Patents Issued in July 1, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040126616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester resin including at least one repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD
    Inventors: Masahiro Iwasaki, Katsumi Nukada
  • Publication number: 20040126617
    Abstract: Disclosed is an OLED device comprising a light emitting layer containing an electroluminescent component having a first bandgap and at least two non-electroluminescent components having second and further bandgaps, respectively, as more fully described in the summary of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher T. Brown, Tukaram K. Hatwar
  • Publication number: 20040126618
    Abstract: A display film is capable of displaying different images between under a condition with luminous source and under a condition with a luminous source in a small space and capable of clear display by emission under a condition without a luminous source. The display film comprises: a first display layer which has a phosphorescent agent 5 or a shade agent 6 on at least a part of a surface of an opaque and nonporous substrate sheet 4 composed of a phosphorescent material as necessary and on which a first image 10 visible under a condition without a luminous source, a second display layer including a porous sheet 7 having a plurality of pores, which is disposed on the first display layer 1 in a condition such that the second display layer 2 partially conceals the first image 10 and on which a second image 11 visible under a luminous source is formed on the other hand, and a transparent protective layer disposed on the second display layer 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Masafumi Saito, Hideki Yaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040126619
    Abstract: An organic electroluminescent element comprising: a substrate; a cathode; at least one organic layer, at least one of the at least one organic layer being a light-emitting layer; and an anode, wherein the element further comprises a mixture layer containing an inorganic metal salt and an electron transporting organic material so that the cathode, the mixture layer and the organic layer are in this order, and the electron transporting organic material is at least one of compounds represented by the formula (A-I) and the formula (B-I) as defined herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Nishita
  • Publication number: 20040126620
    Abstract: A magnetoelectric magnetic field sensor has one or more laminated magnetostrictive layers and piezoelectric layers. The magnetostrictive layers are magnetized by a bias magnetic field in a longitudinal, in-plane direction. The piezoelectric layers can be poled in the longitudinal direction or perpendicular direction. The longitudinal magnetization of the magnetostrictive layers provides greatly increased sensitivity at lower bias fields compared to other magnetoelectric sensors. Perpendicular poling of the piezoelectric layers tends to provide higher sensitivity at lower detection frequency (e.g. less than 1 Hz). Longitudinal poling tends to provide higher sensitivity at high detection frequency (e.g. above 10 Hz). Also included are embodiments having relative thicknesses for the magnetostrictive layers that are optimized for sensitivity. Equations are provided for calculating the best relative thickness for the magnetostrictive layer for maximum sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dwight Viehland, Shu-Xiang Dong, Jie-Fang Li
  • Publication number: 20040126621
    Abstract: In a permanent magnet ring (1) formed by arranging a plurality of unit permanent magnets (21a, 21b, 21c . . . ), each of a plurality of the unit permanent magnets (21a, 21b, 21c . . . ) is formed in a circular cylindrical shape having a circular cross section, and a predetermined number of the unit permanent magnets are magnetically attracted each other so as to form a ring shape having a predetermined size, so that it is possible for the user to easily structure the permanent magnet ring (1) having a desired size, and it is possible to attach as many the unit permanent magnets as possible so as to be able to apply proper magnetic force lines to each part of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sagami Chemical Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeo Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20040126622
    Abstract: A magnetic recording medium capable of high-density recording and suitable for linear recording/reproducing and the reproduction of signals using a magnetoresistive head is provided. The magnetic recording medium includes a non-magnetic substrate and a magnetic layer having an oblique columnar structure formed on the non-magnetic substrate. The magnetic layer includes a first ferromagnetic metal thin film and a second ferromagnetic metal thin film whose direction of growth of its oblique columnar structure is the opposite of that of the first ferromagnetic metal thin film. Mr·&dgr;, the product of residual magnetization Mr and film thickness &dgr;, satisfies 3 (mA)≦Mr·&dgr;<30 (mA). Thickness d1 and thickness d2 of said first and second ferromagnetic metal thin films, respectively, satisfy 40 (nm)≦d1+d2≦100 (nm) as well as ½≦d2/d1≦1. Coercivity Hc of said magnetic layer satisfies Hc≧100 (kA/m).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunari Motohashi
  • Publication number: 20040126623
