Abstract: Biaxially oriented polymeric films having a core layer of a voided propylene homopolymer with a density of not more than 0.70 g/cm3, and at least one substantially non-voided layer on each surface of the core layer, the ratio of the combined thicknesses of the non-voided layers on the respective surfaces of the core layer being from 2:1 to 1:1. Films in accordance with the present invention have low curl, particularly after having been printed.

Abstract: A flexure including a plurality of plies of composite material consolidated everywhere except at at least one predefined region where preselected adjacent plies are purposefully delaminated so they can move relative to each other when the flexure is bent.

Abstract: A cover tape for packaging electronic components, which can prevent troubles associated with the peeling strength or trouble appearing during mounting of the electronic components, which can be produced at a low cost, and which is transparent; that is, a cover tape has a peeling strength not too high and not too low and small in difference between the maximum value and the minimum value and which has high transparency. Specifically, the cover tape for packaging electronic components, which can be heat-sealed to a plastic-made carrier tape having pockets capable of storing electronic components, formed regularly therein and which is made of (A) a biaxially oriented film layer made of polyester, a polypropylene or a nylon and (B) a thermoplastic resin layer composed of 100 parts by weight of an ethylene copolymer and 10 to 100 parts by weight of polystyrene, laminated to one side of the layer A.

Abstract: A radiation curable coating comprising: (i) at least one radiation polymerizable reactant; (ii) at least one initiator for initiating cure; (iii) at least one wax; wherein the wax is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the 60° gloss of the cured coating to a gloss level less than 40 when the coating is cured by exposure to radiation in the presence of oxygen to provide a dry film thickness of 1.0±0.1 mil.

Abstract: Chopped strands having a sizing agent impregnated on glass fiber strands, to be used for a molded product of unsaturated polyester resin BMC, wherein the sizing agent comprises a urethane resin, a vinyl acetate resin and a silane coupling agent, and wherein the mass ratio of the urethane resin to the vinyl acetate resin is from 30:70 to 70:30.

Abstract: A yarn containing filaments made from synthetic polymers has a cross-section having at least 5 vertices, a titer of 1 to 7 dtex and a tenacity of at least 60 cN/tex. The filaments of the yarn preferably have a cross-section having 5 to 8 vertices, possibly with indentations between the vertices. The cross-section of the filaments is preferably star-shaped. The yarn preferably has a tenacity of 60 to 85 cN/tex, an elongation at break of 15% to 35%, a hot-air shrinkage of 4% to 10% and a stretch recovery of 250 to 400 cN/tex. The yarn is excellently suited for use in the manufacture of industrial fabrics, particularly airbag fabrics.

Abstract: A yarn, fabric, and apparel formed from modacrylic fibers and high energy absorptive fibers. When the yarn is formed into a fabric comprised substantially of the yarn, the fabric meets the American Society for Testing and Materials standard for flame resistance and the National Fire Protection Association standard for arc thermal performance exposure.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel three-dimensional (3D) carbon fibers which are original (or primary) carbon fibers (OCF) with secondary carbon filaments (SCF) grown thereon, and, if desired, tertiary carbon filaments (TCF) are grown from the surface of SCF forming a filamentous carbon network with high surface area. The methods and apparatus are provided for growing SCF on the OCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases (CG) over the hot surface of the OCF without use of metal-based catalysts. The thickness and length of SCF can be controlled by varying operational conditions of the process, e.g., the nature of CG, temperature, residence time, etc. The optional activation step enables one to produce 3D activated carbon fibers with high surface area. The method and apparatus are provided for growing TCF on the SCF by thermal decomposition of carbonaceous gases over the hot surface of the SCF using metal catalyst particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultra-fine inorganic fibers and a method of producing the same. The method of producing ultra-fine inorganic fibers comprises the steps of: mixing sol or gel containing an inorganic material and thermoplastic resin solution and reacting them to produce a mixture solution thereof; electronically spinning the mixture solution under a high voltage to produce a composite fiber with the inorganic material embedded in the thermoplastic resin; and carbonating the thermoplastic resin in the composite fiber or dissolving the same in a solvent. Thereby an ultra-fine inorganic fiber is prepared which has a length 100 to 10,000 times larger than its diameter and a diameter of 10 to 1,000 nm. The ultra-fine inorganic fiber of the present invention has a very large specific surface area with respect to its volume. Thus it is very useful as catalyst supporting materials, reinforcing materials, coating materials or the like in every field of industry.

