Abstract: An exemplary method for using a mobile plating system is provided that includes locating the mobile plating system at a desired location for plating, positioning an external vacuum pump from an interior position of a mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system to an exterior position, and coupling the external vacuum pump to a vacuum chamber within the mobile storage volume of the mobile plasma plating system using a flexible piping segment, rigid coupling with a dampening effect, or other arrangement operable to reduce and/or eliminate the mechanical vibrations within the vacuum chamber due to the operation of the external vacuum pump.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium has a recording layer, disposed above a surface of a substrate and made of hard magnetic nano-particles. The hard magnetic nano-particles are made of an alloy having as a main component an element selected from a group consisting of FePt, FePd and CoPt, and the hard magnetic nano-particles have axes of easy magnetization oriented in a direction approximately perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An active matrix type liquid crystal display apparatus has a pair of substrates, at least one of the substrates being transparent; a liquid crystal layer arranged between the pair of substrates; and electrode structure for generating an electric field having a dominant component parallel to a surface of the substrate and passing through the liquid crystal layer, the electrode structure being formed on one of the pair of substrates; a pair of alignment layers formed on respective surfaces in contact with the liquid crystal layer of the pair of substrates; and a pair of polarizing plates arranged so as to sandwich the pair of substrates, wherein the glass transition temperature Tg of a boundary surface between said liquid crystal layer and the alignment layer is higher than the nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature T(N-I) of a liquid crystal composite forming the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium comprising at least one pyran compound of the formula I and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds C-1 to C-5 in which the R, R1, the rings A, B and P, L1-6, X, X1, Z1, Z2, m and n are as defined above and to electro-optical displays containing a liquid-crystalline medium of this type.

Abstract: The invention concerns polyester resins, more particularly polyethyleneterephthalate resins used for making hollow containers, such as bottles for packaging liquid substances, in particular aerated beverages, natural or mineral waters. The invention concerns a polyester comprising at least 92.5% in number of recurrent units derived from terephthalic acid of aliphatic diols having an intrinsic viscosity ranging between 0.45 dl/g and 0.70 dl/g, and an acetaldehyde content less than 3 ppm, preferably less than 1.5 ppm. The invention also concerns a method for obtaining polyester granules with low acetaldehyde content having an intrinsic viscosity in the range mentioned above. Said polyesters are used in particular for making hollow containers such as bottles and more particularly bottles designed to contain foodstuffs sensitive to acetaldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edge band including a protective layer attached to a wood portion. The wood portion includes a first side and a second side. A first adhesive is disposed between the protective layer and the first side of the wood portion and a second adhesive is disposed on the second side of the wood portion and may be used to attach the edge band to an article. The protective layer can be removed from the band when desired, for example, following the application of a finishing material to the associated article.

Abstract: A self-levelling under-packing for printing presses, in particular offset presses, includes at least one polyester-based layer and at least one polyurethane elastomer layer joined inseparably together. The polyester-based layer may be between 50 ?m and 350 ?m and the polyurethane elastomer layer may be between 20 ?m and 1000 ?m. The polyester-based layer may be adhesive-coated on one side, in which case the thickness, including the adhesive, may be between 40 and 100 ?m, with the adhesive thickness not exceeding about 5 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cladding resin composition curable by heat, ultraviolet radiation, an electron beam or the like. The composition comprises a polyoxyalkylene polyol phosphate ester (hydroxyl value: 10–2,000 mg KOH/g) and a polymerizable or reactive functional group-containing compound. This composition is highly conductive as it is and, without incorporation of the conventional conductive additives, can be used successfully in the field of coatings and protective films where electric conductivity is a requisite.

