Abstract: Probe-based lithography, including: depositing a preceramic polymer on a substrate; writing nanoscale features in the polymer by locally transforming the preceramic polymer via a chemical reaction causing it to undergo a permanent phase change into hardened, ceramic material, the chemical reaction activated with a prescribed activation energy supplied by heat and/or pressure applied by a probe tip; then depositing new layers and continuing according to a desired three-dimensional pattern; either by (a) removing unactivated preceramic polymer utilizing a removal solvent, or (b) cross-linking unactivated preceramic polymer to act as a support medium that isolates a formed ceramic structure mechanically and/or electrically; and where the ceramic pattern is made electrically conductive by (a) incorporating dopant elements into or onto the preceramic polymer, or (b) performing the write step in a chemically-active environment that supplies dopant atoms during the chemical reaction.

Abstract: Methods of sealing a semiconductor element are provided. The methods includes the steps of coating a semiconductor element mounted on a gold-plated printed circuit board with a curable silicone resin, and then curing the curable silicone resin. In a method, the gold-plated printed circuit board is subjected to preliminary treatment with a treatment agent including an acid anhydride group-containing alkoxysilane and/or a partial hydrolysis-condensation product thereof In another method, the curable silicone resin includes the treatment agent. The methods yield favorable adhesion upon sealing.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of redox-active polymers attached to surfaces. In certain embodiments, the methods involve providing redox-active molecules bearing at least a first reactive site or group and a second reactive site or group; and contacting the surface with the redox-active molecules where the contacting is under conditions that result in attachment of said redox-active molecules to said surface via the first reactive site or group and attachment of redox-active molecules via the second reactive site or group, to the redox-active molecules attached to the surface thereby forming a polymer attached to said surface where the polymers comprise at least two of said redox-active molecules.

Abstract: The barrier properties of a water soluble gas barrier material are improved if the material is blended with a nanoparticle calcium carbonate having a size of from 10 to 250 nanometers. The barrier material is on a substrate to provide a substrate with gas barrier properties. A layer of heat sealable material may be applied to the exposed surface of the barrier material. A method for making the barrier coated substrate is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to reduce adhesion between a polymerizable layer and a substrate surface that selectively comes into contact with the polymerizable layer. The method features disposing a coating upon the surface from a composition having a perfluoro silane containing molecule. The perfluoro silane molecule is connected to bonding regions on the surface forming covalent bonding groups, as well as contact regions. The contact regions include fluorinated chains of molecules. The covalent bonding groups are positioned between the surface and the contact regions. The perfluoro silane containing molecule may be applied to the surface as a monomolecular layer from a di-functional perfluoro silane molecule. Exemplary molecules that may be employed as the perfluoro silane containing molecule includes molecules sold under the trade-names FLUOROSYL™ FSD 2500 and FLUOROSYL™ FSD 4500.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal medium with a highly twisted structure, to the use of said medium for optoelectronic applications in the fields of non-linear optics (NLO) and laser optics and to electrooptic devices, displays and lasers containing said medium.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition, and a liquid crystal display containing the same, having a nematic phase including three components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1), the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2), and the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having approximately 1 to approximately 12 carbons or alkenyl having approximately 2 to approximately 12 carbons; R3 is alkyl having approximately 1 to approximately 12 carbons or alkoxy having approximately 1 to approximately 12 carbons; R4 and R5 are each independently alkyl having approximately 1 to approximately 12 carbons; X1 is fluorine, chlorine, —OCF2H, —CF3 or —OCF3; Y1 is hydrogen or fluorine; and m and n are each independently 0 or 1.

Abstract: Admixtures either of a plastic and an elastomer, a plurality of thermoplastics, or a plurality of elastomers are formed into a shaped item for an article (such as a dynamic seal, a static seal, a gasket, a pump diaphragm, a hose, or an o-ring), and the thermoplastic is then cross-linked (cured). Radiation (preferably, electron beam radiation) is used for the cross-linking and for generating bi-modal molecules from the elastomer and the thermoplastic when both a thermoplastic and an elastomer are in the admixture.