Abstract: A tin (IV) oxide nanopowder essentially free of byproducts and consisting of crystalline particles that have rutile crystalline structure is produced in bulk quantities by an inexpensive process of a chemical reaction of either a tin chloride of tin sulfate in an ionic melt of alkali metal nitrates followed by cooling, leaching with distilled water, and a thermal treatment. The nanopowder exhibits electrical conductivity substantially independent from its temperature in wide range of temperatures. Devices and coatings including the nanopowder are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns intercalation compounds and in particular lithium intercalation compounds which have improved properties for use in batteries. Compositions of the invention include particulate metal oxide material having particles of multicomponent metal oxide, each including an oxide core of at least first and second metals in a first ratio, and each including a surface coating of metal oxide or hydroxide that does not include the first and second metals in the first ratio formed by segregation of at least one of the first and second metals from the core. The core may preferably comprise LixMyNzO2 wherein M and N are metal atom or main group elements, x, y and z are numbers from about 0 to about 1 and y and z are such that a formal charge on MyNz portion of the compound is (4−x), and having a charging voltage of at least about 2.5V.

Abstract: The invention provides electroconductive particles comprising a styrene copolymer core and an external gold coating, characterised in that as said copolymer core is used a styrene copolymer comprising less than 50 wt. % styrene residues.

Abstract: A coated triggered start product is formed from a particulate core material comprising at least one water soluble active constituent and at least one coating layer applied on the particulate core material. The coating layer causes the product to exhibit “lock-off” type release characteristics whereby release of the active constituent of the core material from the coated product is essentially completely suppressed until release is initiated by application of a trigger material to the coating layer. Processes for preparing and using such triggered start products are also provided.

Abstract: A carbon based material produced from the consolidation of amorphous carbon by elevated temperature compression. The material having unique chemical and physical characteristics that lend themselves to a broad range of applications such as in electrical, electrochemical and structural fields.

Abstract: Provided is a hard coat film which has an inorganic hard coat layer having excellent scratch resistance and weatherability and inhibited from generation of curling and which is particularly suited for sticking on outside faces of window glasses in lofty buildings. The hard coat film is prepared by laminating in order a primer layer and a hard coat layer comprising metal oxide particles and a cured matter of a silane compound on one face of a base material and further providing, if necessary, a coating layer having various functions on the above hard coat layer.

Abstract: Uncured composite materials (prepreg) are provided that are stable at room temperature over relatively long periods of time. The prepreg includes a solid epoxy resin matrix composed of a crystalline epoxy resin and a solid curing agent. The curing agent is preferably crystalline. The prepreg may include one or more property enhancement layers that increase the tackiness of the prepreg, increase the flexibility of the prepreg and/or reduce the amount of solid resin matrix that flakes from the prepreg during handling.

Abstract: There are disclosed new polymer materials having improved electric field induced strain levels, dielectric constants, and elastic energy densities for use in electromechanical and dielectric applications. Methods of manufacture of new polymer materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A material usable for the electrodes and the dielectric layer plasma display panels and capable of reducing the occurrence of yellowing and a high-image-quality plasma display panel using the material are provided. Using glass powder containing 25 to 50 wt % of Bi2O3, 5 to 35 wt % of B2O3, 10 to 20 wt % of ZnO, 5 to 20 wt % of BaO, 0 to 15 wt % of SiO2 and 0 to 10 wt % of Al2O3, the electrodes and the dielectric layer of a plasma display panel are formed.

