Abstract: An electron source emits electrons as a function of input signals. The electron source includes a substrate, a matrix of wires having m row wires and n column wires laid on the substrate with an insulator layer interposed therebetween, and a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitting devices each having a pair of electrodes and a thin film including an electron emitting region and arranged between the electrodes. The electron-emitting devices are so arranged as to form a matrix with the electrodes connected to the respective row and column wires. The electron source further includes a selector for selecting a row of the plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitting devices, and a modulator for generating modulation signals according to input signals and applying them to the surface-conduction electron-emitting devices selected by the selector.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery consisting of an anode, a cathode, a separator which is placed between the anode and the cathode and an electrolyte or electrolyte solution in contact with the anode and the cathode. The anode has an electrically conductive material which contains insulating or semiconductor film. The film covers protrusions present in the electrically conductive material. An opening between adjacent protrusions communicates with the electrical conductive material. Additionally, the electrically conductive material of the anode and the cathode contact the electrolyte through this opening. The rechargeable battery because of increased capacity and increased energy density has a prolonged charging and discharging life cycle. Moreover, the generation and growth of lithium or zinc dendrites are prevented.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium comprises ink transporting roll for transporting a fluid ink, energy applying element for selectively applying energy to the ink transported by the ink transporting roll, transfer member for transferring to the recording medium the ink whose transfer characteristics are changed upon selectively application of the energy and coating member disposed in an upstream of the energy applying element with respect to a transporting direction of the ink transporting roll so as to oppose the ink transporting roll, for supplying the ink having a predetermined thickness to the ink transporting roll. A distance between the ink transporting roll and the coating member is gradually reduced from the upstream to a downstream.