Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes a porous membrane formed with fine pores, hygroscopic polymer layers coated inside the fine pores of the porous membrane, and proton conductive polymers filled in the fine pores of the porous membrane coated with the hygroscopic polymer layers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a metal-supported tubular micro-solid oxide fuel cell, and a fuel cell made from such method. The method comprises the steps of coating a wooden substrate member with a conductive substrate layer, coating the substrate layer with an inner electrode layer, coating the inner electrode layer with an electrolyte layer, drying and sintering the coated substrate member such that the substrate member combusts, coating the electrolyte layer with an outer electrode layer, and then drying and sintering the layers.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for an electrochemical cell having a first side, a second side, and a sealing region is disclosed. The first side has a first fluid flow region bordered by a first sealing region, and the second side has a second fluid flow region bordered by a second sealing region. The first sealing region is composed of a mesh bonded to the first side.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes conductive separator plates comprising molded plates of a composition comprising a binder, conductive carbon particles whose average particle diameter is not less than 50 ?m and not more than ? of the thickness of the thinnest portion of the conductive separator plate, and at least one of conductive carbon fine particles and micro-diameter carbon fibers. The separator plates do not require conventional cutting processes for gas flow channels, etc., and can be easily mass produced by injection molding and achieve a reduction in the cost.

Abstract: A compact water management module for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system is provided. The module is a set of plates, typically two or more plates. Two of the plates are sandwiched together and enclose a membrane. The membrane is permeable to air or to water vapor. In another embodiment, both membranes are utilized. The cathode output stream of the DMFC stack feeds into one of the plates. One output of the module is water that is re-used as anode input stream to the DMFC stack. Another output of the module is the unused air that is vented out. The module is an elegant solution that improves the overall efficiency of a DMFC system. In addition, the module is small in size and can easily be stacked and integrated with a DMFC stack, a mixing device, a carbon dioxide separation device and/or a methanol source.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of alcohol-air fuel cells (FC) designed for use in portable radio-electronic equipment, such as cellular phones, notebooks, etc. In accordance with the invention a fuel cell FC comprises a housing with arranged therein a liquid catalytically active anode, an air catalytically active hydrophobic gas-diffusion cathode, a liquid alcohol-alkaline mixture filling the interior cavity of the housing and separating the anode and cathode, wherein the hydrophobic surface of the cathode faces air. The surface of the cathode facing the alcohol-alkaline mixture is coated with a layer of a polymer, for example polybenzimidazole, having conduction in respect to OH— ions. A non-platinum catalyst on the base of metals Fe, Ni, Co, Ru, that is tolerant in respect to alcohol, is used as the cathode catalyst.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery that comprises a jelly roll type electrode assembly that comprises two electrodes with different polarities and separators for preventing an electrical short between the two electrodes is disclosed. The battery further comprises a case for storing the electrode assembly and electrode tabs that are made of different materials for connecting the two electrodes of the electrode assembly to an external circuit via the case, wherein the thicknesses of the electrode tabs are different. It is possible to reduce the thickness of a protruded part in an outer surface of the jelly roll due to the thinner electrode tabs and to reduce pressure on the activation materials near the protruded part.