    Abstract: A write-once optical information recording medium is provided that is capable of realizing a high transfer rate and a method of recording and reproducing information on and from the optical information recording medium. The optical information recording medium is constructed by stacking a reflective layer 12, a first dielectric layer 13, a recording layer 14, a write-protect layer 15, a second dielectric layer 16 and a transparent cover layer 17 on a polycarbonate substrate 11. The recording layer 14 is made of a phase-change material, and the cover layer 17 is made of UV curing resin. The recording layer 14 is irradiated with a laser beam with a wavelength of 500 nm or less to change from a crystalline phase to an amorphous phase. The write-protect layer 15 prevents the recording layer 14 from changing back to the crystalline phase from the amorphous phase, formed by the phase change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shirai, Reiji Tamura, Kazuyo Umezawa, Makoto Ilmura, Akira Kashiwakura, Kazuyoshi Adachi
  • Publication number: 20040126624
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing oriented arrays of ceramic or metal oxide nanostructures, such as titania (TiO2) nanofibers. The nanofibers are formed on the surface of a body that is first sintered at a temperature in the range of about 1,100 to about 1,400 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, the surface is exposed to an H2-bearing gas, such as H2 and N2 in a ratio of about 5:95 at about 700 degrees Celsius for about 8 hours. During heat treatment in the gas phase reaction, sintered titania grains transform into arrays of nanofibers oriented in the same crystallographic direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Sheikh A. Akbar, Sehoon Yoo, Kenneth H. Sandhage
  • Publication number: 20040126625
    Abstract: A sprayed member is obtained by plasma spraying an oxide containing a rare earth element having atomic number 64 to 71 onto a substrate to form a spray coating. The sprayed member exhibits a high dielectric strength without a need for sealing treatment and is useful as dielectric rolls, heating substrates, electrostatic chucks, susceptors and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Takao Maeda, Satoshi Shima
  • Publication number: 20040126626
    Abstract: A luminescent fabric includes a luminescent net and at least one filament woven onto the luminescent net. The luminescent net includes a first group of luminescent strips extending in a first direction and a second group of luminescent strips extending in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the luminescent strips includes a body of a luminescent material and a pair of wires each including a portion embedded in the body and another portion exposed from the body for electric connection with a power supply. The luminescent net includes a first bus electrically connected in parallel with each of the luminescent strips of the first group and a second bus electrically connected in parallel with each of the luminescent strips of the second group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jen-Fu Chen
  • Publication number: 20040126627
    Abstract: A chargeable battery for medical diagnostic instruments includes a battery having an outer sheathing (2) in which an Li-ion cell (11) and a protective circuit are accommodated along with a charge/discharge module (12, 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Heine Optotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut M. Heine, Norbert Merkt
  • Publication number: 20040126628
    Abstract: The invention is a start up system and method for a fuel cell power plant (10) using a purging of the cathode flow field (38) with a hydrogen rich reducing fluid fuel to minimize corrosion of the cathode electrode (16). The method for starting up the shut down fuel cell power plant (10) includes the steps of: a. purging the cathode flow field (38) with the reducing fluid fuel; b. then, directing the reducing fluid fuel to flow through an anode flow field (28); c. next, terminating flow of the fuel through the cathode flow field (38) and directing an oxygen containing oxidant to flow through the cathode flow field (38); and, d. finally, connecting a primary load (70) to the fuel cell (12) so that electrical current flows from the fuel cell (12) to the primary load (70).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ryan J. Balliet, Carl A. Reiser, Timothy W. Patterson, Michael L. Perry
  • Publication number: 20040126629
    Abstract: The invention is a reversible fuel cell power plant (10). A reactant switch-over assembly (48) is secured between a reducing fluid fuel source (30), an oxygen containing oxidant source (24), and first and second flow fields (20) (22) of a fuel cell (12). The switch-over assembly (48) first directs a reducing fluid fuel stream to flow into the first flow field (20) while it simultaneously directs the oxygen containing oxidant stream to flow into the second flow field (22). Then, after a first half of a useful life span of the fuel cell (12) but before a final one quarter of the useful life span, the switch-over assembly (48) directs the reducing fluid fuel stream to flow into the second flow field (22) while it simultaneously directs the oxygen containing oxidant stream to flow into the first flow field (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Carl A. Reiser
  • Publication number: 20040126630