Abstract: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports field having at least one strip having a plurality of fibrillated polypropylene strands tufted within a multilayer backing material. The strands are tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, and stitch patterns depending upon end use. The multiplayer backing material has a top mesh polypropylene layer at least three layers of a backing material coated with a secondary coating used to contain the ends of the plurality of strands. The strips are placed onto a fine aggregate layer placed over a coarse aggregate layer and a geotextile fabric. The geotextile fabric is placed onto a compacted and leveled subgrade. A ground rubber infill, with or without sand particles and diatomaceous earth, is introduced onto the strips. In alternative arrangements, a series of perforated drains and drain tiles may be introduced to the coarse aggregate layer to promote drainage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curved honeycomb article having a first face, a second face, and a plurality of channels formed from the first face to the second face, each channel having a channel axis, the curved honeycomb article having a width of at least about 15 cm in at least one direction in the plane normal to a channel axis at its geometrical center, each channel having a virtual channel extension associated therewith, the virtual channel extensions defining a convergence area substantially smaller than the occluded area of the curved honeycomb article. Methods for making the curved honeycomb article and apparati using the curved honeycomb article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transparent optical film laminate and a method of making such a laminate. The laminate can include a transparent optical sheet comprising a non-metallic multi-layer optical film sandwiched between first and second bonding sheets. The optical sheet and the bonding sheets are also sandwiched between two glazing components. A substantial portion of the peripheral edge of the optical film lies within or beyond the peripheral edge of at least one of the glazing components. The peripheral edge of the optical film may have a portion that lies within and a portion that lies beyond the peripheral edge of at least one of the glazing components.

Abstract: Absorbent article comprising a liquid-impermeable cover sheet, a liquid-permeable cover sheet, and an absorbent body between the liquid-impermeable cover sheet and the liquid-permeable cover sheet. Any one or all of the liquid-impermeable cover sheet, the liquid-permeable cover sheet, or the absorbent body can be made of a corrugated web which is corrugated from a sheet material which, in the process of being corrugated, is drawn in, and optionally elongated in a direction transverse to the corrugations, alternatively drawn-in along a direction transverse to a length of the web. The corrugated web can comprise corrugations of differing heights (H1).

Abstract: In a metal/ceramic bonding substrate 10 wherein a circuit forming metal plate 14 is bonded to one side of a ceramic substrate 12 and a radiating metal base plate 16 is bonded to the other side thereof, a difference in level is provided along the entire circumference of the bonding surface of the ceramic substrate 12 to the metal base plate 16. The difference in level is provided by forming at least one of a rising portion 16a and a groove portion 116b on and in the metal base plate 16.

Abstract: A foamed vehicle component has a foamed main component and an insert. The insert serves as a fastening element and is embedded in the foamed main component by foaming. The insert, in a portion embedded in the foamed main component, is surrounded at least in sections by an elastic intermediate component. Pliability of the elastic intermediate component is larger than that of the foamed main component, so that the insert is resiliently supported in the foamed main component.

Abstract: Multilayer, biaxially oriented polyester films which include as a constituent of the base layer B, a crystallizable polyester with increased diethylehe glycol content and/or increased polyethylene glycol content, and/or increased isophthalic acid content, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The outer layers of the inventive films advantageously include at least one IR-reflective pigment and one UV stabilizer. The inventive films advantageously feature adjustable mattness, diffuse scattering power for visible light, high light transmittance, IR reflectance, and good thermoformability, and are suitable for thermally protective coatings or thermally protective packaging.

Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films formed from a crystallizable polyester having increased diethylene glycol content and/or increased polyethylene glycol content, and/or increased isophthalic acid content, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The films of the invention further include at least one IR-reflective pigment and one UV stabilizer. The inventive films feature adjustable mattness, diffuse scattering power for visible light, high light transmittance and IR reflectance and good thermoformability, and are suitable for thermally protective coatings or thermally protective packaging.

Abstract: A functional surface member comprising a support having a surface on which a graft polymer chain having a nonionic polar group in the side chain thereof is bonded and provided thereon a layer comprising adsorbed fine particle capable of polarly bonding to the polar group.

Abstract: A platy pigment substrate having a carbon-containing coating thereon is provided wherein the coating comprises a pyrolyzed carbon-containing ionic species. The products of the present invention may be used in any application where pearlescent pigments have been used heretofore including but not limited to automotive and industrial paint applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fused heterostructure comprising a carbon nanotube and at least one nanocrystal, wherein the nanocrystal is attached by a covalent linkage to at least one oxygen moiety on the nanotube, and wherein there is no intermediary linker between the nanotube and the nanocrystal.

