Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-purity tantalum flake powder, produced by a hydride-dehydride process including: (a) cold working tantalum metal into a thin sheet; (b) hydriding the thin sheet, forming a brittle tantalum foil; (c) adjusting the tantalum foil to a desired particle size; and (d) removing hydrogen from the tantalum foil by vacuum sintering, forming a tantalum flake powder. In accordance with the present invention, tantalum flake is produced by sizing ultra-thin tantalum foil via the hydride-dehydride process. Tantalum is an extremely malleable metal and can be cold worked into extremely thin sheets less than 1 micron thick. Once hydrided, this foil is brittle, and can be easily sized by suitable milling processes. The hydrogen is removed by vacuum sintering, resulting in an extremely thin Ta metal flake.

Abstract: There is provided an iron-based sintered material resistant to the metal fatigue developing from the voids therein functioning as the initial points and improved in the strength and machinability thereof. An iron-based sintered material, including a mixed structure of martensite, bainite, and pearlite and multiple voids formed in the mixed structure, wherein the ratio of martensite and bainite in the mixed structure is 70% or more; the ratio of martensite and/or bainite in the mixed structure forming the void surface is 90% or more; and the density of the iron-based sintered material is 7.4 g/cm3 or more.

Abstract: Nickel powder batches and methods for producing nickel powder batches. The powder batches include particles having a small particle size, narrow size distribution and a spherical morphology. The present invention is also directed to devices incorporating the nickel metal powders.

Abstract: In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A holographic sealing member for a container comprises a heat actuated sealant or adhesive layer that secures the sealing member to a container, a metal foil sealing layer over and covering and adhesively bonded to the heat actuated sealant or adhesive layer, a holographic layer over and covering and adhesively bonding to the metal foil layer having an upper plastic layer and a lower embossed image layer, and a tab over and covering and adhesively bonded to the upper plastic layer that may be pulled to remove the tab and the plastic layer from a container, thereby exposing the lower embossed image layer which must then be perforated to gain access to the contents of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal substrate (11) coated at least partially with a layered structure. The layered structure comprises an intermediate layer (14) deposited on said substrate (11) and a tetrahedral carbon layer (16) deposited on said intermediate layer. The intermediate layer comprises at least one amorphous carbon layer having a Young's modulus lower than 200 GPa and the tetrahedral carbon layer has a Young's modulus higher than 200 GPa. The invention further relates to a method to improve the adhesion of a tetrahedral carbon layer to a substrate and to a method to bridge the gap in Young's modulus of the metal substrate and the Young's modulus of a tetrahedral carbon coating deposited on said metal substrate.

Abstract: A radio-frequency shield comprised of a sheet of steel and tin-plating on at least one side of said sheet of steel. In addition, a method of making a radio-frequency shielding consisting of tin-plating at least one side of at least one sheet of steel. In addition, a backer material can be added to the back side the steel sheet which allows tin-plated steel sheets to be overlayed and attached to one another.

Abstract: A component having a platinum-aluminum substrate surface region which is formed in the area of the substrate surface of the component by diffusion of platinum and aluminum into the substrate surface and which contains platinum and aluminum as well as the constituents of the substrate composition. The integrated aluminum content and/or the integrated platinum content in the substrate area is less than 18 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wear-resistant mechanical parts.

Abstract: A polymer compound comprising a repeating unit of the following formula (1) and which is useful as a light emitting material or charge transporting material and excellent in heat resistance, fluorescent intensity and the like: (wherein, ring A and ring B represent each independently an aromatic hydrocarbon ring optionally having a substituent, at least one of ring A and ring B is an aromatic hydrocarbon ring composed of a plurality of condensed benzene rings, Rw and Rx represent each independently a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkoxy group or the like, and Rw and Rx may mutually bond to form a ring).

