Abstract: A microelectronic battery which provides increased battery capacity relative to known thin film batteries without the need for increasing the footprint. In order to provide increased capacity, the microelectronic battery in accordance with the present invention is formed from Zn/Air technology as a volumetric energy storage device. As a volumetric energy storage device, the height dimension of the device may be increased relative to known thin film batteries to provide increased battery capacity without the need to increase the footprint dimensions. As such, the microelectronic battery in accordance with the present invention is suitable for various applications which require a relatively high capacity power supply with a relatively small footprint.

Abstract: A device including: a structure for housing or supporting at least one power consuming element; and a power supply integrated into the structure, the power supply being electrically connected to the at least one power consuming element for supplying power to the same.

Abstract: An electrochemical device having an electrolyte having an anode side and a cathode side, at least one consumable carbonaceous material disposed on the anode side, and a chemical barrier disposed on the anode side of the electrolyte, which chemical barrier reduces crossover of the at least one consumable carbonaceous material through the electrolyte to the cathode side. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the electrochemical device is a direct methanol fuel cell, the consumable carbonaceous material is methanol disposed in an aqueous solution, and the chemical barrier is produced by the presence of an additive disposed in the methanol solution which attaches to potential methanol crossover sites in the electrolyte, thereby precluding methanol crossover using such sites. One such suitable additive is iso-propanol.

Abstract: An SOFC is provided with an oxidizing electrode layer, a reducing electrode layer opposite to the oxidizing electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer between the oxidizing electrode layer and the reducing electrode layer, and an alternating laminated structural section between the oxidizing electrode layer and the solid electrolyte layer or between the reducing electrode layer and the solid electrolyte layer. The alternating laminated structural section has a first thin film layer including a material of corresponding one of the electrode layers and a second thin film layer having a phase including the material of the corresponding one of the electrode layers and that of the solid electrolyte layer. The fist thin film layer and the second thin film layer are alternately laminated. The second thin film layer may have a coefficient of thermal expansion with a value between that of thermal expansion of the corresponding one of the electrode layers or a value equivalent to that of the solid electrolyte layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises first and second fuel cell stacks (12, 14) in which directions of a positive electrode and a negative electrode of adjoining terminal electrodes are set to be opposite to one another. First and second conductive plates (82, 180) are incorporated at ends on an identical side of the first and second fuel cell stacks (12, 14). First and second connecting plate sections (106, 182) are provided to extend from the first and second conductive plates (82, 180) closely to one another under the first and second fuel cell stacks (12, 14). The first and second connecting plate sections (106, 182) are electrically connected by strand wires (186a, 186b) having flexibility. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably avoid any action of stress which would be otherwise caused by vibration or the like at a connecting portion for electrically connecting the first and second fuel cell stacks (12, 14) to one another which are arranged in parallel to one another.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane having outstanding water resistance and high thermal resistance, moreover having practical strength required for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane of a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell at low price, and a method for producing the polymer electrolyte membrane are provided. A polymer electrolyte comprising a block copolymer comprising one or more of blocks in which sulfonic acid groups are introduced and one or more blocks in which sulfonic acid groups are not substantially introduced wherein at least one block in the block copolymer is a block having aromatic rings in polymer chain, and a porous membrane, and a fuel cell using the membrane are provided.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for collecting condensate from combustible gas process streams in an integrated fuel cell system. In one aspect, a water management subsystem for a fuel cell system has a first conduit containing a first gas at a first pressure. A first water trap is provided that is configured to receive condensate from the first conduit. A second conduit is provided that contains a second gas at a second pressure. A second water trap is provided that is configured to receive condensate from the second conduit and the first water trap.

Abstract: Making a larger difference in water activity between electrodes elevates an output voltage of an electrochemical element. The electrochemical element includes a solid electrolyte membrane 5 made of a solid electrolyte and possessing a hydrogen ion conductivity, a first electrode 6 formed on one side of the solid electrolyte membrane 5 and functioning as a catalyst and possessing a hydrophilic property, and a second electrode 7 formed on the other side of the solid electrolyte membrane 5 and functioning as a catalyst and possessing a water-repellent property.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode provided on one surface of the electrolyte membrane and having an anode catalyst layer that is supplied with fuel and contains a platinum-ruthenium alloy catalyst, and an cathode provided on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane and having an cathode catalyst layer that is supplied with air and contains a platinum catalyst. The anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer are composed of a plurality of divided catalyst segments, and gaps are present between the divided catalyst segments adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An electrode for solid polymer fuel cells is capable of generating electric power at high output and high efficiency, without increasing the consumption of catalyst substance. By measurement of X-ray diffraction of catalyst substance of the electrode surface, the ratio I (111)/I (200) of peak intensity I (111) of (111) plane and peak intensity I (200) of (200) plane is 1.7 or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to silicon electrode structures and silicon electrode assemblies associated with fuel cell systems, as well as to methods relating thereto. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an electrode structure adapted for use with a fuel cell system such as, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell system. In this embodiment, the invention may be characterized in that the electrode structure comprises a silicon substrate having one or more selectively doped regions thereon, wherein each of the one or more selectively doped regions is adapted to function as a current collector for the transmission of an electrical current.

