Abstract: A prismatic battery module includes a prismatic battery case having a plurality of prismatic cell cases connected to one another through separation walls, a planar electroconductive connector forming part of the separation wall between the cell cases, an electrode plate group arranged in each cell case, and an electrolyte placed in each cell case. Lead portions of positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates of the electrode plate group are directly connected to the electroconductive connector. The prismatic battery module requires fewer connection points and provides shorter electrical communication paths, thereby reducing internal resistance.

Abstract: An economical method for manufacturing an electrode assembly of virtually any shape to fit into a similarly shaped casing without compromising volumetric efficiency is described. This is accomplished by providing an electrode assembly of multiplate anode and cathode plates that substantially match the internal shape of the casing. That way, no matter what shape the device being powered by the cell dictates the electrode assembly assumes, as little internal volume as possible is left unoccupied by electrode active materials.

Abstract: The object of present invention is to provide a battery container, of which the inner surface is provided with a surface-treated layer having low internal resistance and the outer surface is provided with a surface-treated layer having high quality and excellent continuous formability. Another object is to provide a surface-treated steel sheet suitably used for manufacturing the battery container.

Abstract: The invention provides a closed type battery having no electrolyte leakage, etc. and improved airtightness, which comprises a battery header in which an electrode-drawing sheet of polarity opposite to that of a battery can is fixed by caulking to an insulating member fitted into a through-hole in a metal sheet while an electrode-leading pin remains inserted into the through-hole. An internal insulating sheet mounted on the surface of the metal sheet of the battery header located inside the battery can comes into contact at two or more surfaces with an external insulating sheet mounted on a surface of the metal sheet of the battery header located outside the battery can.

Abstract: An electrolyte containing an aqueous solution having potassium hydroxide and potassium pyrophosphate dissolved therein. The electrolyte is used as electrolyte for nickel-zinc alkaline rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: Improved high rate batteries based on silver vanadium oxide yield improved pulsed performance. In particular, batteries comprise an electrolyte having lithium ions and a cathode comprising silver vanadium oxide. Improved batteries have a pulsed specific energy of at least about 575 mWh/g when pulsed in groups of four-10 second pulses at a current density of 25 mA/cm2 spaced by 15 seconds between pulses and with 30 minutes between pulse groups down to a discharge voltage of 1.5 volts. In addition, improved batteries can achieve high maximum specific powers, high current densities and no voltage delay in pulsed operation. The batteries are particularly suitable for use in implantable medical devices, such as, defibrillators, pacemakers or combinations thereof. Improved processing approaches are described.

Abstract: The invention provides novel active material represented by the general formula LiaMI1−yMIIyPO4, wherein MI is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Mn, V, Sn, Ti, Cr, and mixtures thereof; MII is selected from the group consisting of Zn, Cd, and a mixture thereof; a is about 1; and 0<y<1, which, upon electrochemical interaction, releases lithium ions, and is capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel active material, wherein MI is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, V, Sn, Ti, Cr, and mixtures thereof. Methods for making the novel active material and methods for using such a material in electrochemical cells are also provided.

Abstract: Electronically conductive composites of electronically conductive polymers and carbon nanotubes are formed by electrochemical or gel polymerisation of monomer in a carbon nanotube suspension. Electrical energy storage devices are produced from carbon nanotube/electronically conductive polymer composites.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is made by assembling an anodic layer and a cathodic layer, these layers being separated by a plasticised membrane of polymeric material consisting of a PVdF-type polymer chain, and ethylene carbonate as a plasticiser, but containing no lithium salt, the membrane being less than 30 &mgr;m thick and being cast from a volatile solvent. The resulting cell precursor is soaked in an electrolyte solution to form the cell. The membrane absorbs the electrolyte solution, forming a gelled or polymeric electrolyte.

Abstract: Lithium batteries having excellent high rate characteristics and low-temperature characteristics, and less in evolution of gases and superior in discharge characteristics are provided by using LiCoO2 mixed with CaO or Cr2O3 or the like as an active material of positive electrode in combination with a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a mixed electrolyte salt comprising both a fluorine-containing inorganic anion lithium salt and a lithium imide salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel electrolyte solvent which is usable with a variety of carbonaceous and metal oxide electrode active materials, providing improved performance over a broad temperature range, and which is stabilized to maintain cell capacity over a number of cycles.

