Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes a porous anode, a dense electrolyte in contact with the porous anode, and a porous cathode in contact with the dense electrolyte. The porous cathode is characterized by a single-phase structure of Brownmillerite or Srebrodolskite, the composition thereof having the formula (Ca2-xAx)(Fe2-yBy)O5±z wherein: A is at least one element selected from the group: rare earth elements, Bi, and alkaline elements; B is at least one element selected from the group: Al, Ga, In, Mg, Si, and transition metal elements; 0?x<2; 0?y<2; and z is a variable, the value of which is such that the overall composition has a generally neutral charge state.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly includes a polymer electrolyte membrane, and a cathode and an anode disposed on each side of a polymer electrolyte membrane. The anode includes a catalyst layer contacted with the polymer electrolyte membrane and an electrode substrate disposed the other surface of the catalyst layer. The electrode substrate includes a first surface contacted with the catalyst layer and a second surface not contacted with the catalyst layer, and the first surface is hydrophilic. Or, the electrode substrate includes a first electrode substrate contacted with the catalyst layer, and a second electrode substrate disposed to contact with the first electrode substrate wherein the first electrode substrate is hydrophilic.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated electrochemical device having a dense electrolyte disposed between an anode and a cathode preferably deposited as thin films is bonded to a porous electrically conductive support. A second porous electrically conductive support may be bonded to a counter electrode of the electrochemical device. Multiple electrochemical devices may be bonded in parallel to a single porous support, such as a perforated sheet to provide a planar array. Planar arrays may be arranged in a stacked interconnected array. A method of making a supported electrochemical device is disclosed wherein the method includes a step of bonding a pre-fabricated electrochemical device layer to an existing porous metal or porous metal alloy layer.

Abstract: A microporous battery separator is provided having a first co-extruded multilayered portion and a second co-extruded multilayered portion. The two portions are bonded together. In a preferred embodiment, the battery separator has two substantially identical multilayered portions bonded together face-to-face. Each of the two multilayered portions has at least one strength layer and at least one shutdown layer. Methods for making the battery separators are also provided. Preferably, a tubular multilayered film is extruded, and collapsed onto itself to form a multilayered battery separator precursor. The precursor is then bonded and annealed before it is stretched to form a microporous multilayer battery separator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a secondary battery, which is formed in the shape of a plate and has an electrode assembly mounted in a battery case made of a laminated sheet including a metal layer and a resin layer, wherein the secondary battery is constructed in a structure in which independent coupling type frame members are mounted to the outside part of a sheathing member serving as the battery case, and a medium- or large-sized battery module including the same as a unit cell. Consequently, the secondary battery has a high mechanical strength and a large sealing force. Furthermore, the electrical connection is accomplished without bending the electrode leads. Also, the battery module, which is constructed with the secondary battery as a unit cell, can be manufactured with a compact structure and a relatively light weight. Furthermore, the assembly process of the battery module is greatly simplified.

Abstract: Corners 3a?, 3b? of anode collector 3a and cathode collector 3b are covered with collector protection member 10. Collector protection member 10a is a member in the form of a bag of a resin-made film, and is formed at front surface 10c thereof with insertion hole 10d for allowing anode tab 4a and anode collector 3a or cathode tab 4b and cathode collector 3b to be inserted thereinto. Collector protection member 10 is vacuumed when battery element 2 is sealed with laminate films 5, 6, thereby ensuring tight contact of collector protection member 10 with anode collector 3a and cathode collector 3b.

Abstract: An external packaging material for covering a battery device is provided. The packaging material includes a laminated film having a laminated structure having two or more resin film layers stacked. In the external packaging material, the laminated structure has no metallic foil, and at least one layer in the resin film layers contains a moisture absorbing material.