Abstract: A storage battery is constructed for extended periods non use and still maintain a charge and have a long operational life by allowing for the separation of the electrolyte from electrodes within the battery in rapid, and safe manner.

Abstract: A battery contact to engage with and to conduct electricity from a terminal of a battery where the battery contact is made from an elongate wire formed to define

Abstract: An electric power generating element of a battery is covered with an electric conductor including a conductor member of a positive electrode electrically connected to a positive plate, a conductor member of negative electrode electrically connected to a negative plate, and a separating member, and an electric resistance per unit length of at least one of the conductor member of the positive electrode and the conductor member of the negative electrode is made to be smaller than that of the current collector electrically connected to the conductor member. For example, by making a thickness of the conductor member of the positive electrode to be larger than that of the current collector of the positive electrode, the electric resistance per unit length of the conductor member of the positive electrode can be made smaller than that of the current collector of the positive electrode.

Abstract: A plastic structural casing, having a base and four electrically and structurally contiguous sidewalls, is formed using a single plastic battery. This base and contiguous sidewalls form a cavity wherein those electrical components which draw power from the plastic battery can be housed. Thus, the one structural casing simultaneously provides the functions of (a) mechanical durability, strength, and structural integrity to house electrical components as well as (b) delivers direct current (DC) electrical power to those same electrical components. A cover, which may also be a plastic battery, is used to seal this cavity from external contamination.

Abstract: A storage battery includes a battery casing, a cover closing an opening of said battery casing, and a thinner see-through window portion provided on a sidewall of battery casing for visual recognition, from the outside, of a level of electrolyte contained in battery casing. A rib for reinforcement is provided at see-through window portion.

Abstract: A carbonyl aromatic polymer electrode material, suitable for use as both positive and negative electrodes in electric storage devices, is disclosed. The polymers contain at least one unit having at least one cyclopentanone structure condensed with at least two aromatic rings. Exemplary carbonyl aromatic polymers include polymers containing units of 9-fluorenone, cyclopenta[def]fluorene-4,8-dione, and benzo[b]fluoren-11-one. The carbonyl structure in the polymers make them very effective electrode materials which can also be anion or cation doped to increase their performance further. In addition, the polymers are proton or hydroxide anion mediators which makes them also suitable for use in electrodes in fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery comprising at least a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte as composing elements, wherein the positive electrode and/or the negative electrode comprise an active material of nitroxyl radical compound represented by the following general formula (1) as a starting material or a reaction product of at least a discharge reaction of electrode reactions: 1

Abstract: A n anode thin film for a lithium secondary battery having a current collector and an anode active material layer formed thereon, wherein the anode active material layer contains an intermetallic compound of tin (Sn) and nickel (Ni). In particular, the intermetallic compound is Ni3Sn4.

Abstract: A battery paste is disclosed. One such paste consists essentially of at least one lead oxide (i.e., an uncalcined oxide of lead) and at least one lead oxide sulfate, sufficient water to moisten the paste, and from 0.02 percent to 15 percent based on the weight of the lead oxide plus the weight of the lead oxide sulfate, calculated as the lead oxide, of glass fibers having an average diameter not greater than 15 micron. Another paste consists essentially of at least one lead oxide and at least one lead oxide sulfate, sufficient water to moisten the paste, and from 1 percent to 15 percent based on the weight of the lead oxide plus the weight of the lead oxide sulfate, calculated as the lead oxide, of glass fibers of a specific composition that enables specific beneficial ions to diffuse into the paste during the life of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention can provide the nonaqueous electrolytic secondary battery excellent in cycle life characteristics and characteristics in discharge at a high rate as well as in safety in overcharge without reducing the discharge capacity by using the positive active material, which is obtained from starting materials containing Na and S by a simple production step such as water-washing treatment after synthesis and which contains less than 0.1% by weight of the sulfate group (SO42−), less than 0.024% by weight of Na and/or less than 0.13% by weight of lithium sodium sulfate (LiNaSO4).