Abstract: An alternative PSM, including: a first transparent region in 0 degree phase, formed on the surface of a transparent substrate; and a second transparent region in 180 degree phase, constructed of a concave portion of the transparent substrate. The first transparent region and the second transparent region are alternatively arranged. A third transparent region in 85-95 degree phase, constructed of a translucent layer, is formed on the border between the first transparent region and the second transparent region. The third transparent region in 85-95 degree phase used as a light intensity buffer so as to effectively cancel phase conflict.

Abstract: An attenuated phase shift mask for use in a lithography process includes a masking film made of at least one material with at least a silicon component which provides a transmission above about 0.5 percent and a phase shift of about a 180° for radiation at a wavelength at or below about 160 nm.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention, scatter lines (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) with a predetermined width are produced, which run at a predetermined distance from selected edges of mask structure elements (1). These scatter lines (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) produced are inspected with regard to compliance with a predetermined distance from adjoining edges of mask structure elements (1) and with regard to compliance with a predetermined distance from one another. Scatter lines (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) which fall below the predetermined distance are shortened and/or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for producing a graytone mask capable of satisfying a dimensional accuracy of a predetermined graytone pattern, on a graytone mask having, at least in a part, a predetermined graytone pattern. Suppressed to ±1% or less an on-plane distribution in thickness of a resist film to be applied onto a substrate in a graytone mask producing process.

Abstract: In a method of removing a useless film formed along a circumferential portion of a substrate, so as to provide a removed portion, a cover member is covered over the substrate to supply a solvent to the useless portion through solvent supply holes. The circumferential portion which has the removed portion and a non-removed portion serves to provide an identification code or the like for identifying the substrate. The solvent supply holes are formed in a solvent guide member which is exchangeably attached to a peripheral portion of the cover member. The substrate may be either a mask blank or a mask that has the identification pattern formed by removing the useless film by the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A mask pattern of a phase shift mask for use in photolithography is repaired. First, an imaginary correction pattern is devised according to the pattern of a mask layer that is disposed on the surface of a transparent plate constituting the body of the mask. The surface of the mask body is etched to a predetermined depth according to the imaginary correction pattern, at a location adjacent the mask layer, to thereby form a recess in the mask body. A phase shifter having a predetermined thickness is then formed by depositing phase shifting material in the recess.

Abstract: A photomask for the manufacture of integrated semiconductor products has at least one first region with principal structures that correspond to structures on the integrated semiconductor structure to be manufactured and has at least one second region differing from the first region and having calibration structures which comprise at least two different, pre-defined expanses. The calibration structures contain pre-programmed flaws with predetermined sizes that are positioned on the photomask so that they do not negatively influence the functionality of the photomask. These calibration structures are then co-measured in a normal inspection, and the measured results can be subsequently normed to the detection of the calibration structures.

Abstract: A method of double-exposure photolithography of a semiconductor wafer in the manufacture of integrated circuits is disclosed. The two exposures of the same positive photoresist layer are carried out using a binary photomask (25) having chrome regions (22) that define non-critical dimension features (6c) and also serve as protection for phase shift exposure of critical dimension features (6g). The phase shift photomask (23) includes apertures 200, 20&pgr; that expose the sides of the critical dimension feature (6g) with opposite phase light. The phase shift photomask (23) also includes an additional aperture (30) for double exposure of a region exposed by the binary photomask, for example as between a non-critical dimension feature (6c) and the end of a critical dimension feature (6g).

Abstract: A system and method of determining alignment error between lithographically produced integrated circuit fields on the same and different lithographic levels comprises creating a first and second level field layers each having a plurality of integrated circuit fields and associated set of metrology structures adjacent and outside each integrated circuit field. In each level, a metrology structure associated with one integrated circuit field is located to nest with another metrology structure associated with an adjacent circuit field when the both are properly aligned on the same lithographic level.

Abstract: The use of a resist latent image alignment mark in lieu of using dedicated discrete alignment targets defined on a semiconductor wafer and the use of field oxide step heights for alignment during the fabrication of circuit devices are disclosed. A resist latent image alignment mark is formed in a layer of photoresist material and utilized to position a mask for exposing portions of the photoresist to a radiation source to pattern locations for active areas on a semiconductor substrate. A LOCOS isolation structure is then formed around the active areas. The isolation structure is formed such that the depth of the isolation structure is adjusted to a particular radiation source wavelength. The depth of the isolation structure can then be used as a diffraction grating for stepper alignment. The height of the isolation structure can also be used as a diffraction grating for stepper alignment.

