Abstract: A valve reference position-learning device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately learning the reference position of a valve both before and after the warm-up of the engine, while properly reflecting thereon a deviation of the reference position caused by the thermal elongation of the valve and drive system after the warm-up of the engine. The valve reference position-learning device calculates and updates a learned value of the reference position of the wastegate valve both at and after the start of the engine, by first and second learnings, respectively. The learned value calculated by the first learning is stored as an existing learned value. Further, at the start of the engine, if the calculation of the learned value is not completed, the learned value is set to the existing stored learned value.

Abstract: A valve reference position-learning device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately learning the reference position of a valve both before and after the warm-up of the engine, while properly reflecting thereon a deviation of the reference position caused by the thermal elongation of the valve and drive system after the warm-up of the engine. The valve reference position-learning device calculates and updates a learned value of the reference position of the wastegate valve both at and after the start of the engine, by first and second learnings, respectively. The learned value calculated by the first learning is stored as an existing learned value. Further, at the start of the engine, if the calculation of the learned value is not completed, the learned value is set to the existing stored learned value.

Abstract: The discharge method discharges a plurality of serially connected rechargeable batteries, wherein the remaining charge in each discharging rechargeable battery is detected, and a battery with the lowest remaining charge is designated a low charge rechargeable battery. The plurality of serially connected rechargeable batteries are discharged while supplying battery voltage stepped down from the output voltage of the serially connected rechargeable batteries to the low capacity rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The charge-discharge control circuit prevents over-charge and over-discharge of a plurality of series connected batteries. It is provided with a detection circuit to determine the state of charge and discharge of the batteries, at least one bypass circuit connected in parallel with one of the batteries, and a connection circuit which, in response to results from the detection circuit, selectively connects the bypass circuit to a battery determined to be in an approximately fully charged state or approximately fully discharged state.

Abstract: A novel structure and method of manufacture gives good electrode-polyelectrolyte electrical contact and superior solid polyelectrolyte battery capacity. Solid polyelectrolyte is sandwiched between a negative electrode active layer and a positive electrode active layer. A monomer composite gel of macromolecule compound, solute, and solvent is applied onto the positive electrode active layer, part of this monomer composite gel is impregnated into the positive electrode active layer, and the system is polymerized to yield a solid polyelectrolyte-positive electrode active layer laminate.

Abstract: A quick and simple manufacturing method for a current collector single body sheet-like composite positive electrode of superior electrode performance includes a positive electrode mixture generating process mixing non-aqueous solvent, polymer material, electrolyte salt, positive electrode active material and electrically conductive material, a positive electrode mixture pressing out process after the mixture has been applied onto the positive electrode current collector and a process for hardening the sheet-like electrode, at a same time attaching the sheet-like electrode to the positive electrode current collector using heat or ionizing radiation to polymerize the polymer material distributed in the mixture.

Abstract: A secondary battery has a positive electrode principally comprising a lithium-containing complex oxide, a negative electrode principally comprising a carbon material and an organic electrolyte solution, said negative electrode utilizing a mixed binder comprising a polyamic acid and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide resin, polyvinylpyrrolidone and a hydroxyalkylcellulose. The battery has a long cycle life and, at the same time, hardly breaks or bursts even when the battery temperature becomes abnormally high, thereby being highly reliable.

Abstract: A rechargeable alkaline storage cell and a method of manufacturing the cell. The manufacturing method mainly comprises a first step of forming a cadmium electrode by coating a conductive support with a kneaded active material in paste form including cadmium oxide as a main component thereof while suppressing hydration of the kneaded active material, and a second step of producing cadmium hydroxide through hydration of the cadmium oxide. The cell comprises, as main components thereof, a positive electrode including a rechargeable active material, a paste type negative cadmium electrode including cadmium hydroxide produced by chemical hydration, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte impregnating the separator.

Abstract: A rechargeable alkaline cell. Main components of the cell includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and a hydrophobic polymer. The negative electrode includes a conductive support, an active material layer formed on the conductive support, and a conductive layer formed on the active material layer. The separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrodes and impregnated with an alkaline electrolyte. The hydrophobic polymer is disposed between the separator and conductive powder of the conductive layer to be out of contact with the active material layer.