Abstract: A light-emitting device comprising a pair of electrodes and a light-emitting layer or a plurality of organic layers comprising a light-emitting layer disposed therebetween, the light-emitting layer or at least one of a plurality of organic layers comprising the light-emitting layer comprising at least one compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein each of Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15 represents an aryl group or a heteroaryl group; Ar represents a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, a phenanthrene ring or an anthracene ring; at least one of Ar, Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15 is a condensed aryl group, a condensed or uncondensed heteroaryl group or a group comprising a condensed aryl group or a condensed or uncondensed heteroaryl group; Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, AR14 and Ar15 are not bonded to each other to form a ring; R11 represents a substituent; and n11 represents an integer of 0 or more.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent element comprising an anode and a cathode having therebetween an emission layer containing a phosphorescent compound and an layer adjacent to the emission layer, the layer adjacent to the emission layer being provided between the emission layer and the cathode, wherein the layer adjacent to the emission layer comprises a compound having an electron withdrawing group; and the compound exhibits a HOMO level of ?5.7 to ?7.0 eV and a LUMO level of ?1.3 to ?2.3 eV.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a composition in which an organometallic complex is dissolved and a method for fabricating a light-emitting element using the composition, and to provide a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and an electronic device each fabricated using the composition in which the organometallic complex is dissolved. The present invention provides a composition that includes a solvent and an organometallic complex including a ligand having a pyrazine skeleton, bonded to a Group 9 or Group 10 element. A method for fabricating light-emitting elements, which is suitable for industrial application, can be realized by the application of the composition of the present invention to fabrication of a light-emitting element. Furthermore, a light-emitting element with high emission efficiency, a light-emitting device and electronic device with low power consumption can be realized by use of the composition.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device is provided and includes: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic layer between the pair of electrodes, the at least one organic layer including a light-emitting layer. At least one of the at least one organic layers contains an iridium complex having a 5-membered heterocyclic structure consisting of a carbon atom and a nitrogen atom, and a deuterium atom on an SP2 carbon atom in the iridium complex.

Abstract: An aromatic amine derivative with a specific structure and an organic electroluminescence device which comprises at least one organic thin film layer comprising a light emitting layer sandwiched between a pair of electrode consisting of an anode and a cathode, wherein at least one of the organic thin film layer comprises the aromatic amine derivative singly or as its mixture component. The organic electroluminescence device which exhibits an enhanced current efficiency of light emission and emits blue light with a prolonged lifetime is realized.

Abstract: A polymer thin film in which cylindrical phases are distributed in a continuous phase and are oriented in a pass-through-direction of the film includes at least: a first block copolymer including at least a block chain A1, as a component of the continuous phase, composed of polymerized monomers a1, and a block chain B1, as a component of the cylindrical phases, composed of polymerized monomers b1; and a second block copolymer including at least a block chain A2, as a component of the continuous phase, composed of polymerized monomers a2, and a block chain B2, as a component of the cylindrical phases, composed of polymerized monomers b2, with the second copolymer having a degree of polymerization different from that of the first copolymer. A film thickness of the polymer thin film and an average center distance between adjacent cylindrical phases have a relation represented by a predetermined expression.

Abstract: A diffusion media and a scheme for tailoring the parameters of the diffusion media are provided for addressing issues related to water management in electrochemical cells and other devices employing the diffusion media. Various parameters of the diffusion media are tailored to the specific operational humidity of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell system preferably includes a fuel cell which generates electric energy by electrochemical reaction, an aqueous solution tank which holds the methanol aqueous solution, a water tank which holds fluid discharged from the fuel cell, a fluid level sensor for detecting an amount of fluid in the water tank, a water pump which recycles fluid in the water tank to the aqueous solution tank, and a CPU which controls components of the fuel cell system. After power generation is finished, the water pump is driven to recycle all the fluid in the water tank to the aqueous solution tank. Further, after power generation is finished or before power generation is started, the fluid level sensor detects the amount of fluid in the water tank. If the amount of fluid is not smaller than a predetermined amount, the water pump is driven to recycle fluid in the water tank to the aqueous solution tank. The fuel cell system has a simple construction and is capable of preventing fluid from being discharged outside.

