, surrounding a substantially cylindrical column-like valve. Also, an inner circumferential wall projects to the inside of the tank so as to surround the fitting. Further, a metal ring is provided surrounding the inner circumferential wall, and a metal nut is attached from the end in the direction of the projection of the inner circumferential wall. The metal ring and the metal nut function as support members for supporting the inner circumferential wall and increase the quality of the seal between the inner circumferential wall and the fitting.

Abstract: A cleaning device and a cleaning method for a container capable of continuously performing a cleaning treatment, and a tank. The cleaning device includes a jetting member which jets a fluid in the container; a movement unit which relatively moves the jetting member along an axial direction of the container with respect to the container so that the jetting member is inserted into the container from a mouth part of the container; and a switching unit which switches the jetting member from one function to another function. The switching unit switches a nozzle for a cleaning liquid, a nozzle for blowing and a nozzle for drying in order.

Abstract: In an apparatus A in which electrode powder 10 is allowed to adhere via the electrostatic force to an electrolyte membrane that serves as a substrate 2 so as to form a catalyst layer, a screen 5 is held in a state of non-contact with the substrate 2, and a voltage is applied therebetween. The electrode powder 10 is allowed to adhere to an elastic feed roller 7, and the feed roller 7 is allowed to rotate in contact with the screen 5 by pressure. The electrode powder 10 is dispersed toward the substrate 2 so as to stably adhere thereto via both the electrostatic force and the extruding force of the elastic body. Variation of thickness and collapse of the outline are extremely reduced on the catalyst layer to be transferred and formed on the substrate (electrolyte membrane) via the electrostatic force using a conventionally used mesh-like screen so as to obtain a membrane electrode assembly with a high product manufacturing accuracy.

Abstract: A primer (16) for forming a resin frame (17) is formed on an outer end portion (16p) of a separator (1) of a fuel cell. An electrodeposition coating device (2) includes an upper frame (21) and a lower frame (22), and covers only the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) with a center portion (12) of the substrate (11) left uncovered. When the substrate (11) is sandwiched between the upper frame (21) and the lower frame (22) of the electrodeposition coating device (2), an annular electrodeposition chamber (31) is formed with the outer end portion (16p) of the substrate (11) located in the electrodeposition chamber (31). Then, the electrodeposition chamber (31) is filled with an electrodeposition coating solution (32), and electrodeposition coating is performed. Then, cleaning is performed by using purified water, and drying is performed by using high temperature air.

Abstract: In an apparatus A in which electrode powder 10 is allowed to adhere via the electrostatic force to an electrolyte membrane that serves as a substrate 2 so as to form a catalyst layer, a screen 5 is held in a state of non-contact with the substrate 2, and a voltage is applied therebetween. The electrode powder 10 is allowed to adhere to an elastic feed roller 7, and the feed roller 7 is allowed to rotate in contact with the screen 5 by pressure. The electrode powder 10 is dispersed toward the substrate 2 so as to stably adhere thereto via both the electrostatic force and the extruding force of the elastic body. Variation of thickness and collapse of the outline are extremely reduced on the catalyst layer to be transferred and formed on the substrate (electrolyte membrane) via the electrostatic force using a conventionally used mesh-like screen so as to obtain a membrane electrode assembly with a high product manufacturing accuracy.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell electrode, electrode material is electrostatically held on a photosensitive drum with a prescribed pattern. The electrode material of the prescribed pattern is then transferred from the photosensitive drum onto an electrolyte membrane or a membrane of a diffusion layer. The transferred electrode material of the prescribed pattern is then fixed to the membrane. The electrode material may be electrostatically applied to the membrane a plurality of times in order to vary the electrode structure in the thickness direction.

Abstract: The gas separator is provided with a substrate portion having a predetermined concave-convex shape, an underlying coating layer formed on the substrate portion, a first coating layer for coating the substrate portion and the underlying coating layer, and a second coating layer formed thereon. The second coating layer is formed from a carbon material, and is sufficiently conductive. Moreover, the second coating layer protects the underlying layer. The first coating layer is formed from a noble metal. Therefore, the first coating layer coated with the second coating layer exhibits extremely high corrosion resistance. The underlying coating layer and the substrate portion are coated with the first and second coating layers, so that the progress in corrosion can be sufficiently prevented. Thus, excellent overall corrosion resistance of the separator can be realized.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for manufacturing a fuel cell electrode, electrode material is electrostatically held on a photosensitive drum with a prescribed pattern. The electrode material of the prescribed pattern is then transferred from the photosensitive drum onto an electrolyte membrane or a membrane of a diffusion layer. The transferred electrode material of the prescribed pattern is then fixed to the membrane. The electrode material may be electrostatically applied to the membrane a plurality of times in order to vary the electrode structure in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes (1) a robot including at least one movable portion, at least one motor for driving the movable portion, and at least one pressurized chamber in which the motor for driving the movable portion is disposed; and (2) a coating device including a coating gun, a paint feed pump and a motor for driving the paint feed pump, the coating device being mounted to the robot. The motor for driving the paint feed pump is disposed in the pressurized chamber.

Abstract: The gas separator is provided with a substrate portion having a predetermined concave-convex shape, an underlying coating layer formed on the substrate portion, a first coating layer for coating the substrate portion and the underlying coating layer, and a second coating layer formed thereon. The second coating layer is formed from a carbon material, and is sufficiently conductive. Moreover, the second coating layer protects the underlying layer. The first coating layer is formed from a noble metal. Therefore, the first coating layer coated with the second coating layer exhibits extremely high corrosion resistance. The underlying coating layer and the substrate portion are coated with the first and second coating layers, so that the progress in corrosion can be sufficiently prevented. Thus, excellent overall corrosion resistance of the separator can be realized.

Abstract: A rotary atomizing electrostatic coating apparatus includes a plurality of paint nozzles and a solvent nozzle. Each paint nozzle communicates uniquely with a respective paint source separate by respective paint passages which are pathwise separate from each other. In each paint passage, a respective paint valve is installed. When changing a painting color according to the present invention, the paint filling the operating paint nozzle and the paint passage connected thereto is not washed out by a washing solvent, so that the amount of paint wasted when changing the painting color is decreased to substantially zero and the working time period for changing the painting color is also shortened. A corresponding method of use of such an apparatus is also disclosed which reduces the amount of paint wasted and the amount of solvent used during a step of switching from a first paint to a second paint.

Abstract: An OFF/OFF valve including a fluid passage formed in the valve body, and having a valve seat, a smaller diameter portion extending from the valve seat on a downstream side of the valve seat, and a larger diameter portion extending from the smaller diameter portion on a downstream side of the smaller diameter portion. A valve element is disposed so as to be movable between a position adjacent the valve seat and a position within the larger diameter portion. The valve element is driven by a valve element driving assembly. When the valve is closed, the valve element moves toward the valve seat. When the valve element moves within the smaller diameter portion, the fluid which has passed through the valve element is drawn back due to the pumping effect of the valve element before the valve element finally reaches the valve seat and the valve is completely closed.

Abstract: A spray painting device having a first spray mechanism and a second spray mechanism located downstream of the first spray mechanism in an assembly line along which an automobile body is conveyed. A spray head of the first spray mechanism is fixed at a constant height when spraying paint onto a side outer panel portion which is situated over a front or rear wheel of the automobile chassis, and is moved up and down when spraying paint onto a side outer panel portion which is not situated over the front or rear wheel. A spray head of the second spray mechanism is located so that a constant distance is maintained between the spray heads and the side outer panel to spray a uniform coat of paint onto the side outer panel.