Abstract: Describes a photochromic plastic article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes (1) a rigid substrate, e.g., polymeric substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, (2) a photochromic polymeric coating appended to at least one surface of the substrate, the photochromic polymeric coating containing a photochromic amount of at least one photochromic material, e.g., spirooxazine, naphthopyran and/or fulgide, and (3) a dendritic polyester acrylate film coherently appended to the photochromic coating. Describes also the aforedescribed photochromic article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the dendritic polyester acrylate film, e.g., an abrasion-resistant coating comprising an organo silane; and a photochromic article having an antireflective coating affixed to the abrasion-resistant coating.

Abstract: The present invention is a laminate comprising at least one layer of an polyallylamine-based coating that is and in direct contact with at least one other polymeric layer.

Abstract: A coated article is provided with a low-emissivity (low-E) layer stack for use in a window unit or the like. The layer stack, or coating, may permit the coated article to achieve one or more of a fairly low solar factor (SF) value, a high selectivity (Tvis/SF) value, substantially neutral color at normal and/or off-axis viewing angles, and/or low emissivity. When high selectivity values are achieved, there is provided a high ratio of visible transmission to SF, which is a desirable feature in certain example instances. In certain example embodiments, a sub-oxide layer (e.g., NiCrOx) may be used as a contact layer under an infrared (IR) reflecting layer in order to permit low SF values, high selectivity, and good coloration to be achieved.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a turbine component (which may be a blade) comprises a substrate comprising a silicide-based material, a plurality of through holes disposed in the substrate, the holes being configured to receive an airflow, a silicide coating disposed at the surfaces of the substrate and the through holes, and a thermal barrier coating disposed at the silicide coating. In another exemplary embodiment the silicide coating may be replaced by a Laves phase-containing layer. In still another exemplary embodiment the silicide coating may be replaced by a diffusion barrier layer disposed at a surface of the substrate and a platinum group metal layer disposed at the diffusion barrier layer. One exemplary embodiment of a blade may comprise an airfoil comprising a silicide-based material and through holes disposed therein, a cooling plenum disposed in the airfoil, and a base configured to receive the airfoil in a dovetail fit, the base comprising a superalloy.

Abstract: A high reflectance mirror having a high reflectance in a visible-light region, being excellent in durability such as a moisture resistance, a saltwater resistance, etc. and having small dependence on incident angle (i.e., the fluctuation of the reflectance depending on an incident angle of light is little) is provided. The high reflectance mirror comprises a substrate and a silver film, a low refractive index film and a high refractive index film laminated on the substrate in this order wherein an adhesion improving film is formed on the silver film surface on the opposite side of the substrate, the extinction coefficient of the low refractive index film is at most 0.01, the extinction coefficient of the high refractive index film is at most 0.01, the adhesion improving film is an oxide film and the extinction coefficient of the adhesion improving film is at most 0.1.

Abstract: This invention is directed to aqueous-based ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer emulsions suited for use in heat seal applications. The EVA polymers of this invention are produced by a relatively low-pressure process, i.e., less than 2000 psig, preferably from about 1000 to about 2000 psig. The aqueous-based EVA based polymer emulsions contain crystalline segments resulting from ethylene linkages and are prepared by emulsion polymerizing ethylene and vinyl acetate, preferably with a carboxylic monomer, in the presence of a stabilizing system containing surfactant or a cellulosic protective colloid in combination with surfactant.

Abstract: It is to provide a block copolymer and its copolymer composition which provides a heat shrinkable (multilayer) film with less spontaneous shrinkage while maintaining favorable low temperature shrinkability, and a heat shrinkable (multilayer) film containing the block copolymer. By using a block copolymer comprising a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene characterized in that the relation of the loss tangent value obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement with the temperature satisfies specific conditions, or a composition containing the copolymer composition as an essential component, a heat shrinkable (multilayer) film with less spontaneous shrinkability and less odor while maintaining favorable low temperature shrinkability can be obtained.