Abstract: A fuel cell fuel contains an organic fuel used as a fuel for a fuel cell. The organic fuel is in a form of a solid molecular compound, such as an inclusion compound. The molecular compound can be prepared by contact catalytic reaction of a compound for forming the molecular compound and the organic fuel, and allows a liquid organic fuel to be in a solid compound to store the organic fuel stably in a relatively lightweight form. The molecular compound easily releases the organic fuel by, for example, heating, and the organic fuel is supplied to the fuel electrode of a fuel cell. Thus, the handleability of the fuel cell fuel containing the organic fuel can be improved, and the problems of corrosion, freezing of the fuel, crossover, and so forth can be solved.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a fuel distribution includes: adjusting a distribution of a fuel supply amount to a membrane electrode assembly so that a temperature distribution in the membrane electrode assembly becomes substantially uniform by a membrane provided in a fuel supply side of the membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. A membrane adjusts a fuel distribution, which is provided in a fuel supply side of a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The membrane is provided with openings so that a temperature distribution in the membrane electrode assembly becomes substantially uniform.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed that comprises a fuel cell unit operable to store at least one of water and hydrogen. At least one membrane is provided at one or more ends of the fuel cell unit. The membrane is operable to enable a flow of oxygen through the at least a portion of fuel cell unit. Further, the membrane is further operable to prevent water from flowing through at least a portion of the fuel cell. Moreover, an electrical source in operative engagement with the fuel cell unit. The fuel cell operates in a first mode to collect the hydrogen when receiving voltage from the electrical source, and further the fuel cell operates in a second mode to generate electricity using the hydrogen. The fuel cell unit is preferably stackable via a combination of conductible studs and receptacles.

Abstract: A multi-function bundle having all of the basic support functions integrated therein can be used as a basic building block component, for example, in a fuel cell engine. The multi-function bundle is modular, easy to assemble, and able to withstand the physical and thermal shocks encountered in mobile applications. The multi-function bundle utilizes fully distributed fuel and oxidant supply systems which help to reduce temperature gradients throughout the array of fuel cells. The multi-function bundle may be comprised of a plurality of fuel cells, an oxidant supply system, a fuel supply system and a support structure which integrates the fuel cells, oxidant supply system, and fuel supply system into a single unit. The oxidant and fuel supply systems may be fully distributed. The fuel supply system may include one or more fuel feed tube assemblies which allow distributed internal fuel reformation and reduce temperature gradients throughout the array of fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell starting method and a fuel cell system capable of making an operation starting stable. The fuel cell starting method and the fuel cell system are provided with a reformer 10, a burner 20 and a fuel cell 30 and having step S4 of igniting the burner 20 with combustion fuel and combustion air being supplied thereto and steps S5 to S12 of leading at least a part of generation gas sent from the reformer 10 to the burner 20 while supplying combustion fuel and combustion air to the burner 20. The steps S5 to S12 include steps S8 to S12 for the case that the temperature of the burner before ignition is equal to or lower than 100° C. and steps S7, S9 to S12 of supplying the combustion fuel and the combustion air to make the air ratio smaller than that at the steps S8 to S12 in the case that the temperature of the burner 20 before ignition is higher than 100° C.

