Abstract: A copper foil 1 comprises a roughened plating layer 2, a Ni—Co alloy plating layer 3, a zinc galvanized (underlying) layer 4, a chromate treatment layer 5, and a silane coupling treatment layer 6 on a surface to be bonded with a base material for a printed circuit board, and the chromate treatment layer 5 is formed by using a trivalent chromium conversion treatment solution containing 70 mg/L or more and less than 500 mg/L of trivalent chromium ions converted into metal chromium and having a pH-value of 3.0 to 4.5. According to the present invention, a copper foil for a printed circuit board, a method for fabricating the same, and a trivalent chromium conversion treatment solution used for fabricating the same, which have an excellent controllability in Zn film forming amount and chromate film forming amount can be obtained.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a support having provided thereon a magnetic layer, wherein a smooth coating layer having a thickness of from 0.10 to 1 ?m, surface roughness of 5 nm or less, and 20 or less per 900 ?m2 of the protrusions having a height of 20 nm or more measured by an interatomic force microscope (AFM) is provided on the surface of at least one side of the support. And a method for producing a magnetic recording medium comprising a support having provided thereon a magnetic layer, which comprises providing a smooth coating layer having a thickness of from 0.10 to 1 ?m, surface roughness of 5 nm or less, and 20 or less per 900 ?m2 of the protrusions having a height of 20 nm or more measured by an interatomic force microscope (AFM) on the surface of at least one side of the support, and forming at least the magnetic layer on the smooth coating layer without performing rolling-up operation.

Abstract: A multi-stage compressor system that compresses air supplied to a cathode of a fuel cell system includes a first stage compressor that compresses inlet air to provide a first pressurized air stream at a first pressure. A second stage compressor includes a compression unit that compresses the first pressurized air stream to a second pressurized air stream at a second pressure. A drive unit drives the compression unit using expansion energy of an exhaust stream of the fuel cell. A first heat exchanger enables heat transfer between the second pressurized air stream and the exhaust stream to heat the exhaust stream.

Abstract: A mechanization of a fuel cell system and a method of operating the same is provided which simplifies the start-up of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system can be started up without using any battery derived high voltage power to drive a high voltage compressor. The present invention provides for the use of a low voltage blower to provide oxygen to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to enable start-up of the fuel cell stack without the initial use of a high voltage compressor. The low voltage blower can be powered by a low voltage power source and/or the voltage produced by the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled hypergolic approach to using concentrated hydrogen peroxide in combination with certain hydrocarbons such as ethanol, methanol, methane as well as more common fuels such as gasoline, diesel, DME, JP5, JP8 and the like to generate a gas mixture primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Because air is not used as the oxygen source, this novel process does not allow the formation of nitrous oxide (NOx) compounds, thereby avoiding the primary source of nitrogen contamination as well. The process is executed in a constraining system on a micro scale such that the resulting hydrogen supply is self-pressurizing. This enables the incorporation of an “on-demand” hydrogen fuel source for a variable output fuel cell power plant such as those proposed for use in automobiles, marine vessels and stationary power sources. In another embodiment of the present invention hydrogen peroxide is catalytically, or thermally reacted to provide H2O vapor and O2.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidifying a fuel cell composed of an anode side humidifier and a cathode side humidifier each possessing a plurality of hollow fiber membrane modules for migrating moisture between a supply gas, which is supplied to a fuel cell, and an exhaust gas, which is exhausted from the fuel cell to thereby humidify the supply gas, the humidifier comprising: a pair of heads which hold both ends of the hollow fiber membrane modules, a connecting member which connects each of heads, and a device for warming the supply gas composed of conduits through which a cooling medium exhausted from the fuel cell is passed. The device for warming the supply gas is configured so that first warms a humidifier at an outlet side of the supply gas, and then warms a humidifier at an inlet side of the supply gas.