Abstract: A housing is disclosed which may be used for a tachograph. The housing includes a battery holder and at least one fastening element arranged to fasten the battery holder to the housing. With the housing it is possible to mount a battery in an exchangeable manner while preventing the possibility of manipulating the components inside the housing during a changing of the battery. When the battery holder is mounted on the housing, the fastening element can only be accessed from the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A nickel metal hydride storage battery included a battery case, and a group of electrode plates arranged in the battery case, wherein the battery case includes a battery case main body having a hole and a lid for closing the hole. The battery case includes a first portion made of a metal or a laminate of a metal and a resin, and a second portion made of a resin; and an area of the first portion is 20% or more and 90% or less with respect to the entire battery case. Thus, a nickel metal hydride storage battery is capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen permeating the battery case and capable of suppressing the long-term deterioration.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises as an anode, a lithium transition metal oxide or sulphide compound which has a [B2]X4n? spinel-type framework structure of an A[B2]X4 spinel wherein A and B are metal cations selected from Li, Ti, V, Mn, Fe and Co, X is oxygen or sulphur, and n? refers to the overall charge of the structural unit [B2]X4 of the framework structure. The transition metal cation in the fully discharged state has a mean oxidation state greater than +3 for Ti, +3 for V, +3,5 for Mn, +2 for Fe and +2 for Co. The cell includes as a cathode, a lithium metal oxide or sulphide compound. An electrically insulative lithium containing liquid or polymeric electronically conductive electrolyte is provided between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using a layered lithium-transition metal composite oxide as a positive electrode active material, elevated-temperature durability, that is, elevated-temperature storage performance is enhanced without degrading battery capacity. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: a positive electrode including, as a positive electrode active material, layered lithium-transition metal composite oxide containing lithium, nickel, and manganese; a negative electrode active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium; and a non-aqueous electrolyte having lithium ion conductivity, and the lithium-transition metal composite oxide contains a group IVA element and a group IIA element of the periodic table.

Abstract: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method for making the negative active material, and a rechargeable lithium battery including a carbonaceous material, which is capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium, and particles of a metal or a metal compound or mixtures thereof, distributed in the carbonaceous material, the metal or the metal compound being capable of forming an alloy with lithium during electrochemical charging and discharging.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which a positive electrode formed of a graphite powder and an negative electrode formed of a material capable of absorption/desorption of a lithium metal or lithium are placed to face each other in an electrolyte containing lithium salt. The positive electrode of this battery where a Lc (112) which is the size of crystallite in a c axis direction which is calculated from a (112) diffraction line of a graphite crystal and determined by a powder X-ray diffraction method which is from 4 nm to 30 nm, and a charge capacity at the first cycle which is calculated on the basis of a total weight of the graphite material of the positive electrode filled in the battery is 20 to 50 (mAh/g). Preferably, the graphite powder of the positive electrode has an ratio (A/B) which is the ratio of a specific surface area A determined by a nitrogen absorption (BET) method to a surface area B determined on the basis of an area average diameter of 20 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer electrolyte composition for a rechargeable lithium battery including a multifunctional monomer represented by formula 1, a polymer initiator, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and a lithium salt: where A is one represented by one of formulae 1a, 1b, or 1c; where n is an integer of 1 to 10; R1 to R7 are the same or are independently selected from H, C1 to C3 alkyls, and C?N; and X is a C1 to C20 aliphatic or aromatic carbon, or polyether.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rechargeable lithium battery comprising a negative electrode and a positive electrode capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium, and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises a polyacrylate compound having three or more acrylic groups.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode including a carbon material as an active material, and a nonaqueous electrolyte comprising a solute dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent in which ?-butyrolactone is the main solvent, wherein the carbon material has a ratio (ID/IG) of a Raman spectrum intensity (a peak intensity ratio) (R) obtained by Raman spectroscopy of 0.2 or greater, and the nonaqueous electrolyte includes at least 0.1 part by weight of vinylene carbonate and at least 0.1 part by weight of vinyl ethylene carbonate in 100 parts by weight of the nonaqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention include protecting a photomask from particle defects by heating the photomask to initiate a thermophoretic force.

Abstract: A radiating-sensitive composition and negative-working imageable element includes a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization of the free radically polymerizable component upon exposure to imaging radiation, a radiation absorbing compound, and particles of a poly(urethane-acrylic) hybrid that are distributed throughout the composition forming an imageable layer in the element. Imaging can be accomplished at a wide range of wavelengths from about 150 to about 1500 nm, and development can be accomplished using an organic solvent-based developer, warm water, plate cleaner, or on-press using a combination of a lithographic printing ink and a fountain solution.