Abstract: A method for verifying an imaged article prior to etching comprising: providing the imaged article to be verified, the imaged article comprising an exposed photo resist layer; prior to etching the imaged article, examining the exposed photo resist layer; and making a determination based at least in part on the examination of the photo resist layer whether the imaged article is to be re-imaged.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for controlling blur resulting from the space-charge effect and geometrical aberration in a charged-particle-beam microlithography apparatus. Based on the pattern-element densities of the exposure units to be transferred to the substrate, a relationship between the total blur and the beam semi-angle, the current density, and/or the beam-acceleration voltage is determined. An optimal beam semi-angle, current density, and/or beam-acceleration voltage is calculated to: (1) minimize the blur during the transfer-exposure of an exposure unit having a certain pattern-element density; (2) make the blur constant during the transfer-exposure of a group of exposure units having various pattern-element densities; or (3) maximize the patterned-beam current during the transfer-exposure of an exposure unit having a certain pattern-element density and blur tolerance.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor in which at least a photosensitive layer is provided above an electroconductive substrate, the outermost surface layer of the electroconductive substrate contains at least an inorganic filler, a binder resin, and an aliphatic polyester, or, alternatively, the outermost surface layer of the electroconductive substrate contains at least an inorganic filler and a binder resin and the binder resin is a copolymer polyarylate having an alkylene-arylcarboxylate structural unit, also an image forming method, image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus processing unit in which the electrophotographic photoreceptor is used.

Abstract: A toner comprising: a plurality of mother particles; and a plurality of external additive particles to be attached to the mother particles, the external additive particles including external additive particles attached to the mother particle and external additive particles liberated from the mother particles, wherein an inclination (particle sizes of the external additives/particle sizes of the mother particles) of an approximation straight line obtained by approximating distribution of particle sizes of the external additives with respect to the particle sizes of the mother particles by a least-square method is not larger than 0.6. Also, disclosed is an image forming apparatus using the toner.

Abstract: Regarding the metal oxide fine powder, which is used as the additive of a powder material and is hydrophobic treated on the surface, the peak of the particle size distribution of the agglomerated particle is made to be less than the same level of average size of the powder material, so that said powder has high dispersibility in the powder material. When this metal oxide fine powder is used as the external additive, such as the toner for the, electronic photograph, the standup of the electrostatic charge, the image quality, and the cleaning characteristic are improved remarkably.

Abstract: A charge control agent containing a barium salt of a sulfoisophthalic acid compound and optionally a metal salt of a salicylic acid compound. A toner for developing an electrostatic latent image comprising such a charge control agent, a binder resin and a colorant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-contact, single-component developing system for electrophotographic machines that effectively reduces the impact of adhesion forces on the development process. The developing system of the present invention utilizes a single-component toner that tends to reduce the adhesion forces that hold the toner particles on a toner support member. Preferably, the toner is combined with large and small silica particles having a concentration by weight that results in an optimum surface coverage of toner particles by large and small silica particles that facilitates a reduction in the adhesion forces holding the toner particles on the toner support member.

Abstract: A toner composition including toner particles including a binder resin; and a colorant, and a charge controlling agent which is at least located on a surface of the toner particles, wherein the toner composition has a spherical degree of from 0.96 to 0.99, and wherein the toner composition satisfies the relationship: 10≦M/T≦1,000 wherein M represents a quantity of an element on a surface of the toner particles in units of % by weight, wherein the element is included only in the charge controlling agent, and is one of elements of second to fifth periodical elements in the long form periodic table other than hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and rare gas elements; and T represents a quantity of the element in the toner composition in units of % by weight.

Abstract: A method of programming a radiation-hardened integrated circuit includes the steps of supplying a prototype device including an SRAM memory circuit or programmable key circuit to a customer, having the customer develop working data patterns in the field in the same manner as a reading and writing to a normal RAM memory, having the customer save the final debugged data pattern, delivering the data pattern to the factory, loading the customer-developed data pattern into memory, programming the customer-developed data pattern into a number of production circuits, irradiating the production circuits at a total dosage of between 300K and 1 Meg RAD to burn the data pattern into memory, and shipping the irradiated and programmed parts to the customer.

Abstract: A thermally imagable article comprises a substrate on which is coated a positive working heat-sensitive composition comprising a hydroxyl group-containing polymer and a heat-labile moiety which decreases the developer solubility of the composition as compared to the developer solubility of the composition without the heat-labile moiety, wherein the heat-sensitive composition does not comprise an acid generating moiety. The invention also provides novel positive working compositions comprising heat-labile moieties, and imagable articles comprising said compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel negative, aqueous photoresist composition comprising a polyvinylacetal polymer, a water-soluble photoactive compound and a crosslinking agent. The water-soluble photoactive compound is preferably a sulfonium salt. The invention also relates to forming a negative image from the novel photoresist composition.