Abstract: Quaternary boron salts are used as initiators of polymerisation in adhesive compositions for bonding low surface energy substrates such as polyolefins. The quaternary boron salts are of the formula I wherein R1 is C1–C10 alkyl, R2, R3 and R4, which may be the same or different, are, C1–C10 alkyl or C3–C10 cycloalkyl, phenyl, or phenyl-substituted C1–C10 alkyl or C3–C10 cycloalkyl, provided that any two of R1–R4 may optionally be part of a carbocyclic ring, and M+ is a metal ion or a quaternary ammonium ion. Particular examples of initiator compounds include sodium tetraethyl borate and lithium tetraethyl borate, lithium phenyl triethyl borate and tetramethylammonium phenyl triethyl borate.

Abstract: In a multi-layer structure of a cellulose acylate film, the averaged degree of acylation of surface layers is controlled in the range of 0.5 to 2.8 by mixing several sorts of cellulose acylates having different averaged degrees of acyation. One of the surface layers is formed on a substrate by casting a solution containing cellulose acylate made of cotton linter. Lubricant particles are added to a solution for the surface layers, and emission compounds to a solution for the inner layers. The obtained cellulose acylate film is excellent in adhesive property to the hydrophobic material without saponification, and adequately used for the polarizing filter, an optical compensation sheet, and liquid crystal display.

Abstract: Provided is a chromium-free metal surface treatment agent excellent in rust inhibitive performance which can be used in a surface treatment of metal products, in particular, galvanized metal products. The metal surface treatment agent consists essentially of a siliceous binder solution comprising water and/or alcohol as a solvent, and the concentration of the silica component is 8 to 25% by weight. In particular, a metal surface treatment agent containing an alcoholic solution of alkoxysilane oligomer having a weight averaged molecular weight of 1000 to 10000, which is obtained by hydrolyzed condensation polymerization of alkoxysilane, can suppress the occurrence of white rusting for a long time. It is preferred that 3 to 25 parts by weight of a dispersed nano-sized titanium dioxide powder having an average primary particle size of not more than 70 nm, per 100 parts by weight of the silica component be suspended in the siliceous binder solution.

Abstract: There is provided an organic light-emitting element comprising at least one light-emitting layer between a pair of electrodes formed on a substrate and at least two or more light emission center materials included in the light-emitting layer, and that the at least one or more light emission center materials include a phosphorescent light-emitting material, and an excitation lifetime of the light emission center material that emits light having a shortest wavelength is shorter than an excitation lifetime of the other light emission center material, whereby a high-efficiency organic light-emitting element without decreasing a color purity of white light emission can be obtained.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has a heater (10, 11) for heating water in the fuel cell system; and a controller (100) for controlling the heater. The controller (100) executes a stop mode having the smaller energy consumption of a temperature maintenance mode where water in the fuel cell system is maintained to a temperature greater than freezing point in a period after a shutdown the fuel cell system until a scheduled start-up date-time and a defrost start-up mode where frozen water in the fuel cell system is melted when the fuel cell system undergoes a start-up operation. The controller (100) stores a historical external temperature data for a period prior to the shutdown of the fuel cell system. The historical external temperature data is used for predicting the external temperature for the scheduled start-up date-time. The controller (100) calculates the energy consumption in the defrost start-up mode based on the predicted external temperature.

Abstract: A lightweight direct methanol fuel cell unit (20) comprising a fuel cell stack (24) enclosed within a housing (22). In one embodiment the fuel cell stack includes a plurality of polymer electrolyte membrane electrode assemblies (52) stacked alternatingly with a plurality of bipolar plates (48). Each bipolar plate includes a cathode flow field (78) defined by a porous cathode flow field structure (56) and an anode flow field (62) defined by an upper plate (58) and a lower plate (60) separated from one another by a plurality of spacers (64). The anode flow fields are manifolded with one another via manifold embossments (118, 120) that are hermetically sealed with one another with a gasket (126). The fuel cell stack and housing are shaped so as to form four manifold regions (36) in the spaces between the fuel cell stack and housing.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly including a liquid metal seal and/or a liquid metal interconnect.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell device incorporates a sealing material resistant to hydrogen gas permeation at a sealing temperature in the intermediate temperature range of 600° C.–800° C., the seal having a CTE in the 100×10?7/° C. to 120×10?7/° C., wherein the sealing material comprises in weight %, of: (i) a 80 to 95 wt % of glass frit, the glass frit itself having a composition in mole percent of: SiO2 70–85%; Al2O3 0–5%; Na2O3 0–8%; K2O 10–25%; ZnO 0–10%; ZrO2 0–6%; MgO 0–7%; TiO2 0–2%; and (ii) and 5 wt % to 25 wt % of addition comprising at least one of: alumina, zirconia or leucite.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based thin-film fuel cells for electrical power applications. The MEMS-based fuel cell may be of a solid oxide type (SOFC), a solid polymer type (SPFC), or a proton exchange membrane type (PEMFC), and each fuel cell basically consists of an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte layer. The electrolyte layer can consist of either a solid oxide or solid polymer material, or proton exchange membrane electrolyte materials may be used. Additionally catalyst layers can also separate the electrodes (cathode and anode) from the electrolyte. Gas manifolds are utilized to transport the fuel and oxidant to each cell and provide a path for exhaust gases. The electrical current generated from each cell is drawn away with an interconnect and support structure integrated with the gas manifold. The fuel cells utilize integrated resistive heaters for efficient heating of the materials.

