Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack includes a rechargeable battery having a first electrode and a second electrode; a circuit assembly disposed at one end on a side of a sealing portion of the rechargeable battery; a battery protection circuit for protecting the rechargeable battery from overcharging, the battery protection circuit arranged on a side of the circuit assembly which faces the sealing portion of the rechargeable battery; a plurality of input and output terminals arranged on another side of the circuit assembly, said input and output terminals to which said first electrode and said second electrode are respectively each connected via the battery protection circuit, thereby constituting an intermediate unit in which the rechargeable battery and the circuit assembly are integrated; and an outer case for sealing therein said intermediate unit, the outer case having openings formed at locations corresponding to the input and output terminals.

Abstract: Fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell which includes an anode compartment and a cathode compartment which are separated from one another by a proton-conducting membrane, further comprising a cathode feeder for delivering oxygen-containing gas to the cathode compartment, an anode feeder for delivering a liquid coolant/fuel mixture to the anode compartment, the anode compartment being disposed in an anode circuit which comprises a gas separator and a pump, and cooling of the coolant/fuel mixture circulating in the anode circuit is effected by the fuel cell which is designed for operation involving water break-through from the anode compartment into the cathode compartment. The evaporation cooling thus achieved in the fuel cell results in cooling of the coolant/fuel mixture at a steady-state operating temperature which is established in the fuel cell as a function of the membrane properties and the speed of the pump, thus obviating the need for any additional cooler in the anode circuit itself.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed. A fuel cell stack is in fluid communication with a reformer. An air conditioning system is in fluid communication with the reformer. Methods of making and using a fuel cell system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, a reformer system, and a waste energy recovery (or heat exchanger) assembly is presented. The waste energy recovery assembly receives an anode supply and a cathode supply that are heated by exhaust gases from the fuel cell stack. The heated anode supply and cathode supply are then directed to the fuel cell stack. The waste energy recovery assembly includes a series of stacked plates. The flow direction of the plates alternates from one plate to the next. These plates are alternately stacked until the desired flow area and heat transfer are achieved. Since the direction of flow of each plate is perpendicular to the direction of flow of the next plate in series, the cool (anode and cathode) gases flow along side a plate experiencing a flow of heated exhaust gases and are thusly heated.

Abstract: An operational cycle for a fuel processor capable of reforming a fuel, the operational cycle is disclosed. The operational cycle includes: an off state; a manager check state entered into from the off state, and in which the operational readiness of the fuel processor is checked; a preheat state entered into from the manager check state, and in which the fuel processor preheats gases, including the fuel, for mixing into a process feed stream; a startup state entered into from the preheat state, and in which the fuel processor begins operating under start-up conditions; a run state entered into from the startup state, and in which the fuel processor reforms the process feed stream into a reformate under steady-state conditions; and a shutdown state entered into any one of the manager check state, preheat state, startup state, and run state. The operational cycle may be employed in a fuel processor for a fuel cell or a fuel cell power plant.

Abstract: Proton conducting membranes having improved resistance to methanol crossover are provided, along with methods for their manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the polymeric membranes are formed by (a) dissolving a polymer, preferably a polyphosphazene, in an organic solvent to form a polymer solution; (b) adding an oxyacid to the polymer solution; (c) optionally, adding water to the polymer solution, preferably in a molar ratio equivalent to the oxyacid; (d) optionally, concentrating the polymer solution; (e) casting the polymer solution on a casting surface, such as one formed of or coated with TEFLON™; and (f) removing the organic solvent, so as to form the polymeric membrane. A particularly useful application for these polymeric membranes is in fuel cells, such as those wherein methanol and oxygen are converted into electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for identifying an electrical short in a flowing electrolyte battery. The system for identifying an electrical short in a flowing electrolyte battery comprises a detection device for detecting direction of current flow through the battery, wherein the flow of current in a first direction is indicative of proper current flow and the flow of current in a second direction is indicative of an electrical short within at least a portion of the battery, and a switch, for example, for ceasing current flow upon detection of current flow in the second direction. The system further contemplates an identifying component which visually and/or audibly alerts an operator as to an electrical short.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic air jet for a metal-air battery. A synthetic air jet can be housed within, incorporated into, or attached to a battery casing to generate a convective air flow for an air cathode of a metal-air cell contained within the casing. A means for activating the synthetic air jet controls the air flow through the battery casing. When the synthetic air jet is activated, the internal volume of the synthetic air jet changes. The expansion and contraction of the synthetic air jet creates an air flow through the battery, thus providing reactant air for the air cathode of the metal-air cell.

