Abstract: A cordless instrument (20, 40) detachable from a charger (10, 30, 31) is attached to the charger (10, 30, 31), and is charged. A first storage part (12, 33) chargeable from a direct current source (11, 32) included in the charger (10, 30, 31), a first charge and discharge control circuit (13, 50) to control charge and discharge of the first storage part (12, 33), a second storage part (21, 43) included in the cordless instrument (20, 40), and a second charge and discharge control circuit (22, 45) to control charge and discharge of the second storage part (21, 43) are provided. Further, a third storage part (28) chargeable from the direct current source (11, 32) may be provided. Also to the cordless instrument (20, 40), a fourth storage part (44) may be provided. Upon attaching the cordless instrument, the second storage part (21, 43) is charged at least from the first storage part (12, 33).

Abstract: A plurality of polarizable electrodes, a laminate of a collector layer, a polarizable electrode layer of a porous sheet, and a carbon-based conductive material interposed therebetween, are disposed in a row arrangement, interposing separators between the polarizable electrodes, and an electrolyte is packed between said polarizable electrodes and said separators; the carbon-based conductive material penetrating into the voids in the polarizable electrode layers. A process is provided whereby the polarizable electrode is manufactured by applying a conductive material solution to the collector and/or polarizable electrode sheet surface, superposing the two, and then evaporating out the dispersion medium of the conductive material solution.

Abstract: A plurality of polarizable electrodes, a laminate of a collector layer, a polarizable electrode layer of a porous sheet, and a carbon-based conductive material interposed therebetween, are disposed in a row arrangement, interposing separators between the polarizable electrodes, and an electrolyte is packed between said polarizable electrodes and said separators; the carbon-based conductive material penetrating into the voids in the polarizable electrode layers. A process is provided whereby the polarizable electrode is manufactured by applying a conductive material solution to the collector and/or polarizable electrode sheet surface, superposing the two, and then evaporating out the dispersion medium of the conductive material solution.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite for an electrochemical reaction apparatus that possesses satisfactory ion conduction properties and has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, is provided, the solid polymer electrolyte composite is characterized in that a solid polymer electrolyte is contained in the continuous pores of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene sheet which has continuous pores and in which the inner surfaces defining the pores are covered with a functional material such as a metal oxide. An electrochemical reaction apparatus containing an electrolyte, wherein said electrochemical reaction apparatus is characterized in that the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte composite is used as this electrolyte is also provided.

Abstract: A plurality of polarizable electrodes, a laminate of a collector layer, a polarizable electrode layer of a porous sheet, and a carbon-based conductive material interposed therebetween, are disposed in a row arrangement, interposing separators between the polarizable electrodes, and an electrolyte is packed between said polarizable electrodes and said separators; the carbon-based conductive material penetrating into the voids in the polarizable electrode layers. A process is provided whereby the polarizable electrode is manufactured by applying a conductive material solution to the collector and/or polarizable electrode sheet surface, superposing the two, and then evaporating out the dispersion medium of the conductive material solution.

Abstract: A composite polymer electrolyte membrane which includes an ion-conductive polymer gel contained and supported by a matrix material formed of a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. The porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane has an internal structure which defines a three-dimensional network of interconnected passages and pathways throughout the membrane. The composite polymer electrolyte membrane has a tensile break strength of at least 10 MPa in at least two orthogonal planar directions, ion conductivity of at least 1 mS/cm, and is useful as a separator between electrodes of a lithium secondary cell.

Abstract: A porous composite material for diaphragms for high-output electrochemical cells such as lithium cells. The material is a layered structure of fluoropolymer and polyolefin that provides a shut-down capability that safeguards against dangerous failure of the cell, such as a rupture or fire that may result from a short-circuit or other high-rate electric discharge.