Abstract: A joint is formed by joining two structures using a joint element. The joint element has a base and at least two legs extending from the base, the legs defining a slot having opposing sides and a bottom. The joint element is attached to the first structure. A second structure is positioned in the slot. An adhesive is disposed in the slot joining the second structure to the joint element. A cavity is formed between the bottom of the slot and the second structure. The cavity being substantially free of adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes. The structure can be made to change its gas, liquid or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. The application of this invention is includes protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: A silicone grip comprising a cured silicone film layer with a Shore A Durometer of less than or equal to about 60 wherein the silicone film layer is formed from a curable silicone composition comprising a catalyst that promotes cure of the silicone composition, a higher molecular weight organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, a lower molecular weight organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, and an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule. The cured silicone layer is used in combination with an adhesive to provide a flexible and malleable grip, and/or in combination with a backing layer that can be solid or foamed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel light polarizing articles comprising a substrate, a light polarizing layer, an inorganic intermediate layer between the polarizing layer and the substrate, an optional inorganic sub-layer between the substrate and the inorganic intermediate layer, and a protective layer over the light polarizing layer, and method of making the same. Due to the presence of the inorganic intermediate layer and the optional sub-layer, adhesion of the polarizing layer is improved substantially. The light polarizing article has improved chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance. The light polarizing article can be used, for example, as ophthalmic products and in display devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain laminates comprising a decorated poly(vinyl butyral) sheet and a film. Preferably, the film is a solar control film.

Abstract: Polyester strapping made from polyester and less than 3% by weight of a polyolefin additive exhibits improved resistance to longitudinal splitting when the strapping is later placed under tension in packaging reinforcement applications. The polyolefin improves the longitudinal split resistance of the strapping without facilitating unwanted longitudinal stretch of the polyester strapping when under tension. The polyolefin additive may be combined with other conventional additives, or may be used alone in order to minimize costs.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional netted structure which is capable of rendering it unnecessary to carry out a finishing operation in a later stage, improving the degree of straightness of the side surfaces of the netted structure, meeting a demand for finishing the netted structure to modified shapes, and improving the durability of the netted structure. A three-dimensional netted structure (1) using thermoplastic resin as a raw material or a main raw material is characterized by a three-dimensional plate type netted structure, in which a plurality of filaments are helically and randomly entangled and partly and thermally bonded together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination effect coat that simultaneously provides at least one function selected from the group consisting of color, effect, or the combination thereof as well as at least one function selected from the group consisting of corrosion protection, adhesion promotion, absorption of mechanical energy, or the combination of two or more of the foregoing. The combination effect coat is produced by the application and curing of a pigmented powder slurry wherein the pigmented powder slurry is curable thermally, or curable thermally and with actinic radiation. The pigmented powder slurry consists of finely divided dimensionally stable constituents having an average particle size of from 0.8 to 40 ?m, has a residual volatile solvent content of less than 1% by weight, and comprises a (meth)acrylate copolymer having an epoxide equivalent weight of 400 to 2500; and a color pigment, an effect pigment, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood panel comprising bamboo strands cut from the inner portion of the bamboo culm.

Abstract: Diffractive pigment flakes are selectively aligned to form an image. In one embodiment, flakes having a magnetic layer are shaped to facilitate alignment in a magnetic field. In another embodiment, the flakes include a magnetically discontinuous layer. In a particular embodiment, deposition of nickel on a diffraction grating pattern produces magnetic needles along the grating pattern that allow magnetic alignment of the resulting diffractive pigment flakes. Color scans of test samples of magnetically aligned flakes show high differentiation between illumination parallel and perpendicular to the direction of alignment of the magnetic diffractive pigment flakes. In another embodiment diffractive pigment flakes are selectively aligned by electrical fields. In other embodiments, special diffractive optical variable images are described and the method to produce them.

Abstract: An electromagnetic noise suppressor of the present invention includes a base material 2 containing a binding agent and a composite layer 3 formed by integrating the binding agent that is a part of the base material 2 and the magnetic material. This electromagnetic noise suppressor has high electromagnetic noise suppressing effect in the sub-microwave band, and enables it to reduce the space requirement and weight. The electromagnetic noise suppressor can be manufactured by forming the composite layer 3 on the surface of the base material 2 by physical vapor deposition of the magnetic material onto the surface of the base material 2. The article with an electromagnetic noise suppressing function of the present invention is an electronic component, a printed wiring board, a semiconductor integrated circuit or other article of which at least a part of the surface is covered by the electromagnetic noise suppressor of the present invention.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a laminated glass, which do not cause an increase in a haze value due to moisture absorption and have excellent moisture resistance. The present invention is directed to an interlayer film for a laminated glass, which contains a polyvinyl acetal resin and a moisture resistance improver.