Abstract: A flow control valve for a fuel cell that has particular application for controlling the flow of cathode air through a cathode flow channel of the fuel cell. The valve includes an element that controls the flow through the flow channel in response to changes in the voltage potential of the fuel cell. The valve includes a shape memory alloy wire and a flow control element secured to both ends of the shape memory alloy wire. The ends of the wire are also coupled to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell. When no current is flowing through the wire, the flow control element holds the wire in a pre-strained condition. If the voltage generated by the fuel cell increases, the current passing through the wire will heat the wire and cause it to shrink or contract which forces the flow control element into the flow path.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a mixing tank storing a fuel solution; a power generator comprising a membrane electrode assembly having an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, generating power by reaction of the fuel solution with air; a fuel circulation unit circulating the fuel solution to the anode electrode; an air supply unit supplying air to the cathode electrode; and an air supply mechanism supply air to the anode electrode so as to discharge the fuel solution from the inside of the anode electrode to the mixing tank.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is described that enables discharge of moisture generated by the fuel cell system based on pressure differences between components of the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell that discharges oxidant offgas via a cathode discharge pipe and discharges fuel offgas and moisture to an anode drain opening that in turn discharges the fuel offgas and the moisture to a gas-liquid separator via an anode drainpipe. A throttle valve establishes a pressure difference downstream within the anode drainpipe to enable movement of the fuel offgas and the moisture from the anode drain opening to a lower pressure area of the gas-liquid separator. In addition, the pressure difference enables the fuel offgas to flow from the gas-liquid separator to the cathode discharge pipe through the throttle valve.

Abstract: A fluidic control system includes featured layers. The featured layers include two or more features which collectively form at least one functional component.

Abstract: Even when a reaction gas flows into a gap formed between a gasket and a membrane electrode assembly, the flowing of the reaction gas to the outside without flowing through an electrode is prevented and thus a decrease in power generation efficiency is prevented. In order to allow the water vapor contained in the reaction gas that flows into an anode-side gap 10a formed between an anode-side gasket 9a and a membrane electrode assembly 5 to condense in at least a part of the gap 10a, and to allow the condensed water to fill the gap 10a, the upstream portion of a cooling fluid channel 8a of an anode-side separator 6a is formed such that it includes a region corresponding to the gap 10a, and the upstream portion is formed such that it includes a region corresponding to a middle stream portion and subsequent portion of a fuel gas channel 7a.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a technique for safely removing hydrogen gas that accumulates within a cooling fluid reservoir. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a compressor for providing airflow to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack. The system also includes an air filter box having an air filter that is in fluid communication with an air pocket in the reservoir. The air intake to the compressor flows through the air filter box, and sucks the gas from the reservoir, which is then sent to the cathode side of the fuel cell stack to be converted to water by the electro-chemical reaction therein.

Abstract: A fuel cell system possessing a mixing tank for recovering an unreacted fuel, the mixing tank being capable of effectively condensing a stack emission product without increasing its volume. The mixing tank includes a fuel supply port for supplying a concentrated fuel; a fluid inlet port for supplying a fluid discharged from an external fuel cell stack; a chamber for mixing the concentrated fuel with the fluid discharged from the fuel cell stack; a stack supply port for supplying a mixed fuel in the chamber to the fuel cell stack; and a chamber cooling member for cooling the chamber.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly having: an electrolyte membrane, anode and cathode catalyst layers, and anode and cathode gas diffusion layers; a cathode porous body provided at an outer side of the cathode gas diffusion layer; and a cathode member provided at an outer side of the cathode porous body, an inner side of the cathode member having a protruded portion facing to the outer side of the cathode porous body, wherein a pressure is applied to the cathode porous body through the protruded portion of the cathode member so as to compress the cathode porous body.