Abstract: A carbon fiber has a coaxial stacking morphology of truncated conical tubular graphene layers, wherein each of the truncated conical tubular graphene layers includes a hexagonal carbon layer and has a large ring end at one end and a small ring end at the other end in an axial direction. The hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least a part of the large ring ends. Part of carbon atoms of the hexagonal carbon layers are replaced with boron atoms, whereby projections with the boron atoms at the top are formed. An electrode material for a secondary battery using the carbon fiber excels in lifetime performance, has a large electric energy density, enables an increase in capacity, and excels in conductivity and electrode reinforcement.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented having an improved separator disposed at the interface of the anode and cathode. In particular, the separator conforms to the contour of the electrode and is thinner than conventional separators made of non-woven fabric. The conformal separator may be formed from combinations of certain polymers and inorganic crosslinking agents.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte battery includes a cathode having a cathode active material and a solid electrolyte and an anode. The solid electrolyte includes a first polymer having a binding force and a second polymer composed of alkali metal ion conducting polymers. Thus, the solid electrolyte battery has a high capacity and is excellent in its battery characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyalkylene oxide based polymer composition for solid polymer electrolytes having superior mechanical properties and ionic conductivity by comprising a cross-linking agent with at least two functional groups of phenyl alkyleneglycol acrylate substitited in core molecules; a softener of polyalkyleneglycol alkylether alkyl(metha)acrylate; a plasticizer of polyalkyleneglycol dialkylether; a initiator and lithium salt thus can be useful as an electrolyte for a high capacity lithium-polymer secondary battery for load leveling or electric vehicles as well as an electrolyte for a small capacity lithium-polymer secondary battery for portable information terminals such as a cellular phone and a notebook computer, and electronic products such as a camcorder.

Abstract: Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices.

Abstract: A photopolymer data recording media includes (1) a substrate layer, (2) a capping layer, and (3) a photopolymerizable layer between the substrate layer and the capping layer comprising (a) an actinic monomer, (b) a polyurethane binder comprising the reaction product of (i) a polyisocyanate having at least two reactive isocyanate groups pendant from a primary carbon atom and a viscosity of less than about 1,000 mPa·s, and (ii) a polyol, and (c) a photosensitive initiator.

Abstract: A rapid mass production of the high performance holographic recording articles including the process and composition are described. To prepare a high performance holographic recording article based on two-component urethane matrix system, for example, polyols and all the additives must be virtually free of moisture contents. Deaeration must be carried out, once isocyanate and polyols including catalysts and all other ingredients are mixed together, to eliminate all entrapped air that is introduced into the mixture during mixing. The deaeration takes time, and the urethane reaction must not be allowed to take place until all air bubbles are evacuated from the isocyanate-polyols mixture. The rapid mass production of this invention overcomes such process limitations and results in a high-volume production of the high performance holographic recording articles.

Abstract: An optical proximity correction (OPC) verification mask is disclosed. The mask includes device areas that are separated by scribe lines. One or more OPC test patterns are integrated into the scribe lines for verification purposes. These patterns can include: line-end shortening (LES) patterns, such as serifs and hammerheads added to the ends of lines; corner rounding patterns, such as positive and negative serifs; and, scattering bars (SB's) and anti-scattering bars (ASB's) to compensate for isolated-dense proximity effects and isolated-feature depth of focus reduction. Other OPC patterns may also be included. A method for making the mask, and a semiconductor device created at least in part by a method including use of the mask, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing a radiation-sensitive material of a microlithographic substrate to a selected radiation. The method can include directing the radiation along a radiation path in a first direction toward a reticle, passing the radiation from the reticle and to the microlithographic substrate along the radiation path in a second direction, and moving the reticle relative to the radiation path along a reticle path generally normal to the first direction. The microlithographic substrate can move relative to the radiation path along a substrate path having a first component generally parallel to the second direction, and a second component generally perpendicular to the second direction. The microlithographic substrate can move generally parallel to and generally perpendicular to the second direction in a periodic manner while the reticle moves along the reticle path to change a relative position of a focal plane of the radiation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an exposure mask for semiconductor manufacture to improve the accuracy of critical dimensions of the mask pattern.

