Abstract: An apparatus is used to apply glass elements with a non-mirrored rear side to, in particular, a textile substrate. The predominant proportion of the glass elements is in the form of balls (1). At least 5% of the glass elements comprise flat boundary surfaces, and the glass elements are applied to the front side (3) of a foil (5) to form a surface. At least a portion of the glass elements comprises balls (1) provided with facets (2).

Abstract: A substrate suitable for printing a toner image thereon, comprising: a sheet of plastic; an underlayer coating, on the sheet of plastic, comprising a first polymer material preferably comprising a polymer chosen from the group consisting of amine terminated polyamide, a silane coupling agent and amino propyl teriethoxy silane; an overlayer coating, directly on the underlayer, comprising a second polymer material and having an outer surface to which a toner image can be fused and fixed, the second polymer preferably consisting essentially of a polymer chosen from the group consisting of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, polyvinyl pyridine and styrene butadine copolymer.

Abstract: A method of processing greensheets for use as microelectronic substrates comprises providing a greensheet having a width, a length and a thickness, bonding to the greensheet, within the greensheet width and length, a frame adapted to constrain movement of the greensheet within the frame, processing the greensheet and bonded frame, and removing the frame from the processed greensheet. The processing of the greensheet and bonded frame may include punching vias in the greensheet, filling the vias in the greensheet with conductive material, patterning the greensheet by applying conductive paste to the vias and greensheet surface, stacking the patterned greensheet and bonded frame with at least one other patterned greensheet and bonded frame, and laminating the greensheets. The frame is preferably removed from the processed greensheet after laminating the greensheets, and before the laminated greensheets are subsequently sintered.

Abstract: A multi-layer co-extruded label film has layers that are connected with one another. It has a printable first layer (11+12) that has a thickness of 60-80 &mgr;m and consists of 60-80 wt.-% LDPE and 40-20 wt.-% HDPE, a second layer (2) that has a thickness of 10-20 &mgr;m and consists of 100 wt.-% LDPE, an adhesive layer (3) that is arranged on the HDPE-free side of the second layer (2), as well as a carrier material made of paper or polymer film.

Abstract: A structural fabric having a first fiber with a first ultimate strain and a second fiber with a second ultimate strain greater than the first ultimate strain, the first and second fibers being in the same plane. The invention is further directed to a structural fabric having a plurality of axial fibers and a plurality of first diagonal fibers braided with the axial fibers and oriented at a first braid angle relative thereto. The axial fibers include first and second fibers each with an ultimate strain. The ultimate strain of the second fiber again being greater than the ultimate strain of the first fiber. Additionally, the invention is directed to a concrete beam strengthened with the structural fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for making modified poly(ethylene oxide) by graft polymerizing thereto organic monomers containing a trialkoxy silane functional group or a moiety that reacts with water to form a silanol group, such as methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, onto the poly(ethylene oxide) is disclosed. The graft polymerization is accomplished by mixing the poly(ethylene oxide), the silane-containing monomer(s) and an initiator and applying heat. Preferably, the method is a reactive-extrusion process. After graft polymerization, the modified poly(ethylene oxide) may be exposed or subjected to relatively high moisture conditions, thereby causing crosslinking and formation of a structure that is capable of absorbing relatively large amounts of saline. The resulting modified poly(ethylene oxide) has improved properties over articles similarly processed from unmodified poly(ethylene oxide).

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration dampening laminate that is lightweight and has superior sound insulation and vibration dampening properties. The vibration dampening laminate comprises a constraining layer, a viscoelastic adhesive layer, a foam spacing layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer including a release layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer and release layer are contoured to fit a profile of the article being soundproofed and vibration dampened.