Abstract: A proton-exchange composite includes a polymer matrix formed from a proton-exchange polymer and ionomer particles distributed therein. The polymer has side chains with ionic groups. The particles have an average particle size of less than 20 nm and include an oligomeric ionomer that interacts with the polymer and attracts the ionic groups on its side chains. The composite may be formed by a method in which an initiator is bonded to silica particulates. The initiator is used to initiate polymerization of a precursor monomer to form a salt form of the oligomeric ionomer bonded to the silica particulates, which is then reacted with an acid to produce the oligomeric ionomer, thus forming the ionomer particles. The ionomer particles are dispersed in a solution containing a solvent and the polymer dissolved therein. The solvent is removed. The residue is cured to form the composite.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte material includes as a main chain: a benzene ring; an ether; and a carbonyl group. A part of the benzene ring is sulfonated. A method for manufacturing a polyelectrolyte material includes: synthesizing disulfonyl difluorobenzophenone; and polymerizing the disulfonyl difluorobenzophenone, 4,4?-difluorobenzophenone, and phenolphthalein with a crown ether as a catalyst. The synthesizing is performed by reacting 4,4?-difluorobenzophenone with fuming sulfuric acid, performing salting-out the reaction product, and recrystallizing the salting-out product.

Abstract: A proton conductor is formed of a porous body as a substrate and proton-conducting polymer covalently bonded to inner surfaces of pores of the porous body. The proton-conducting polymer comprises a main chain and a plurality of branched side chains extending radially therefrom. The branched side chains are each bonded to a proton-conducting salt at the end. The proton-conducting polymer has a substantially cylindrical structure in which the salts can be circumscribed by a virtual circle having a center on the cross-sectional center of the main chain such that a radial direction of the virtual circle is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the main chain. The salts are located on the peripheral wall of the substantially cylindrical structure. Protons are transferred between the adjacent salts, so that a conduction channel is formed on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion/electron-conducting composite polymer membrane (10?), which comprises at least two gas-tight ion-conducting polymer portions (11?) joined together directly by a gas-tight electron-conducting polymer portion (12?). It also relates to processes that enable this membrane to be manufactured, and also to a planar fuel cell core comprising it. Applications: production of planar fuel cells used for generating electrical power intended for stationary applications, transport applications and portable and transportable applications.

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membranes with polyethylene oxide and phophonic acid moieties tethered on the main polyether backbone are provided as single phase proton conductors. Preferred polymers can exhibit good mechanical properties, high thermal and oxidative stability. The membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are: a metallic material for conductive member, having good corrosion resistance and small contact resistance; a separator for a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell using the metallic material; and a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell using the separator. The metallic material has 0.3 ?m or less of mean spacing of local peaks of the surface roughness profile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connecting valves with an interchangeability feature (18, 20) to ensure that the fuel cell fuel matches the fuel cell. Also disclosed are retainer mechanisms (28, 30, 32, 36) capable of releasably connecting the fuel supply to the fuel cell or to the electronic device equipped with a fuel cell. An improvement to the connecting valves to decrease the amount of residual fuel left in the fuel supply is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a flat type stack in which a plurality of unit cells, in which an electricity generating reaction is performed, are arranged on a plane, and the fuel cell system pre-heats the fuel provided from the outside for reducing the temperature differences of the fuel provided to each unit cell, thereby reduces the differences in the output characteristics of each unit cell, thereby increasing the electricity generating efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A casing includes end plates, side plates, and a hinge mechanism for coupling the end plates and the side plates. A power generation area is defined by the distance L1 and the distance L2. When first hinges and second hinges of the hinge mechanism are provided alternately, the first hinges and the second hinges are positioned within the distance L1. Preferably, the length of the shaft of a coupling pin is not more than the length L1. When the first hinges and the second hinges are provided alternately, the first hinges and the second hinges are positioned within the length L2. Preferably, the length of the shaft of a coupling pin is not more than the length L2.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid storage unit comprising a composite fluid storage material and one or more internal fluid distribution features. The one or more internal fluid distribution features increase the homogeneity of fluid interaction within the composite fluid storage material, benefiting a number of properties and functions.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an electrode plate having a flow field formed therein and a proton exchange membrane. A compressible permeable diffusion media is disposed adjacent the electrode plate. The diffusion media is compressed against the electrode plate so that a portion of the media intrudes into the flow field. A fuel cell stack can be made by compressing a plurality these fuel cells together. The fuel cell stack is compressed so that the diffusion media in each fuel cell is compressed against the adjacent electrode plate with a portion of the media intruding into the flow field in the adjacent electrode plate. The compression of the fuel cell stack can be adjusted so that a magnitude of intrusion of the diffusion media into the flow channels is adjusted and a pressure drop of a predetermined magnitude occurs across the fuel cell stack at a desired operational state.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided.