    Abstract: The invention is a method of using a temporary dilute surfactant water solution to enhance mass transport in a fuel cell (10) that generates electrical current from hydrogen containing reducing fluid and oxygen containing oxidant reactant streams. The method includes the steps of: a. directing the dilute surfactant water solution to flow through a cathode flow field (20) of a fuel cell (10); b. then removing the solution from the fuel cell (10); and, c. then directing flow of the reactant streams through the flow fields (12) (20). The temporary dilute surfactant water solution has a surface tension of not less than 50 dynes/cm. Flowing the temporary dilute surfactant water solution through the fuel cell (10) for a temporary, short duration improves mass transport of the cell (10) even after the solution is removed from the cell (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Emily A. Dykeman, Patrick L. Hagans, Leslie L. Van Dine
  • Publication number: 20040126631
    Abstract: A process for generating power includes (1) generating power from a fuel cell including a fuel electrode, an air electrode and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched therebetween wherein the fuel electrode is made of an alloy including platinum, and a fuel is a liquid including a secondary alcohol, by directly feeding the fuel to the fuel electrode; (2) contacting the air electrode in the fuel cell with an oxidizable material and applying a current from an external electric source between the fuel electrode as negative and the, air electrode as positive, after step (1); and (3) generating power from the fuel cell after step (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Isamu Uchida, Minoru Umeda, Hiroyuki Ojima
  • Publication number: 20040126632
    Abstract: Regenerative fuel cell electric power plants and operating methods therefor are provided. An embodiment of the present power plant comprises a regenerative fuel cell stack, supply systems for supplying an oxidant gas to the oxidant inlet and a fuel gas to the fuel inlet, respectively, of the stack when operating in power generation mode, a power supply system for connecting a power source to the stack for operation in electrolysis mode, a system for supplying a humidified carrier gas to the stack when operating in electrolysis mode; and, a storage system for storing hydrogen generated during electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Martin T. Pearson, Eric W. Fuller, Patricia S. Chong, Patrick Koropatnick
  • Publication number: 20040126633
    Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the production of hydrogen gases are provided. A catalytic amount of iodine is dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel source, such as cyclopropane and/or benzene, and the mixture is heated to a temperature greater than about 80° C. A reaction vessel capable of maintaining pressures greater than 1 atmosphere is used. The hydrogen gas thus produced is recovered, and optionally purified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Leonid Grigorian
  • Publication number: 20040126634
    Abstract: To provide a polyelectrolyte type fuel cell including single cells having a pair of electrodes placed at positions sandwiching a hydrogen ion polyelectrolyte membrane and supplying/exhausting means of supplying/exhausting a fuel gas to/from one of the electrodes and supplying/exhausting an oxidizer gas to/from the other of the electrodes, which are stacked one atop another through a conductive separator and have circulating means of circulating a cooling medium of cooling the electrodes, characterized in that at least one selected from among an amount of the fuel gas supplied, an amount of the fuel gas humidified, an amount of the oxidizer gas supplied, an amount of the oxidizer gas humidified, a flow rate or temperature of the cooling medium or an output current value of the polyelectrolyte type fuel cell is adjusted in such a way that an inlet temperature (Twin (° C.)) of the cooling medium or an outlet temperature of the cooling medium (Twout (° C.)) becomes 60° C. or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuhito Hatoh, Junji Niikura, Teruhisa Kanbara
  • Publication number: 20040126635
    Abstract: An electric power plant includes an array of fuel cell systems. The fuel cell systems are electrically couplable in series and/or parallel combinations to provide a variety of output powers, output current and/or output voltages. The fuel cell systems are “hot swappable” and redundant fuel cell systems may automatically replace faulty fuel cell systems to maintain output power, current and/or voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Martin T. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20040126636
    Abstract: A fuel cell comprised of a solid electrolyte layer sandwiched by a cathode layer and an anode layer to which a mixed gas of a fuel gas and air mixed together is supplied, wherein the fuel cell is formed into a spiral member comprised of a single cell layer comprised of the cathode layer, solid electrolyte layer, and anode layer stacked together or a multilayer member of a plurality of the single cell layers stacked together rolled up spirally, the cathode layer and anode layer forming facing surfaces of each upper stratum and lower stratum of the single cell layer or multilayer member adjoining each other in a diametrical direction of the spiral member are arranged through an electrical insulator, and the cathode layer and anode layer or the electrical insulator are or is formed with a gas passage enabling passage of the mixed gas, whereby it is possible to prevent an increase in size of the cell even if increasing the contact area of the anode layer and cathode layer with the air or fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Horiuchi, Shigeaki Suganuma, Misa Watanabe, Shuji Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20040126637
