Abstract: Magnetic film comprising a substantially crystalline magnetic layer and an intermediate layer alternately formed in contact with each other, wherein the magnetic layer has composition (M1&agr;1X1&bgr;1)100−&dgr;1A1&dgr;1 (&agr;1, &bgr;1, and &dgr;1 represent % by atomic weight; M1 is at least one of Fe, Co, and Ni; X1 is at least one of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Si, Ge, Sn, Al, Ga, and transition metals excluding M1; and A1 is at least one of O and N), wherein: 0.1≦&bgr;1≦12 &agr;1+&bgr;1=100 0<&dgr;1≦10; the intermediate layer has composition (M2&agr;2X2&bgr;2)100−&dgr;2A2&dgr;2 (&agr;2, &bgr;2, and &dgr;2 represent % by atomic weight; M2 is at least one of Fe, Co, and Ni; X2 is at least one of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Si, Ge, Sn, Al, Ga, Ge and transition metals excluding the M2; and A2 is O), wherein: 0.1≦&bgr;2≦80 &agr;2+&bgr;2=100 &dgr;1≦&dgr;2≦67.

Abstract: Polymeric films having at least one outer layer consisting of a blend of low density polyethylene and a poly-(alkylstyrene) can be heat sealed to non-woven webs such as paper to produce peel openable packages, for example for medical equipment. Such packages can be peeled open with low fiber lift from the non-woven webs.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising a blend of at least two components, wherein the first component is at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive and second component is at least one thermoplastic material, wherein the components form a blended composition having more than one domain and, wherein one domain is substantially continuous (generally, the pressure-sensitive adhesive) and the other domain is substantially fibrillous to schistose (generally, the thermoplastic material). The second component can be (a) at least one thermoplastic elastomer, (b) at least one elastomer with a tackifying resin or (c) at least one elastomer.

Abstract: An adhesive composition that bonds at low temperatures is disclosed. The composition is a solution in an organic solvent of a polyimide, an epoxy resin, and a cyanate. The polyimide can be a polyimidesiloxane, made from a dianhydride, an aromatic diamine that does not contain siloxane, and a siloxane diamine. The adhesive composition can be used to make a single layer tape, a coated tape, or a double-sided trilayer tape. The tape can bond an article, such as a chip, to a substrate, such as a circuit board.

Abstract: Nickel powder comprises, on the basis of the total number of particles, not less than 10% of particles whose particle size is not less than 1.2 time the average particle size, as determined by the SEM observation; and not less than 10% of particles whose particle size is not more than 0.8 time the average particle size, as determined by the SEM observation. The nickel powder can be prepared by, for instance, precipitating nickel particles from an aqueous solution containing a nickel salt and a hydrazine reducing agent, without forming any hydroxide of nickel as an intermediate. A conductive paste containing the nickel powder can be applied onto the positions on which an internal or external electrode for electronic parts and then baking the coated paste to give an electrode.

Abstract: A plastic particle is formed of a plastic material having at least one integral protruding ring disposed on its outer surface. The ring may be continuous or intermittent around a perimeter of the plastic particle. Preferably, the particles have an outer diameter in the range of 0.007 inches to 0.040 inches.

Abstract: An improved method of making a series of bead or microsphere or particle populations characterized by subtle variation in a proportion or ratio of at least two fluorescent dyes distributed within a single bead of each population is provided. These beads, when excited by a single excitation light source are capable of giving off several fluorescent signals simultaneously. A set containing as many as 64 distinct populations of multicolored, fluorescent beads is provided and when combined with analytical reagents bound to the surface of such beads is extremely useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a single sample. Thus, methods of staining polymeric particles, the particles themselves, and methods of using such particles are claimed.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a binder and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration and artificial turf for sports fields. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Metal oxide coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three dimensional inorganic nano substrate having a coating of metal oxide on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of tin oxide coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as flakes, spheres and porous substrates are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymer, catalysis, heating and shielding applications.

Abstract: Multilayered metal oxide coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three dimensional inorganic substrate having a coating of metal oxide and a thermally associated barrier coating on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of tin oxide coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as flakes, spheres and porous substrates are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymer, catalysis, heating and shielding applications.

Abstract: Multilayered metal oxide coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three dimensional inorganic substrate having a coating of metal oxide on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of tin oxide coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as flakes, spheres and porous substrates are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymers, catalysis, heating and shielding applications.

