Abstract: The present invention discloses a WC--Co alloy in which substantially only the WC particles of a surface layer or components other than metals belonging to the iron group and only the WC particles are exposed, and (a) an average particle diameter of the WC particles of the surface layer is larger than that of the WC particles of the interior, and/or (b) a surface hardness is higher than that of the interior. The WC--Co alloy itself is Used as a stock for a cutting tool or an abrasion and sliding resistant tool, or the alloy is used as a substrate and a hard carbon-layer excellent in adhesive strength is coated on the surface of the matrix.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for an alkaline storage cell, the electrode including a hydrogen-absorbing alloy expressed by a composition formula ReBxMy, wherein Re is at least one element selected from a group consisting of rare earth elements and alkali earth elements, B is boron, and M is at least one element selected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Al, Cr, Fe, Cu. Sn, Sb, Mo, V, Nb, Ta, Zn, Zr and Ti. The alloy consists essentially of an RM.sub.y main metal phase, and a subordinate boron-containing phase, such as a compound phase of boron and a IV-a, V-a, or VI-a group metal.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for use in an alkaline storage cell, comprising a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for reversibly absorbing and desorbing hydrogen; and a metal oxide or metal hydroxide existing in the state of a metal in a range of electric potential where said hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrochemically absorbs and desorbs hydrogen in an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: A zoom lens mount assembly in which a zooming cam frame is moved along the optical axis while rotating therearound and respective movable frames supporting an optical system are driven by such rotation and movement of the cam frame to effect a desired zooming. In another aspect there is provided a focussing cam frame adapted to be moved along the optical axis and to drive a movable frame provided with a focussing optical system and a program lens shutter.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode comprising a hydrogen-absorbing alloy represented by a formula ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c or ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c X.sub.d, A representing a mixture of rare earth elements including La and X representing at least one element selected from a group of Fe, Cu, Mo, W, B, Al, Si and Sn, wherein 2.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.3.5, 0.4.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1.5, 0.2.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1.0, and 3.85.ltoreq.a+b+c.ltoreq.4.78 in the case of ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c or 2.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.3.5, 0.4.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1.5, 0.2.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1.0, 0<d.ltoreq.0.3 and 3.85.ltoreq.a+b+c+d.ltoreq.4.78 in the case of ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c X.sub.d, is disclosed. La is contained in a weight ratio (%) of 20.ltoreq.La.ltoreq.50 against a total weight of the rare earth elements.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for use in an alkaline storage cell, comprising a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for reversibly absorbing and desorbing hydrogen; and a metal oxide or metal hydroxide existing in the state of a metal in a range of electric potential where said hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrochemically absorbs and desorbs hydrogen in an alkaline electrolyte.