Abstract: A silicon oxide powder represented by the formula: SiOx wherein 1.05≦x≦1.5 and having a BET specific surface area of 5-300 m2/g is useful as a negative electrode material to construct a lithium ion secondary cell having a high capacity and improved cycle performance.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes. The proton exchange membrane is configured to be integral with a frame structure and includes a substrate disposed in contiguous contact with the frame structure and a proton exchange material disposed at the substrate.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided having an anode cup, a gasket, and a cathode can. The anode cup has a ratio of an upper diameter to a lower diameter greater than about 0.86 and a ratio of cup height at the upper diameter to cup height at the lower diameter of not greater than about 2.19. The external cup diameter exceeds an internal cup diameter to prevent nesting of anode cups during the assembly process. The cell has a ratio of the total height to the can height of greater than 1.35 and preferably a difference between the total height and can height of more than 0.04 inch.

Abstract: A reverse mismatched compression glass-to-metal seal is described. In this seal, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulating glass is lower than that of the terminal lead and, the ferrule or casing body has a similar or higher coefficient of thermal expansion than that of the terminal lead.

Abstract: A mixture of polymeric binders that is insoluble in nonaqueous organic electrolytes activating alkali metal or alkali metal ion electrochemical cells, is described. The mixed binder formulation provides electrodes that are flexible and non-brittle, and cells incorporating the electrodes are dischargeable at elevated temperatures. A preferred binder formulation is a mixture of polyvinylidene and polyimide binders.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy which is excellent in stability in an aqueous solution and in mechanical pulverizability is disclosed. This hydrogen-absorbing alloy contains an alloy represented by the following general formula (I): Mg2M1y  (I) wherein M1 is at least one element selected (excluding Mg, elements which are capable of causing an exothermic reaction with hydrogen, Al and B) from elements which are incapable of causing an exothermic reaction with hydrogen; and y is defined as 1<y≦1.5.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having an anode comprising zinc, an alkaline electrolyte solution, a separator, and a cathode comprising silver copper oxide AgCuO2, or Ag2Cu2O3, desirably in admixture with MnO2. The cathode preferably also includes a graphitic carbon to improve electrical conductivity. The graphtic carbon can comprise natural or synthetic graphites including expanded graphites and graphitic carbon fibers. The carbon nanofibers desirably have a mean average diameter less than 500 nanometers.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell includes a cathode including lambda-manganese dioxide (&ggr;-MnO2), an anode including lithium or a lithium alloy, a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lithium secondary cell comprising a positive electrode containing a lithium titanate as an active material, a negative electrode containing a carbonaceous material as an active material, and an electrolytic solution comprising a solution of a lithium salt in an organic solvent. The lithium titanate preferably has a composition of the formula: LixTiyO4 (0.8≦x≦1.4 and 1.6≦y≦2.2). The lithium secondary cell has a high capacity suitable for use as a power source for a wristwatch and good charge-discharge properties, at a nominal voltage of 1.5 V.

Abstract: A method of producing graphite powder for a negative electrode of a lithium ion secondary cell excellent in discharge/charge efficiency (Coulomb efficiency) and having a high capacity retention rate, wherein 0.01 to 10 wt % (on the basis of the graphite material) of a starch derivative having C6H10O5 as a basic structure or other surface active materials are allowed to be adsorbed by or to coat the surface of a graphite material for a negative electrode capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions and furthermore at least one kind of metal elements selected from the group consisting of lithium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium is added.

Abstract: A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one carbonate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a solvent mixture including ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. The preferred additive is either a linear or cyclic carbonate containing covalent O—X and O—Y bonds on opposite sides of a carbonyl group wherein at least one of the O—X and the O—Y bonds has a dissociation energy less than about 80 kcal/mole.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes describes a method for fabricating an AAPS photomask with improved intensity balance. The method includes forming an alternating aperture phase shifting photomask pattern on a substrate, including forming trenches within the substrate. The method further includes forming a layer of antireflective material within the bottom of at least one trench. In one embodiment the layer antireflective material is Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) formed using a vacuum evaporation technique. The layer of antireflective material formed at the bottom of the trench areas increases the transmission of light through the trench areas by improving light coupling into the trench.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color filter for a liquid crystal display and a liquid crystal display using the same, and more particularly to a color filter for a liquid crystal display comprising a pixel area, a black matrix, and a transparent overcoating film, wherein the transparent overcoating film comprises a thermosetting polymer obtained by mixing a) polyamic acid having siloxane terminal groups; and b) an epoxy compound having 1 to 4 epoxy groups, and a liquid crystal display using the same. The color filter for a liquid crystal display of the present invention comprises a transparent overcoating film having a wide pattern formation margin of a transparent electrode and superior heat resistance, light resistance, and transmissivity. When applied to a liquid crystal display, this color filter can offer a liquid crystal display, particularly ITO PVA mode liquid crystal display with good physical properties and is capable of realizing a wide view angle.