Abstract: A case is made by disposing side plate portions on the long side and a side plate portion on one short side on the circumference of a plate portion. Provided on the other short side of the case in two tiers are a side plate portion and a substrate casing portion which has a height lower than the side plate portion. The substrate casing portion has a lower plate portion, side plate portions and an upper plate portion. The lower plate portion is provided with window portions from which the respective output terminals are exposed. The battery assembly is held in the case by fitting the protection circuit substrate which is laid down on a side face, into the substrate casing portion.

Abstract: A negative-electrode active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising a silicon compound capable of inserting and extracting lithium ion, wherein the silicon compound contains silicon-hydrogen bonds and the silicon-hydrogen bonds are introduced into the compound by reduction of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, silicon nitride and silicon carbide with hydrogen, and a negative electrode for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a layer containing the negative-electrode active material in the above arrangement formed on a current collector.

Abstract: A positive plate for alkaline secondary batteries has a porous substrate having electrical conductivity and vacancies and a positive mixture filled into the vacancies of the porous substrate. The positive mixture includes a positive electrode active material and a binding agent, the positive electrode active material having generally spherical first particles containing higher-ordered nickel hydroxide, and nonspherical second particles containing nickel hydroxide and having an average valence number of nickel lower than an average valence number of nickel in the first particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positive electrode active material comprising a lithium-containing composite oxide containing nickel with an oxidation state of 2.0 to 2.5 and manganese with an oxidation state of 3.5 to 4.0, the oxidation state determined by the shifts of energy at which absorption maximum is observed in the X-ray absorption near-K-edge structures, and to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using the same, the positive electrode active material being characterized in having a high capacity, a long storage life and excellent cycle life.

Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode including a lithium composite oxide represented by the general formula (1): LixM1-yLyO2 (0.85?x?1.25 and 0?y?0.50; M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co; and L is at least one selected from the group of alkaline earth elements, transition elements other than Ni and Co, rare earth elements, and elements of Group IIIb and Group IVb). The lithium composite oxide is treated with a coupling agent having a plurality of hydrolyzable groups, and the remaining hydrolyzable group is inactivated.

Abstract: A cathode material including a first compound and a second compound is disclosed. The first compound has a formula of A3xM12y(PO4)3 and includes plural micrometer-sized secondary particles, each of which has a particle size larger than 1 ?m and is composed of crystalline nanometer-sized primary particles, each of which has a particle size ranging from 10 to 500 nm. The second compound is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of SiC, BN and metal oxide having a formula of M2aOb and is coated on the first compound. A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Groups IA, IIA and IIIA; each of M1 and M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Groups IIA, IIIA, IVA and VA and transition metal elements, respectively; and 0<x?1.2, 1.2?y?1.8, 0<a?7, and 0<b?6.

Abstract: A battery capable of improving cycle characteristics is provided. An anode active material layer is formed by a vapor phase method, and includes Si as an element. In the anode active material layer, a plurality of primary particles formed by growth in a thickness direction are included, and the plurality of primary particles are agglomerated to form a plurality of secondary particles. Each secondary particle is separated by a groove formed by charge and discharge, and some of primary particles are split particles split by the groove. The average number of the split particles per secondary particle in 5 or more adjacent secondary particles is 10 or more. Moreover, the primary particles and the secondary particles are inclined to the same side.

