Abstract: A structure for securing a plurality of batteries used for an electric vehicle. The battery securing structure includes an inner spacer member having a lower inner spacer member and an upper inner spacer member, each of which is made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP). The lower inner spacer member has partition portions divided into separate compartments to fixedly dispose each battery in a compartment whereby all the batteries are in a state in which they have been separated from each other on all sides. The upper inner spacer member includes pressing portions for pressing and holding desired portions of the batteries, concave portions for defining spaces used for conductive wires and cooling, and partition portions divided into compartments to unmovably dispose the batteries in a state in which they have been spaced away from each other. Thus, the plurality of batteries can be reliably and firmly secured and fixed within a battery box.

Abstract: A battery box, which is suitable for use in an electric vehicle, comprises a box body and a reinforcement member. The box body accommodates therein a plurality of batteries for powering the electric vehicle and is mounted to the electric vehicle. The reinforcement member is provided with the box body and supports at least respective portions of all the batteries in the box body. The reinforcement member is mounted to the frame of the electric vehicle whereby the weight of each of the batteries is reliably supported by the reinforcement member on the vehicle frame. The weight is reduced and yet the rigidity of the battery box is improved.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of graphite-clad nuclear fuel rods comprising coating fine particles of a nuclear fuel such as uranium oxide or thorium oxide with a matrix material containing graphite powder and a binder to form matrix material-coated globules, charging the thus-formed globules, without or after being pre-molded into a green rod-like fuel compact, into the rubber mold of a rubber press molding machine, charging a similar matrix material in the gap between the globules or rod-like fuel compact and the inner wall of the rubber mold, compressing the whole mass in the direction from the side face of the whole mass to the axis thereof to form a green, graphite coat material-coated fuel compact, baking the thus-formed green fuel compact at a temperature of up to 1800.degree. C and, if desired, impregnating the baked product with a resin followed by being rebaked at a temperature of up to 1800.degree. C; and the graphite-clad nuclear fuel rods.