Abstract: Glass/nanoparticle composites are provided which include a glass matrix with a high density of heterologous nanoparticles embedded therein adjacent the outer surfaces of the composite. Preferably, the glass matrix is formed of porous glass and the nanoparticles are yttrium-iron nanocrystals which exhibit the property of altering the polarization of incident electromagnetic radiation; the composites are thus suitable for use in electrooptical recording media. In practice, a glass matrix having suitable porosity is contacted with a colloidal dispersion containing amorphous yttrium-iron nanoparticles in order to embed the nanoparticles within the surface pores of the matrix. The treated glass matrix is then heated under time-temperature conditions to convert the amorphous nanoparticles into a crystalline state while also fusing the glass matrix pores.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a support having provided thereon a magnetic layer containing a barium ferrite powder dispersed in a binder, wherein the concentration of Ba of the extract obtained by the following condition is 20 ppm or less per m2 of the magnetic recording medium: condition: 0.05 m2 of the magnetic recording medium is arbitrarily cut out and put in a 200 ml beaker with 100 ml of distilled water, the beaker is covered with a watch glass and retained in a constant temperature bath at 75° C. for 3 hours.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising: a support; and at least a magnetic layer comprising a hexagonal ferrite powder and a binder, wherein the hexagonal ferrite powder is of magnetoplumbite type and has an average diameter of 15 to 35 nm and an alkaline earth element to iron ratio of 0.10 to 0.15 in terms of peak intensity ratio analyzed by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis.

Abstract: A laminate film comprising a polyolefin polymer layer having a surface treated by a flame or corona discharge treatment method and biaxially oriented at about 5.5-10.0 stretch ratio in the machine direction and about 7.0-12.0 stretch ratio in the transverse direction which imparts superior machine direction tensile properties such as Young's modulus of about 350,000 to about 400,000 psi or greater, elongation of 120% or less, and tensile strength of about 27,000 to about 30,000 psi or greater; and a metal layer having an optical density of at least about 1.8 deposited on said treated surface of said polyolefin-based resin layer.

Abstract: A decorative material D having an intermediate resin layer and a surface protective layer comprising a crosslinked resin, the layers being laminated in this order on a substrate 1, wherein the temperature dependency characteristics of loss elastic modulus E″ (a measuring frequency of 10 Hz) determined by a dynamic viscoelasticity method of the intermediate resin layer has a peak at least at a temperature under room temperature Tr. Further, it is preferable that the value of storage elastic modulus E″ is in a range of 1×107 to 2×109 Pa in the region of the room temperature. Also, it is preferable that loss elastic modulus E″ has the peak Pb in the temperature range over the room temperature.

Abstract: Novel appliqués comprising oxyhalopolymer-adhesive composites wherein the adhesive layer of the composite is chemically bonded to reactive sites on at least one side of the oxyhalopolymer layer, possess superior peel strengths, resistance to delamination and protective properties, including protection of surfaces from lightning strike to seamless protective liners for tanks. The appliques are suitable for printing architectural designs thereon. Multilayered specialty appliqués can be fabricated from the above fundamental oxyhalopolymer-adhesive composite structure, including layered adhesives for encapsulating tridimensional mechanical and electrical devices, such as RF, or microwave sensitive antennae for transmitting and receiving communications, providing protection from environmental electromagnetic effects (E3), shock and impact resistance, multidimensional deformable structures; housing for temperature control systems, etc.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, lyocell products can be made with unbleached pulps resulting in products with high amounts of hemicellulose and high amounts of lignin as compared to conventional lyocell products. The lyocell products of the present invention are advantageously less expensive to produce but retain the desirable strength of conventional lyocell products.

Abstract: The invention relates to porous fiber comprising a polymeric material, said fiber having a diameter of 20 to 4000 nm and pores in the form of channels extending at least to the core of said fiber and/or through said fiber. The process for producing the porous fiber comprises electrospinning a 5 to 20% by weight solution of at least one polymer in an organic solvent using an electric field above 105 V/m to obtain a fiber having a diameter of 20 to 4000 nm and pores in the form of channels extending at least to the core of said fiber and/or through said fiber. The porous fiber may be used as a carrier for a catalyst, as an adsorbent or absorbent or as a biomaterial, may be chemically modified or functionalized or may be used as a template for producing highly porous solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multimode fiber having a refractive index profile, wherein the area surrounding the center of the fiber has a refractive index profile such that the responses of a DMD (Differential Mode Delay) measurement carried out on a fiber having a length of at least 300 m are obtained without any pulse splitting occurring in the center of the fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material comprising, by weight, the total being 100% : A) 40 to 90% of PVDF homopolymer or copolymer crystallized essentially in the &bgr; form, B) 10 to 60% of a conductive filler, C) 0 to 40% of a crystalline or semi-crystalline polymer, D) 0 to 40% of a filler other than C, such that the crystals in the &bgr; form are nucleated on the surface of the particles of the conductive filler. This material is conductive with a resistance which is self-regulated by the temperature. It shows an increase in the resistance as a function of the temperature (PTC or “Positive Temperature Coefficient” effect), so that the intensity stabilizes at an equilibrium temperature.