Abstract: A conventional direct methanol solid polymer fuel cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte as an electrolyte. This type of cell involves some problems; methanol permeates the membrane; the electromotive force lowers because of direct oxidation; and the membrane melts at about 130° C. when the temperature is increased to enhance the catalyst activity.

Abstract: A contacting device comprising a non-metallic, electrically conductive elastomeric composition for providing reliable, corrosion resistant electrical contacts to fuel cell components. Such a contacting device is particularly suitable for measuring voltages at carbon separator plates in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for solid oxide fuel cells includes an electrolyte member defining a cathode side and an anode side and having an active area and an edge portion; cathode disposed on the cathode side; an anode disposed on the anode side; and at least one electrolyte support member positioned adjacent to the edge portion of the electrolyte and having an opening positioned over at least a portion of the active area.

Abstract: A seal member is formed integrally on surfaces of a metal separator of a fuel cell. The seal members include an outer seal provided near the outer edge of the separator, and an inner seal spaced inwardly from the outer seal by a predetermined distance. When a load is applied to the outer seal and the inner seal in a stacking direction, the outer seal and the inner seal are deformed substantially equally in the stacking direction to the same extent.

Abstract: A fuel cell system has a fuel cell, a gas supply device and an electronic control unit. The gas supply device supplies a scavenging gas to the fuel cell. The electronic control unit controls scavenging of the fuel cell with the scavenging gas when a request for discontinuing power generation is given to the fuel cell. A humidification control device for controlling humidification of the scavenging gas and a cooling control device for controlling cooling of the scavenging gas are provided in a passage connecting the gas supply device and the fuel cell.

Abstract: A gasket elastomer precursor of admixed fluoroelastomer particulate, curing agent, and metallic oxide reduction-agent optionally admixed with any of microspheres, inert particulate, PTFE particles. In one embodiment, the composition is applied to a substrate and cured to provide a fuel cell gasket. The admixtures provide a basis for designed cured admixtures having internally differentiated regions interbonded by cured elastomer.

Abstract: An electro-chemical fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells arranged in a stacked configuration to form a fuel cell assembly. The fuel cell assembly has opposite first and second ends with a length therebetween. First and second end plates are disposed on the respective first and second ends of the fuel cell assembly. The stack has at least one side plate with opposite first and second ends that are attached to the respective first and second end plates. The side plate holds the first and second end plates in a spaced relation so that the first and second end plates impart a compressive force on the fuel cell assembly. The side plate also encloses the fuel cell assembly between the first and second end plates and provides a protective enclosure for the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A separator assembly for use in a stack of electrochemical cells is provided, having a first conductive metallic substrate with a first surface and a second conductive metallic substrate with a second surface, wherein each of the first and second surfaces are overlaid with an ultra-thin electrically conductive metal coating. The first and second surfaces form electrically conductive paths at regions where the metal coating of the first and second layer contact one another. The contact of the surfaces overlaid with metal coating is sufficient to join the first and second substrates to one another. Preferred metal coatings comprise gold (Au). Methods of making such separator assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A direct hydrogen peroxide fuel cell for stable and efficient production of electric current by direct reduction of hydrogen peroxide via a cathode comprising a metal phthalocyanine electrocatalyst, coupled with oxidation of fuel by means of ion transfer across an ion-conducting polymer electrolyte, is provided. In addition, a hydrogen peroxide concentration meter is provided, which may be utilized, for example, for measuring the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in solutions that may contain strong electrolytes or in automated systems such as those to be used with the present fuel cell.

Abstract: An improved battery design which is particularly suitable for use in an implantable medical device is disclosed. The design utilizes a two-part case for the battery contents which allows freedom with respect to feedthrough locations and battery shape.