Abstract: A structural fabric comprises a plurality of discrete and spaced apart icosahedral elements and a plurality of interconnecting elements. The icosahedra elements are interconnected at selected edges by the interconnecting elements in tension so as to form a self-supported array of the icosahedral elements. The icosahedral elements may be icosahedrons (20 sides) or truncated icosahedrons (32 sides). Methods of constructing the structural fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a roll coating onto a roll frame (1), which coating comprises a base layer (2) on the roll frame (1) and a surface layer (3) on the base layer (2). The base layer (2) is brought to its final form after the surface layer (3) has been formed and cured or solidified. The surface layer (3) is formed on the base layer (2) and cured or solidified after the base layer (2) has been formed on the roll frame (1).

Abstract: An imbedded flooring product has a skeletal frame in the form of a mesh at least partially imbedded into a vinyl sheet substrate. The mesh creates a pattern visible from above the sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial fabric having means for seaming a fabric to form an endless loop and a plurality of non-continuous wear beads formed on the fabric proximally to a seam formed in the fabric which prevent wear to the components of the seam.

Abstract: In a rewritable compact disc having a wobble groove on a substrate, crystal and amorphous states of a phase-change recording layer are an unrecorded/erased state and a recorded state, respectively. When the recording layer is exposed to recording light, amorphous marks assuming the recorded state are formed. At any of 2-, 4- and 8-times velocities with respect to a reference velocity (1-times velocity) whose linear velocity is 1.2–1.4 m/s, modulation m11 of a recorded signal when the recording light of approximately 780 nm in wavelength irradiates the recording layer via an optical system with NA=0.5 or 0.55 is 60–80%. A topmost level Rtop of reflectivity of the eye pattern of the recorded signal during retrieving at the 1-times velocity is 15–25%, and a jitter of the individual length of marks and inter-mark spaces during retrieving at 1-times velocity is 35 ns or less.

Abstract: A composite structure in accordance with the invention includes front faces of first and second substrates that are molecularly bonded to each other, wherein the dimensions of the second substrate outline are larger than the first substrate outline. The front faces are molecularly bonded such that the outline of the first front face is disposed at least partially within the outline of the second front face. A peripheral ring extends around the first front face and facing the first substrate, in which bonding between the front faces is weak or absent, and has a maximum width of less than about 0.5 mm.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite capable of being located within a hollow interior portion of a structural material and being expanded therein. Also, articles of manufacture comprising open-cellular structural material containing within the open-cell or cell thereof, at least one sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite. The composite is desirably in the shape of a plug that is similar or close to similar to the shape of the hollow interior. In addition, there is described a process that comprises forming a pre-shaped sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite for use in reinforcing and stiffening a normally open-cellular structural material. Also described is a process for reinforcing or stiffening a normally open-cellular structure, any tubular structure, or any channel structure, by putting at least one sag-resistant nucleus-forming monolithic composite within a hollow interior portion of the structure.

Abstract: A temporary floor covering 10 that allows air and moisture to pass through the covering 10 is disclosed. The floor covering 10 has a first layer 12, a second layer 14 connected to the first layer 12, and a plurality of perforations 18 in the covering 10. The first layer 12 is typically made of a low-density polyethylene foam, and the second layer 14 is typically made of a polyethylene film. The perforations 18 extend through the first and second layers 12, 14 to allow air and moisture to pass through both the first layer 12 and the second layer 14. Additionally, an outer surface of one of the first layer 12 or the second layer 14 may have an increased coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition which comprises 30 to 80 wt % of a polybutylene terephthalate resin (A), 10 to 40 wt % of a polyethylene terephthalate resin (B), 0.1 to 40 wt % of a calcined kaolin (C) having an average particle diameter of 1.5 micro meter or less and 0.1 to 40 wt % of a spherical inorganic filler (D) is excellent in direct metal vapor deposition ability, and a light-reflecting article comprising a molded article from the resin composition and a vapor deposited metal film formed on part or whole of the surface of the molded article provides a high brightness feeling and is free from lowering of the brightness feeling due to shadowing after high temperature exposure, and thus can be suitably used as a housing, a reflector or an extension in an automobile lamp, a lighting apparatus in a household electrical appliance, or the like.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut transversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.