Abstract: Process for treating a flexible bi-constituent self-demolding silicone membrane used as a counterform particularly for resin transfer molding. The membrane is coated with a thin layer of at least one monoconstituent silicone which is a polysiloxane cross-linkable at ambient temperature in the presence of the moisture in air. The polysiloxane corresponds to the formula (I): in which: the substituents R3, R4, and R5 are selected from alkyl or aryl radicals, R6 represents an alkyloxy group, an alkenyloxy group, an alcanoyloxy group, an amino group, a ketiminoxy group, an amido group, an aminoxy group.

Abstract: A coating composition comprises a polycondensate obtained by reacting a prehydrolysate based on at least on epoxide-containing hydrolysable silane; at least one amine component selected from a prehydrolysate based on at least one amino-containing hydrolysable silane and an amine compound containing at least two amino groups; and an amino group protective reagent. The coating composition is particulary suitable for coating glass, glass ceramic, ceramic, and plastic, and permits an increase in strength and protection against damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to self-adhesive thermally crosslinkable 1-component silicone compositions which contain the components defined in claim 1 (A) diorganopolysiloxane, (B) filler which is selected from filler (B1) having a specific surface area of at least 50 m2/g, aluminum hydroxide (B2) and mixtures thereof, (C) organohydrogenpolysiloxanes, (D) organosilcon compound having a vinyl radical, epoxy group, acroyloyloxy or methacryloyloxy group and hydrolyzable groups and (E) hydrosilylation catalyst or peroxide crosslinking agent, the Mooney viscosity of the silicone compositions, determined at 25° C. according to DIN 53523 Part 3, being 20 to 200.

Abstract: A favorable magnetic transfer is performed to a perpendicular magnetic recording medium. A master medium is provided with a substrate on the surface of which protrusion portions, which form a pattern corresponding to the data that is to be transferred, having a pliable layer thereon have been formed. The master medium is further provided with a soft magnetic layer formed in the depression portions between the protrusion portions, and which is magnetically linked to the soft magnetic layer of the protrusion portions. The soft magnetic layer of the surface of the protrusion portions is conjoined with the magnetic recording layer of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium to form a conjoined body, and a transfer magnetic field is applied to the conjoined body in the direction from the substrate of the master medium toward the slave medium to perform the magnetic transfer.

Abstract: Parts inexpensively coated that yet are difficult to mar. The reel body 1 of a double bearing reel is given as an example of a part superficially coated in accordance with the invention. It includes a metallic base portion 10, an oxide film layer 11, a substrate paint film layer 12, and a finishing paint film layer 13. The finishing paint film layer 13 is formed by the application of a self-mending paint material. Forming the paint film layer on the surface of the reel body 1 by applying a self-mending paint material by the self-mending function of the paint material thus restores scratched portions if the surface is damaged due to scratching or the like. Therefore, scratches due to injuries tend not to remain on the coated part and as a result, scratches are unlikely to damage the surface of the body of the part. Moreover, forming the layer by applying a paint material facilitates low cost production.

Abstract: A sheet metal profile support (10) for automotive construction, such as a cross member, rocker panel, or frame support is disclosed, with a U-shaped, parabolic, or horseshoe-shaped profile cross section (12), in which, in at least one section (14) of the two legs (16, 18) of the profile, a first and second sheet metal layer (20, 22) rest flush against each other as a sheet doubling and in the region of the free ends of the legs (16, 18), the sheet metal layers (20, 22) are connected to each other in one piece by means of a beaded edge (32) that has a hollow chamber (34).

Abstract: Composite elements have the following layer structure: (i) from 2 to 20 mm of metal, (ii) from 10 to 300 mm of polyisocyanate polyaddition products obtainable by reacting (a) isocyanates with (b) compounds which are reactive toward isocyanates in the presence of from 1 to 50% by volume, based on the volume of the polyisocyanate polyaddition products, of at least one gas (c) and also, if desired, (d) catalysts and/or (f) auxiliaries and/or additives, (iii) from 2 to 20 mm of metal.