    Abstract: A combination of a plasma spraying process and a vacuum slip casting process is carried out. By combining these two processes, which can each be carried out without difficulty, it is surprisingly possible to achieve good electrolyte layers. Therefore, it is possible to construct a fuel cell system using coated tubes in a bundled arrangement, the tubes being electrically connected in series and operated as a fuel cell generator in power units of between 100 kW and a few MW.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gerard Barbezat, Hans Peter Buchkremer, Robert Fleck, Michael Loch, Norbert Heribert Menzler, Detlev Stoever
  • Publication number: 20040126638
    Abstract: Layered proton exchange membrane and method for preparing the same. The layered proton exchange membrane comprises an organic/inorganic composite membrane and at least one proton exchange membrane wherein the organic/inorganic composite membrane comprises inorganic proton conductors and an organic base polymer. The method comprises mixing inorganic proton conductors with an organic base polymer to form an organic/inorganic composite membrane, and combining the organic/inorganic composite membrane with at least one proton exchange membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jong-Pyng Chen, Jen-Luan Chen, Chih-Cho Shih, Chih-Yuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20040126639
    Abstract: Described herein is a production method of sulfonated polyarylene that is safe and enables easy control of the amount and position of sulfonic groups introduced in the polymer. The sulfonated polyarylene is also disclosed. The invention further provides a polyarylene and an aromatic sulfonate derivative that are suitably employed in the above production method. Also provided are a macromolecular solid electrolyte that comprises the sulfonated polyarylene, and a proton conductive membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicants: JSR CORPORATION, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nagayuki Kanaoka, Masaru Iguchi, Naoki Mitsuta, Hiroshi Soma, Toshihiro Ohtsuki
  • Publication number: 20040126640
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes at least one fuel cell stack comprising a number of fuel cell units. An inlet is configured to receive an oxidant flow for supplying the fuel cell stack. An outlet is configured to exhaust an exhaust oxidant flow generated by the fuel cell stack. A recirculation path is configured to convey at least about thirty percent (30%) of the exhaust oxidant flow from the outlet to the inlet as a recirculated exhaust flow, for combination with the new oxidant flow to form the oxidant flow to the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Simon Ralph Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20040126641
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric power plant comprises an array of fuel cell systems, the fuel cell systems each comprising a regenerative fuel cell stack, an oxidant supply system for supplying an oxidant gas to the stacks, a fuel supply system for supplying a fuel gas to the stacks, a system for supplying a humidified carrier gas to the stacks, a DC current supply system for connecting a power source across the stacks, and a storage system for storing hydrogen received from the stacks. In power generation mode, the fuel cells of the present power plant generate electricity for supply to one or more electrical loads. In electrolysis mode, the stacks generate hydrogen from a humidified carrier gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Martin T. Pearson, Eric W. Fuller, Patricia S. Chong, Patrick Koropatnick
  • Publication number: 20040126642
    Abstract: Improved fuel cell systems comprise a fuel delivery system having a fluidization apparatus and a fluidization pump for creating an electrolyte flow suitable for fluidizing at least a portion of the fuel particles located within the fluidization apparatus. Due to the presence of the fluidization pump and the fuel delivery pump, the degree of fluidization of the fuel particles can be controlled independently of the overall electrolyte flow rate provided to the cell stacks. In other words, the mass flow rate of fuel particles through the fuel cell can be varied independently from the total flow rate through the fuel cell system. The fluidization of fuel particles can facilitate suitable mixing of fuel particles and electrolyte and can prevent fuel particle agglomeration, which can clog the fuel cell piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kent I. Smedley, Ronald Gulino, Donald James Novkov, Ethan T. Alger, Jesse Rosen, Stuart I. Smedley
  • Publication number: 20040126643
    Abstract: A fuel reservoir for a liquid fuel cell particularly useful for portable electronic devices or for a reformer, includes (a) a container defining a volume for holding a liquid fuel; (b) a wicking structure positioned within the volume and into which at least one portion of the liquid fuel wicks and from which said liquid fuel subsequently may be metered, such as by pumping; (c) a retainer to hold the wicking structure in a desired orientation within the container; and (d) an outlet for the liquid fuel that is in communication with the wicking structure. A method of dispensing liquid fuel and a method of assembling a fuel cartridge are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Mark R. Kinkelaar, Kenneth P. Overk, Richard M. Good, Roeland J. Tuinman, Peter A. Ferraro, Jeffrey Lebowitz
  • Publication number: 20040126644
