Abstract: To improve characteristics, reliability, and the like of a solar cell element, the solar cell element includes: a semiconductor substrate which includes a first main surface and a second main surface that is positioned opposite to the first main surface, and in which a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region are stacked in such a manner that the p-type semiconductor region is positioned closest to the first main surface and the n-type semiconductor region is positioned closest to the second main surface; a first passivation layer which is disposed on the p-type semiconductor region that is positioned closest to the first main surface, and which includes aluminum oxide; and a first protective layer that is disposed on the first passivation layer. The first protective layer includes an oxide that contains at least one kind of zirconium and hafnium.

Abstract: This solar cell element, which is increased in the conversion efficiency due to improved effect of passivation, includes a semiconductor substrate in which a p-type first semiconductor region and an n-type second semiconductor region are stacked such that the first semiconductor region is located nearmost a first principal surface side and the second semiconductor region is located nearmost a second principal surface side; and a first passivation film containing aluminum oxide and arranged on the first principal surface side of the first semiconductor region. In the inside of the first passivation film of the solar cell element, the first ratio obtained by dividing the aluminum atomic density by the oxygen atomic density is 0.613 or more and less than 0.667 and the second ratio obtained by dividing the sum of the aluminum atomic density and the hydrogen atomic density by the oxygen atomic density is 0.667 or more and less than 0.786.

Abstract: The method for producing a photoelectric converter of the present invention comprises a preparation step for preparing a substrate (2) formed from silicon; a first film-formation step for the formation of a first protective film (3) by deposition of aluminum oxide on a top surface (2B) of the substrate (2) using the atom deposition method or chemical vapor deposition method in an atmosphere containing hydrogen; and a second film-formation step for forming a second protective film (4) by deposition of aluminum oxide on the first protective film (3) using sputtering after the first film-formation step. Moreover, the photoelectric converter of the present invention comprises a substrate formed from silicon; a first protective film formed from aluminum oxide; and a second protective film formed from aluminum oxide, wherein the concentration of hydrogen contained in the first protective film is higher than the concentration of hydrogen contained in the second protective film.

Abstract: To improve characteristics, reliability, and the like of a solar cell element, the solar cell element includes: a semiconductor substrate which includes a first main surface and a second main surface that is positioned opposite to the first main surface, and in which a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region are stacked in such a manner that the p-type semiconductor region is positioned closest to the first main surface and the n-type semiconductor region is positioned closest to the second main surface; a first passivation layer which is disposed on the p-type semiconductor region that is positioned closest to the first main surface, and which includes aluminum oxide; and a first protective layer that is disposed on the first passivation layer. The first protective layer includes an oxide that contains at least one kind of zirconium and hafnium.

Abstract: This solar cell element, which is increased in the conversion efficiency due to improved effect of passivation, includes a semiconductor substrate in which a p-type first semiconductor region and an n-type second semiconductor region are stacked such that the first semiconductor region is located nearmost a first principal surface side and the second semiconductor region is located nearmost a second principal surface side; and a first passivation film containing aluminum oxide and arranged on the first principal surface side of the first semiconductor region. In the inside of the first passivation film of the solar cell element, the first ratio obtained by dividing the aluminum atomic density by the oxygen atomic density is 0.613 or more and less than 0.667 and the second ratio obtained by dividing the sum of the aluminum atomic density and the hydrogen atomic density by the oxygen atomic density is 0.667 or more and less than 0.786.

Abstract: The method for producing a photoelectric converter of the present invention comprises a preparation step for preparing a substrate (2) that has a photoelectric conversion layer (2a) and is formed from silicon; a first film-formation step for the formation of a first protective film (3) by deposition of aluminum oxide on a top surface (2B) of the substrate (2) using the atom deposition method or chemical vapor deposition method in an atmosphere containing hydrogen; and a second film-formation step for forming a second protective film (4) by deposition of aluminum oxide on the first protective film (3) using sputtering after the first film-formation step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit board, and an image forming apparatus, a thermal head and an image sensor that employ the circuit board. A circuit board includes a substrate, a conductor which is situated on the substrate and has a groove formed on its surface, and a wire connected to the conductor. The groove surrounds a connection area between the wire and the conductor, excluding a part of the connection area defining an opening (X).

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit board, and an image forming apparatus, a thermal head and an image sensor that employ the circuit board. A circuit board includes a substrate, a conductor which is situated on the substrate and has a groove formed on its surface, and a wire connected to the conductor. The groove surrounds a connection area between the wire and the conductor, excluding a part of the connection area defining an opening (X).

Abstract: The present invention features a control system for controlling the combustion process occurring in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, wherein the exact nature of the combustion pressure generation wave form occurring during a compression and subsequent expansion stroke is determined via determining the nature of the motoring pressure wave during the same compression and expansion strokes and discriminating this form from the actual sensed pressure generation characteristics.