Abstract: A secondary battery of the present invention comprises an electrode assembly in which a strip-shaped positive electrode plate and a strip-shaped negative electrode plate are spirally wound with a strip-shaped separator interposed therebetween, the positive electrode plate comprising a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode material mixture layer carried thereon, and the negative electrode plate comprising a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode material mixture layer carried thereon. The positive electrode plate has, in a vicinity of a first end at an initial winding side, an exposed portion of the positive electrode current collector having the positive electrode material mixture layer not formed thereon and a positive electrode lead connected to the exposed portion.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrode includes the steps of filling an active material in an electrode substrate made of woven or non-woven fabric having its fiber surface coated with metal, and pressing the electrode substrate to obtain an electrode, wherein the pressing is performed using the electrode substrate having a thickness of less than 2.0 t when the thickness of the electrode after the pressing is t. This ensues that the electrode substrate has a thickness allowing the active material of a sufficient amount to be filled therein, and a battery electrode in which the filled active material is unlikely to peel off from the electrode substrate can be produced. Accordingly, a battery electrode having a desired thickness and desired capacity and that can suppress degradation in battery performance due to repeated charge and discharge, and its producing method are provided.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte comprising (i) a non-aqueous solvent, especially mainly composed of a cyclic carbonate and a cyclic ester and optionally a linear carbonate, and (ii) an electrolyte salt, especially LiBF4, dissolved therein and (iii) a vinyl sulfone derivative having the formula (I): wherein R indicates a C1 to C12 alkyl group, C2 to C12 alkenyl group, or C3 to C6 cycloalkyl, and also a lithium secondary battery using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A hologram recording material with high sensitivity, high diffraction efficiency, good storability, a small shrinkage ratio, dry processing applicability and a multiple recording performance, which is applicable to high density optical recording media and the like, is provided. The hologram recording material contains the specific acid generator of sensitizing dye.

Abstract: A PSM blank and method for forming a PSM using the PSM blank, the PSM blank including a light transmitting portion; an uppermost anti-reflection portion; a photosensitive layer stack on the anti-reflection portion comprising at least two photosensitive layers; wherein each photosensitive layer has a lower radiant energy exposure sensitivity compared to an underlying layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a photo mask includes: forming a metal film on a mask substrate; forming a positive resist film on the metal film; forming a negative resist film on the metal film; patterning the positive resist film with a first pattern to form a first resist pattern, the first pattern being to be transferred onto a resist film on a substrate and then to be resolved, a semiconductor device is to be formed on the substrate; patterning the negative resist film with a second pattern to form a second resist pattern, the second pattern being intended to improve a resolution performance of the first pattern and including an auxiliary pattern which is not resolved on the substrate, the semiconductor device is to be formed on the substrate; and processing the metal film by use of the first resist pattern and the second resist pattern.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a photomask formation method including forming, on a photomask, a pattern obtained by coding information including inspection information for inspecting the photomask and an information attribute which identifies a type of the inspection information; reading the inspection information from the pattern; and inspecting the photomask on the basis of the read inspection information.

Abstract: A test pattern or set of patterns, a method of evaluating the transfer properties of the pattern, and a method of determining a parameter of a transfer process (e.g., imaging process) making use of the test pattern is provided. With the test pattern, the impact of line edge roughness on a transferred pattern may be analyzed. For example, the test pattern may be based upon a lines/spaces pattern, wherein periodic structures having a well-defined period and amplitude are adjacent to the lines. A photomask is provided with the test pattern and an image of the pattern is obtained. Edges of the image are determined and, therefrom, a set of edge position data are obtained. Edge position data are fitted to a straight line to determine edge position residuals. An amplitude spectrum is calculated dependent upon spatial frequencies to obtain a amplitude/spatial frequency relationship. A ratio of determined maximum is formed.

Abstract: An organic photoconductive material which is useful as a raw material compound for a variety of functional materials and makes it possible to implement an electrophotoconductor which is excellent in terms of the charge transporting performance, excellent in terms of dissolution in solvents and compatibility with resins, and excellent in terms of both the electrical properties and durability is provided. An example is an asymmetric bishydroxy compound which can be represented by the following structural formula (1aa). This compound is contained in a charge transforming layer 4 or a surface protective layer 5 of an electrophotoconductor 18. As a result, an electrophotoconductor 18 which is excellent in terms of the electrical properties and durability and can stably form high quality images without image defects such as black dots can be implemented.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to charge generating compositions and methods of making the charge generating compositions. The composition may comprise one or more polymers comprising styrene units and allyl alcohol units, and one or more photoconductive particles. Electrophotographic devices employing the compositions, including methods of making the devices, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a combination of color toners is provided wherein the particle size of toner utilized with each color is tailored to optimize pigment loading and mass per unit area on the toner.