Abstract: A microchip is provided having a grayscale feature and a micromachined alignment feature registered to the grayscale feature. A process is also provided to ensure proper registration between the alignment feature and the grayscale feature by using a single exposure mask to define the grayscale feature and the alignment feature. In particular, the exposure mask includes a grayscale pattern representing the grayscale feature and an alignment pattern representing an alignment feature located at a specified position with respect to the grayscale pattern. The alignment pattern in the exposure mask marks the location of the micromachined feature in the microchip. Through a multistep deposition and etching process, the grayscale feature is formed within the substrate along with a micromachined alignment feature to enable the microchip to be mechanically aligned to other components of an optical system while maintaining proper registration of the grayscale feature.

Abstract: A photoconductor for electrophotography including a conductive substrate, an undercoat layer provided on the conductive substrate, and a photosensitive layer provided on the undercoat layer and a manufacturing method thereof. The undercoat layer contains metallic oxide fine particles and is formed by applying a coating liquid for the undercoat layer onto the conductive substrate. The coating liquid contains an organic solvent having a boiling point at 1×105Pa of about 160° C. or less and a viscosity at 20° C. of about 3.0 mPa.s or more. This improves dispersion stability of metal oxide fine particles in the coating liquid to realize a uniform undercoat layer and, in turn, provides the photoconductor with uniform electrophotographic characteristics, in particular, with uniform image characteristics and external appearance characteristics.

Abstract: An method is disclosed for on-site preparation of a relief image comprising the following steps: (a) laminating a material comprising, in the order given, a first peelable support (1), an image recording layer (2) and an adhesive layer (3) onto a UV-sensitive material comprising a support (7), an UV-sensitive layer (6) wherein the adhesive layer (3) is laminated to the UV-sensitive layer (6); (b) image-wise exposing the image recording layer (2) to form a mask; (c) flood exposing the UV-sensitive material through the mask; (d) developing the UV-sensitive material; wherein the peelable support (1) is removed either before step (b), (c) or (d). Steps (a) to (d) are performed within a period of less than 2 months. As a result the extent of monomer diffusion from the UV-sensitive layer to the image recording layer is reduced. Additionally the adhesion between the image recording layer and the UV-sensitive material is optimised.

Abstract: Provided is a chemical-amplification positive-working resist composition capable of giving a resist pattern having excellent dry etching resistance and adhesion to the substrate with high pattern resolution and further having a good profile with improvement in the line edge roughness.

Abstract: This invention describes a heat sensitive composition comprising: (A-I) a compound which is represented by the following general formula (I) and generates a radical when heated, and (B-I) a compound having physical and chemical properties that are changed irreversibly by a radical, R—SO2−M+  General formula (I) wherein R represents an alkyl group or aryl group, and M+ represents a counter cation selected from sulfonium, iodonium, diazonium, ammonium and azinium; and a negative planographic printing plate precursor which can be recorded by heat mode using this composition. This invention also describes a planographic printing plate precursor comprising a substrate having disposed thereon a photosensitive layer containing (C-II) a light-heat converting agent, (B-II) a compound having a polymerizable unsaturated group, and (A-II) an onium salt having at least two cation parts in one molecule.

Abstract: A printing plate includes a substantially free gelatin free polymeric film which includes a coating layer of a polymer having at least one -POXY pendant group, pendant carboxyl groups and further comprises a sulphonated monomer, salt or derivative.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for reducing resist residue defects in a semiconductor manufacturing process. The methods comprise appropriate adjustment of hardware, substrate, resist, developer, and process variables in order to remove resist residues from a semiconductor substrate structure in order to reduce resist residue defects therein, including special vapor prime and development operations.