Abstract: A transparent film-forming coating liquid is provided which is capable of forming a transparent film that is excellent not only in scratch resistance, film hardness, scratch strength and adhesion to a substrate but also in haze and anti-glare properties. Also provided is a display device having a front panel constituted of a substrate with such a transparent film applied thereto. The transparent film-forming coating liquid comprises inorganic oxide particle groups, in each of which 2 to 10 inorganic oxide particles on an average are linked in the form of a chain, and a polar solvent. In the transparent film-forming coating liquid, the inorganic oxide particles have an average particle diameter of 4 to 200 nm. The inorganic oxide particles are silica particles, and the silica particles are porous particles and/or hollow particles each having a cavity inside.

Abstract: An insulating-film forming composition comprising: at least one of: a dendrimer having a core portion and a branched end; and a polymer of the dendrimer; and a coating solvent, wherein the dendrimer has a cage silsesquioxane at the core portion, and has a polymerizable group at the branched end; an insulating film obtained by using the film forming composition; and an electronic device having the insulating film.

Abstract: Metallic nanoparticles and processes for forming metallic nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention is to a process for forming nanoparticles comprising the step of heating a solution comprising a first metal precursor and a nucleating agent (e.g., nucleate nanoparticles or a nucleate precursor) in the presence of a base under conditions effective to form the nanoparticles. The first metal precursor preferably comprises a cationic metal species having a low reduction potential. The invention is also to a nanoparticle or plurality of nanoparticles, each nanoparticle comprising a core having a largest dimension less than about 10 nm; and a metal layer substantially surrounding the core and having a largest dimension less than about 200 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a moisture-absorbent formed body comprising 1) an amine compound and/or a thermally conductive material, 2) a hygroscopic agent, and 3) a resin component, for removing moisture from within the sealed atmosphere of an organic electroluminescent device, and thereby suppressing the occurrence of dark spots.

Abstract: A metal-complex compound which comprises a tridentate chelate ligand having a specified partial structure. An organic electroluminescence device which comprises at least one organic thin film layer sandwiched between a pair of electrode consisting of an anode and a cathode, wherein the organic thin film layer comprises the metal-complex compound, which emits light by applying an electric voltage between the pair of electrode. The present invention provides an organic EL device which emits blue light with high purity and of short wavelength with an enhanced efficiency of light emission.

Abstract: An electromagnetic noise suppressor of the present invention has magnetic resonance frequency of 8 GHz or higher, and the imaginary part ??H of complex magnetic permeability at 8 GHz is higher than the imaginary part ??L of complex magnetic permeability at 5 GHz. Such an electromagnetic noise suppressor is capable of achieving sufficient electromagnetic noise suppressing effect over the entire sub-microwave band. The electromagnetic noise suppressor can be manufactured by forming a composite layer 3 on the surface of a binding agent 2 through physical deposition of a magnetic material on the binding agent 2. The structure with an electromagnetic noise suppressing function of the present invention is a printed wiring board, a semiconductor integrated circuit or the like that is covered with the electromagnetic noise suppressor on at least a part of the surface of the structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a crystalline phase material includes: providing stress inducing material within or operatively adjacent a material of a first crystalline phase; and annealing under conditions effective to transform the material to a second crystalline phase. The stress inducing material preferably induces compressive stress during the anneal to lower the activation energy to produce a more dense second crystalline phase. Example compressive stress inducing materials are SiO2, Si3N4, Ge, W and Co. Where the compressive stress inducing material is provided on the same side of a wafer as the crystalline phase material, it is provided to have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is less than that of the first phase crystalline material. Where the compressive stress inducing material is provided on the opposite side of a wafer, it is provided to have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is greater than that of the first phase crystalline material.