Abstract: A positive photosensitive composition comprising (A) a specific acid generator that generates an acid upon irradiation of an actinic ray or radiation, and (B) a resin that has a monocyclic or polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon structure and is decomposed by the action of an acid to increase solubility in an alkali developing solution.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition comprising (i) a sensitizing dye represented by the following formula (I), (II) or (III) defined in the specification, (ii) a titanocene compound and (iii) a compound of undergoing a reaction with at least one of a radical and an acid to change at least one of its physical and chemical properties and maintaining the changed physical or chemical property, and a lithographic printing plate having a photosensitive layer comprising the photosensitive composition.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable composition and a recording material containing the composition. The composition include at least a radical-polymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator, in which the photopolymerization initiator contains a borate compound, having a melting point of not more than 140° C., of the following general formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represent an alkyl group, aryl group, heterocyclic group, or silyl group; and Z+ represents a cation.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising: (A) a resin capable of increasing the solubility in an alkali developer by the action of acid, in which the resin contains (A1) a repeating unit having at least one of a dihydroxyadamantyl group and a trihydroxyadamantyl group and (A2) a repeating unit containing an acid-decomposable group having an alicyclic structure; and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with one of an actinic ray and a radiation, wherein the resin (A) contains the repeating unit (A1) and the repeating unit (A2) at a composition molar ratio: A1/A2 of from 0.15 to 1.0, and a total content of the repeating unit (A1) and the repeating unit (A2) in the resin (A) is 40 to 70 mole %.

Abstract: Faraday cups are provided that serve as beam-current measuring devices especially in charged-particle-beam microlithography apparatus. The Faraday cups are configured to reduce beam displacements otherwise caused by eddy currents generated in the Faraday cup. An embodiment of a Faraday cup includes a main body, a stand 51, and a sleeve member. The main body is constructed of a material having a volume resistivity of at least approximately 10−6&OHgr;-m and/or a volume of 150 mm3 or less. The main body desirably is situated at least 4 mm from a substrate-mounting region or from a calibration mark on the substrate stage of the microlithography apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-gap mask is provided which enables worked patterns each having a different height to be concurrently and collectively formed. In the multi-gap mask, first and second mask patterns are formed which are fixed on/over a surface of an object to be worked when sandblasting is performed on the surface of the object to be worked and each of which has a different gap from the surface of the object to be worked. The first mask pattern is made up of a plurality of metal wires and a second mask pattern is made up of a plurality of a rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped photosensitive emulsion. By using the multi-gap mask having a gap from the surface of the object to be worked and a velocity distribution of a viscous fluid in a gap region, a worked pattern having various depths can be concurrently and collectively fabricated without an increase in numbers of man-hours.

Abstract: The present invention is a photographic element which includes, in order, a transparent support, at least one silver halide emulsion layer superposed on the support, optionally a white or diffuse reflecttive layer, and a processing-solution-permeable protective layer on the backside, which protective layer becomes water-resistant in the final product without lamination or fusing. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a photographic print involving developing the photographic element. The resulting print is viewed through the support, which provides protection against scratches and stains, while the polymeric overcoat provides water and stain protection to the reverse of the print where minor scratches or damage are not critical, since the image is not viewed from this side. Thus, this invention provides for a tough, stain resistant and transparent viewing surface and a stain resistant back side, which is permeable to processing solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material and a method for treating of photographic effluents in order to eliminate micro-organisms and pollutant by-products so as to control bacterial growth and thereby obtain effluents that comply with regulatory requirements. The method for preparing an oxidizing material according to the invention comprises the dispersion in colloidal form of a metal or metal compound in an aqueous solution of an inorganic aluminosilicate polymer, said aluminosilicate being able to form an inorganic gel, and said metal or metal compound being able to cause the oxidation of oxidizable products and (or) micro-organisms to be eliminated, followed by the addition of a base to cause said aluminosilicate to gel. The metal is preferably silver in a powder form that is able to form a colloid when it is dispersed. The oxidizing material of the invention is efficient especially for the treatment of photographic baths, in particular wash baths placed after the fixing step.