Abstract: A method of forming, by polymerization in an aqueous dispersion at pressures in excess of one atmosphere, a plurality of porous particles having at least one polymeric phase and, additionally, having a pore filling phase containing a fugitive substance is disclosed. Replacement of the fugitive substance with a gas is further disclosed. Gas-filled porous particles and their aqueous dispersions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A particle material for anisotropic conductive connection, is comprised of a conductive particle and an insulating resin layer covering the surface thereof, wherein the insulating resin layer includes an insulating gelled resin with a gel proportion of at least 90%. The particle material can be manufactured by fixing an insulating gelled resin powder with a gel proportion of at least 90% to the surface of the conductive particle by a physical/mechanical method to form the insulating resin layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a tamper evident informational article such as a temporary vehicle registration which may be made of paper or paperboard. The informational article has a zone for inserting information and a pattern within said zone which will resist effective counterfeiting. A transparent tape which preferably has a silicone resin coating which contains a wax is adhesively secured over information contained within the zone.

Abstract: A probe adapted for use with a time domain reflectrometry device in primarily measuring the moisture content in soils and other mediums. This probe can however be used in may differing measurement applications involving materials of specific dielectric constants as well as apparent dielectric constants that are derived from a matrix of several differing dielectrics. In the probe according to the present invention, the inner core of the probe is composed of an inner conductive element, a conductor that is used to transmit a broadband pulse. A dielectric liquid, solid or gel surrounds this inner conductive core, and assists in retaining broadband signal strength. The dielectric material is then encased in a metallic outer shell that serves as a protective housing for the probe. This outer shell is electronically transparent to the electromagnetic pulse transmitted by the active inner conductive core and surrounding dielectric.

Abstract: An antireflective coating may be formed on visible light transmitting materials. The antireflective coating may a stack of two coating layers. The first coating layer may be formed from a composition that includes a metal alkoxide. The first coating layer may be cured by the application of ultraviolet light or heat. The second coating layer may be formed from a second composition that includes an initiator and an ethylenically substituted monomer. The second composition may be cured by the application of ultraviolet light. The antireflective coatings may be applied to a plastic lens or a plastic lens mold.

Abstract: New etch barriers of indium-tin-oxide in the manufacturing process of thin film transistor-liquid crystal display are self-assembled monolayers, such as n-alkylsilanes. A typical process of applying a self-assembled monolayer is to ink a hydrolyzed n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane solution on to a stamp and then to transfer the solution onto ITO. The surface of the stamp may be polar enough to be wet with polar self-assembled monolayer solutions of an akylsilane. A non-polar stamp surface may be treated with oxygen plasma to obtain a wettable polar surface.

Abstract: Reaction product of a composition comprising in admixture a polyisocyanate, a silicone having dimethylsiloxane segments containing one or more isocyanate-reactive group, a reactant containing one or more of an isocyanate-reactive group and one or more ionizable group, optionally an organic substance having one or more isocyanate-reactive groups and no ionizable group, and compound providing counterion for said ionizable group, wherein either the silicone, or the reactant, or both, have a single isocyanate-reactive group.

Abstract: A battery packet (50) comprises a battery case (51) formed by processing a battery case forming laminated sheet (10), a battery 50a contained in the battery case (51), and tabs (59, 60) extending outside from the battery case (51). The battery case forming laminated sheet (10) is formed by laminating a first base film layer (1a), i.e., an outermost layer, a metal foil layer (2), and a heat-adhesive resin layer (3) in that order. The first base film layer (1a) is a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate resin film or a biaxially oriented nylon resin film. The metal foil layer (2) is an aluminum or copper foil. The heat-adhesive resin layer (3) is formed of a polyolefin resin, more preferably, of an acid-denatured polyolefin resin.

Abstract: The polycrystalline thin film is made of a composite oxide of a cubic crystal system which has a pyrochlore type crystalline structure of a composition represented as either AZrO or AHfO (A in the formula represents a rare earth element selected from among Y, Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Dy, Eu, Gd, Sm, Nd, Pr, Ce and La) formed on the film forming surface of the polycrystalline substrate, wherein the grain boundary misalignment angle between the same crystal axes of different crystal grains in the polycrystalline thin film along a plane parallel to the film forming surface of the polycrystalline substrate are controlled within 30°.

Abstract: An article is fabricated with a ceramic surface having a controllable surface finish. In one form, the ceramic is applied as a coating to a substrate article. Preferably, an aqueous coating mixture of phosphoric acid, alumina powder, and cordierite powder is prepared. The mixture is contacted to the surface of the article, and a mechanical overpressure is applied to the external surface of the mixture using a pressing tool. The surface character of the pressing tool, such as a smooth surface or an intentionally patterned surface, is reproduced on the surface of the final ceramic coating. The coating is heated to a moderate temperature to set the ceramic of the coating, and thereafter the coating is heated to a higher, but still intermediate temperature, to cure the coating.