Abstract: A reduced glare, conductive coated panel having increased visible light transmission and suitable for use as a touch screen, digitizer panel or a substrate in an information display includes a transparent substrate, one or more thin film interference layers forming a thin film stack on each of the opposite surfaces of the substrate, and a transparent, electrically conductive coating on the outermost layer of one or both of the thin film stacks. The method preferably includes dipping the substrate in a solution of a precursor for the thin film material at an angle to the vertical and the surface of the solution such that the layer of one side of the substrate has a thickness different from that on the opposite side, curing the layers, and applying the transparent electrically conductive coating thereover.

Abstract: A film obtained by heating a coating of a resin composition at a temperature lower than 300° C. but not lower than 40° C. in air or in an inert atmosphere. The resin composition includes a hydrosilylated polymer obtained by reacting at least one hydridosilsesquioxane compound of the following formula (1): (HSiO3/2)n  (1) wherein n is an integer of 4-1000, with at least one compound of the following formula (2) R1—C≡C—R2  (2) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent organic group or a monovalent organosilicon group and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a group of the formula: —(R′)q—C≡C—R where R′ represents a divalent organic group or a divalent organometallic group, R represents a monovalent organic group or a monovalent organosilicon group and q is 0 or 1 with the proviso that when R1 is a hydrogen atom R2 is a hydrogen atom.

Abstract: Adhesion promoters for polymer coatings on metals are articulated into at least two head groups connected by a hydrocarbon spacer group. One head group reacts particularly well with polymer molecules. Other head groups form a durable bond with a metal surface. The length of the spacer group is such that a substance deposited in a substance layer on a metallic surface of a body or particle has hydrophobic properties. Suitable adhesion promoters can be sulfur compounds, amino compounds, hydroxyl or carbonyl compounds. A plastic composite body, a compound and a process of preparing a compound are also provided.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyolefin multilayer film having a skin layer made of a blend of a polar polymer and a non-polar polymer is disclosed. The film has substantially no inorganic fillers and yet shows no visible distortion after exposure to food products such as potato chips.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of poly-o-hydroxy amides (PHAs) for adhesively bonding articles or materials, especially components used in the semiconductor industry, such as chips and wafers, a process for adhesively bonding materials, especially chips and/or wafers, chip and/or wafer stacks produced by the process, and adhesive compositions which comprise the poly-o-hydroxy amides of the formula (I).

Abstract: Sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are provided. The copolyesters are produced from a mixture of aromatic dicarboxylic acids, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, ethylene glycol, other glycols, and components containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative. The copolyesters have lower sulfonation than known sulfonated polyesters, and provide advantageous thermal properties for some end uses. The sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are useful in forming coatings or films on various substrates, and in packaging. Some compositions comprising the sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters are biodegradable, as are some of the sulfonated aromatic-aromatic copolyesters.

Abstract: Composite materials, particularly those that are highly filled, e.g. comprising about 60 to 70 volume % of finely powdered filler material in a polymer matrix, are made by dissolving the polymer in a volatilisable solvent and forming a homogeneous mixture of the components by high shear mixing. The solvent is then removed while maintaining complete homogeneity in the mixture by evaporating much of the solvent in a high shear mill, then extruding an extremely thin film or tape (e.g. 0.0125 mm (0.0005 in)) from which the remaining solvent is removed by heating without introducing any appreciable non-uniformity, such as bubble holes. Required bodies are formed from the dried film or tape by stacking the thin coherent layers, typically about 6 to 120, then heating and pressing the stack in a mold melting the polymer, uniting the separate layers and dispersing the melted polymer into the interstices between the filler particles.

Abstract: Heat dissipation devices and molding processes for fabricating such devices, which have at least two regions comprising different conductive materials such that efficient thermal contact is made between the different conductive materials. The molding processes include injection molding at least two differing conductive materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structure on a bi-color rust-proof barrier layer of a tool head, mainly used to form a surrounding recessed section marked with indication of a size, a model, a trademark and the like on a surface of a tool head (a metallic object) so that the structure on the rust-proof barrier layer painted with the different two colors is provided between the recessed section and the peripheral surface, thereby highlighting the indication marked at the recessed section so as to increase the distinctions of said object from other object.