Abstract: Interlayer insulating films 5,7 (insulating films) provided in a memory capacitor cell 8 are formed between a gate electrode 3 and a counter electrode 8C formed on a silicon wafer 1. The interlayer insulating films 5,7 comprise a borazine-based resin, having a specific dielectric constant of no greater than 2.6, a Young's modulus of 5 GPa or greater and a leak current of no greater than 1×10?8 A/cm2.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is provided with a first magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic coupling layer provided on the first magnetic layer, and a second magnetic layer provided on the nonmagnetic coupling layer. The first and second magnetic layers are exchange-coupled, and have magnetization directions which are mutually parallel in a state where no external magnetic field is applied thereto, and the first magnetic layer switches the magnetization direction thereof before the second magnetic layer in response to a recording magnetic field which switches the magnetization directions of the first and second magnetic layers.

Abstract: In a granular magnetic recording layer of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, media noises are reduced by separating adequately magnetic crystal grains and non-magnetic grain boundary and decreasing magnetic exchange interactions among the magnetic crystal grains without causing damage to magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic crystal grains. In one embodiment, the perpendicular magnetic recording medium, in which crystal alloy grains containing Co, Pt, and Cr, and non-magnetic grain boundary containing Si and O is included; the ratio of the number of O atom to that of Si atom in the magnetic recording layer is between about 2.5 and 5; the Si atomic composition in the magnetic recording layer is between about 3 and 6 atomic %; and the O atomic composition in the magnetic recording layer is between about 12 and 20 atomic %, is used. The in-plane distribution of perpendicular coercivity at any points of the medium of the magnetic recording layer is made at most about ±10% of an average value.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a patterned magnetic recording media has a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer formed on a substrate, in which the magnetic recording layer including a magnetic material patterned in tracks and a nonmagnetic material filled in between the tracks in a data area, and has a recessed portion formed in an area within 1 mm from an outer media end and extending to the media end. The recessed portion being formed 1 to 50 nm deeper than the data area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a perpendicular magnetic recording medium with lower medium noise, insusceptible to thermal fluctuation and high recording resolution and a method of manufacturing it. As the step of forming a metal layer at the time of forming a recording layer on a non-magnetic substrate via a plurality of underlayers and the step of forming an oxide layer with an average thickness of 0.2 nm or less are repeated, the crystal grains are magnetically isolated without disturbing the orientation of the crystal grain of the recording layer of the perpendicular magnetic recording medium or without degrading the magnetic characteristic of the crystal grain of the recording layer.

Abstract: A set of fuel cell system heat exchangers that have been modified to incorporate thermal-to-electric devices is disclosed. These devices convert a portion of the thermal energy flowing through each heat exchanger to electric energy. Methods for operating the fuel cell system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell assembly in which one or more grounded conduits, that can be an oxygen product tube or simply inlets or outlets, are connected to the electrically driven oxygen separator. In order to prevent the conduit(s) from degrading due to electrochemical reduction due to the electrical potential produced between the electrically driven oxygen separator(s) and the grounded conduit or conduits, a conduit is formed in whole or in part by a ceramic material that is an electric insulator and that is also resistive to electrochemical reduction. The ceramic material comprises distinct phases of magnesia and spinel or magnesia, spinel and yttrium aluminate.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell system, such as a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that uses passive approaches to thermal-fluids management. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that uses a passive fuel delivery system. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that passively transports water from the cathode or an external source to the anode. In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that passively directs heat to an evaporation pad to facilitate evaporation of fuel. In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell is provided that provides passive carbon dioxide gas management.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell system including an anode and a cathode facing each other, the polymer electrolyte membrane being interposed between the anode and the cathode, and the membrane-electrode assembly including an amphiphilic block copolymer including a hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block of the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte and a fuel cell employing the polymer electrolyte are provided. The polymer electrolyte includes: an ionic conductive polymer membrane; a porous support having nano-sized pores; and inorganic conductive nano-particles including an ionic conductive material impregnated into the porous support, wherein the inorganic conductive nano-particles are impregnated into microchannels formed by aggregation of polar portions of the ionic conductive polymer membrane, and/or between polymer backbones of the ionic conductive polymer membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton-conducting multilayer electrolyte membrane with a barrier layer, a process for producing it and a fuel cell containing such a membrane.