Abstract: An electrochemical device such as a battery and a fuel cell having two electrolytes between the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical device is preferably arranged with an alkaline electrolyte in contact with the anode and an acidic electrolyte in contact with the cathode. The electrolytes are separated by a bipolar membrane that preferably also provides ionic conductivity between the two electrolytes and also generates a supply of protons and hydroxide anions. The electrochemical device achieves fifty percent higher operating voltage and power compared to fuel cells with a single electrolyte.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode comprising a positive electrode material attached to a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode material comprises a positive electrode active material represented by LiaMnbNibCo1-2bO2 (wherein a is 0?a?1.1, and b is 0<b?0.5), a binder and an electrically conductive agent, wherein the binder is contained in the positive electrode material in a range of 0.8˜3 weight %, and the density of the positive electrode material is not less than 3.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: An alkaline primary cell which is improved in reduction of self-discharge and cell capacity under storage at a high temperature, has a prolonged life and makes use of nickel oxyhydroxide is provided inexpensively. ?-Form nickel oxyhydroxide is contained in a positive electrode mixture as an active material, which contains cobalt and zinc as a substitutional element for solid solution, and has a total amount X+Y of molar ratios of cobalt atom X and zinc atom Y such that 2?X+Y?16, with a mixing ratio satisfying the relationship of Y?3/2×X+1/2 and Y?2/3×X ?1/3, and where a diffraction peak obtained as a result of measurement of X-ray powder diffraction of nickel oxyhydroxide appears only in the vicinity of 18.5° within a range of 2?=10°-30°.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making lithium/air batteries with LiPON as separator and protective barrier, and the resulting cell(s) and/or battery(s). Some embodiments include an apparatus that includes a lithium anode; a polymer-air cathode; and a LiPON separator between the anode and cathode. In some embodiments, the polymer-air cathode includes a carbon-polyfluoroacrylate material. In some embodiments, the anode overlays a copper anode contact.

Abstract: A mask is provided wherein the mask has: a plate-like member having a mask pattern area and at least one pn junction; and a current supplying area which supplies a current to the pn junction, and a Peltier effect is caused by supplying a current to the pn junction, thereby enabling the temperature of the mask pattern area to be controlled. When this mask is used, reliable formation of an ion implanted region is enabled without forming a resist pattern.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a phase shift mask blank wherein the method includes at least a step of forming one or more layers of phase shift films on a substrate by a sputtering method, and in the step, the phase shift films are formed by the sputtering method while simultaneously discharging plural targets having different compositions. Thereby, a phase shift mask blank having a desired composition and quality, in particular, having a phase shift film with few defects can be easily produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exposure mask for structuring a photoresist layer on a substrate wafer, in which an inorganic adhesive is used as an adhesive device for connecting a reticle having a lithographic structure, a frame and a pellicle. For chemical reasons, an adhesive of this type has no tendency or a considerably lower tendency to gassing out than an organic adhesive used in conventional exposure masks, so that the risk of particles which are deposited on the lithographic structure and which can cause projection errors during an exposure process is largely ruled out. The invention relates further to a method of producing such an inorganic adhesive and also a method of producing an exposure mask with the aid of such an inorganic adhesive.

Abstract: A photomask blank substrate is made by polishing a starting substrate to a specific flatness in a principal surface region on a top surface of the substrate so as to form a polished intermediate product, then additionally polishing the intermediate product. Substrates made in this way exhibit a good surface flatness at the time of wafer exposure. When a photomask fabricated from a blank obtained from such a substrate is held on the mask stage of a wafer exposure system with a vacuum chuck, the substrate surface undergoes minimal warping, enabling exposure patterns of small geometry to be written onto wafers to good position and linewidth accuracies.