Abstract: Low cost organic light emitting elements that are bright and have low electric power consumption, and an organic light emitting device using the organic light emitting elements, are provided. Organic light emitting elements capable of converting triplet state excitation energy into light emission are manufactured by applying a binuclear complex having triplet excitation state electrons to the organic light emitting elements. Further, a light emitting device is manufactured using the light emitting elements. Production costs are lowered by using a low cost metal as a central metal of the binuclear complex.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radiation detection device for detecting ionizing beam discharges such as gamma rays, x-rays, electron beams, charged particle beams and neutral particle beams. Specifically, it relates to a radiation detection device which can measure radiations which exist for a very short time (of the order of subnanoseconds or less) from the appearance of photoemission to extinction.

Abstract: A bi-crystal magnetic recording medium, i.e., medium with Cr(200) and Co(11.0) orientations, having a CrW-containing underlayer in which the W content increases for improved lattice matching with a Co-alloy magnetic layer has high coercivity, high SMNR and high areal recording density.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium without shift or loss of written signals even in a case of a high recording density in a rare earth-transition metal alloy amorphous film, and where productivity is excellent. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a soft magnetic under layer, an intermediate layer, a magnetic recording layer including a rare earth-transition metal alloy amorphous film and at least one of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, B, Al, C and Si or a boride or carbide uniformly dispersed in the rare earth-transition metal alloy amorphous film, a protective layer, a liquid lubricant layer, and a nonmagnetic substrate. The soft magnetic under layer, the intermediate layer, the magnetic recording layer, and the protective layer are built up in a predetermined order on the nonmagnetic substrate.

Abstract: A provided transparent electroconductive film has a polymer film and a transparent electroconductive layer deposited on the polymer film, which has no problem of damages and removal of the transparent electroconductive layer. The transparent electroconductive film has a polymer film 4 and a transparent electroconductive layer 5 deposited on the polymer film 4. A protective layer 9 made of material different from that of the transparent electroconductive layer 5 is formed on the transparent electroconductive layer 5. A touch panel has the transparent electroconductive film as an upper electrode 6A or a lower electrode.

Abstract: A method for humidifying and controlling the temperature of a process gas stream comprising the steps of super-saturating and heating the process gas stream with steam until it reaches a first pre-set temperature; cooling the process gas stream until it reaches a second pre-set temperature; removing excess condensed water from the process gas stream; and heating the process gas stream until it reaches a third pre-set temperature. An apparatus for implementing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell power generating system which comprises a fuel cell unit having a coolant circulation system; a water storage tank for supply water to serve as coolant for the fuel cell unit; a water treatment system for purifying the supply water in the water storage tank and supplying the purified supply water as coolant to the fuel cell unit; heating means for heating water; a hot water storage tank for hot water acquired by the heating means; and a condensed-water supply system for supplying the water storage tank with condensed water obtained by condensing steam from the hot water in the hot water storage tank.

Abstract: When humidifying, almost to water vapor saturation, reformed gas that is supplied to a hydrogen electrode of a solid polymer type fuel cell (1) and air that is supplied to an oxygen electrode of the fuel cell (1), heating for obtaining water vapor to establish such saturation is not required. For the purpose of improving the thermal efficiency of a fuel cell system, water vapor contained in hydrogen electrode exhaust gas exhausted from the hydrogen electrode of the fuel cell (1) is let to penetrate through a water vapor permeable membrane (34), whereas water vapor contained either in air that is introduced into a partial oxidation reformation section (6) or in oxygen electrode exhaust gas exhausted from the oxygen electrode is let to penetrate through the water vapor permeable membrane (34) so that the water vapor is supplied to air that is supplied to the oxygen electrode of the fuel cell (1).