Abstract: An organic EL device has an anode, a cathode, and a polymer luminescent layer disposed between the anode and the cathode, and contains a host molecule and a luminescent dye molecule, the host molecule being formed of a &pgr;-electron conjugated polymer having a carbon-fluorine bond, at least one type of luminescent dye molecule being selected from the group consisting of a transition metal complex and a linear &pgr;-electron conjugated molecule.

Abstract: An organic EL device which contains an anode, a cathode, and at least one organic thin-film layer including a light emitting layer which contains a compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein Ar1, Ar2 represent a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group; Y represents a single bond or —CH═CH— group; R1 to R4 represent each independently a hydrogen, a halogen, a cyano group, a substituted amino group, a substituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group; any two of R1 to R4 may form a ring; R5 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low-molecular-weight compound which is soluble in solvents and useful for a luminescent material and to an organic electroluminescent element (EL element) which comprises said luminescent material in its electroluminescent layer. The EL element comprises an EL material represented by the following formula (1) between electrodes at least one of which is transparent In formula (1), Ar1 is a group represented by the following formula (2), Ar2 is a group represented by the following formula (3) or (4) and Ar1 and Ar2 may condense to form a 10-membered ring in case Ar2 is represented by the following formula (3); wherein R1-R4 and R5 are hydrogen, alkyl, aryl and the like, Z is a divalent or trivalent metal such as zinc, aluminum, copper, beryllium, ruthenium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium and platinum and n is 2 or 3.

Abstract: An exchange coupling film has an antiferromagnetic layer made of an antiferromagnetic material containing an element X and Mn, where the element X is selected from the group of elements consisting of Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os, and combinations thereof. The antiferromagnetic layer has a region in which the ratio of the atomic percent of the element X to Mn increases towards said ferromagnetic layer. The crystalline structure of at least part of said antiferromagnetic layer has a CuAu—I type face-centered square ordered lattice.

Abstract: This invention provides a transparent, paramagnetic polymer composition in which a polymer is complexed with sufficient rare earth ions, particularly ions selected from ions in the group of elements 64-69, to provide a polymer with a magnetic mass susceptibility greater than 20×10−6 emu/g measured at 298° K. This invention provides optically responsive devices that employ these transparent, paramagnetic polymers as an element that is responsive to a magnetic field and a means for providing magnetic field. This invention provides transparent labels or markings employing these transparent, paramagnetic polymers.

Abstract: A tool coated with a hard Ti/B layer having fine boron nitride particles dispersed therein, wherein the bonding energy of B and N is observed in an ESCA analysis of the hard coating layer; wherein peaks of c-BN and h-BN is detected in an Raman spectroscopy of the hard coating layer; wherein a ratio Q1/Q2 of a peak intensity Q1 of c-BN to a peak intensity Q2 of h-BN is 1.0 or more; wherein a half-value width Z of a (200) face in an X-ray diffraction of the hard coating layer is in a range of 0.3° to 0.6°; and wherein a ratio K/L of a face thickness K to a flank thickness L in the tool is 1.0 or more, whereby the hard coating layer has high hardness, high lubricating properties and excellent crater wear resistance, with chemical reactions with a work suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple layer composite material and to a method for producing the same. Said multiple layer composite material has at least one layer of cement-bound concrete and at least one layer of polymer-bound concrete. The transition between adjacent layers of cement-bound concrete and polymer-bound concrete has at least the material strength of the less stable one of the concrete layers adjoining the transition. The layer of polymer-bound concrete allows the diffusion of water vapor, but does not allow liquid water to penetrate. The multiple layer composite material can be produced completely in an aqueous system.