Abstract: A bilayer attenuating phase shift mask for use in photolithography having a phase shift layer and a layer of native oxide-free, elemental metal layer disposed on a substrate. The native oxide-free layer is chosen from platinum, palladium or a metal having like properties. A method of fabrication of the bilayer that uses the same etching ion to perform ion mill etching of the metal layer and chemical etching phase shift layer.

Abstract: A verification photomask disclosed. The mask may be for process window verification purposes when switching between fabrication equipment, and/or for optical proximity correction (OPC) verification purposes. The mask includes device areas that are separated by scribe lines. One or more verification patterns are integrated into the scribe lines for verification purposes. These patterns can include: proximity patterns, photoresist-spacing patterns, polysilicon end cap patterns, as well as other patterns. A method for making the mask, and a semiconductor device created at least in part by a method including use of the mask, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for correcting the proximity effect in a charged-particle-beam (CPB) microlithography system are disclosed. The disclosed methods involve adjusting the exposure dose and performing local resizing on pattern elements defined on a reticle in order to eliminate pattern distortions caused by the proximity effect. In a first embodiment, the exposure dose is adjusted so that a first pattern element situated at a location on the reticle exhibiting greater-than-average (or having the greatest) distortion due to the proximity effect has a desired line-width. Other pattern elements defined on the reticle are then enlarged so that they produce resist images having desired respective line-widths. In a second embodiment, the exposure dose is adjusted so that a first pattern element situated at a location on the reticle exhibiting nearly average (or average) distortion due to the proximity effect has a desired line-width.

Abstract: A method for adjusting (aligning) a multilevel phase-shifting mask or a multilevel phase-shifting reticle with the aid of at least one alignment mark provided on the mask or the reticle includes the steps of applying or introducing at least two alignment marks onto or into the substrate of the mask or of the reticle in a first step before the first exposure step of the mask or of the reticle, in a second step, coating at least the alignment marks produced in the first step and the regions immediately surrounding them with a thin conducting layer, and, for all following alignment steps of the plurality of mask levels, raster-scanning these alignment marks applied in the first step with an uncharged or charged particle or photon beam.

Abstract: Methods for detection of defects introduced during processing within an exposure machine without the use of develop-etch-strip (“DES”) processed production layers. In particular, utilizing a “check board” that has different processing requirement than a production layer may significantly reduce the time and/or cost required for eliminating repetitive defects. A photoimagable MYLAR® (thin, strong, and polyester) sheet such as DuPont's CRONALAR hilight contact phototooling film may be advantageously used as the check board when producing printed wiring boards via DES processing.

Abstract: A method of figuring an exposure energy. A required exposure energy is calculated according to a critical dimension (CD) of an exposing layer. A first CD deviation is obtained from a layer before the exposing layer. From the first CD deviation, a first energy compensation is calculated. Whether the deviation of photoresist sensitivity of two sequential batches is less than 1% is checked. If the deviation of photoresist sensitivity of two sequential batches is less than 1%, a sum of the required exposure energy and the first energy compensation is the exposure energy applied to the exposing layer. Otherwise, a second CD deviation is commutated according to the deviation of photoresist sensitivity of two sequential batches. A second energy compensation is then obtained from the second CD deviation, and a sum of the required exposure energy and the first/second energy compensation is the exposure energy applied to the exposing layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an intensity distribution of a radiation beam directed to a microlithographic substrate. The method can include directing a radiation beam from a radiation source along the radiation path, with the radiation beam having a first distribution of intensity as the function of location in a plane generally transverse to the radiation path. The radiation beam impinges on an adaptive structure positioned in the radiation path and an intensity distribution of the radiation beam is changed from the first distribution to a second distribution by changing a state of the first portion of the adaptive structure relative to a second portion of the adaptive structure. For example, the transmissivity of the first portion, or inclination of the first portion can be changed relative to the second portion. The radiation is then directed away from the adaptive structure to impinge on the microlithographic substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a method of determining an overlay error produced during formation of a semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor structure comprises a first periodic pattern and a second periodic pattern, which overlap with each other, wherein a relative position between the overlapping first and second periodic patterns contains information on the magnitude and the sign of an overlay error in a predefined direction that has been caused during the formation of the first and second periodic patterns. The overlay error is determined by directing a light beam of known optical properties onto the first and second periodic patterns and by analyzing the diffracted beam by comparison with reference data. By providing two differently oriented diffracting areas, each comprising first and second periodic patterns, the overlay error in two dimensions can be determined.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for simulating the profiles of pattern elements, as formed in a layer of developed resist on a lithographic substrate, wherein the simulated profiles of pattern elements closely correspond to actual lithographic results realized after lithographic exposure and development of the resist. The simulation is based on calculations of resist development that take into account a distribution of resist-development rate. The post-development profile of pattern elements as formed in the resist is estimated by focusing on the separation of resist molecules that occurs during resist development, wherein the simulation calculations are based on the assumption that, in each of multiple increments along the edges of pattern elements, each molecule of the resist material is separated from the layer of resist.