Abstract: An operating method increases fuel cell life or durability, particularly that of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The fuel cell has a mean life expectancy that may be empirically determined. The method comprises the step of reversing the direction of flow of at least one of the fluids supplied to the fuel cell (for example, the fuel and/or oxidant reactants) through its corresponding flow field after a time period of operation of the fuel cell. The time period is less than the mean life expectancy of the cell and has a value that is a substantial part of the mean life expectancy. The flow may be reversed once or several times over the life of the fuel cell. An improved apparatus carries out the method.

Abstract: Utility power is wheeled to distributed hydrogen energy storage systems during off peak periods where it is used in an electrolyzer to disassociate water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen at least is stored for use in a fuel cell or combustion engine driven generator to produce locally generated electricity during peak periods or power interruptions. Efficient electrolysis and gas storage are obtained by operating the electrolyzer at high pressures through two flow loops in which the hydrogen and oxygen produced in the electrolyzer pass to separate gas-water columns and force water into the electrolyzer. When the desired high pressure is reached, the gases are bled off into a series of storage tanks.

Abstract: A regulated DC power supply facilitates extended and uninterrupted power to a load by using a secondary power source such as a regenerative fuel cell that has its DC power output conditioned by a power converter. The DC power supply includes a rectifier that converts AC power from an AC power source to DC power for a load coupled to a DC bus. A fuel cell arrangement is electrically coupled to a power converter that is coupled in turn to the DC bus, the converter conditions an unconditioned DC power output of the fuel cell to the load. A system controller is communicatively coupled to the rectifier, the converter and to a fuel cell controller, the fuel cell controller initiating DC power output from the fuel cell arrangement upon detecting the AC power outage (or disengaging the fuel cell upon resumption of AC power).

Abstract: An improved electrolyte-particulate fuel cell where the fuel cell includes an anode, cathode, a bottom surface area formed by the anode and cathode where fuel flows from top to bottom, and a screen where the screen is located near the anode's bottom and has a surface area greater than the cell's bottom surface area.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell in which the catalytic activity of a fuel electrode is high and in which no poisoning by carbon occurs even when internal reforming is performed under a condition of a low S/C ratio and further in which the time course degradation of the fuel electrode is less when internal reforming is performed. In a solid oxide fuel cell having an oxide ion conductive solid electrolyte, and a fuel electrode and an air electrode connected to both faces thereof, a cermet of a catalyst and of the second solid electrolyte whose oxide ion conductivity is more than or equal to 0.2 S/cm at 1000 ° C. is used as the fuel electrode. More specifically, it is desirable that the second solid electrolyte is scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) containing 9 to 12 mol % of scandia. In addition, the second solid electrolyte may further be ScSZ containing yttria or ceria less than or equal to 2 mol %.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack for reducing the bending of the stacked body in the stacking direction is disclosed, thereby preventing the interference between the stacked body built into a vehicle and other structures in the vehicle. The fuel cell stack comprises a stacked body having stacked unit fuel cells, each being placed between separators, wherein each unit fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane placed therebetween; fastening plates provided at either end of the stacked body; an intermediate plate provided at an intermediate position of the stacked body; and bolt members inserted through the intermediate plate in the stacking direction in a manner such that the movement of the bolt members with respect to the intermediate plate in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction is restricted. The stacked body is fastened together by fastening the fastening plates by using the bolt members.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, an enclosure housing the fuel cell stack and a blower. The blower is located inside the enclosure and is adapted to draw air from inside the enclosure to produce an air flow through the fuel cell stack and establish a negative pressure inside the enclosure with respect to a region outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fuel cell assembly, and a fuel cell assembly produced by the method, are provided, with the method comprising providing at least one fuel cell unit, wherein providing the at least one fuel cell unit comprises providing at least one substrate; and disposing at least one fuel cell component layer on the at least one substrate, the at least one component layer comprising at least one of an interconnect, an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte; wherein disposing comprises depositing the at least one component layer using an expanding-thermal-plasma coating apparatus.