    Abstract: The invention is a fuel cell (20) having a corrosion resistant and protected cathode catalyst layer (24). The cathode catalyst layer (24) includes a platinum oxygen reduction catalyst and an oxygen evolution catalyst selected from the group consisting of catalysts that are more active than platinum for oxygen evolution. The oxygen evolution catalyst may be uniformly applied within the cathode catalyst layer, or non-uniformly applied to identified high corrosion areas (82) (84) of the cathode catalyst layer (24). The cathode catalyst layer (24) may include heat-treated carbon support material, and/or a heat-treated carbon black within a diffusion layer (40) supporting the cathode catalyst layer (24). The fuel cell (20) may also include an anode catalyst layer (22) having a poor oxygen reduction catalyst having a greater oxygen reduction over potential than platinum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: John A. S. Bett, Ned E. Cipollini, Thomas D. Jarvi, Richard D. Breault
  • Publication number: 20040126645
    Abstract: A fuel battery having a high oxygen partial pressure at the fuel electrode side, maintaining conductivity even under conditions where a metal electrode would be oxidized, and maintaining a fuel electrode function, having a cell comprised of an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte layer on one surface of which a cathode layer is formed and on the other surface of which an anode layer is formed, supplied with methane or another fuel gas and oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas, and undergoing an oxidation reduction reaction between the gases through the cell whereby an electromotive force is generated, wherein the anode layer is comprised of a fired body having NiO containing Li in solid solution as a main ingredient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Michio Horiuchi, Shigeaki Suganuma, Misa Watanabe, Shuji Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20040126646
    Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell comprises a multiple number of connected unit cells, each composed of a fuel electrode element of a microporous carbon material, an electrolyte layer formed on the outer surface of the fuel electrode element, an air electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the electrolyte layer, wherein each unit cell is supplied with fuel from a fuel-reservoir through a fuel feeder having an infiltration structure coupled therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Suda, Takahiro Osada, Kunitaka Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040126647
    Abstract: A device and method for promoting the recombination of oxygen and hydrogen in a battery cell. The device, in one form, provides catalyst and heater for heating the catalyst to prevent the liquid water from interfering with the recombination reaction. In another form the device takes the form of a catalyst container having a heater inside of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: William E. M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20040126648
    Abstract: An electrode unit of a secondary battery prevents deviated winding of electrode plates of the electrode unit and prevents the position of an electrode tab from shifting during winding and a secondary battery having the electrode unit. The secondary battery includes an electrode unit having a first electrode plate having a first electrode uncoated portion on at least one side of a first electrode collector coated with at least a first electrode active material, a second electrode plate having a second electrode uncoated portion on at least one side of a second electrode collector coated with at least a second electrode active material, a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and a case accommodating the electrode unit to be sealed and having a terminal portion electrically connected to the electrode unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Won Kang, Su-Jin Han, Chang-Seob Kim, Yoon-Tai Kwak, Ju-Hyung Kim, Soo-Youn Maenn, Min-Ilo Bong
  • Publication number: 20040126649
    Abstract: A low-cost, simple method for manufacturing highly-ordered nanofibers is provided. The feature of the procedure is using a self-catalytic mechanism. First of all, a porous membrane template is used as a filter to spread metal nanoparticles, which have a self-catalytic characteristic, onto a current collector. After removing, the membrane template, the nanoparticles grow and become highly-ordered nanofibers by heat treatment in an oxygen atmosphere. The nanofibers show superior field emission effects and are therefore ideal field emission sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jin-Ming Chen, Chien-Te Hsieh, Yue-Hao Huang, Hung-Hsiao Lin, Han-Chang Shih
  • Publication number: 20040126650
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for a lithium ion cell and a lithium ion cell using the electrode assembly are provided. The electrode assembly for a lithium ion cell includes a positive electrode plate, a separator and a negative electrode plate, which are sequentially stacked and wound. A positive electrode lead is electrically coupled to the positive electrode plate and is led from the positive electrode plate. A negative electrode lead is electrically coupled to the negative electrode plate and has a current interrupter which is capable of causing a disconnection in the event of an over-current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Seob Kim
  • Publication number: 20040126651