Abstract: An imaging member having a charge transport layer is provided. The charge transport layer includes a plurality of charge transport layers coated from solutions of similar or different compositions or concentrations, wherein the upper or additional transport layer(s) comprise a lower concentration of charge transport compound than the first (bottom) charge transport layer. The charge transport compound included in the first (bottom) charge transport layer may either be the same or different from that included in the additional charge transport layers. The charge transport compound in one or more of the layers is dissolved or molecularly dispersed in an electrically inactive polymer material to form a solid solution. In such a construction, the resulting charge transport layer exhibits enhanced cracking suppression, improves wear resistance, provides excellent imaging member electrical performance, and delivers improved print quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and more specifically, to a photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer superimposed over a substrate. In one aspect of the invention, sequential laminations of a dispersion layer of conductive tantalum-doped tin oxide powder dispersed in a binder resin solution, are provided between the substrate layer and the photosensitive layer. Another aspect of the invention relates to a protective layer provided for the photosensitive layer. The protective layer of the most exterior surface of the photosensitive member may be a dispersion layer formed by dispersing tantalum-doped tin oxide powder in a resin solution.

Abstract: Improved organophotoreceptor comprises an electrically conductive substrate and a photoconductive element on the electrically conductive substrate, the photoconductive element comprising: (a) a polymeric charge transport material having the formula where n and m are each a distribution of integers, and the n units of R1—Si—X1—Ar1 and m units of R2—Si—X2—Ar2—X3-Z form either a random, an alternative, or a block copolymer; R1 and R2 comprise, each independently, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a heterocyclic group, or an aromatic group; X1, X2, and X3 comprise, each independently, a bond or a linking group; A1 and A2 are each a terminal group; Ar1 and Ar2 comprise, each independently, an aromatic group; and Z comprises a functional group; and (b) a charge generating compound. Corresponding electrophotographic apparatuses, imaging methods, and methods of preparing the polymeric charge transport material are described.

Abstract: A developer for developing an electrostatic latent image, including a carrier which includes core particles, and a surface layer surrounding each of the core particles and containing an acrylic resin binder; and a toner which includes toner particles and an external additive of inorganic or organic fine particles present on each of the toner particles. Each of the toner particles comprises a colorant, a matrix of a first resin, and a plurality of domains of a second resin dispersed in the matrix and containing a wax. The first resin is substantially free of tetrahydrofuran insoluble matters and has a weight average molecular weight of 3,000 to 90,000.

Abstract: A toner includes particles of a resin, an optional colorant, a first wax and a second wax, where the toner particles are prepared by an emulsion aggregation process. Additional waxes can also be added for different properties.

Abstract: A toner for an image-forming apparatus and method which apparatus has a cleaning means with a cleaning blade to remove a residual toner remaining on a surface of a photoconductive member after transfer; the toner being a mixture of a colored polymer particle and an external additive. The colored polymer particle has an average circle degree in the range of 0.95-0.995 and a volume average particle diameter in the range of 3-8 ?m. The toner has an absolute value of charge amount in the range of 20-70 ?C/g in a toner layer formed on a developing roll when the toner is used with the image-forming apparatus.

Abstract: A toner for developing an electrostatic image is disclosed. The arithmetic average of shape coefficient SF-1 of the toner particles calculated by Equation 1 is from 125 to 170 and a ratio of that to an arithmetic average of the shape coefficient SF-2 of the toner particles calculated by Equation 2, SF-1/SF-2, is from 1.10 to 1.52 and the ratio of the toner particles having a circle corresponding diameter measured by a flow particle image analyzer of from not less than 0.60 to less than 1.00 ?m is not more than 5.0% in number. The image forming methods employing the toner are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming an image contains steps of: transferring a toner having a volume average particle diameter of 5 ?m or less to a recording medium as a toner image having a monochromatic maximum toner mass per area of 0.35 mg/cm2 or less; and fixing the toner image at a surface temperature of a fixing roll which is 130° C. or less. The toner preferably has 0.02 log(Pa)/° C. or less of a gradient of a storage, elasticity per temperature in a temperature range of from Tm+20° C. to Tm+50° C. Here, Tm represents a melting temperature of a crystalline resin contained in the crystalline toner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of drying and recovering toner particles from a liquid carrier. The methods are very effective to generate discrete, substantially non-agglomerated dry toner particles in a manner that preserves the particle size and particle distribution of the wet particles. The resultant dried toner particles free-flowing with a relatively narrow particle size distribution. The present invention uses electrical phenomena to help transfer charged toner particles from a liquid carrier onto a substrate surface. In practical effect, the particles are electrically plated onto the surface. Because the resultant coating has a relatively large drying surface area per gram of particle incorporated into the coating, drying may occur relatively quickly under moderate temperature and pressure conditions. After drying, the dried toner particles are readily recovered and may then be used in dry or even wet toners for electrophotographic applications.