Abstract: An olefin based copolymer composition having excellent weather resistance and excellent recycling properties having an olefin based copolymer obtained by copolymerizing two or more olefins, wherein the olefins are selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene and alpha olefins having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, and the total number of carbon atoms of the two or more selected olefins is 6 or more in combination with other component(s).

Abstract: A new class of solar selective absorption coatings are disclosed. These coatings comprise a structured metallic overlayer such that the overlayer has a sub-micron structure designed to efficiently absorb solar radiation, while retaining low thermal emissivity for infrared thermal radiation. A sol-gel layer protects the structured metallic overlayer from mechanical, thermal, and environmental degradation. Processes for producing such solar selective absorption coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: An amine compound having a m-terphenyl group exhibits excellent heat resistance when the compound is used as a material constituting an organic electroluminescence device (an organic EL device). An organic EL device using the amine compound exhibits excellent luminance of emitted light and a long life. An organic EL device which contains the amine compound and an aromatic compound having a specific styryl group is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aromatic amine derivative of the following general formula (1) is useful to form an auxiliary carrier transporting layer in an electroluminescent device. R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group or organooxy group, and A and B have the following general formula (2) or (3).

Abstract: In an electroluminescent device comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electroluminescent organic layer interposed therebetween, wherein a luminescent material in the organic layer emits light upon application of a voltage between the anode and the cathode, an auxiliary carrier transporting layer which contains an aromatic amine derivative comprising recurring units of formula (1) and having a number average molecular weight of 200-100,000 is formed between the anode and the organic layer. R1 to R4 each are hydrogen, hydroxyl, substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon, organooxy, acyl or sulfonate group, excluding the case where all R1 to R4 are hydrogen atoms at the same time, and n is a positive number of 2-3,000.

Abstract: A recording layer 6 records and stores information and comprises a plurality of layers, namely a first layer 6a and a second layer 6b. The first layer 6a is made from a recording material which gives parallel directions to saturation magnetization and sublattice magnetization. The second layer 6b is made from a recording material which gives antiparallel directions to saturation magnetization and sublattice magnetization at room temperature. The recording material for the second layer 6b gives parallel directions to saturation magnetization and sublattice magnetization at around a read temperature.

Abstract: A slowly advancing tape-shaped matrix is pressed into contact with a surface of a rapidly rotating non-magnetic substrate for a magnetic recording medium. An abrasive slurry is added to the matrix. The area contact rate between the matrix and the surface, as well as the contact pressure per unit area between the matrix and the surface are regulated to both polish and slightly roughen the surface in a single process. In the case of a glass presubstrate, the glass is chemically strengthened before being surface-treated.

Abstract: A magnetic disk for high-density recording is provided, wherein a substantially non-magnetic lower layer is formed on a support and a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder dispersed in a binder is formed on the lower layer. The magnetic layer has a thickness of 0.02 to 0.5 &mgr;m, and on the surface thereof at least 1×104 projections standing at least 20 nm high and at most 1×103 projections standing at least 70 nm high per mm2 measured by an atomic force microscope.

Abstract: This invention relates to a corrosion-resistant member having a resistance to plasma of a halogen based corrosive gas, which comprises a main body and a corrosion-resistant layer formed on a surface of the main body and containing a fluoride of at least one element selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements and alkaline earth elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a set gypsum-containing product having increased resistance to permanent deformation and a method for preparing it comprising forming a mixture of a calcium sulfate material, water, and an appropriate amount of one or more enhancing materials chosen from condensed phosphoric acids, each of which comprises 2 or more phosphoric acid units; and salts or ions of condensed phosphates, each of which comprises 2 or more phosphate units. The mixture is then maintained under conditions sufficient for the calcium sulfate material to form a set gypsum material.