Abstract: A battery holder includes front and rear end blocks connected by opposite side walls, defining an interior space therebetween for receiving a battery having a flat negative terminal and a projected positive terminal on opposite ends. Negative and positive electrodes are attached to inner surfaces of the front and rear end blocks for electrically engaging the negative and positive terminals of the battery. The positive electrode includes a central contact engageable with a free end of the positive terminal and a curved secondary contact for retainingly engaging a circumferential surface of the projected terminal. Two releasing members are positioned under the battery and attached to the positive electrode whereby when the positive electrode is manually disengaged from the positive terminal to release the battery, the releasing members are forced to drive the battery out of the holder thereby automatically ejecting the battery out of the holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for humidifying fuel, and optionally oxidant, supplied to a fuel cell system, which can be a single fuel cell or a multiplicity of fuel cells. A catalytic reactor is provided, which is supplied with a portion of the fuel and the oxidant. The fuel is supplied in excess of the oxidant to the catalytic reactor, so as to generate a stream of fuel which is both heated and humidified. For a closed system, a heated and humidified fuel flow, and optionally a heated and humidified oxidant flow, are mixed with additional flows of these gases supplied to the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for suppressing the formation of metal-containing coke during processing of a hydrocarbonaceous material, such as for example a hydrocarbon conversion processes. Electromagnetic radiation is applied to the hydrocarbonaceous material while heating the hydrocarbonaceous material to a temperature above 700 degrees F. The frequency of the electromagnetic radiation is preferably below 300 MHz. The process is particularly useful in the reforming of a hydrocarbon material for operation in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A venting methodology and system for rapid shutdown of a fuel cell apparatus of the type used in a vehicle propulsion system. H2 and air flows to the fuel cell stack are slowly bypassed to the combustor upon receipt of a rapid shutdown command. The bypass occurs over a period of time (for example one to five seconds) using conveniently-sized bypass valves. Upon receipt of the rapid shutdown command, the anode inlet of the fuel cell stack is instantaneously vented to a remote vent to remove all H2 from the stack. Airflow to the cathode inlet of the fuel cell stack gradually diminishes over the bypass period, and when the airflow bypass is complete the cathode inlet is also instantaneously vented to a remote vent to eliminate pressure differentials across the stack.

Abstract: In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system, a condition of humidification of electrolyte membranes is precisely determined, and adjustment is performed so that the condition of humidification of the electrolyte membranes substantially remains within a proper range. The system determines a condition of humidification of the electrolyte membranes of the fuel cell based on a differential value of the resistance of the fuel cell detected by a resistance detector when the electric current outputted by the fuel cell equals a predetermined value. The current from the cell is detected by an ammeter. The fuel cell is formed by stacking electrically conductive electrodes and separators, and proton-conductive electrolyte membranes. The electric conductivity of the electrodes and the separators is not affected by the humidification condition thereof, whereas the proton-conductivity of the electrolyte membranes greatly changes depending on the condition of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a heat-generation amount detection device for detecting a heat generation amount in a fuel cell, and an evaporation amount controller for controlling an evaporation amount of water in the fuel cell based on the detected heat generation amount. The heat generation amount is detected based on an output electric power of the fuel cell, an output current thereof or a temperature thereof. The evaporation amount of water in the fuel cell is controlled by adjusting at least one humidification amount of hydrogen and oxygen to be supplied to the fuel cell, or by adjusting at least one flow amount of hydrogen and oxygen to be supplied to the fuel cell.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrodes operate through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times. The redox couple materials are modified to inhibit dissolution of the materials into the alkaline electrolyte of the fuel cell, and to match the gas phase kinetics of the active redox couple material with its electrochemical kinetics.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which neither cross leakage nor outward leakage occurs with the application of low clamping pressures. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including a polymer electrolyte membrane, a gasket covering the periphery of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode and cathode attached to the electrolyte membrane; and conductive separator plates sandwiching the MEA therebetween. The gasket has seal ribs surrounding each of the manifold apertures, the anode and the cathode, as well as seal ribs formed on both sides of each of gas passages connecting the fuel gas manifold apertures with the anode and gas passages connecting the oxidant gas manifold apertures with the cathode. These seal ribs, except for in the gas passages, are pressed against the separator plates by clamping pressure of the cell stack to form gas sealing sections.

Abstract: A method for producing a bridged polymer membrane includes the steps of: obtaining a liquid medium comprising a basic polymer having an amino group in a repeating unit, a bridging agent, and a solvent; shaping the liquid medium into a membrane configuration to obtain the shaped membrane; and bridging the basic polymer by the bridging agent in the shaped membrane. A fuel cell has the bridged polymer membrane. The mechanical strength of the polymer electrolyte membrane is improved.