Abstract: An insulating label stock or sleeve formed from such label stock includes a thermal insulating layer, which may a fiberfill batt. The batt is laminated to at least one layer of heat shrinkable material, such as a film. The insulated packaging material may be coated with a coating material to enhance printing capabilities. The insulating label stock or sleeve is installed around a container, and after being activated by heating, conforms to the contours of the container. The insulating label stock retains its hot and cold insulative properties after being heat-shrunk.

Abstract: A silicon carbide-based porous material characterized by comprising silicon carbide particles as an aggregate, metallic silicon and an oxide phase containing Si, Al and an alkaline earth metal; it is high in porosity and strength and superior in oxidation resistance and thermal shock resistance and, when used as a filter, is very low in risk of having defects such as cuts (which cause leakage of fluid) and the like, as well as in pressure loss.

Abstract: There is described a substantially planar self-supporting sheet (preferably an thermoplastic film e.g. formed from a polyolefin such as BOPP) comprising on at least one side thereof a substantially continuous adherent coating, thereon to create a barrier to oxygen, the coating comprising nano-particles, the sheet characterized in that: (a) the nano-particles form a substantially continuous phase on the sheet; and/or (b) the nano-particles are present in an amount of at least about 20% by dry weight of the coating; and/or (c) the coating is substantially free of polymeric binder, synthetic hydrophilic resin and/or a resin with a hydrophilic/hydrophobic character. The coated sheets have a high oxygen barrier, with preferred OTR values (at 23° C. and 0% RH)<10 cm3/m2/day. Preferred nano-particles are biopolymers such as starch and the coating is preferably substantially free of wax which has been found to reduce oxygen barrier effectiveness.

Abstract: A method of producing a porous plastic film, and a porous plastic film. The plastic film is prepared from a raw material blend comprising a polymer-containing basic material and an additive. Pores are generated in the film by stretching a film preform. The additive comprises a POS(S) chemical.

Abstract: A fuser roller for toner fusing systems and processes, and including a base and a fusing surface layer. The fusing surface layer includes a first elastomer continuous phase, a second elastomer discontinuous phase, and thermally conductive filler, with the discontinuous phase dispersed through the continuous phase in the form of domains, and the thermally conductive filler also dispersed through the continuous phase. The second elastomer is wettable by the first elastomer. The second elastomer discontinuous phase domains are in sufficient number and of sufficient size, and there is a sufficient amount of the thermally conductive filler, so that the thermally conductive filler is concentrated sufficiently to be nonuniformly distributed through the fusing surface layer as a network.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive adhesive material contains a substrate and a heat-sensitive adhesive layer that contains a thermoplastic resin and a solid plasticizer, and the heat-sensitive adhesive material is so configured as to be heated and applied to an adherend, wherein the heat-sensitive adhesive material exhibits such an adhesive strength to the adherend as to increase with time from immediately after applying the heat-sensitive adhesive material to the adherend.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride-based fiber of the present invention is a fiber formed with a vinyl chloride resin composition that comprises (a) 100 parts by weight of vinyl chloride resin, and (b) 0.2 to 20 parts by weight of crosslinked vinyl chloride resin in which a weight fraction of constituents that are insoluble in tetrahydrofuran is 18 to 45% and a viscosity average degree of polymerization of constituents that are soluble in tetrahydrofuran is 500 to 1800, in which a cross-sectional shape of the fiber comprises a combination of at least two of circles, ellipses, and parabolas. When this fiber is used as artificial hair, it is possible to provide style changeability without impairing matte properties and touch of the vinyl chloride-based fiber. Furthermore, the fiber of the present invention can be produced stably by melt-spinning, and thus an industrial advantage also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pigments, comprising (A) optionally a layer consisting of a metal, (B) at least one layer, which is located between the layers (A) and (C), if a layer (A) is present, and consists of the metal, silicon (Si) and oxygen (O), and (C) optionally a layer consisting of SiOz with 0.70?z?2.0 on layer (B), a process for the production of the pigments and their use in ink-jet printing, for dyeing textiles, for pigmenting coatings, paints, printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, glazes for ceramics and glass.