Abstract: A photomask with photoresist test patterns and pattern inspection method using four test patterns on the photomask to perform the exposure on the first photoresist layer in order to adjust the photomask. The present invention prevents misalignment of the first photomask. The information associated with the misalignment is provided to the process engineer based on the location of the test patterns.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic photoconductor for liquid development, having high resistance to a carrier solvent for use in a liquid developing method and having practically high sensitivity, an image-forming apparatus including the photoconductor, and an image forming method. To achieve this object, the present invention provides an electrophotographic photoconductor for liquid development including a support, and a photosensitive layer on or above the support, wherein the photosensitive layer includes a charge-generating material, a charge-transporting material, and an acceptor compound, and the charge-transporting material includes a charge-transporting polymer having a specified structure.

Abstract: Charge transport compounds are described that have a multiple number of hydrazone-bridged (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine groups connected by a central bridging group. Examples of charge transport compounds of this invention are those having the following generic formula: (R-Q)n-Y where R is an (N,N-disubstituted)arylamine group; Q comprises an aliphatic or aromatic hydrazone linking group; n is 2; and Y comprises a bridging group comprising an aryl group having the formula —Ar1-G-Ar2— where Ar1 and Ar2 are, each independently, an arylene group and G comprises a bond, O, S, —SO2—, an imine group, an alkylene group, or an aromatic group.

Abstract: Hole transport polymers are disclosed. The polymers include modified triarylamine groups attached to a polymeric material such as, for example, poly(vinyl butyral). The polymers are particularly suited for use in multilayered photoreceptors. The polymers can be readily synthesized. Also disclosed are photoreceptors containing one or more layers that include the noted polymers.

Abstract: An imaging member containing an optional supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer of at least one charge transport component, at least one polyphenyl ether of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, substituted alkoxy, and halogen, and n is a number of from about 1 to about 10; and wherein a thiophosphate is contained in the photogenerating layer.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member capable of outputting an image in which a defect such as a ghost is suppressed even in a high-temperature-and-high-humidity environment, and in which a defect such as a change in density due to an abrupt change in light-area potential at an initial stage or a ghost due to long-term durable use is suppressed even in a low-humidity environment; and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each having the electrophotographic photosensitive member; are provided. The electrophotographic photosensitive member has a layer which comprises a compound having a specific structure between a support and a charge-generating layer.

Abstract: A toner is disclosed, for developing electrostatic images by means of image forming apparatuses, that comprises toner particles, and an external additive, wherein the toner particles comprise a binder resin and a colorant, the external additive is introduced onto the surface of the toner particles, the external additive liberates from the surface of the toner particles in a rate of 7% to 50% under the condition that the toner is dispersed within a surfactant-containing electrolyte at 20 W output power and 20 kHz frequency for one minute by means of an ultrasonic homogenizer.

Abstract: A toner having at least one binder, at least one colorant and external additives. The external additives include at least one fluoropolymer. An electrophotographic image forming machine and method includes the toner with at least one fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A color toner that comprises at least a binder resin, a colorant and a release agent, wherein the binder resin has at least a polyester unit and is synthesized in the presence of a tin compound as a catalyst represented by the general formula (1): (RCOO)2Sn??(1) wherein, R is an alkyl group of 5 to 15 carbon atoms. The toner is excellent in charge build-up, resistance to high temperature offset, color reproducibility and transparency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic mono-component toner which can suppress a selection development on a latent image carrier and can maintain favorable image properties for a long period by using a toner having the coarse powder distribution (S) within a given range in a jumping developing method and an image forming method which uses the toner. In the toner used in the jumping developing method which develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a latent image carrier using a developer carrier, the toner includes toner particles which contain at least a binding resin and a magnetic powder, and the coarse powder distribution (S) of the toner particles satisfies a following formula (1).

Abstract: A magnetic toner is provided having at last a binder resin and a magnetic material and having a weight-average particle diameter of 3 ?m to 10 ?m. The magnetic material has been surface-treated with a low-softening substance (A), and has a compressibility of 35 or more which can be calculated according to a specific expression. The softening point of the magnetic toner is from 40° C. to 85° C. in measurement by a flow tester. The magnetic toner has a resin component containing 1% to 60% by weight of a tetrahydrofuran-insoluble matter. This magnetic toner is superior in low-temperature fixing performance and has good fixing performance in a broad fixing range.