Abstract: A method for fabricating sub-lithographic sized line and space features is disclosed. The method includes the use of conventional microelectronics processing techniques such as photolithographic patterning and etching, polysilicon deposition, polysilicon oxidation, polysilicon oxide etching, polysilicon wet and plasma etching, and chemical mechanical planarization. Polysilicon line features having a feature size that is greater than or equal to a lithography limit are oxidized in a plasma that includes an oxygen gas. The oxidation forms a sub-lithographic sized polysilicon core and an oxidized polysilicon mantel that includes portions along sidewall surfaces of the sub-lithographic sized polysilicon core that also have a sub-lithographic feature size. After planarization and a plasma etch that is selective to either the polysilicon or the oxidized polysilicon, a plurality of sub-lithographic sized line and space patterns are formed.

Abstract: Forming a protective layer such as chromium, chrome alloys, nickel or cobalt as a cap over an aluminum film protects an underlying ITO layer from corrosion during the fabrication of flat panel displays such as field emission devices and the like. The presence of the protective layer during fabrication processes such as photolithography prevents diffusion of solutions through the aluminum into the ITO. This protective layer is especially effective during the development and resist stripping stages of photolithography which use solutions or solvents that would otherwise cause reductive corrosion of ITO in contact with aluminum. The methods and apparatus described herein are particularly advantageous for the fabrication of flat panel displays such as field emission devices and other display devices, because ITO is often used in such devices in contact with aluminum while exposed to corrosion-inducing media.

Abstract: There is provided a manufacturing method of an optical device having a micro-asperity pattern that has various kinds of accurate three-dimensional shapes and is realized as thin films. A substrate is coated with a resin thin film made of a photosensitive resin, and the temperature of the resin thin film is controlled so as to be lower than the photosensitivity extinction temperature of the resin thin film. A micro-asperity pattern of a stamper is pressed against the resin thin film when the resin thin film is in a softened or melted state by pressurizing means, whereby a micro-asperity pattern is formed on the surface of the resin thin film.

Abstract: A master medium for use in magnetic transfer of information includes a metal disk which has a first relief or recess pattern representing the information. The metal disk is produced by exposing a photoresist film formed on a base disk with a laser or electron beam modulated with the information while rotating the base disk; developing the photoresist film so as to form an original disk having a second relief or recess pattern; depositing metal on the original disk so as to mold the metal disk on the original disk; and removing the metal disk from the original disk.

Abstract: A process for the post-exposure amplification of resist structures uses amplification of resist structures of fluorinated resist polymers by structural growth of the structures by targeted chemical bonding of fluorinated oligomers. In the first step, a fluorine-containing resist is applied to a substrate. After exposure and development of the resist, bonding of an amplification agent chemically amplifies the resist structures. A fluorine-containing amplification agent is preferably used to achieve an improved reaction between polymer and amplification agent due to the improved miscibility of the molecular chains.

Abstract: A method for the refreshment and reuse of loaded developers used in lithographic printing is disclosed. A polyoxyalkylene derivative is added to a silicate-containing loaded developer. Insoluble material is separated and the alkalinity level of the resulting essentially colorless liquid adjusted to produce a refreshed developer. The refreshed developer may be used to develop additional exposed imageable elements.

Abstract: A silver halide photographic material is disclosed, comprising at least one silver halide emulsion layer provided on a support, the emulsion layer comprising a silver halide emulsion containing at least two sensitizing dyes represented by the following general formula (I): wherein X represents an oxygen atom, sulfur atom, selenium atom or NR′; R and R′ each represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl or heterocyclic group; D represents a group required to form a methine dye; M represents a counter ion; and m represents a number of not smaller than 0 required to neutralize the electric charge in the molecule.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging element comprising an imaging layer having associated therewith a compound of Structure I: wherein: the substituents are as defined in the application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a prophylactically or therapeutically active protein, the syringe being filled with a body fluid and incubated, and the prophylactically or therapeutically active protein subsequently being formed in the body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lysosomal storage disorders and to diagnostic agents for their detection in humans and other animals. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the uses of the LSD markers Lamp-1, Lamp-2, Limp-II, 4-sulphatase, acid phosphatase (ACP), &bgr;-hexosaminidase or &agr;-mannosidase, amongst others as diagnotic agents for the detection of many lysosomal storage disorders.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a reagent test strip that includes: a) a top support layer including a sample aperture; b) a membrane that includes a reagent system for indicating the concentration of a target; c) a spreading layer; d) a bottom support layer including a measuring port in substantial alignment or approximate alignment with the sample aperture. Preferably, the membrane is affixed to the top support layer. Preferably, the membrane is positioned between the top support layer and the bottom support layer. Preferably, the spreading layer is positioned above the top support layer and in substantial or approximate alignment with the sample aperture. Preferably, a fluid applied to the spreading layer, passes through the sample aperture and contacts the membrane.