Abstract: A method for producing a toner comprising the step of coagulating at least one crystalline ester compound represented by Formula 1 and resin particles in an aqueous medium in the presence of and aluminum compound. R1—(OCO—R2)nFormula 1 In the formula, R1 and R2 are each a carbon hydride group having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms which may have a substituent and n is an integer of from 1 to 4.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing toner includes combining a polymer resin and an organic solvent to obtain an oil-based solvent; combining a dispersion stabilizer with water to obtain a water-based solvent; adding an amphiphilic solvent to the water-based solvent; emulsifying the oil-based solvent in the water-based solvent to form emulsion particles; and removing the organic solvent from the emulsion particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemically amplified polymer having a pendent group with dicyclohexyl bonded thereto, a process for the preparation thereof, and a resist composition comprising it, and more particularly, to a novel (meth)acrylic or norbornene carboxylate compound with dicyclohexyl bonded thereto, a process for the preparation thereof, a chemically amplified polymer synthesized therewith, and a positive photoresist composition for ArF comprising said polymer, with high resolution and excellent etching resistance.

Abstract: A positive resist composition for use with an electron beam, an EUV light or an X ray, the positive resist composition comprising: (A) at least one compound that generates an acid upon treatment with one of an actinic ray and radiation; and (B) a resin that increases a solubility of the resin (B) in an alkaline developer by an action of an acid, wherein the resin (B) comprises a repeating unit having an alicyclic group connected with a fluorine-substituted alcohol residue; and a pattern formation method using the composition.

Abstract: A resist material and a nanofabrication method provide high-resolution nanofabrication without an expensive irradiation apparatus using, for example, electron beams or ion beams. That is, the resist material and the nanofabrication method provide finer processing using exposure apparatuses currently in use. A resist layer of an incompletely oxidized transition metal such as W and Mo is selectively exposed and developed to be patterned in a predetermined form. The incompletely oxidized transition metal herein is a compound having an oxygen content slightly deviated to a lower content from the stoichiometric oxygen content corresponding to a possible valence of the transition metal. In other words, the compound has an oxygen content lower than the stoichiometric oxygen content corresponding to a possible valence of the transition metal.

Abstract: A copy-protected optical medium comprising transient optical state change security materials that demonstrating an optical state change when exposed to the wavelengths of from about 770 nm to about 830 nm.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to optical lithography and more particularly relates to the fabrication of transparent or semitransparent phase shifting masks used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. In particular, the present invention utilizes a light absorbing film in a conventional aaPSMs to balance the intensity of light through each opening of the photomask. The aaPSM of the present invention is used to make semiconductor devices or integrated circuits.

Abstract: In a resist pattern forming method in which bake processing is performed at a temperature not lower than a glass transition temperature in order to obtain the desired sidewall angle, resist removable is difficult. Accordingly, in the resist pattern forming method of performing bake processing at a temperature not lower than a glass transition temperature, a process margin for resist removability cannot be ensured, so that there is the problem that it is impossible to compatibly realize both the formation of a resist pattern having the desired sidewall angle and the resist removability of the resist pattern. The invention aims to solve the problem. A resist pattern including a diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ)-novolac resin type of positive resist is formed, and the resist pattern is irradiated with light within the range of photosensitive wavelengths of a DNQ photosensitizer to perform bake processing on the resist pattern at a temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of the resist pattern.