Abstract: A material which conducts protons or oxide ions with high ionic conductivity and is excellent in moisture resistance and reduction resistance is provided. A perovskite oxide represented by the formula (1): BaZraCebM1cL1dO3-???(1) (wherein M1 is at least one member selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements, In, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Al and Ga, L1 is at least one member selected from the group consisting of P, B and N and a, b, c, d and a satisfy 0?a<1.2, 0<b<1.2, 0<c<1.2, 0.9<a+b+c<1.2, 0<d<0.1 and 0<?<3) is used as an ionic conductor.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for a fuel cell which comprises an electrically conductive substrate, a flow field for distributing fluid along a surface of the substrate, and an electrically conductive coating on the surface which comprises a noble metal, desirably Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Os, and preferably Au.

Abstract: A fuel container and delivery apparatus is provided which also allows for removal of effluents from the fuel cell. The fuel container and delivery assembly includes an inner flexible bladder containing fuel for a liquid feed fuel cell. The fuel container and delivery assembly is fitted with a pressure-applying element that exerts a continuous pressure upon the fuel-containing flexible bladder in such a manner that the fuel is expressed through a conduit in the container to the direct oxidation fuel cell. The fuel is supplied to the fuel cell in a continuous manner, or on demand. The fuel container may be a replaceable cartridge. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes a second bladder that is provided to receive effluent from the fuel cell which may be comprised of carbon dioxide and unreacted fuel and water from the anode side, or of water from the cathode side, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell comprises a multiple number of connected unit cells, each composed of a fuel electrode element of a microporous carbon material, an electrolyte layer formed on the outer surface of the fuel electrode element, an air electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the electrolyte layer, wherein each unit cell is supplied with fuel from a fuel reservoir through a fuel feeder having an infiltration structure coupled therebetween.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly and separators. The separator has a fuel gas supply passage, a fuel gas distribution passage, an oxygen-containing gas supply passage, and an oxygen-containing gas distribution passage. The fuel gas flows through the fuel gas supply passage into the separator. The fuel gas distribution passage connects the fuel gas channel and the fuel gas supply passage. The oxygen-containing gas flows through the oxygen-containing gas supply passage into the separator. The oxygen-containing gas distribution passage connects the oxygen-containing gas channel and the oxygen-containing gas supply passage.

Abstract: A planar fuel cell unit on which a cathode-electrolyte-anode unit (CEA unit), a gas distributor element, inner contacting elements, sealing elements, and an interconnector. The interconnector is formed by a CEA mounting element, a base plate, and a gas distributor element. The CEA mounting element and the base plate are embodied as sheet metal parts that form two shells of a housing and enclose the gas distributor element in a gas-tight manner. Webs that are made of an electrically conductive material are applied to/configured on an external surface of the base plate.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane placed between the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode. The fuel electrode and/or the oxygen electrode include a catalyst composed of a particle containing at least Pt and P and a carbon support.

Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane placed between the anode and the cathode. The anode includes a catalyst which is composed of binary or ternary particulates deposited on a carbon support. The particulate is represented by a general formula: Pt—P, wherein Ru is optionally present. The content of P is in a range of 2 mol % to 50 mol % based on the total moles of Pt or Pt—Ru. The diameter of the catalyst particulates is in range from 1 to 3 nm.

Abstract: A diffusion media and micro-porous media combination for a fuel cell. A diffusion layer is composed of a diffusion media and has a first (electrode) side and an opposite second (flowfield) side, wherein at least one of the first and second sides has a geometric pattern formed therein comprising a multiplicity of mutually spaced apart regions. A micro-porous media fills the multiplicity of regions and a micro-porous layer composed of the micro-porous media is continuously applied to the first surface.

Abstract: A system and method provides a status indicator to a battery pack of a medical device. The battery pack includes a power supply capable of being connected to the medical device. The battery pack also includes an indicator to automatically indicate a status of at least a portion of at least one of the battery pack and the medical device. For example, the indicator can indicate a status of the power supply.

Abstract: A power cell (100A) has an electrolyte that includes a reodox pair comprising cerium. The electrolyte in preferred cells is an acid electrolyte that comprises a element ion complexed by an organic acid or a chelating agent, and contemplated electrolytes may further include a compound that reduces the hydrogen overpotential. Where the power cell comprises a plurality of cells (100B), preferred configurations may include glassy carbon as bipolar electrolytes.

Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.