Abstract: An electrophotographic toner is disclosed. The toner is composed of toner particles comprising colored particles containing a dye which is dispersed in a binder resin, wherein the toner particles satisfies formula of 3?D2/D1>1, D1 being a volume average particle diameter of the colored particles, and D2 being an average diameter of dye cloud formed by the colored particles in the toner particle.

Abstract: Toner for electrostatic charge development wherein no scumming occurs, and toner leakage caused by charge defect of the toner on a developing roller can be inhibited, and an excellent image stability is obtained is provided.

Abstract: Toner compositions prepared with stable latex emulsions and method for characterizing stable latex emulsions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a toner including the steps of melt-kneading raw materials containing two or more kinds of polyesters, heat-treating a melt-kneaded product, pulverizing a heat-treated product, and classifying a pulverized product, wherein the two or more kinds of polyesters contain at least one kind of an amorphous polyester, and the heat-treating step is carried out at a temperature t (° C.) and time h (hour) satisfying the following formulas (a) and (b), Tg1?t?Tm?10??(a) h?100/(t?30), with proviso that t>30??(b) wherein Tg1 is a glass transition temperature (° C.) of the melt-kneaded product before the heat-treating step; and Tm is the lowest softening point (° C.) of softening points of the two or more kinds of polyesters, and the toner produced by the process.

Abstract: The invention provides a toner for electrostatic latent image development comprising a first component and a second component which are isolated from each other and capable of forming a color when the first component and the second component are brought into reaction with each other, and a photo-curable composition containing either the first component or the second component, the photo-curable composition not being capable of forming a color when the photo-curable composition is not cured, that is irreversibly controlled to a state of being capable of forming a color by irradiating light having a specific wavelength at which the photo-curable composition is cured.

Abstract: By using a branched long chained chain scission polymer as a photoresist for high resolution extreme ultraviolet (EUV), e-beam or 193 nanometer lithography applications, a relatively higher molecular weight polymer with good mechanical properties may be achieved. In addition, by using chain scission technology, line edge roughness and resolution may be improved at the same time.

Abstract: A method for reducing line edge roughness (LER) in a layer of photoresist is provided. In accordance with the method, a layer of photoresist is applied to a substrate. The layer of photoresist is then patterned and annealed in an atmosphere comprising at least one gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nitrogen and fluorine-containing materials. Preferably, the anneal is performed after patterning the photoresist, but either immediately after, or subsequent to, the trim.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing a substrate, comprising a reflow process for forming a desired pattern by dissolving a resist pattern, whereby occurrence of defectives, such as disconnection, can be prevented, and a pattern having an appropriate uniformity can be formed efficiently on each predetermined area desired to be masked. From a photoresist pattern 206 including thicker film portions and thinner film portions, the thinner film portions are removed by a re-developing process. Next, the photoresist so formed by the re-developing process on a backing layer 205 is dissolved such that it passes through a stepped portion 205a formed at each edge portion 205b of the backing layer 205, thereby masking a predetermined area Tg.

Abstract: Novel, developer soluble anti-reflective coating compositions and methods of using those compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a polymer and/or oligomer having acid functional groups and dissolved in a solvent system along with a cross linker, a photoacid generator, and optionally a chromophore. The preferred acid functional group is a carboxylic acid, while the preferred crosslinker is a vinyl ether crosslinker. In use, the compositions are applied to a substrate and thermally crosslinked. Upon exposure to light (and optionally a post exposure bake), the cured compositions will decrosslink, rendering them soluble in typical photoresist developing solutions (e.g., alkaline developers). In one embodiment, the compositions can be used to form ion implant areas in microelectronic substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light sensitive planographic printing plate material comprising a support and provided thereon, a light sensitive layer containing a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated compound, a polymeric binder, and a sensitizing dye, wherein the sensitizing dye is represented by formula (1),

Abstract: A polymer is composed of recurring units of hydroxyvinylnaphthalene, (meth)acrylic units having a lactone ring fused to a bridged ring, and (meth)acrylic units having acid labile groups. A positive resist composition comprising the polymer as a base resin, when exposed to high-energy radiation and developed, exhibits a high sensitivity, a high resolution, and a minimal line edge roughness due to controlled swell during development.