Abstract: A carrier comprised of a core and a polymer generated from a mixture of two latexes, and wherein the first latex enables a polymer with a high molecular weight, and the second latex enables a polymer with a low molecular weight, and wherein high represents a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,000,000 to about 8,000,000, and said low represents a weight average molecular weight of from about 500,000 to about 750,000.

Abstract: In a carrier comprising carrier particles; each carrier particle comprising a carrier core and a coat layer for coating the carrier core, the carrier core has a ferrite component containing i) a metal oxide having at least one of metallic elements Mg, Li and Ca, the total-sum content of which is 10 to 40 mole % based on the whole ferrite component, and ii) a metal oxide having at least one of metallic elements Mn, Cu, Cr and Zn, the total-sum content of which is 50 to 4,000 ppm based on the whole ferrite component. The carrier has a volume distribution based 50% particle diameter (D50) of from 15.0 to 55.0 ?m and a degree of surface unevenness of from 1.05 to 1.30, and the coat layer contains particles; the particles having a number-average primary particle diameter of from 10 to 500 nm.

Abstract: Liquid toners suitable for use in the electrostatic printing of functional materials to produce microstructures such as ribs, electrodes, spacers or filters, and methods of producing the liquid toners. The functional materials, which may include metals, glass and phosphors, are suspended as particles in a dilutent, which may be a non-polar liquid. The surface, or portions of the surface, of the functional material particles are given an appropriate acidic or hydroxyl functionality necessary for their use in electrostatic imaging either by etching or by coating with a material having the appropriate surface functionality.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymerized toner, which comprises steps of forming an aqueous dispersion comprising the colored polymer particles, subjecting the aqueous dispersion comprising the colored polymer particles to stripping treatment in the presence of a nonionic surfactant, dehydrating and washing the aqueous dispersion, wherein washing is carried out by using a washing water a temperature of which is controlled to lower than the cloud point of the nonionic surfactant, drying the wet colored polymer particles, and then getting the colored polymer particles.

Abstract: A toner production method includes the step of: controlling a shape of toner particles in a shape controlling region to control the shape of toner particles in a water based medium, wherein the shape controlling region has a toner channel for the toner particles and a temperature controller capable of controlling at least two zones.

Abstract: An acrylic copolymer having a specific structure and a radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising the acrylic copolymer having high transparency to radiation, excelling in basic properties as a resist such as sensitivity, resolution, dry etching resistance, and pattern shape, and, in particular, excelling in forming contact holes and lines-and-spaces.

Abstract: The invention teaches improved, novel methods and materials for the production of antennas. The invention contemplates the use of Directly Electroplateable Resins for the production of these antennas. The unique suitability of Directly Electroplateable Resins to allow facile manufacture of the antennas desired using a broad range of processing and manufacturing approaches is demonstrated.

Abstract: The resist composition of the present invention contains at least one of a tannin and a derivative thereof. The method of forming a resist pattern of the present invention includes: forming a resist film on a surface of an object to be processed, by using the resist composition; and exposing and developing the resist film. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device of the present invention includes: forming a resist film on a surface of an object to be processed, by using the resist composition; exposing and developing the resist film to form a resist pattern; and patterning the surface of the object by performing an etching through the resist pattern as a mask.

Abstract: Several small molecule, molecular glasses are disclosed with new architectures designed for use as photoresists in semiconductor lithography. The disclosed photoresists are low molecular weight organic materials that demonstrate a glass transition temperature significantly above room temperature as well as a low tendency towards crystallization. The molecular glass photoresists have a tetrahedral silane molecular core with four phenyl groups or four biphenyl groups. Each phenyl group or each outer phenyl group of a biphenyl group has a methoxy or hydroxy group at the 3- or 4-position. For the biphenyl embodiments, the linkage may be meta-meta, meta-para, para-para or para-meta.