Abstract: A plate, e.g. a bipolar plate, for fuel cells for (a) conducting current from the anode of one cell unit to the cathode of the adjacent cell unit and/or (b) distributing fluid which comprises a substrate with a coating of an electrocatalytically-active material comprising ruthenium oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having a controlled electrode surface, comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes has a carbonaceous surface; an electrolyte containing at least one solvent; an additive associated with the carbonaceous surface of at least one of the first and second electrodes, wherein the additive comprises a compound having a molecular weight of not less than 105.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical single or multi-cell energy storage device and casing are provided. The casing may be a pair of U-shaped shells, a single foil piece or even a tube-shaped structure which encases the internal electrochemical cell stack. The energy storage device and casing advantageously exhibit low internal resistance, low ESR, a high voltage/capacity, and a low contact resistance between the internal stack and the outer casing.

Abstract: A battery section for a Li-ion and/or Li-ion polymer cell, comprised of: a planar metal mesh layer having a body portion and a coplanar tab portion defining a battery lead extending from one edge of the mesh layer; electrode film laminated to opposite surfaces of the body portion of the metal mesh layer; and a protective layer on at least one side of the tab, the protective layer having a portion of the tab that is adjacent to the electrode film, the protective layer comprised of an outer polymer layer and an inner adhesive layer adhering the outer polymer layer to the portion of the tab.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrode alloy powder is disclosed, wherein, to provide an electrode alloy powder capable of yielding an alkaline storage battery excellent in high-rate discharge property, self-discharge property and cycle life, a first step of immersing a starting powder comprising a hydrogen storage alloy containing 20 to 70 wt % of Ni in an aqueous solution containing 30 to 80 wt % of sodium hydroxide at a temperature of 90° C. or higher and a second step of washing with water the powder which has been subjected to the first step are conducted.

Abstract: A nickel zinc alkaline cell has a zinc oxide negative electrode supported on a conductive substrate, an alkaline electrolyte, and a positive electrode having nickel hydroxide paste supported on a conductive substrate. The positive electrode further comprises 0.01% to 1% by weight of a fluoride salt, which is a salt of a metal chosen from the group consisting of: potassium, sodium, lithium, rubidium, caesium, a group II metal, a group III metal, a d-block transition metal, an f-block lanthanide, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the fluoride salt is potassium fluoride.

Abstract: A positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery includes a lithium manganese oxide having a spinel structure, expressed by one of the general formulae; LixMnyO4 (where 1≦x≦1.33 and 3−x<y≦3.1−x); and LixMnyMzO4 (where M is a metallic element other than Li and Mn, 1≦x≦1.33, 3−x−z<y≦3.1−x−z, and o<z≦1.0). The metallic element M may be at least one selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, Cr and Ni. A lithium secondary battery includes at least a positive electrode of the positive electrode material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrochemical cell having at least one of its electrodes produced by coating a slurry mixture of an active material, possibly a conductive additive, and a binder dispersed in a solvent and contacted to a perforated current collector foil. It is particularly important that the active slurry does not move through the perforations of the current collector. For this reason, a barrier is placed against the opposite side of the current collector to block the perforations as the current collector is being coated with the slurry. After volatilizing the solvent, a second, different active material is coated to the opposite side of the current collector, either as a slurry, a pressed powder, a pellet or a free standing sheet. An example of this is a cathode having a configuration of: SVO/current collector CFx. The opposed active materials on the current collector can also be of the same chemistry.

Abstract: In an alkaline secondary battery provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator to be interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an alkaline electrolyte solution, the above-mentioned separator has carbon-carbon double bonds. Further, an average amount of carbon-carbon double bonds in the separator is in the range of 10 &mgr;mol/g to 200 &mgr;mol/g, and an average amount of increased nitrogen in the separator after the separator is immersed in an alkaline aqueous solution having ammonium salt dissolved therein is not less than 140 &mgr;g/g.

Abstract: An electric cell using aluminum in a negative electrode has a positive electrode, the negative electrode containing aluminum or aluminum alloy, and an electrolyte arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrolyte includes: at least one ion selected from a group of a sulfate ion (SO42−) and a nitrate ion (NO3−); and an additive. The additive is selected from an organic acid, a salt of the organic acid, an hydrate of the organic acid, an ester of the organic acid, an ion of the organic acid, and derivatives thereof. Thus, the electric cell of the present invention using aluminum in a negative electrode allows the improvements in the voltage and the capacity of the cell as the generation of gas depending on the self-discharge can be prevented.