Abstract: An infrared-reflective material is applied directly to the bituminous surface of a roofing product to increase the solar heat reflectance of the product, even when deep-tone roofing granules are used to color the product. The infrared-reflective material can be applied as a powder or in a carrier fluid or film, and can be applied along with infrared-reflective roofing granules.

Abstract: This invention provides flame-generated fine silica particles having an average particle size of 0.05 to 1 ?m, wherein a fractal structure parameter ?1 at length scales ranging from 50 nm to 150 nm and a fractal structure parameter ?2 at length scales ranging from 150 nm to 353 nm satisfy the following formulas (1) and (2): ?0.0068S+2.548??1??0.0068S+3.748??(1) ?0.0011S+1.158??2??0.0011S+2.058??(2) wherein S is a BET specific surface area (m2/g) of the fine silica particles, in the measurement of small-angle X-ray scattering. When used as a filler for a semiconductor-encapsulation resin or when used as a filler for a polishing agent or for a coating layer for ink jet papers, the fine silica particles are available at high content without substantial enhancement of the viscosity. Besides, when used as a filler for the resin, the fine silica particles improve the strength of the molding compound.

Abstract: Silanized, structurally modified, pyrogenically produced silicas, characterised by groups fixed to the surface, wherein the groups are dimethylsilyl and/or monomethylsilyl, are produced in that pyrogenically produced silica is treated by a known method with dimethyldichlorosilane and/or monomethyltrichlorosilane, the groups dimethylsilyl and/or monomethylsilyl being fixed on the surface of the pyrogenic silica, and is then structurally modified and optionally post-ground. They are used to improve scratch resistance in lacquers.

Abstract: An oxygen scavenger composition includes mer units that have at least one cycloalkenyl group or functionality and, further, has mer units derived from isophthalic acid or terephthalic acid or certain derivatives thereof. The oxygen scavenger composition has been found to act as an oxygen scavenger under both ambient and refrigeration conditions, to be compatible with conventional film forming packaging materials, to inhibit undesirable oligomer formation and oxidation by-product formation, and to be readily formable and processable using conventional film forming equipment. A film and laminated product having said oxygen scavenger composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vinylidene fluoride-based resin film including polyvinylidene fluoride whose average spherocrystal diameter is less than 0.1 ?m that is a detection limit or lower by observation using a transmission electron microscope is provided, the average spherocrystal diameter being obtained by shaping a vinylidene fluoride-based resin in a molten state by sandwiching the resin between rollers or metal belts so as to let it cool down. Thereby, a vinylidene fluoride-based resin film and a vinylidene fluoride-based resin multilayered film having excellent transparency, weather resistance, chemical resistance, break resistance and formability are provided.

Abstract: An article where a transparent substrate, -is provided with a thin-film multilayer composed of-three silver layers and alternately on the substrate, a titanium dioxide layer, a zinc metal oxide layer, one of the silver layers (Ag1, Ag2, Ag3) and a covering layer including a sacrificial metal.

Abstract: A reflective Ag alloy film for reflectors, which has excellent surface flatness and shows high reflectivity even under a heating environment and a reflector. The reflective Ag alloy film for reflectors has an average surface roughness of 2.0 nm or less and contains a rare earth element (such as Nd) in a content in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 at %, or further at least one selected from Au, Pd, Cu and Pt in a content in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 at %. The reflector comprises the above reflective Ag alloy film formed on a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article superior in slipping a waterdrop down a surface of the article. This article includes a substrate; and a functional film formed on a surface of the substrate. This functional film contains (a) a silica matrix; and (b) a component for providing the slipping. This component is dispersed in the silica matrix and contains a special, alkoxy group-terminated, dimethyl silicone.

Abstract: A ceramic component is provided, including a ceramic body containing silicon carbide, and an oxide layer provided on the ceramic body, the oxide layer being formed by oxidizing the ceramic body in the presence of alumina and boron.