Abstract: A fuel cell arrangement has at least one fuel cell with an anode and a cathode. A compressor arranged in the admission flow path of the cathode supplies air to the cathode, and a reforming unit with a reformer and a thermally coupled heating chamber is arranged in the admission flow path of the anode supplies the anode with a hydrogen-rich medium. A catalytic burner arranged in the cathode off-gas flow path between cathode and an expansion machine is coupled to drive the compressor. The heating chamber of the reforming unit or of an evaporator unit arranged in the admission flow path of the anode is arranged in the cathode off-gas flow path; and the expansion machine is arranged in the cathode off-gas flow path between catalytic burner and the heating chamber.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system for use in a vehicle and a method controlling the system, the system includes a fuel cell, a first flow control valve controlling the flow rate of oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, and a second flow control valve controlling the flow rate of hydrogen containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell. A control unit supplies purge fluid into the fuel cell to remove water in response to a load condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A water management system for a fuel cell having an anode chamber including a fuel, a cathode chamber in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent, and a proton conducting membrane electrolyte separating the chambers. The system includes a gas plenum, a first valve for controlling a first flow of a gas from the anode chamber into the gas plenum, and a second valve for controlling a second flow of the gas collected by the gas plenum into the cathode chamber. The first valve is opened allowing the first flow while the second valve is closed between the gas plenum and the cathode chamber so that effluent gas is collected in the gas plenum. When the amount of the effluent gas in the gas plenum reaches a predetermined value, the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened to allow the second flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layered and multifunctional cathode in solid oxide fuel cells having high conductivity, high catalytic activity, minimized coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch, excellent compatibility to other portions of the fuel cell, and reduced temperature operation. The cathode comprises a conductive layer, a catalyst layer and a graded composition layer. The conductive layer has a first density, the catalyst layer has a second density that is less than the first density, and the graded composition layer is characterized by a graded electronic conductivity and a graded ionic conductivity.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising a closed coolant path within a fuel cell; a humidifier comprising a humidification fluid flow path and a fuel and air gas supply passage continuous in, through and out of the humidifier; the humidification fluid flow path and the fuel and air gas supply passage separated by a water permeable membrane that is impervious to organic materials allowing water from the humidification fluid flow path to enter the fuel and air gas supply passage; and the humidifier connected to the fuel cell by a humidified air and fuel passageway. The water permeable membrane can be a keggin ion pillared &agr;-ZrP composite material. The coolant can be water and organic material mixture, such as glycol, thus allowing the coolant flow in temperatures below the freezing point.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant includes a first cell stack assembly having a plurality of planar fuel cells in electrical communication with one another and a second cell stack assembly having a plurality of planar fuel cells in electrical communication with one another. An inter-stack manifold assembly is disposed between the first and second cell stack assemblies and provides an electrical pathway between the first and second cell stack assemblies. A baffle is formed internally to the manifold assembly for feeding a substantially uniform proportion of a reactant stream to the first and second cell stack assemblies while collecting an exhausted reactant stream from the first and second cell stack assemblies.

Abstract: A textured dual layer metal air cathode is disclosed. The cathode includes a first layer that contains 30% to 70% organic polymer by weight, a second layer that contains 10% to 30% organic polymer by weight, and a catalyst. The first layer and the second layer contact each other at a textured interface.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector.

Abstract: A safety device for a closed battery capable positively preventing a rupture due to a rapid internal pressure rise at over-packing and short-circuiting and being produced inexpensively, a positive electrode lid (16) attached to one end of an outer covering can (11) comprises a pressure receiving plate (18) forming the innermost lid and connected to positive electrode (13) of an electrode unit (12) via positive electrode lead (17), a shielding plate (20) forming a middle lid and electrically connected to the pressure receiving plate (18) via a center contact (19), and a sealing plate (21) forming the outermost lid and electrically connected to the shielding plate (20).

Abstract: A battery pack for an electric/hybrid vehicle that includes a plurality of batteries stacked in layers one atop the other and electrically coupled together to provide the necessary power to the vehicle. The plurality of batteries is supported on an underlying base. A plurality of spacers are disposed above and below each layer for separating the layers of batteries and providing air passages around the batteries to allow air flow around the batteries to provide heating or cooling of the batteries. A retention frame affixes the batteries to the base to restrict movement of the batteries. The frame includes a plurality of beams that are interconnected and extend along the ends of the batteries. The beams apply a vertical force against the batteries, thereby fixing them rigidly to the base.

Abstract: A composite comprises at least one layer which includes a composite comprising (a) from 1 to 99% by weight of a solid (I) with a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 100 &mgr;m or a mixture made from at least two solids, (b) from 99 to 1% by weight of a polymeric binder (II) which includes: (IIa) from 1 to 100% by weight of a polymer or copolymer (IIa) which has, along the chain, terminally and/or laterally, reactive groups (RG) which are capable of crosslinking reactions when exposed to heat and/or UV radiation, and (IIb) from 0 to 99% by weight of at least one polymer or copolymer (IIb) which is free from reactive groups RG, where the at least one layer has been applied to at least one second layer comprising at least one conventional separator.