Abstract: A secondary battery module includes unit batteries arranged adjacent to each other in a battery group, the battery group having outermost surfaces. A first end-plate is disposed on one of the outermost surfaces, and a second end-plate disposed on another of the outermost surfaces. A connection rod is fixed to the first end-plate and the second end-plate through fastening members. A thickness of the first end-plate is smaller than a thickness of the first fastening member.

Abstract: A lead plate-attached coin-type battery is constituted from a combination of a coin-type battery and a positive lead plate. In the coin-type battery, a negative cap seals the aperture of a positive outer can. In a lateral view, the positive lead plate is crank-shaped, and one end thereof is attached to the outer surface of the positive outer can of the coin-type battery. A lead plate is not attached to the negative cap. One or more projections that project in the Z axis direction are provided on the negative cap. In the lead plate-attached coin-type battery, the positive lead plate and negative cap have been attached to respective conductive lands on a circuit board by a solder reflow method.

Abstract: A battery compartment assembly includes a housing and a lid configured to be removably attached to the housing. The lid includes a pair of hinges that engage a corresponding pair of openings in the housing, and a latch that engages a ridge on the housing when the lid is in the closed position. The lid also includes a pair of contacts that extend from the lid to mate with connectors of a control unit to be powered by the batteries in the assembly. A spring is included in the housing for connecting to a positive terminal of a first battery and a negative terminal of a second battery.

Abstract: The invention provides an anode capable of relaxing stress due to expansion and shrinkage of an anode active material layer associated with charge and discharge, or an anode capable of reducing structural destruction of the anode active material layer and reactivity between the anode active material layer and an electrolyte associated with charge and discharge, and a battery using it. The anode active material layer contains an element capable of forming an alloy with Li, for example, at least one from the group consisting of simple substances, alloys, and compounds of Si or Ge. An interlayer containing a material having superelasticity or shape-memory effect is provided between an anode current collector and the anode active material layer. Otherwise, the anode current collector is made of the material having superelasticity or shape-memory effect. Otherwise, a thin film layer containing the material having superelasticity or shape-memory effect is formed on the anode active material layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly composed of a cathode, an anode and a separator, and a lithium electrolyte, wherein the electrodes and/or electrolyte include a compound (“urethane compound”) and/or polymer (“poly urethane”) which are decomposed upon overcharge of the battery and contain a urethane group in a molecular structure thereof. The lithium secondary battery of the present invention is characterized by addition of a compound or polymer having a urethane group to electrodes and/or electrolyte, wherein the thus-added compound and/or polymer have substantially no adverse effects on general performance of the battery under normal operating conditions and are decomposed with high reliability upon overcharge of the battery, thereby offering time delay effects for securing battery safety, and the decomposition products thereof result in sharply increased internal resistance of the battery, thereby increasing battery safety.

Abstract: Provided are a cathode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte lithium secondary battery, a process for preparing the same and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same. The cathode active material for a non-aqueous electrolyte lithium secondary battery is represented by the formula LiaNi1?(v+w+x+y+z)MnvCowMxM?yM?zO2 wherein M, M? and M? are independently selected from the group consisting of Al, Mg, Sr, Ca, P, Pb, Y and Zr, and mixtures thereof, a is in a range of 0.9 to 1.05, 1?(v+w+x+y+z) is in a range of 0.685 to 0.745, v is in a range of 0.05 to 0.06, w is in a range of 0.20 to 0.24, and x+y+z is in a range of 0.005 to 0.015.

Abstract: A safe and economical electrochemically active material useful in rechargeable battery cell electrode compositions comprises a nanostructure amalgam of a transition metal fluoride and carbon. The nanoamalgam may be prepared by subjecting a precursor mixture of a transition metal fluoride, such as FeF3, and carbon to extreme, high energy impact comminution milling which results in the conversion of the mixture to a unique and distinct nanostructure material. When incorporated as active electrode material in lithium battery cell fabrications, the nanoamalgam enables the attainment of stable specific discharge capacities in the range of 250 to 500 mAh/g.

Abstract: A zinc/air depolarized cell wherein the anode comprises zinc particles, aqueous alkaline electrolyte, and pyrophosphate based (P2O7)4? additive. The cell may be in the form of a button cell. The addition of a pyrophosphate containing additive to the zinc anode improves the cell's service life regardless of whether the zinc is amalgamated with mercury or contains zero added mercury. The pyrophosphate based on (P2O7) content preferably comprises between about 0.001 and 2 percent by weight of the anode.