Abstract: The reducing treatment of the negative electrode of which the battery capacity decreases slightly and the internal resistance increases slightly, does not affect the battery performance. Accordingly, by merely supplementing the electrolyte, the battery performance can be recovered. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, the negative electrode is detached from the battery and is subjected to the reducing treatment so that the negative electrode can be reduced sufficiently without reducing the positive electrode. Consequently, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered, whereby the battery performance is recovered.

Abstract: By measuring the average thickness of the oxide layer, regardless of the specification of the battery, the level of the degradation of the negative electrode can be accurately determined. With the present regenerating method, the reducing agent is prevented from being adding to the electrolyte when the level of the degradation is low, or only the electrolyte is prevented from being supplemented when the level of the degradation is high. Thus, the battery performance can be recovered effectively.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage device prevents localization of hydrogen occlusion alloy and ensures rapid discharge of hydrogen. The hydrogen storage device has a plurality of porous molded pieces arranged longitudinally at predetermined intervals. Conductive cushioning materials are inserted between the molded pieces and between the molded pieces and an adiabatic insulation material. The conductive cushioning materials include first conductive cushioning materials inserted between the adiabatic insulation material and upper and lower end surfaces of the molded pieces and second conductive cushioning materials inserted between left and right end surfaces of the adiabatic insulation material. Disposed at opposed ends of a row of the molded pieces are movable urging electrodes which can move in response to dimensional changes of the molded pieces resulting from their volume changes and which urge the molded pieces to constantly maintain physical contact between the molded pieces and lids.

Abstract: The internal resistance related value which is related to the internal resistance of a secondary battery is compared with a previously obtained relation between the internal resistance related value and battery condition to judge the battery condition of the secondary battery. Since the internal resistance related value is a value related to the internal resistance which closely depends on the battery condition, the battery condition can be judged in detail based on the above relation. And the internal resistance related value can be obtained more speedily with a predetermined method. On the other hand, when the level of the degradation of a negative electrode is low, an electrolyte is supplemented, and when the level of the degradation of the negative electrode is high, a reducing agent is added to the electrolyte to regenerate the secondary battery. With this regenerating method, the performance of the negative electrode can be recovered without degrading a positive electrode.

Abstract: A method of recycling a deteriorated nickel-hydrogen battery. Concentrated sulfuric acid containing at least one of Ni ions, Co ions and La ions is poured into the deteriorated nickel-hydrogen battery and the interior thereof is cleaned with the concentrated sulfuric acid. The state of the interior of the battery is maintained at a temperature of 60.+-.10.degree. C., and an electric current is supplied in such a direction as to charge the nickel-hydrogen battery. Then, the interior of the nickel-hydrogen battery is cleaned and filled with an alkali electrolyte containing a reducing agent. Consequently, .gamma.-NiOOH changes to .beta.-NiOOH to restore the capacity of a positive electrode, and Mm(OH).sub.3, Al(OH).sub.3, Mn(OH).sub.2 and CO(OH).sub.2 dissolve in concentrated sulfuric acid to activate the surface of a negative electrode. In addition, the hydrophilic property of the separator is restored.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pigment including a light-transparent ceramic scaly substrate, a tin compound layer coated on a surface of the substrate in an amount of 0.6 to 0.75% by weight with respect to the substrate, the amount being converted into metallic tin, a rutile type titanium dioxide layer formed on a surface of the substrate coated with the tin compound, a metal compound layer coated on a surface of the titanium dioxide layer in an amount of 0.15 to 0.6% by weight with respect to the substrate, metal of the metal compound being at least one selected from the group consisting of Bi, Sb, As, Cd, Zn, Mn, Pb and Cr, and the amount being converted into metal, and metallic glossy dots formed on the surfaces in a scattering manner, the metallic glossy dots occupying 0.05 to 95% of a total surface area of the surfaces, and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: A production process of pigment according to this invention comprises the steps of: a first step of forming an inorganic compound coating layer on the entire surfaces of scaly substrates made of ceramic; a second step of forming metallic glossy dots on the surfaces of the inorganic compound coating layer in a scattered manner by an electroless plating, and the metallic glossy dots occupying from 0.05 to 95% of the surfaces of the inorganic compound coating layer with respect to the total surface area of the inorganic compound coating layer; and a third step of irradiating ultraviolet ray on particles formed by the second step. The impurities and the like, which adversely affect the color hue of the pigment, have been discolored or faded away by the ultraviolet ray irradiation in the third step. Accordingly, the pigment having good weather resistance can be produced readily and stably by the present invention.

Abstract: A pigment comprises a substrate, a metallic layer formed on at least one surface of the substrate and imparting metallic luster, and a transparent inorganic compound layer formed on surfaces of the substrate and the metallic layer. Thereby, the pigment produces color by light interference of a ray reflected on a surface of the transparent inorganic compound layer and a ray passed through the transparent inorganic compound layer and reflected on a surface of the metallic layer. Thus, the pigment is excellent in coloring power and hiding power, and particularly useful for an automotive finishing paint.

Abstract: A two-tone paint film comprises a first paint film and a second paint film formed adjacent to the first paint film, each of the first paint film and the second paint film including pigment comprising a ceramic flake substrate, a transparant inorganic thin film layer formed on the surface of the substrate, and glittering portions having metallic luster comprising metal dots or alloy dots formed on the surface of the thin film layer. The pigment of the first paint film has a different ratio of the total areas of the glittering portions to the entire surface area of the thin film layer from the pigment of the second paint film. Thus, brightness of the two paint films are reversed between a view at the front and a view in an oblique angle.

Abstract: A pigment of this invention comprises a ceramic scaly substrate, and metal dots or alloy dots formed on the surfaces of ceramic scaly substrate in the ratio of from 0.05 to 95% of the total surface area of ceramic scaly substrate. An inorganic compound coating film may further be formed on all over the surfaces of ceramic scaly substrate, and metal dots or alloy dots may be formed on the surfaces of inorganic compound coating film instead of on the surfaces of ceramic scaly substrate in the same ratio. Thus, this pigment gives various hues with metallic gloss feelings due to combined effect of light reflection and light scattering with metal dots or alloy dots and even light interference with two pairs of reflecting surfaces when the inorganic compound coating film is employed.

Abstract: A pigment comprises a substrate, a metallic layer formed on at least one surface of the substrate and imparting metallic luster, and a transparent inorganic compound layer formed on surfaces of the substrate and the metallic layer. Thereby, the pigment produces color by light interference of a ray reflected on a surface of the transparent inorganic compound layer and a ray passed through the transparent inorganic compound layer and reflected on a surface of the metallic layer. Thus, the pigment is excellent in coloring power and hiding power, and particularly useful for an automotive finishing paint.