Abstract: The module comprises a reinforced sealing device at the outlet of stacked cells (10). It essentially comprises a distribution box (20), a collection box (30) and a concentric stack of elementary cells (10) intercalated with interconnectors (12). An upper seal (50) is placed at the outlet of the cells (10) into which penetrate the walls (38) of the collection box (30). Inner (44) and outer (45) ferrules form tanks at the outlet of the chambers and themselves open into cavities (37) formed by the walls (38). The invention applies to SOFC type fuel cells and SOEC type electrolysers.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes an anode flow board, a cathode board, an intermediate adhesive layer, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including a membrane edge, and a leak-proof adhesive layer mounted on the membrane edge, thereby preventing contact between the intermediate adhesive layer and the membrane edge. The adhesive ability of the leak-proof adhesive layer to the membrane edge is higher than that of the intermediate adhesive layer to the membrane edge. Therefore, the methanol leakage from the membrane can be avoided.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided and includes fine catalyst particles of a composition represented by formula (1): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Hf, W, Ni, and V; u, x, y, and z are 10 to 98.9 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 35 atm %, and 0.5 to 35 atm %, respectively, or formula (2): PtuRuxTayTz, in which T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ct, Mo, Nb, Zr, and T; u, x, y, and z are 40 to 70 atm %, 0.1 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 15 atm %, and 0.

Abstract: This invention provides a catalyst material comprising a conductive material coated with a polynuclear complex molecule derived from at least two types of heteromonocyclic compounds and a catalyst metal coordinated to the coating layer of the polynuclear complex molecule, and a catalyst material comprising a conductive material coated with a polynuclear complex molecule derived from a heteromonocyclic compound and a catalyst metal, which is a composite of a noble metal and a transition metal, coordinated to the coating layer of the polynuclear complex molecule. Such catalyst material of the invention has excellent catalytic performance and serviceability as, for example, an electrode of fuel cells.

Abstract: A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The cell can be in the configuration of a coin cell or the anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent mixture which may include an organic cyclic carbonate such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbon. The cell after assembly is subjected to a two step preconditioning (prediscahrge) protocol involving at least two distinct discharge steps having at lease one cycle of pulsed current drain in each step and at least one rest period (step rest) between said two steps, wherein said step rest period is carried out for a period of time at above ambient temperature. The preconditioning improves cell performance.

Abstract: A releasing pressure and a pressure releasing position, when enclosing films are expanded by gas produced at an abnormal time, are easily and positively configured. A film-enclosed battery (1) has a battery element (2) and two enclosing films (4, 5) for sealing the battery element (2). The enclosing films (4, 5) include heat-sealable resin layers and air-impermeable layers, and the heat-sealable resin layers and air-impermeable layers, and the heat-sealable resin layers that are face each other hold the battery element (2) and seal the battery element (2) when their peripheral edges are thermally fused. A cross-linking structure (8) formed by cross-linking heat-sealable resin layer is formed in one of the enclosing films (4, 5) so that a region in part of a heat-sealed area (6) has a position exposed to a battery element housing unit and another portion in contact with outside air.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery management system for lithium ion batteries capable of determining a battery pack's state of capacity; determining a battery pack's state of charge limits; adjusting for voltage drops and power losses over a battery's internal and/or connector impedances; adjusting the upper and lower voltage limits of a battery pack; and of actively balancing the cells making up the battery pack. In order to achieve this functionality, the battery pack management system includes an electronic control unit, which unit is coupled to module and cell-level circuitry that is designed to measure operating conditions of the battery such as voltage and current at any given time.