Abstract: A leak detection device includes a pulse signal outputting portion that outputs predetermined pulse signals to a positive connecting wire connected to a positive side of a battery and a negative connecting wire connected to a negative side of the battery. A response waveform detecting portion of the leak detection device detects a positive response waveform for the pulse signal output to the positive connecting wire and a negative response waveform for the pulse signal output to the negative connecting wire. An amplitude ratio calculating portion calculates an amplitude ratio based on the positive response waveform and the negative response waveform, and a leak detecting portion detects a leak between the battery and a ground based on the amplitude ratio.

Abstract: A damper includes a cylinder, a partition member for partitioning the interior of the cylinder into two liquid chambers, an orifice for generating a damping force by flow of liquid, and a bypass path affording communication between the two liquid chambers. The damper further includes a mass body attached to the partition member that is movable in an axial direction of the cylinder and biased to close the bypass path. The speed of the mass body when opening the bypass path is faster than the speed of the mass body when closing the bypass path.

Abstract: A process for producing fine non-oxide powder from an alkoxide selected from the group consisting of a silicon alkoxide and an aluminum alkoxide, which comprises dispersing carbon powder in the alkoxide, hydrolyzing the dispersion, and heating the hydrolyzate mixture thereby obtained, in a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature of from 1350.degree. C. to 1650.degree. C. for from 30 minutes to 30 hours.