Abstract: In the present invention, a hydrogen absorbing alloy obtained by sintering hydrogen absorbing alloy powder containing not less than 50% by weight of particles having a particle diameter of not more than 25 &mgr;m at a temperature of not more than 850° C. is used for a hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode for an alkali storage battery, and the hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode for an alkali storage battery is used as a negative electrode of the alkali storage battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery having the negative electrode.

Abstract: The negative electrode of this invention includes, as a negative electrode active material, substantially amorphous aluminum alloy in the form of a powder with an average particle size of 50 &mgr;m or less represented by a composition formula, Al100-xMx, in which M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Y, Yb, Ce, Gd, Nd, Sm, Pr, Er, Ni, Co, Cu and Fe; and 1≦x≦20. Owing to this negative electrode, a lithium secondary battery having large discharge capacity and exhibiting very good charge-discharge cycle performance can be realized.

Abstract: An unbalanced-to-balanced converter (balun) comprising three distributed-constant lines. In one distributed-constant line, a standing wave is generated. Disposed adjacent thereto is another distributed-constant line to which the power of the standing wave is transferred. A signal input to the unbalanced-to-balanced converter is divided into two signals having phases 180 degrees apart and the same level.

Abstract: A coupled line element has a plurality of coupled lines equalized to each other in line length to set a phase difference between output signals within a desired range. The coupled lines are wound to form a spiral section. An extension is formed continuously with an end of one or more of the coupled lines forming an inner winding in the spiral section. The line length of this coupled line is thereby equalized to that of the coupled line forming an outermost winding in the spiral section. Alternatively, the coupled lines can be formed into two spiral sections which are wound in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a conducting or superconducting film comprises the steps of providing a powdered composition of complex oxide conducting or superconducting materials represented by the general formula: (La.sub.l-x M.sub.x).sub.y CuO.sub.4-.delta., where M is a member selected from the group of alkali earth metals and mixtures of the alkali earth metals: x=0 to 1. y=1.5 to 2.5, adding an organic solvent to the powdered composition to form a kneaded paste, printing the paste on a substrate before drying and firing.