Abstract: An electrode for a fuel cell, including a porous catalytic carrier including conductive fibers having two particle diameter distribution peaks of a first particle diameter distribution peak existing at a small particle diameter side and a second particle diameter distribution peak existing at a large particle diameter side, wherein said conducting fibers are carbon nano-fibers formed from a catalyst for formation prepared by preparing a mixed powder including one or more of a reducible metallic oxide powder and a non-reducible metallic oxide powder, mixing and pulverizing the mixed powder, and heating the mixed powder under reducing atmosphere; catalyst to be carried on said conductive fibers belonging to the first particle diameter distribution peak; and a proton conductive material adhered on surface of at least the conducive fibers belonging to the first particle diameter distribution peak, so as to come into contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: A battery venting system that is useful for cordless power tools. The system can include a cell that may have a sleeve with a plurality of apertures surrounding a peripheral side face of the cell to enhance heat dissipation from the cell. A plurality of cells may be electrically connected to form a cell pack. A carrier includes an upper carrier and a lower carrier to sandwich a plurality of cells that are aligned parallel to each other. The carriers include at least one vent hole that are aligned with a gap formed from adjacent cells to define an elongated fluid flow path. A charger may be provided to receive a housing containing the carrier and may be provided with a fan to direct a flow into the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A battery pack is compos d of a plurality of battery modules, holding brackets, a tubular cover, and a fan. The battery module is composed of a plurality of sealed rechargeable batteries having a metal case, which are arranged in a row and integrally connected in series. The plurality of battery modules are arranged in parallel, and the holding brackets hold both ends of the battery modules in a direction perpendicular to a parallel direction. The tubular cover forms a coolant path by surrounding the periphery of the battery modules. The fan supplies coolant to the inside of the coolant path. In the battery pack with above structure, increase in the height thereof is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary battery which is less expensive, whose safety is extremely high, which is of large capacity as well as good cyclic characteristic, and which uses an aqueous solution for the electrolytic solution. A lithium secondary battery according to the present invention is constituted by including a positive electrode, formed by binding a positive-electrode raw-material mixture including a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode, formed by binding a negative-electrode raw-material mixture including a negative electrode active material, and an electrolytic solution, comprising an aqueous solution in which a lithium salt is dissolved, said positive electrode active material including at least one of a layered structure lithium-manganese composite oxide whose basic composition is LiMnO2 and an olivine structure lithium-iron composite phosphorus oxide whose basic composition is LiFePO4.

Abstract: An anode for a rechargeable lithium cell comprises carbon nanotubes that contain within them an element that can form alloys or compounds reversibly with lithium over a range of compositions. The element within the nanotubes may be aluminum or tin. These carbon nanotubes are bound together to form a coherent layer with a polymeric binder, such as a polymer of viniylidene fluoride. A cell with such an anode should have improved capacity and improved reversibility, because the nanotubes provide a stabilizing framework for the alloy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode and a sulfur-containing cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte solvent. In the fully charged state of the cell the concentration of lithium ions is preferably less than 0.3 M. The cell delivers high discharge capacity at discharge rates, for example, C/5, over temperatures ranges of from +25° C. to ?20° C. Also disclosed is a battery including an electrochemical cell according to the invention and a device that utilizes such a battery to derive power.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide a lithium secondary battery exhibiting the improved function of self safety in an abnormal state without sacrificing battery characteristics. To attain the object, in a lithium secondary battery comprising a positive electrode (3a, 3b), a negative electrode (2a, 2b), an electrolytic solution, and a separator, a plurality of positive electrodes (3a, 3b) and negative electrodes (2a, 2b) are arranged to construct an electrode structure which includes an outermost layer of electrode on which a back coat layer (11) is formed.