    Abstract: A lithium secondary battery includes a can made of a conductive metal. The can houses an electrode unit having positive and negative electrode plates with a separator interposed therebetween with an electrolytic solution. An upper opening of the can is sealed by a cap assembly. A bottom plate is welded to an outer bottom surface of the can, and a lead plate having a first end welded to the outer bottom surface of the can and a second end connected to a safety device so that the can is electrically connected to the safety device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Seob Kim, Su-Jin Han, Min-Ho Gong, Jun-Won Kang, Soo-Youn Maeng, Ju-Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20040126652
    Abstract: A housing (2) for an electronic control unit for use aboard a bicycle and a battery container (3) for powering electrical devices fitted aboard, are provided with quick coupling means (6, 10), that, when coupled, also provide the electrical connection between the batteries and the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.I.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20040126653
    Abstract: Disclosed are ionically conductive composites for protection of active metal anodes and methods for their fabrication. The composites may be incorporated in active metal negative electrode (anode) structures and battery cells. In accordance with the invention, the properties of different ionic conductors are combined in a composite material that has the desired properties of high overall ionic conductivity and chemical stability towards the anode, the cathode and ambient conditions encountered in battery manufacturing. The composite is capable of protecting an active metal anode from deleterious reaction with other battery components or ambient conditions while providing a high level of ionic conductivity to facilitate manufacture and/or enhance performance of a battery cell in which the composite is incorporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: PolyPlus Battery Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce D. Katz
  • Publication number: 20040126654
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell laminate is disclosed which comprises an electrolyte separator, a cathode film and a cathode current collector, a metallic anode film, and an insulating support film onto which the cathode film and the cathode current collector are coated onto a first surface thereof and the metallic anode film is positioned onto a second surface thereof. The cathode film and the anode film being electrically and ionically isolated from each other by the insulating support film. The electrochemical cell laminate according to the invention may be stacked wound or rolled to form an electrochemical battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony Sudano, Richard Laliberte
  • Publication number: 20040126655
    Abstract: A laminate type battery comprises a substrate, a power generating element which has at least one single cell made by a positive electrode layer, an electrolyte layer and a negative electrode layer which are sandwiched by collecting layers from both sides thereof, and an electric circuit portion having electrode terminals which connect the collecting layers to an external device and circuitries which connect the collecting layers and the electrode terminals. In the battery, the power generating element and the electric circuit portion are formed by stacking a plurality of layers on the substrate, and each of the layers is. configured such that the power generating element and the electric circuit portion are formed by stacking the layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunari Hisamitsu, Hideaki Horie, Kouichi Nemoto, Yasuhiko Ohsawa
  • Publication number: 20040126656
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, an electrically conducting metallic can, adapted to accommodate the electrode assembly, and having a side opening, a cap assembly including a cap plate and an electrode port, the cap plate being coupled to the side opening of the can and having at least one aperture in a side portion thereof, the electrode port being coupled to the cap plate and being connected to one of at least two electrode tabs that extend from the electrode assembly, and a lead plate, pressed into the at least one aperture of the cap plate, and connected to a safety device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Sung-Jae Cho
  • Publication number: 20040126657
    Abstract: The invention discloses a battery structure formed by the steps of: securing and adhering upper and lower plastic casings; sealing lithium cell raw material using plastic; connecting a contact of the lithium cell raw material to an metal contact of the embedded plastic extrusion contact; and the characteristics thereof are that the upper plastic casing is provided with an explosion-proof ventilator, the cell raw material is sealed by means of plastic, and the explosion-proof ventilator is able to prevent explosions caused by overheating from short circuit and collisions of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Yu-Lin Chung
  • Publication number: 20040126658