Abstract: A silver halide color photographic material includes at least one blue-sensitive emulsion layer, at least one green-sensitive emulsion layer and at least one red-sensitive emulsion layer, on a support. The photographic material further includes at least one short-wavelength blue-sensitive emulsion layer that has a weight-averaged wavelength (&lgr; v) of spectral sensitivity distribution of 400 nm≦&lgr; v≦460 nm and that is substantially free a yellow coupler.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive emulsion comprised of silver halide grains (a) containing greater than 50 mole percent chloride, based on silver, (b) having greater than 50 percent of their surface area provided by {100} crystal faces, and (c) having a central portion accounting for up to 99 percent of total silver and containing a first dopant of Formula (I) and a second dopant of Formula (II):

Abstract: A silver halide photographic emulsion comprising silver halide grains is disclosed, which is obtained through a process including at least one step of forming grains using a dispersion medium having a low viscosity, wherein 50% or more of the entire projected area of all silver halide grains in the emulsion is occupied by silver halide tabular grains having an aspect ratio of 4 or more and a twin plane spacing of 0.012 &mgr;m or less. Further disclosed is a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material using the emulsion.

Abstract: An inshot gas burner having an overall length of less than four inches that is capable of delivering between 5,000 and 5,800 Btus per unit length of burner per hour. The burner venturi section with a flame retainer positioned at its outlet that produces a firing rate of at least 9,900 Btus per inch of diffuser length.

Abstract: A dental apparatus comprises means for allowing a connection of a fluid reservoir containing a fluid which is supplied to a dental handpiece under control of a valve arrangement by a suction pump which has a suction line that is connected with a reception member of a connector piece of the fluid reservoir on which a closure one-way check valve is arranged which is biased by a closure spring towards a closing position on a valve seat of the connector piece which is further provided with an aeration one-way check valve over an aeration opening for compensating a negative pressure which will be produced inside of the fluid reservoir when the closure one-way check valve is opened at its valve member and fluid is drawn from the fluid reservoir for being supplied to the handpiece.

Abstract: A fluteless endodontic file is provided, formed from a tapered shaft of material having a prismatic shape generally defined by three or more side surfaces and three or more interposed corners. A plurality of notches are cut into one or more corners defining cutting surfaces, points and/or edges. The notched cutting surfaces are formed such that the file, when rotated and/or reciprocated within a root canal, effectively cuts/debrides hard tissue (known in the art as dentin) as well as soft tissue, thus, forming an optimal canal shape. The cutting surfaces are also preferably formed at an angle to the centerline of the instrument to provide optimal cutting efficiency and material removal. The fluteless file design exhibits increased efficacy, with less tendency to bind and break within the root canal and also significantly reduces manufacturing and capital equipment costs.

Abstract: A keyboard guide is disclosed herein having a substantially rectangular frame. The frame has a front and back wall interconnected by two side walls. The guide also includes at least one divider, coupled between the front and back wall, having a top edge leaning toward the side wall that is closest thereto, to form an angle with respect to a vertical orientation. The keyboard guide may also include at least one indicator, positioned on the divider, to indicate a key location. In one embodiment, the indicator is a bump on a side of the divider. The keyboard guide may also include a central divider, coupled between the front and back walls, having a substantially vertical orientation along a top and bottom edge. The guide may also include right-side and left-side dividers, on opposite sides of the central divider respectively.

Abstract: A method for interactive coaching, comprising the steps of i) providing a representation of a downscaled regulation playing field of a predetermined sport; ii) providing at least two participants with items representing players on the playing field; and iii) causing the participants to displace the items on the representation and simulate plays and strategies for interactively teaching the predetermined sport to the participants. The representation is a panel having a surface thereof provided with markings defining the downscaled regulation playing field. The panel is sized for allowing participants to gather around the panel and is made of a lightweight and foldable material such that it can be easily transported.

Abstract: An interactive educational system includes a tracking system for determining changes in an overall physical location of a student, and a display for displaying cues for the student to engage in full-body motion and to engage in an interactive cognitive learning task. An educational method includes prompting a student to engage in an interactive cognitive learning task which involves full body motion, thereby enabling the student to reach the enhanced learning state which results from elevated metabolic rate, and synergistically engaging the student's kinesthetic learning facilities.

Abstract: A communication system is proposed for transmitting at least one of the data, the program, and a combination of them from a host facility to a communicator such as a communication terminal device. In this communication system, the data or the program becomes unable to be used when a predetermined time has elapsed after it is transmitted from the host facility to the communicator. This communication system is provided with the function of giving a warning before the use of the transmission becomes unable and the function of resuming the use in accordance with the user's instruction even after the use becomes unable.