Abstract: To provide a fluoropolymer having functional groups and having high transparency in a wide wavelength region, and a resist composition comprising the fluoropolymer. A fluoropolymer (A) having monomer units formed by polymerization of a fluorinated diene represented by the following formula (1): CF2?CFCH2CH-Q-CH2CH?CH2??(1) wherein Q is (CH2)aC(CF3)2OR4 (wherein a is an integer of from 0 to 3, R4 is an alkyl group or a fluorinated alkyl group having at most 20 carbon atoms which may have an etheric oxygen atom, an alkoxycarbonyl group having at most 6 carbon atoms, or CH2R5 (wherein R5 is an alkoxycarbonyl group having at most 6 carbon atoms)), or (CH2)dCOOR6 (wherein d is 0 or 1, and R6 is a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group or a fluorinated alkyl group having at most 20 carbon atoms), a process for its production and a resist composition having the fluoropolymer (A) as a base.

Abstract: A method for making an inorganic structure including: (a) applying a photoreactive composition to a substrate, wherein the composition includes: a reactive species, a photoinitiator system, and a plurality of substantially inorganic colloidal particles, wherein the particles have an average particle size of less than about 300 nm; (b) photopatterning the composition to define a structure; and (c) subjecting the structure to elevated temperature for a time sufficient to pyrolyze the reactive species and to at least partially fuse the particles.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate comprising: exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: a support having a hydrophilic surface; a photosensitive layer containing a phthalocyanine pigment covered with a polymer having a group represented by the formula (I) or (II) as defined herein in its side chain and a hydrophobic binder polymer having an acid value of 0.3 meq/g or less; and a protective layer provided in this order; and removing the protective layer and an unexposed area of the photosensitive layer in a presence of a developer having pH of from 2 to 10 in an automatic processor equipped with a rubbing member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a planographic printing plate, including ejecting a photo-polymerizable ink composition containing at least one polymerization-initiating substance having a molar extinction coefficient of 1,000 M?1cm?1 or more in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm on a support, and polymerizing and hardening the ink deposited on the support by irradiation of the ink with light from a light source having an output of 1,000 W or less, and a planographic printing plate obtained by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel unsaturated polycyclic compounds containing two fluoroalcohol substitutents. This invention also relates to homopolymers and copolymers derived from such unsaturated polycyclic compounds. The copolymers are useful for photoimaging compositions and, in particular, photoresist compositions (positive-working and/or negative-working) for imaging in the production of semiconductor devices. The polymers are especially useful in photoresist compositions having high UV transparency (particularly at short wavelengths, e.g., 157 nm) which are useful as base resins in resists and potentially in many other applications.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an ink jet recording head has: forming a liquid flow path mold material of a soluble resin on a substrate on which an energy generating elements is formed, the energy generating element being configured to generate energy for use in discharging ink; forming a coating resin layer of a negative photosensitive resin on the substrate on which the mold material is formed; exposing and developing the coating resin layer to form an ink discharge port in the coating resin layer; and dissolving and removing the mold material to form a liquid flow path, wherein during the exposing of the coating resin layer, a total amount of exposure energy per unit area, applied to an exposure region other than a region of the coating resin layer positioned above the mold material, is larger than that of exposure energy per unit area, applied to the region of the coating resin layer positioned above the mold material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a wiring circuit board, which comprises the steps of: (A) forming a conductor layer of a predetermined pattern on an insulating layer; (B) forming a photosensitive solder resist layer on the insulating layer and the patterned conductor layer formed on the insulating layer; (C) disposing a transparent protective film on the photosensitive solder resist layer; and (D) exposing the photosensitive solder resist layer to a light through the transparent protective film.

