Abstract: A process for the stabilization of the spatial alignment of the smectic layers in an FLC switching and/or display element, in which the original position of the smectic layers has been modified by electrical field treatment, which comprises alternately switching the elements during non-operation and/or when a certain temperature is exceeded which is above a predetermined temperature range which includes the operating temperature region and/or when the temperature falls below a certain temperature which is below a predetermined temperature range which includes the operating temperature region. Use of the process according to the invention ensures long-term functioning of the switching and display device, even in the case of repeated regeneration of the quasi-bookshelf geometry, and prevents worsening in the contrast and brightness and the occurrence of ghost images.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy particles comprising base particles consisting of hydrogen storage alloy particles and fine particles consisting of at least one of metals, alloys, hydrophobic resins, catalyst materials, metal oxides having a particle size smaller than that of the base particles where the fine particles are very firmly bonded to the base particles are employed as negative electrodes for alkaline storage batteries.

Abstract: In a method of driving a liquid crystal matrix panel, the number of shifts of a voltage applied to each signal electrode from an ON level to an OFF level and vice versa is minimized in variation so that variation in the polarity inversion (or frequency) of a (driving) voltage applied to a corresponding pixel can be controlled. Accordingly, the disturbing effect of electrode resistance and liquid crystal capacitance can be reduced and thus, the uniformity of display will be ensured.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and its driving method of the present invention have a voltage application scheme to control a stable condition of a gap between pixels, by applying a voltage to a liquid crystal panel in which ferroelectric liquid crystal is sandwiched between substrates each having a plurality of electrodes. It is possible to implement the black matrix conditions with a simple configuration without a light shielding layer by controlling the stable condition of the gap, to display a grey tone with a combination of pixels and a gap, or to raise the opening ratio by making the condition between adjacent pixels and a gap the same condition.