Abstract: A photoconductive sleeved primary image forming member roller for use in an electrophotographic machine comprising a central member including a rigid cylindrical core member and a compliant layer formed on the core member; and a flexible replaceable removable photoconductive sleeve member in the form of an endless tubular belt that surrounds and nonadhesively intimately contacts the central member.

Abstract: A toner for MICR comprises at least a binder resin, magnetite particles comprising a mixture of granular magnetite and acicular magnetite, and a wax, wherein a ratio by weight of said acicular magnetite in said magnetite particles is 0.1-0.5 to the granular magnetite of 1.0, said magnetite particles are contained in an amount of 15-50% by weight in the toner, said granular magnetite has residual magnetization of 5-15 emu/g and saturation magnetization of 70-95 emu/g, and said acicular magnetite has residual magnetization of 20-50 emu/g and saturation magnetization of 70-95 emu/g.

Abstract: By atomizing a siloxane and an organic titanium compound for flame combustion, spherical complex oxide fine particles of amorphous silica-titania are obtained having a particle size of 10-300 nm, a specific surface area of 20-100 m2/g, and a titania content of 1-99% by weight. By hydrophobizing the fine particles and adding them to a toner, a developer is obtained which is improved in fluidity, cleanability and uniform and stable charging.

Abstract: A dispersing agent for a pigment, comprising a specific compound having a structure wherein a phthalocyanine type molecular skeleton which is adsorptive on the pigment and an oligomer unit or polymer unit which prevents re-agglomeration of the pigment to bring out the effect of dispersion are covalently bonded, and having affinity for a medium or a solvent. Also disclosed are a pigment-dispersion composition containing the dispersing agent, a toner prepared using a pigment having been treated with the dispersing agent, and a process for producing such a toner.

Abstract: A toner is formed of toner particles each comprising at least a binder resin, a colorant and a wax, and inorganic fine powder. The toner is characterized by (a) containing a sulfur-containing polymer, and (b) showing dielectric loss tangent (tan&dgr;) values at 100 kHz assuming a maximum of 2.5×10−2 to 8×10−2 in a temperature range of 100 to 130° C. Because of the combination of the features (a) and (b), the toner can exhibit a good combination of developing performances and fixing performances.

Abstract: A carrier for an image developer for electrophotography, including core particles, and a coating layer covering each of the core particles, wherein the core particles have a weight average particle diameter of Dv which is 25-45 &mgr;m and a number average particle diameter of Dp which meets with the following condition:

Abstract: A color toner to which flash light is applied and is fixed on a recording medium at least includes a binding resin, a colorant, and a infrared absorbent. PAS intensity thereof obtained from integration of infrared PAS spectrum obtained based on photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) analytical measurement through a range between 800 and 2000 nm is in a range between 0.01 and 0.2 assuming that the value of carbon black is 1.

Abstract: A ferrite carrier for electrophotographic developers which comprises ferrite particles with irregular, non-spherical configuration capable of forming a conductive magnetic chain, said carrier having the general formula

Abstract: A carrier for use in electrophotography provided by the present invention satisfies such conditions that when (i) the porosity of the surface of a core particle is A %(A≦40) and (ii) the resin-coated rate of the porous part of the surface the core particle is B %, (iii) A×B/100 is 15 or more and further (ix) the resin-coated rate of the smooth part, besides the porous part, is 20% or less.

Abstract: A method of developing a latent electrostatic image using a two-component developer system, having a ratio (VrNVp) ranges 1.2<(Vr/Vp)<3 where the (Vp) is a linear speed (Vp) [m/sec] of a photosensitive member and the (Vr) is a linear speed (Vr) [m/sec] of a developing sleeve, and applying a biased direct-current (VB) [by volt] wherein; a developing gap(Gp)[cm] as a distance at the nearest point between a photosensitive member and a developing sleeve is less than or equal to 0.6 mm, a ratio(&rgr;p/&rgr;a) satisfies an expression (&rgr;p/&rgr;a)<0.