Abstract: Transmembrane potential measurement methods using cationic dyes, and anionic dyes are provided. Compositions of the cationic and anionic dyes and microfluidic systems which include the dyes and membranes are provided in conjunction with processing elements for transmembrane potential measurements.

Abstract: The invention concerns the geNo.mic sequence and cDNA sequences of the PCTA-1 gene. The invention also concerns biallelic markers of the PCTA-1 gene and the association established between these markers and prostate cancer. The invention provides means to determine the predisposition of individuals to prostate cancer as well as means for the diagNo.sis of prostate cancer and for the progNo.sis/detection of an eventual treatment response to agents acting against prostate cancer.

Abstract: Novel DNA probe sequences for detection, by polymerase chain reaction, of human hepatitis B virus surface antigen mutant 145 (Glycine to Arginine) from serum samples. As a direct application, these specific DNA probes are immobilized on solid glass supports (gene chip) for detection of human hepatitis B virus surface antigen mutant 145 (Glycine to Arginine) by fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an isolated and purified peroxisome-associated polypeptide. The present invention is also related to the nucleotide sequence encoding said amino sequence, the inhibitor directed against said sequences and their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of lung injuries or diseases and oxidative stress-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of differential display of prokaryotic messages RNA by RTPCR, the method comprising the steps of: adding a first primer mixture to a first nucleic acid sample including a first mixture of mRNA to form a first primer/first nucleic acid sample mixture; adding the first primer mixture to a second nucleic acid sample including a first mixture of mRNA to form a first primer/second nucleic acid sample mixture; incubating the first primer/first nucleic acid sample mixture to produce a first population of cDNA; incubating the first primer/second nucleic acid sample mixture to produce a second population of cDNA; adding a second primer to the first population of cDNA to form a second primer/first population of cDNA mixture; adding the second primer mixture to the second population of cDNA to form a second primer/second population of cDNA mixture; amplifying the second primer/first population of cDNA mixture to produce a third population of cDNA; amplifying the second primer/seco

Abstract: A method of screening a subject for mitochondrial dysfunction comprises detecting the presence or absence of single nucleotide changes in a hypervariable region of the mitochondrial DNA of said subject, the presence of such changes indicating that said subject is afflicted with or at risk of developing mitochondrial dysfunction.

Abstract: Microarray technology is a fast-growing field of biomedical research, aiming to investigate changes in molecular features of hundreds of genes. The multiple parallel processing of information generated from matrices of huge numbers of loci on a solid substrate has allowed the gathering of gene signatures defining specific biological states. A new approach has been developed to facilitate this process wherein genes of the same regulatory modality are selected. The transcriptional regulation of these genes is related to the same control element, the E-box, defined by the sequence CACGTG. PCR products of selected regions of all known genes either binding to this sequence or whose expression is dependent on this binding, as well as genes interacting with E-box-binding genes and control genes, are arrayed on a nylon membrane or other appropriate microchip susbstrate, which is then used as an E-box-specific microarray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, apparatus and methods useful for concurrently performing multiple, high throughput, biological or chemical assays, using repeated arrays of probes. A combination of the invention comprises a surface, which comprises a plurality of test regions, at least two of which, and in a preferred embodiment, at least twenty of which, are substantially identical, wherein each of the test regions comprises an array of generic anchor molecules. The anchors are associated with bifunctional linker molecules, each containing a portion which is specific for at least one of the anchors and a portion which is a probe specific for a target of interest. The resulting array of probes is used to analyze the presence or test the activity of one or more target molecules which specifically interact with the probes. In a preferred embodiment, a sample to be tested is subjected to a nuclease protection procedure before it is contacted with a combination of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the use of genetic variance information for folate transport or metabolism genes or pyrimidine transport or metabolism genes in the selection of effective methods of treatment of a disease or condition. The variance information is indicative of the expected response of a patient to a method of treatment. Methods of determining relevant variance information and additional methods of using such variance information are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides Daedalos polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding Daedalos polypeptides, and methods of using Daedalos polypeptides and nucleic acids. Also included in the invention are methods of diagnosis, methods of treatment, methods of detection, and methods of controlling neural cell differentiation by detecting and/or modulating expression of Daedalos in a cell.