Abstract: In a method for forming a photoresist pattern, a method for forming a capacitor, and a capacitor manufactured using the same, a light is selectively irradiated onto a selected portion of a photoresist film formed on a substrate. An interfered light generated from the irradiated light is transmitted through other portions of the photoresist film except a ring-shaped portion of the photoresist film having a predetermined width along a boundary of the selected portion. The photoresist film is exposed using the interfered light and the light irradiated onto the selected portion. A cylindrical photoresist pattern having a minute width may be formed through developing the photoresist film. With the cylindrical pattern, the capacitor can be easily formed.

Abstract: Provided is a contact hole forming method, wherein in a thermal flow step the contact hole size can be fixed after thermal flow even if the resist material lot changes, or, wherein at the same bake temperature the contracted size, namely the flow amount, can be fixed.

Abstract: A silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material having, on a support, a yellow dye-forming light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, a magenta dye-forming light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer and a cyan dye-forming light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, and a light-insensitive hydrophilic colloid layer that does not develop a color, wherein a total amount of a hydrophilic binder on the emulsion layer-coating side of the support is 6.0 g/m2 or less, and at least one of said silver halide emulsion layers contains at least one compound selected from metal complexes represented by formula (I) set forth below and a silver halide emulsion of a 90 mole % or more silver chloride content with a silver bromide-containing phase formed in a layer form.

Abstract: Methods for determining the effectiveness of anticancer agents by determining and comparing growth factor receptor phosphorylation levels in samples obtained by non-invasive procedures before and after anticancer treatments are provided. The invention also provides methods for detecting growth factor receptor phosphorylation in hair follicles and other tissues obtained by non-invasive means.

Abstract: A change in viral tropism occurs in many HIV positive individuals over time and may be indicated by a shift in coreceptor use from CCR5 to CXCR4. The shift in coreceptor use to CXCR4 has been shown to correlate with increased disease progression. In patients undergoing HAART, the predominant populations of virus may be shifted back to CCR5-mediated entry after the CXCR4-specific strains have emerged. The present invention relates to a diagnostic method to monitor coreceptor use in the treatment and clinical management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic method applied to HIV-positive individuals undergoing HAART to monitor the suppression of CCR5- or CXCR4-specific strains. The diagnostic methods may be used to assist in selecting antiretroviral therapy and to improve predictions of disease prognosis over time.

Abstract: Methods, reagents and kits are disclosed for selecting target-specific oligonucleotide probes, which may be used in analyzing a target nucleic acid sequence. In one aspect the present invention is directed to selecting a set of target-specific oligonucleotide probes. A cross-hybridization oligonucleotide probe is identified based on a candidate target-specific oligonucleotide probe for the target nucleic acid sequence. The cross-hybridization oligonucleotide probe measures the extent of occurrence of a cross-hybridization event having a predetermined probability. Cross-hybridization results are determined employing the cross-hybridization oligonucleotide probe and the target-specific oligonucleotide probe. The target-specific oligonucleotide probe is selected or rejected for the set based on the cross-hybridization results.

Abstract: The interrogation of extremely small sample volumes can be accomplished with the present invention. Provided are probes having disposed thereon a plurality of domains forming an array, which is suitably a nanoarray. Also provided are methods of detecting molecules and molecular interaction events, retrieving and analyzing analytes, and delivering substances to cells or tissues using probes of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides novel AP-1 modulatory polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for screening modulators of AP-1 transcription factor activities. The methods comprise first screening test agents for modulators of an AP-1-modulatory polypeptide and then further screening the identified modulating agents for modulators of AP-1 transcription factor activities. The invention further provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for modulating AP-1 transcription factor activities in a cell and for treating diseases and conditions mediated by abnormal cellular proliferation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the amplification of a DNA template by subjecting a sample of biological material containing a target nucleotide sequence to amplification using a non-extendable oligonucleotide blocker. The method comprises using oligonucleotide primers and blockers to create primer extension products that are susceptible to cleavage by double-strand-specific ribonucleases. The continuous production and cycling of ribonuclease cleaved products allows for amplification of a target sequence.