Abstract: A phototool having a fluorinated phosph(on)ate coating and methods of using the phototool.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a frame and at least one linear element secured onto the frame. The linear elements define a masking part. The masking part has at least one opening. The openings are made by removing predetermined linear elements from those secured to the frame.

Abstract: Flare of an imaging system is measured using resist by employing the imaging system to directly expose a first part of the resist at an image plane of the imaging system to a first dose of radiation and to indirectly expose a second part of the resist as a result of flare. The imaging system exposes the second part of the resist to a second dose of radiation. Flare of the imaging system is determined from a pattern that is formed in the second part of the resist.

Abstract: Improved organophotoreceptor comprises an electrically conductive substrate and a photoconductive element on the electrically conductive substrate, the photoconductive element comprising: (a) a charge transport compound having the formula where R1 and R2 are, independently, hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkaryl group or an aryl group; X is an aromatic group; Y is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine; Z is (CH2)m group where m is an integer between 0 and 30 where one or more of the methylene groups is optionally replaced by O, S, C?O, O?C—O, O?C—NR3, sulfoxide, sulfate, phosphate, an aryl group, urethane, urea, NR4 group, CHR5 group, or CR6R7 group where R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are, independently, H, hydroxyl, thiol, an amine group, an alkyl group, an alkaryl group, a heterocyclic group, or an aryl group, and E is a bond, O, S, C?O, NR8, CR9R10 group, a hetrocyclic group, or an aromatic group where R8, R9, and R10 are, independently, H, an alkyl group, an alkaryl group, or an aryl group; and (b) a charg

Abstract: An improved organophotoreceptor includes an electrically conductive substrate and a photoconductive element on the electrically conductive substrate where the photoconductive element comprises: a) a charge transport material having the following formula: where X is a linking group; Y1 and Y2 are, each independently, a phenothiazine group, a phenoxazine group, or a phenazine group; R1, R2, R3, and R4 are, each independently, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a heterocyclic group, or an aromatic group; and R5 and R6 are, each independently, a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a heterocyclic group, or an aromatic group; and (b) a charge generating compound. Corresponding electrophotographic apparatuses and imaging methods are described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing transparencies reduces light scattering in a projection transparency formed with an electrostatically deposited color image. The method comprises: providing a transparent support substrate; forming an electrostatically deposited color developer image on the support substrate, the color developer image containing at least 25% by weight of organic liquid carrier, the color developer having dispersed particles comprising thermoplastic polymer therein, said dispersed particles having an effective Tg; and heating the color developer image on the support at a temperature and for a time that the thermoplastic polymer coalesces and at least some of the organic liquid carrier evaporates at a rate that free volume between the particles is reduced and light scattering is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A toner having high mechanical strength and being capable of exhibiting a sufficient fixing property in a wide temperature range is provided. Further, a fixing device and an image forming apparatus in which such a toner can be suitably used are provided. The toner contains polyester-based resin as a main resin component, and the acid value of the toner is 8.0 KOHmg/g or less. The polyester-based resin includes block polyester mainly composed of a block copolymer, and amorphous polyester having crystallinity lower than that of the block polyester. The block polyester has a crystalline block obtained by the condensation of a diol component with a dicarboxylic acid component and an amorphous block having crystallinity lower than that of the crystalline block.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toner which can properly ensure elasticity and viscosity after transiting fixing nip, can improve surface smoothness of the fixing surface, fixing strength of a toner and transparency, low temperature fixing ability, and can prevent fattening of characters by using dynamic viscoelastic characteristics more conformable for actual toner behavior in fixation by heating, further provides an image-forming apparatus capable of forming a high quality image while enhancing low temperature fixing ability, realizing oil-less fixation and preventing offset of a toner.