Abstract: Provided is a nonlead glass for covering an electrode, which comprises, in mol %, B2O3 15-65%, SiO2 2-38%, MgO 2-30%, MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO 5-45%, Li2O 1-15%, Li2O+Na2O+K2O 2-25% and others, and which comprises ZnO 0-15%. Provided is a nonlead glass for covering an electrode, which comprises, in mol %, B2O3 25-65%, SiO2 2-38%, MgO 2-30%, MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO 5-45%, Li2O+Na2O+K2O 2-25%, Al2O3 0-30, TiO 0-10% and ZnO 0-15%.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laminated glass and an interlayer film for laminated glasses, which have the high performance for mitigating the impact given externally and, particularly in the case of using it as glass for vehicles, have the high performance for mitigating the impact when head comes into collision with the glass due to the occurrence of a personal accident. The present invention is directed to a laminated glass, wherein at least an interlayer film for laminated glasses and a glass sheet are laminated and unified, Head Injury Criteria (HIC) values, measured according to regulations of European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee; EEVC/WG 17, being 1,000 or lower.

Abstract: The present invention provides inexpensively an article with a hard coat excellent in anti-staining property, lubricity, scratch resistance and abrasion resistance. The present invention provides a method for forming the hard coat. A hard coat agent composition comprising an active energy ray-curable compound is applied onto a surface of an article 1 to be hard-coat-treated, thereby forming a hard coat agent composition layer, a surface material layer is formed by film-forming with a surface layer material comprising an active energy ray-curable compound having anti-staining property and/or lubricating property on the surface of the hard coat agent composition layer, and active energy rays are irradiated onto the formed hard coat agent composition layer and surface material layer so as to cure the two layers simultaneously, thereby forming a hard coat layer 2 contacting the surface of the article 1 and an anti-staining surface layer 3 contacting the surface of the hard coat layer 2.

Abstract: A multi-layer polyimide film including two or more laminated polyimide film layers is provided, with at least one of the two or more polyimide film layers is obtained by imidizing a polyamic acid derived from the reaction of at least one aromatic diamine containing 1-100 mol percent of carboxy-4,4?-diaminobiphenyl represented by the following formula, wherein m and n represent integers of 4 or less, including 0, and (m+n) is an integer of 1 or greater, and at least one aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride or a derivative thereof. Methods for obtaining a multi-layer polyimide film laminate can exhibit a peel strength of 10N/cm when laminated to a metal foil using an adhesive and can have a water absorption value of less than 3.0 weight percent.

Abstract: Describes a photochromic plastic article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes (1) a polymeric substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, (2) a photochromic polymeric coating appended to at least one surface of the substrate, the photochromic polymeric coating containing a photochromic amount of at least one organic photochromic material, e.g., spirooxazine, naphthopyran and/or fulgide, and (3) a radiation-cured, acrylate-based film coherently appended to the photochromic coating, the acrylate-based film being (a) resistant to removal by aqueous solutions of inorganic caustic, e.g., potassium hydroxide, (b) compatible with organo silane-containing abrasion-resistant coating, and (c) harder than said photochromic coating. Describes also the aforedescribed photochromic article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the radiation-cured acrylate-based film, e.g.

Abstract: Provided is a wiring portion capable of suppressing diffusion from occurring in a wiring portion or between the wiring portion and a substrate. In the wiring substrate, a first high melting point metal portion 18 having a melting point higher than Au and Ag is provided between an Au wiring portion 15 and an Ag wiring portion 17. The higher the melting point of the first high melting point metal portion 18, the lower a coefficient thereof, that is, the harder diffusion occurs. In addition, the first high melting point metal portion 19 functions as a barrier material which adequately suppresses Ag from being diffused from the Ag wiring portion 17. By providing the first high melting point metal portion 18 between the Au wiring portion 15 and the Ag wiring portion 17, it is possible to more efficiently suppress Ag from diffusion, in comparison with a case where the Ag wiring portion and the Au wiring portion are in contact with each other.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device which produces a white output spectrum. A plurality of emissive layers, each emitting in a particular spectrum, are fabricated together in one device by cross-linking at least some the layers. One of the emissive layers has both an emissive and a non-emissive function.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a luminescent material generated by polymerization of a pyrromethene complex by glow discharge. The polymer material of the present invention exhibits semi-conductive properties and has a luminescence maximum in a spectrum region in the range of about 540 nm to about 585 nm with a half-width of the luminescence band in the range of about 55 nm to about 75 nm, a quantum yield of photoluminescence in the range of about 0.6 to about 0.8, and an electric conductivity at a temperature of about 20° C. in the range of about 1×10?10 S/cm to about 5×10?10 S/cm. The resultant polymer layer has a thickness in the range of about 0.01 ?m to about 10 ?m on a substrate placed between or on any of the electrodes. The starting pyrromethene complex may be a 1,3,5,7,8-pentamethyl-2,6-diethylpyrromethene difluoroborate complex (pyrromethene 567).