Abstract: In order to determine the exact nature of the combustion process occuring within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, the timing is retarded to the point where no combustion pressure is produced during the compression stroke of the piston. This allows the compilation of the pressure history of the first half of the motoring pressure wave produced by the movement of the piston, the subsequent mathematical derivation of the essentially symmetrical second half of the wave and the determination of the exact nature of the combustion pressure generation. This of course facilitates combustion process control via indicating the effects of exhaust gas recirculation, ignition timing, air fuel ratio and the like, on the combustion time, heat generation and peak combustion pressure of the combustion phenomenon.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of calibrating a pressure sensor disposed in an internal combustion engine which is characterized by delaying the ignition until combustion pressure is not generated during the compression stroke, recording the pressure history and mathematically deriving the essentially symmetrical half of the motoring pressure wave which occurs within the combustion chamber during the expansion stroke thereby obtaining the total motoring pressure history irrespective of the generation of combustion pressure. This data permits the output of the pressure sensor to be frequently compared with predetermined motoring pressure values for the same amount of inducted air and thus the value assigned to the output of the sensor to be adjusted to allow for the physical changes which occur within the sensor with temperature and age.

Abstract: An engine idling speed control system for an internal combustion engine which controls engine idling speed by adjusting the amount of intake air by-passing the throttle valve on the basis of the air-to-fuel ratio, in addition to the difference between the actual idling speed and the optimum idling speed determined on the basis of engine coolant temperature. The system according to the present invention comprises an air-to-fuel ratio determination section and an intake air calculation section for calculating the basic amount of intake air on the basis of the difference between the idling speed and the optimum idling speed and correcting the calculated basic amount of intake air on the basis of the air-to-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for correcting engine ignition timing without the use of any pressure sensor or vibration sensor and depending upon engine knocking is disclosed. The presence or absence of knocking is determined by reference to the rate of change of engine speed. This method is based on the fact that engine speed changes abruptly when engine knocking occurs, as compared with the normal engine condition, because of abrupt changes in pressure within the cylinders. The system of the present invention comprises an crankshaft angle sensor to generate a crankshaft angle pulse signal, a period measuring means to output an interrupt request signal and to determine the presence or absence of engine knocking, a microcomputer, and an ignition signal generator for outputting an ignition signal in accordance with an ignition timing signal and a dwell angle signal.

Abstract: Emission control apparatus for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine has an exhaust composition sensor disposed in a passage in common to the exhaust systems of the engine. The sensed concentration of the exhaust composition is modulated in amplitude by a bipolar pulsating signal at a frequency higher than the frequency of the sensed exhaust concentration. A statistical analysis indicates distribution of the ratios within a narrow stoichiometric window.

Abstract: A data gathering system is disclosed for use with an automotive vehicle. The system includes an A/D converter for converting an input analog value into a corresponding digital value, a multiplexor having a number of data channels for transferring vehicle operation variable indicative analog values to the A/D converter when rendered conductive, and a digital computer for selectively rendering the data channel conductive in a predetermined sequence. The digital computer is adapted to correct the converted values according to supply voltage variations and store the corrected values therein.

Abstract: Mixture ratio control for internal combustion engines supplies a constant current into an exhaust gas sensor to develop a voltage of a substantial magnitude in proportion to the initial high value of the gas sensor internal impedance during low temperature conditions. The voltage so developed decreases as a function of time corresponding to the decrease of the internal impedance with temperature. A voltage detector is provided to trigger the control system to operate in a closed loop mode when the gas sensor voltage is reduced to a level below a first threshold level. Responsive to the output of the voltage detector the supplied current is momentarily interrupted to allow the gas sensor voltage to drop rapidly to a level which is higher or lower than a second threshold level depending on the concentration of the sensed gas in the exhaust system. A second detector senses this voltage drop relative to the second threshold to determine whether the gas sensor output represents rich or lean condition.

Abstract: In an electronic fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, a throttle position sensor provides an output pulse with a duration corresponding to the time interval during which throttle is nearly closed. The output from the throttle position sensor is nullified when the pulse duration is smaller than a predetermined value to prevent fuel cut-off during brief closure of throttle during transmission gear changes. The output from the throttle position sensor is used to cut off fuel only when the throttle closure time extends beyond the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A circuit is provided in an electronic closed loop air-fuel ratio control system for starting and terminating the operation of the system at different voltages from an exhaust gas sensor.

Abstract: A closed-loop emission control apparatus for internal combustion engines includes an exhaust composition sensor disposed at the upstream side of a catalytic converter which converts the noxious exhaust components into harmless products at the highest efficiency when the air-fuel ratio is controlled at a value in the vicinity of stoichiometry in accordance with a control signal derived from the sensed concentration of the exhaust composition. The output from the exhaust composition sensor is utilized to generate an offset voltage by averaging the instantaneous values of the sensed concentration, the offset voltage being combined with the control signal to cancel an error introduced thereinto during use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A closed loop fuel control system for an internal combustion engine having in its exhaust system an exhaust composition sensor generating a signal indicative of air-fuel ratio in gases in the exhaust system and an integral controller providing integration on the generated signal for adjusting the ratio of air and fuel supplied to the engine, and a storage device which stores the output from the controller in response to a sensed particular engine operating parameter. The stored signal is later extracted in response to the sensing of the same engine operating parameter to rapidly vary the controller output.