Abstract: Surface features are fabricated using a single layer or multi-layer molecular resist. The resist is preferably a selective adsorption resist. Selective adsorption resist is a resist that allows a deposited material to penetrate the resist such that the resist will reform on the top of the deposited material. Also, a nanofabricated system enables monitoring of the addition or removal of molecular species or proteins from a junction by monitoring the electronic properties of the junction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for using a plasma generated from a processing gas mixture including H2O to efficiently strip photoresist material without causing significant damage to exposed, underlying low k dielectric material. The method includes disposing the processing gas mixture including the H2O over the wafer. The processing gas mixture including the H2O is then transformed into a plasma. The plasma serves to remove the photoresist material from the substrate without adversely affecting the exposed low k dielectric material.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain compounds into photothermographic materials provides materials with reduced initial image Dmin and improved Raw Stock Keeping film stability without unacceptable loss in sensitometric properties. These compounds include certain e-i) zinc salts of an aryl sulfonic acid or of a fluorinated C2-C6 carboxylic acid, e-ii) non-encapsulated alkali metal salts of an aryl sulfonic acid or of a fluorinated C2-C6 carboxylic acid, and e-iii) fluorinated C2-C6 carboxylic acids.

Abstract: Based on previous evidence suggesting positive effects of fever on in vivo hematopoiesis, the effect of hyperthermia on the expansion and differentiation of megakaryocytes (MKs) in ex vivo cultures of CB CD34-enriched cells has now been tested. Cells were cultured at 37° C. or 39° C. for 14 days in cytokine conditions optimized for MK development, and analyzed periodically by microscopy, flow cytometry and colony assays. Compared to 37° C., cultures maintained at 39° C. produced much more total cells (5×), MK progenitors (9×) and total MKs (7×), and showed accelerated (3-4 days) and enhanced MK maturation with increased yields of proplatelets and platelets (11.7×). The increased number of CD34+ cells and myeloid progenitors in the 39° C. cultures also suggested a general stimulatory effect of hyperthermia on the expansion of more primitive stem/progenitor cells and of cells of other lineages.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting the presence of ATP, for measuring ATP concentrations, and for detecting viable cells using a composition comprising an ATP-dependent enzyme and one or more ATPase inhibitors.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents which alter the NAD-dependent acetylation status and mono-ADP-ribosylation of nuclear proteins are disclosed. The methods further include identifying agents which alter the life span or aging of a cell or an organism by determining the level of NAD-dependent acetylation and/or ADP ribosylation of a nuclear protein. The invention also relates to a mammalian Sir2 protein which acetylates or deacetylates nuclear proteins in a NAD-dependent manner and has mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. Host cells producing the Sir2 protein and antibodies to the Sir2 protein are also provided.

Abstract: A formulation and kit of thermostable or other DNA polymerases comprising at least one thermostable or other DNA polymerase which lacks 3?-exonuclease activity, and at least one thermostable DNA polymerase exhibiting 3?-exonuclease activity. Also provided is an improved method for enzymatic extension of DNA strands, especially while, but not limited to, amplifying nucleic acid sequences by polymerase chain reaction wherein the above formulation is made and used to catalyze primer extension.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a desired double-stranded DNA of a predetermined length and of a predetermined sequence. Preselected sequence segments that will complete the desired double-stranded DNA are determined. Preselected segment sequences of DNA that will be used to complete the desired double-stranded DNA are provided. The preselected segment sequences of DNA are assembled to produce the desired double-stranded DNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and selection of sequences which demonstrate particular advantage in identifying individuals having osteoarthritis (OA). The invention also provides a selection of sequences particularly useful in diagnosing the degree of advancement of osteoarthritis of an individual and in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for OA. The invention further provides for the use of these sequences as a tool to diagnose disease progression and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Abstract: Methods of detecting target molecules using electrophoresis and media containing immobilized capture are described.

Abstract: A micro PCR device comprising an amplification chamber is provided. The amplification chamber has an inner surface coated with a polycationic polymer or a polyanionic polymer and includes electrodes.

Abstract: Methods of screening candidate agents to identify lead compounds for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease and methods for identifying a mutation in, or changes in expression of, a gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, are provided.