    Abstract: The invention provides additives capable of fabricating a battery having an excellent combustion inhibiting effect, a low interfacial resistance of an electrolyte and excellent low-temperature discharging property and high-temperature storing property by adding to the electrolyte for the battery to maintain properties required as the battery and capable of fabricating an electrolyte electric double-layered capacitor having an excellent combustion inhibiting effect, a low interfacial resistance of an electrolyte and an excellent low-temperature discharging property by adding to the electrolyte for the electric double-layered capacitor to maintain sufficient electric properties such as electric conductivity and the like as well as a battery and an electric double-layered capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Masashi Otsuki, Shigeki Endo, Takao Ogino
  • Publication number: 20040126659
    Abstract: Electrodes comprising lithium alloyed with nanostructured silicon materials exhibit improved capacities, cycle lives, and/or cycling rates compared with similar electrodes made from bulk silicon. The electrodes do not require a conductive diluent such as carbon black. These electrodes are useful as anodes for secondary electrochemical cells, for example, batteries and electrochemical supercapacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jason A. Graetz, Brent T. Fultz, Channing Ahn, Rachid Yazami
  • Publication number: 20040126660
    Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: a negative electrode containing, as a negative electrode active material, at least a material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions or metal lithium; a positive electrode; and an electrolyte, an oxide containing nickel and manganese elements, the material comprising primary particles of the oxide having a twining portion and a superlattice arrangement of a [{square root}{square root over ( )}3×{square root}{square root over ( )}3] R30° when assigned as R3-m is used as a positive electrode active material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ohzuku, Hiroshi Yoshizawa, Masatoshi Nagayama
  • Publication number: 20040126661
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable battery including: (a) a positive electrode capable of charging and discharging lithium; (b) a negative electrode capable of charging and discharging lithium; (c) a separator or a lithium ion conductive layer interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and (d) a lithium ion conductive non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode contains a mixture of a first positive electrode active material and a second positive electrode active material, the first positive electrode active material includes lithium oxide containing manganese, the lithium oxide further contains aluminum and/or magnesium, and the second positive electrode active material includes LixCo1−y−zMgyAlzO2 where 1≦x≦1.03, 0.005≦y≦0.1 and 0.001≦z<0.02.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Nagayama, Hiroshi Yoshizawa
  • Publication number: 20040126662
    Abstract: Disclosure is a non-aqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery having an improved negative electrode material. The negative electrode material contains a carbonaceous material that has a Lc value of 0.70 to 2.20 nm calculated from X-ray diffraction analysis, and a degree of graphitization R value (ID/IG) is 0.90 to 1.20, the degree of graphitization being obtained by the ratio of the peak height (ID) representing a vibration mode based on a non-crystalline disorder structure within the range of from 1300 to 1400 cm−1 that is measured by Raman spectrum to the peak height (IG) representing a vibration mode based on a graphite crystalline structure within the range of 1580 to 1620 cm−1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kazushige Kohno, Juichi Arai, Yoshiaki Arai, Sadatoshi Ueda
  • Publication number: 20040126663
    Abstract: A current collector for polymer electrolyte thin film electrochemical cells and an electrochemical generator is disclosed. The current collector comprises a polymer substrate support film having a thickness of between 1 and 15 microns; a conductive metallic layer having a thickness of less than 3 microns, coated by metal vapor deposition onto at least one surface of the polymer substrate film; and a protective metal or metal oxide layer deposited onto the conductive metallic layer, having a thickness of between 5 and 500 nanometer and being electronically conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony Sudano, Richard Laliberte, Martin Simoneau, Michel Parent
  • Publication number: 20040126664
    Abstract: Battery separators made of a wettable, uniform mat of melt blown fibers. The melt blown fibers are thermally bonded to one another. These fibers are made of a thermoplastic material. The fibers have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 13 microns (&mgr;) and lengths greater than 12 millimeters (mm). The mat has a basis weight ranging from 6 to 160 grams per square meter (g/m2), a thickness of less than 75 microns (&mgr;), and an average pore size of 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Daramic Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Zucker
  • Publication number: 20040126665
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gel polymer electrolyte battery which uses a polymerizable electrolyte polymerized within the battery case to form a gel polymer electrolyte without the addition of a polymerization initiator. The electrolyte of this invention can be produced by simply adding organic monomer to a conventional liquid electrolyte. The polymerizable electrolyte comprises a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte salt, and an organic monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl ether and epoxide. Methods of making gel polymer electrolyte as well as polymer electrolyte battery are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Luying Sun