Abstract: The sealing assembly for closing the open end of a cell case is formed with a connection electrode protruding outwards in the axial direction of the cell. The connection electrode of one of two adjacent cells is directly connected by welding to the bottom surface of the cell case of the other cell through a plurality of projections, for connecting the two cells in series.

Abstract: A thin film battery 10 comprises a substrate 12 which permits the battery 10 to be fabricated to provide higher energy density. In one embodiment, the substrate 12 of the battery 10 comprises mica. A crystalline lithium metal oxide film may be used as the cathode film 18.

Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising an organic solvent and a solute dissolved in the organic solvent, a lithium salt containing at least one organic anion selected from phthalimide, a derivative of phthalimide, phthalimidine and a derivative of phthalimidine is used as the solute. Such non-aqueous electrolyte is not liable to react with the negative electrode in a primary battery and a secondary battery during a long-term storage at high temperatures. As a consequence, by using this non-aqueous electrolyte, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery having an excellent storage property can be obtained; and the charge/discharge cycle characteristics are improved in a secondary battery.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery uses an organic electrolyte solution and includes a battery case, an internal electrode body contained in a battery case and including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator made of porous polymer. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound or laminated so that the positive electrode and negative electrode are not brought into direct contact with each other via the separator. A zeolite having a moisture absorption characteristic, has been incorporated in the battery case so that the zeolite is brought into contact with the organic electrolyte solution within the battery case. The lithium secondary battery achieves suppression of deterioration of a charge-discharge cycle characteristic of a battery caused by decomposition of an electrolyte by limiting moisture mixed into an organic electrolyte solution to a considerably lower level as well as improvement of its self-discharge characteristic.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery employing a positive electrode active material containing a compound represented by the general formula LixMyPO4, where 0<x≦2 and 0.8≦y≦1.2, with M containing a 3d transition metal, where LixMyPO4 encompasses that with the grain size not larger than 10 &mgr;m. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has superior cyclic characteristics and a high capacity.

Abstract: The nickel-metal hydride storage battery of this invention includes a nonsintered nickel electrode using, as a positive electrode active material, nickel hydroxide including, as a solid-solution element, at least one element Q selected from the group consisting of Mn, Al, Y, Yb and Co; and a pasted hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode using, as a negative electrode active material, a hydrogen-absorbing alloy represented by a composition formula, TiaVbNicMd, in which a+b+c=100; 15≦a≦45; 35≦b≦75; 5≦c≦25; 0<d≦7; and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ta, W, La, Ce, Y, Mm, Co, Fe, Cu, Si, Al, B, Zr and Hf, and the ratio in capacity between the nonsintered nickel electrode and the pasted hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode is 1:1.1 through 1:1.8. As a result, the invention provides a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having large battery capacity and a long cycle life.

Abstract: A alkali storage cell includes a non-sintered type nickel electrode which includes a highly efficient nickel hydroxide active material and which causes no capacity decrease during an over-discharge operation. The nickel electrode contains an active material composed of nickel hydroxide, a solid solution of at least one of zinc, cadmium, magnesium, and calcium which are added to the nickel hydroxide, and cobalt compound layers which are formed over the surfaces of particles of the nickel hydroxide. The cobalt compound layers have an oxidation number of larger than 2 and a disordered crystal structure. Such an active material can be manufactured by mixing nickel hydroxide powder containing a solid solution of at least one of zinc, cadmium, magnesium, and calcium with either metallic cobalt or a cobalt compound, and subjecting the mixture to heat treatment in the presence of oxygen and alkali.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material has a plane space d002 of a (002) plane less than 0.337 nm in an X-ray wide angle diffraction method, a crystallite size (Lc) of 90 nm or higher, an R value, as a peak intensity ratio of a peak intensity of 1360 cm−1 to a peak intensity of 1580 cm−1 in a Raman spectrum in use of an argon ion laser, of 0.20 or higher, and a tap density of 0.75 g/cm3 or higher. Also disclosed is a multilayer structure carbonaceous material for electrode, which is manufactured by carbonizing some organic compounds where the carbonaceous material for electrode is mixed with the organic compounds. The battery using the carbonaceous material for electrode or the multilayer structure carbonaceous material for electrode has a large capacity, a small irreversible capacity admitted in the initial cycle, excellent capacity maintaining rate of the cycle, and particularly, largely improved quick charging and discharging characteristics.