Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a sensor element, by which stabilization of an electrode, which is performed prior to inspecting element characteristics, can be performed for a shorter time period and in a more reliable manner than in the conventional. The sensor element includes: an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer; a first electrode that is formed on a surface of the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer; and a second electrode that is formed in a space provided inside the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer, and that is configured to reduce said predetermined gas component. As the pre-treatment, by an external power source, a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, to thereby decompose and remove a gas component attached to the second electrode.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a sensor element, by which stabilization of an electrode, which is performed prior to inspecting element characteristics, can be performed for a shorter time period and in a more reliable manner than in the conventional. The sensor element includes: an oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer; a first electrode that is formed on a surface of the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer; and a second electrode that is formed in a space provided inside the oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer, and that is configured to reduce said predetermined gas component. As the pre-treatment, by an external power source. a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, to thereby decompose and remove a gas component attached to the second electrode.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery including: an inner electrode member having electrode plates (cathode plate and anode plate) of a metal foil as a constituting element, and being formed by winding or laminating electrode plates; and a battery case for housing the inner electrode member. A gas release channel capable of releasing a gas to the outside of the battery case is formed by deformation of the inner electrode member by a function of a raised inner pressure when the inner pressure of the battery case rises to a predetermined pressure or more due to the gas generated inside the inner electrode member. The lithium secondary battery can smoothly release the gas generated inside the inner electrode member without being retained therein before the gas reaches a pressure releasing mechanism; thus, it is superior in safety and has a high energy density.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery 1 including: an inner electrode member 6 having electrode plates (cathode plate 2, anode plate 3) of a metal foil as a constituting element, and being formed by winding or laminating electrode plates; and a battery case 10 for housing the inner electrode member 6. A gas release channel capable of releasing a gas to the outside of the battery case 10 is formed by deformation of the inner electrode member 6 by a function of a raised inner pressure when the inner pressure of the battery case 10 rises to a predetermined pressure or more due to the gas generated inside the inner electrode member 6. The lithium secondary battery can smoothly release the gas generated inside the inner electrode member without being retained therein before the gas reaches a pressure releasing mechanism; thus, it is superior in safety and has a high energy density.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic product includes mixing and kneading a ceramic powder and a binder to obtain a mixture to be molded, injecting the mixture into the cavity of a mold to obtain a molded material, releasing the molded material and subjecting the released molded material to degreasing and firing. The weight of the molded material is controlled. With this process, it is possible to determine favorable molding conditions prior to the degreasing step, whereby a ceramic product free from molding defect and degreasing defect and having excellent dimensional accuracy can be obtained at high productivity.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus for sensing low concentration NOx in a measurement gas especially in the atmosphere has at least a sensor element made of an oxide arranged in a flow path of the measurement gas, the resistance of the sensor element varying in response to changes in NOx concentration in the measurement gas. As suitable options of this type of the NOx sensor, there are disclosed a chamber used for an apparatus for sensing low concentration NOx, a gas sensor element and a method of manufacturing the gas sensor element, and an ammonia removing apparatus and an NOx sensor utilizing the ammonia removing apparatus.

Abstract: In a ceramic part having at least one small hole or both a hollow portion and small hole(s) which extends from the hollow portion to an outside, an edge portion of the small hole(s) is beveled. In a ceramic part having at least one small hole for a cooling mechanism through which a cooling medium is circulated, the surface roughness of an inner surface of the small hole is R.sub.max 7 .mu.m or below. Such a ceramic part having at least one small hole has no chipping or edge around the small hole(s) which can cause breakage at high temperatures and under high pressures, and is thus stronger than a conventional ceramic part. Such a ceramic part is suitable for use at a high temperature, for example, at 1000.degree. C. or above, and is particularly suitable as a gas turbine member, such as a turbine blade or a turbine nozzle of a gas turbine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic part having a hollow portion and at least one hole extending through the ceramic part from the hollow portion to outside the ceramic part. The method includes the steps of molding a ceramic compact having the hollow portion, forming a hole in the ceramic compact, beveling an edge portion of the hole by passing a wire with a grindstone attached thereto into the hole from the hollow portion and then pulling a portion of the wire which has protruded from the hole while rotating the wire, and firing the ceramic compact.