Abstract: A latent image developing system, methods for imaging and developing images, and systems and methods for blocking or erasing latent images. The latent image developing system includes a substrate containing a colorless image deposited thereon. A developer instrument is used to provide a visible image. The developer instrument includes a developer composition reactive with the colorless image. An image blocking instrument is provided for concealing at least a portion of the visible image. The image blocking instrument is provided by a blocking composition applicator and an aqueous mixture of blocking composition and water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photothermographic material having, on one side of a support, an image forming layer including at least a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent, and a binder, and at least one non-photosensitive layer which is disposed on the same side of the support as the image forming layer and farther from the support than the image forming layer, wherein the non-photosensitive layer includes at least a copolymer latex of an acrylate or methacrylate having a fluorine atom and a monomer component having a hydrophobic group, and the surface of the side having the image forming layer includes convex portions having a height of 1.5 ?m or higher in an amount of from 20 to 2000 per 1 mm2. A photothermographic material which exhibits excellent film physical properties and high image quality is provided.

Abstract: The performance of a combustion apparatus is improved by providing a burner tile therein which includes a coating of a high-emissivity (high-E) material. Preferably, the high-E material has an emissivity of greater than about 0.80, usually between about 0.85 to about 0.98. In some embodiments, the high-E material has an emissivity of about 0.92. The coating thickness on of the high-E material on the burner tile can be between about 0.0005 to about 0.025 inch, preferably between about 0.001 to about 0.002 inch. In especially preferred embodiments, the high-E material is ceramic. A burner tile comprising a coating layer of the high-emissivity material may therefore be incorporated into a combustion apparatus so as to improve its combustion performance.

Abstract: An oxygen fueled integrated pollutant removal and combustion system includes a combustion system and an integrated pollutant removal system. The combustion system includes a furnace having at least one burner that is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. An oxygen supply supplies oxygen at a predetermine purity greater than 21 percent and a carbon based fuel supply supplies a carbon based fuel. Oxygen and fuel are fed into the furnace in controlled proportion to each other and combustion is controlled to produce a flame temperature in excess of 3000 degrees F. and a flue gas stream containing CO2 and other gases. The flue gas stream is substantially void of non-fuel borne nitrogen containing combustion produced gaseous compounds.

Abstract: A fuel fired appliance exhaust gas parameter sensor for continually detecting gas parameter emissions, such as CO, NOx and O2, may be located above the appliance near the appliance exhaust outlet. The sensor may be located near or under a draft hood located near the exhaust outlet. The sensor remains relatively cool by draft air moving from outside the draft hood and into a chimney, the draft being hastened by the heated, rising chimney gases. A sensor bracket may be attached to the appliance and the sensor to appropriately position the sensor under the draft hood. Alternatively, the sensor may be located on a tube that continually samples combustion exhaust. The tube may be located outside of the draft hood perimeter to maintain a low sensor temperature, while multiple tube coils around the exhaust outlet may be used to further cool the sampled gas.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing sparking or arcing within a fuel tank area is provided. The method includes installing an electrical bond between a fuel access door to a fuel tank skin; isolating the fuel access door and the fuel tank skin; and installing a fuel seal between the inner side of the fuel tank skin and the fuel access door.

Abstract: Contamination rate reduction for a flame detection or sensor arrangement using controlled but flexible flame sensor activation. A flame sensor of the subject application is subject to contamination which reduces the lifetime of the sensor. To reduce a contamination rate of the flame sensor, the sensor may be inactivated for certain periods of time when the necessity of flame detection does not appear significant for the use at hand.