Abstract: A nickel-zinc galvanic cell is provided, having a pasted zinc oxide negative electrode, a pasted nickel oxide positive electrode, and an alkaline electrolyte. Chemical additives are placed in each of the negative and positive electrodes. The positive nickel hydroxide electrode contains a mixture of co-precipitated cobalt oxide in the range of 1% to 10%, and freely added, finely divided cobalt metal in the range of 1% to 5%, by weight. The negative zinc oxide electrode contains oxides other than the oxide of zinc, which have redox potentials which are negative of 0.73 volts. Also, the metal oxide additives to the negative zinc oxide electrode are such as to inhibit release of soluble cobalt from the nickel oxide negative electrode prior to a formation charge being applied to the electrochemical cell. The nickel-zinc cell contains 1% to 15% of the defined metal oxides, having a solubility less than 10−4M in the alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: A battery, in which measures are taken to suppress a reduction in charge/discharge capacity and degradation of load characteristics due to peeling of an active material off the current collector during repeated charging and discharging, is disclosed. Boehmite treatment or chromate treatment of the current collector surface of the electrode plate for the battery suppresses the degradation of charge/discharge capacity and load characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolyte for an electrochemical device. This electrolyte includes a first compound that is an ionic metal complex represented by the general formula (1); and at least one compound selected from special second to fourth compounds, fifth to ninth compounds respectively represented by the general formulas Aa+(PF6−)a, Aa+(ClO4−)a, Aa+(BF4−)a, Aa+(AsF6−)a, and Aa+(SbF6−)a, and special tenth to twelfth compounds, The electrolyte is superior in cycle characteristics and shelf life as compared with conventional electrolytes.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a battery comprises LiBOB salt in gamma butyrolactone and a low viscosity solvent. The low viscosity solvent may comprise a nitrile, an ether, a linear carbonate, or a linear ester. This electrolyte is suitable for use in lithium ion batteries having graphite negative electrodes. Batteries using this electrolyte have high conductivity, low polarization, and high discharge capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising a nonaqueous electrolyte containing ethylene carbonate and &ggr;-butyrolactone, wherein, when a charge-discharge cycle test satisfying conditions (A) to (D) given below is performed under an environment of 45° C., the capacity retention rate at 100-th charge-discharge cycle is at least 85% based on the discharge capacity in the first charge-discharge cycle, (A) for the charging, the constant current-constant voltage charging to 4.2V is performed for 3 hours under a current of 1C, (B) the discharging is performed to 3V under a current of 1C, (C) after the charging, the secondary battery is left to stand for 10 minutes, followed by performing the discharging, and (D) after the discharging, the secondary battery is left to stand for 10 minutes, followed by performing the charging.

Abstract: A photo mask for patterning a lightning rod includes a shorting bar pattern and a plurality of pad patterns, an outer lightning rod pattern connected to the shorting bar pattern, an inner lightning rod pattern connected to the pad pattern, projections from each of the outer and inner lightning rod patterns, and a fine pattern in a “” shape connected between the projections, or a redundancy fine pattern connected between the pad patterns, or a plurality of the lightning rod patterns connected in series, thereby protecting the photo mask for patterning a lightning rod from damage from static electricity, and permitting patterning of an accurate lightning rod.

Abstract: A method for defining a full phase layout for defining a layer of material in an integrated circuit is described. The method can be used to define, arrange, and refine phase shifters to substantially define the layer using phase shifting. Through the process, computer readable definitions of an alternating aperture, dark field phase shift mask and of a complimentary mask are generated. Masks can be made from the definitions and then used to fabricate a layer of material in an integrated circuit. The separations between phase shifters, or cuts, are designed for easy mask manufacturability while also maximizing the amount of each feature defined by the phase shifting mask. Cost functions are used to describe the relative quality of phase assignments and to select higher quality phase assignments and reduce phase conflicts.