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of Formula 1 and an organic light emitting device using the same. In Formula 1, R1 to R3 and X1 to X3 are as described in the specification. The compound of Formula 1 acts as a hole injection material, a hole transport material, a light emitting host, or a light emitting dopant in the organic light emitting device depending on the type of substituent.

Abstract: A leader tape where an non-magnetic under layer that contains a powder and a binder and a magnetic upper layer are sequentially laminated on at least one face of a support, in which F5 values of the support in a machine direction (MD) and in a transverse direction (TD) are from 80 to 120 MPa respectively, the F5 value in MD is larger than that in TD, and a difference between the F5 value in MD and that in TD is 15 MPa or less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell dielectric coolant and evaporative cooling process using same. The coolant comprises an emulsion that defines a polar internal phase and a hydrocarbon external phase. The polar internal phase comprises an azeotropic mixture that includes one or more polar compounds selected from water, alcohol, or combinations thereof. The fuel cell is configured to react fuel with oxygen to generate an electric current and at least one reaction product, and comprises an electrochemical catalytic reaction cell configured to include a fuel flowpath, an oxygen flowpath, and a coolant flowpath fluidly decoupled from the fuel and oxygen flowpaths, and which defines a coolant isolation manifold including the fluid dielectric coolant described above. The method of cooling a fuel cell comprises, inter alia, evaporating the polar internal phase of the fluid dielectric coolant emulsion in the coolant isolation manifold.

Abstract: A fuel cell cogeneration system includes a fuel cell, a cooling water heat exchanger provided on a cooling water pathway, a stored hot water pathway through which stored hot water that exchanges heat with cooling water flows, a stored hot water tank, a stored hot water controlling device, a stored hot water temperature measuring device, a stored hot water flow rate adjusting device, a flow rate controlling device of controlling the stored hot water flow rate adjusting device and an exhaust gas heat exchanger of exchanging heat between exhaust gas from fuel processing devices and stored hot water. The flow rate controlling device controls the stored hot water adjusting device to reduce the flow rate of stored hot water flowing through the stored hot water pathway when the temperature of stored hot water is a first predetermined temperature or less during the starting of operation of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A process for producing electricity in a fuel cell which comprises: a) pre-reforming a higher carbon (C2+) hydro-carbon fuel in a pre-reformer under conditions effective to achieve substantially complete conversion of higher carbon (C2+) hydro-carbons to produce a pre-reformed fuel stream; b) subjecting the pre-reformed fuel stream to methanation under conditions effective to produce a fuel stream having an increased concentration of methane relative to the pre-reformed fuel stream; and c) supplying the fuel stream and an oxidant to a high temperature fuel cell in which methane is reformed and electricity is produced by reacting the fuel stream at an anode of the fuel cell and reacting the oxidant at a cathode of the fuel cell.

Abstract: An ionic conduction device of the kind including a tri-layer including an electrolytic membrane having a pair of opposed surfaces, and a gas permeable electrode in contact with each opposed surface. The device has a first gas flow path for a first gas across one of the opposed surfaces, and second gas flow path for a second gas across the one of the opposed surfaces, and a third gas flow path for a third gas along the other of the opposed surfaces of the membrane. The device includes a fourth flow path through the device for a heat exchanging fluid. The fourth flow path bringing the heat exchanging fluid into heat exchange relationship with the tri-layer.