Abstract: A method for generating plasma for removing metal oxide from a substrate is provided. The method includes providing a powered electrode assembly, which includes a powered electrode, a dielectric layer, and a wire mesh disposed between the powered electrode and the dielectric layer. The method also includes providing a grounded electrode assembly disposed opposite the powered electrode assembly to form a cavity wherein the plasma is generated. The wire mesh is shielded from the plasma by the dielectric layer when the plasma is present in the cavity, which has an outlet at one end for providing the plasma to remove the metal oxide. The method further includes introducing at least one inert gas and at least one process gas into the cavity. The method yet also includes applying an rf field to the cavity using the powered electrode to generate the plasma from the inert and the process gas.

Abstract: A method for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon is described including exposing a heterogeneous medium of the heavy hydrocarbon with a hydrogen-containing gas in a chamber to both an electronic beam and an electric discharge field at the same time so as to create a thermal non-equilibrium as well as a spatially non-uniform state for this medium. Such dual exposure allows the cracking method to proceed without high temperature and high pressure typically required therefore and thus reduces the energy consumption and impurities generated along with desirable output product. Refining of hydrocarbons is achieved by removing sulfur therefrom during cracking in the form of hydrogen sulphide. A reverse use of this method is also described, namely a unification method for light fractions to be transformed into a heavy hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An ozone generating apparatus is provided which includes a pair of electrodes for producing a discharge by the application of an ac voltage therebetween, and at least one dielectric provided between the pair of electrodes. A source gas containing oxygen is provided into a discharge space in which the discharge is produced to generate ozone by the action of the discharge. A surface lying between at least one of the pair of electrodes and the discharge space and in contact with the discharge has a surface resistivity of 104 ? to 1011 ?. The source gas provided into the discharge space includes ultrapure oxygen having a purity of not less than 99.9%.

Abstract: A metallic nanoparticle coated microporous substrate, the process for preparing the same and uses thereof are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film formation apparatus which includes a plurality of chambers, and performs processing for forming thin films on two surfaces of a substrate transferred to the plurality of chambers, wherein a first sputtering chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a first sputtering film formation unit configured to perform a sputtering film formation process on a first surface of the substrate, and a first heating unit configured to heat a second surface opposite to the first surface of the substrate, and a second sputtering chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a second heating unit configured to heat the first surface of the substrate having undergone the sputtering film formation process performed by the first sputtering chamber, and a second sputtering film formation unit configured to perform a sputtering film formation process on the second surface of the substrate heated by the first sputtering chamber.

Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a first target accommodating unit to accommodate a first target for film formation on a substrate; a first heater, arranged to surround the first target, for heating the substrate; and a second target accommodating unit arranged to surround the first heater to accommodate a second target for film formation on the substrate.

Abstract: A water softening module has a case body which includes cover members secured to their respective ends of a cylindrical case. A pair of electrodes are provided in the case body. A fibrous medium is located in contact with a water-outlet-side face of the electrodes. The fibrous medium has a stacked structure constituted of a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer, which are electrically conductive. The first fiber layer is positioned in contact with the upstream side of the second fiber layer, and the first fiber layer is positioned in contact with the downstream-side face of the electrodes. The specific surface area of the first layer is smaller than that of the second fiber layer.

Abstract: An electrolytic system for generating hydrogen gas includes a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes colloidal silver, colloidal magnesium, and a nano-metal comprising nano-nickel, nano-iron or a nano-nickel-iron alloy. The electrodes include a first electrode of a non-magnetic material. A second electrode includes an electrode precursor of a magnetic material or an electro-magnet. When in its magnetic state, the electrode precursor exerts a magnetic force of sufficient strength to pull the nano-metal of the electrolyte onto at least a portion of its surfaces, to form the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sputtering target for forming a phase-change film which generates few particles in sputtering and a method for manufacturing the same. The target of the invention has a composition containing in terms of atomic %, 20.2 to 24.2% of Ge, 20.2 to 24.2% of Sb, and the remainder including Te and inevitable impurities, and having a microstructure in which a Ge2Sb2Te5 phase having a hexagonal structure accounts for 90% or more in terms of mass %, and this target can be manufactured by subjecting a raw alloy powder to pressure sintering, and the raw alloy powder is obtained either by heat-treating an alloy ingot having the above composition and grinding the resulting alloy ingot, or by grinding the alloy ingot and heat-treating the obtained ground alloy powder and then pulverizing the alloy powder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide encapsulated sputtering targets and methods for preparing such targets prior to a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. In one embodiment, an encapsulated target for PVD is provided which includes a target layer containing lanthanum disposed on a backing plate and an encapsulation layer containing titanium disposed on or over the target layer. In one example, the target layer contains metallic lanthanum or lanthanum oxide and the encapsulation layer contains titanium. The encapsulation layer may have a thickness within a range from about 1,000 ? to about 2,000 ?. In another embodiment, a method for preparing an encapsulated target prior to a PVD process is provided which includes positioning an encapsulated target within a PVD chamber and exposing the encapsulation layer to a plasma while removing the encapsulation layer and revealing an upper surface of the target layer.

Abstract: A method for efficiently manufacturing a large-area Mo-based target plate at a high yield is provided. In the manufacturing method, the condition of the content of a trace element and the rolling condition are used in combination to reduce the deformation resistance and to suppress the occurrence of cracks such as edge cracking. The method for manufacturing an Mo-based sputtering target by rolling an Mo-based ingot includes the steps of: manufacturing the Mo-based ingot in which the oxygen concentration is controlled to 10 ppm by mass or more and 1000 ppm by mass or less; and heating and rolling the Mo-based ingot at a rolling temperature of 600° C. or more and 950° C. or less.

Abstract: A sputtering target containing oxides of indium (In), gallium (Ga) and zinc (Zn), which includes a compound shown by ZnGa2O4 and a compound shown by InGaZnO4.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a sputter target structure for depositing semiconducting chalcogenide films is described. The sputter target includes a target body comprising at least one chalcogenide alloy having a chalcogenide alloy purity of at least approximately 2N7, gaseous impurities less than 500 ppm for oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and hydrogen (H) individually, and a carbon (C) impurity less than 500 ppm. In a particular embodiment, the chalcogens of the at least one chalcogenide alloy comprises at least 20 atomic percent of the target body composition, and the chalcogenide alloy has a density of at least 95% of the theoretical density for the chalcogenide alloy.

Abstract: A sample fixing device of an evaporation machine includes a first transmission mechanism having a first rotation axis driven by a driving device and a first rotation wheel; a fixing plate and a support frame; a pair of second transmission mechanisms at opposite sides of the first rotation wheel, and including a second rotation wheel revolving around the first rotation wheel, a second rotation axis passing and attached to the second rotation wheel and the fixing plate, and a third rotation wheel connected to the second rotation axis; and a third transmission mechanism including a fourth rotation wheel driven by the third rotation wheel and a sample support axis passing and attached to the fourth wheel and the support arm; wherein an axes of the sample support axis perpendiculars to an extension axes of the first rotation axis so that the sample fixing device can rotate and revolve.

Abstract: In a vacuum-coating machine (1), the drive unit (6) is mounted compliantly to the chamber housing (3) by means of an elastic intermediate plate (14), such that said drive unit can follow a wobbling motion imposed by the rotary cathode (10), with the support bearing (19) of the free end of the rotary cathode (18) capable of being of a rigid design.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling topographical variations when milling a cross-section of a structure, which can be used to reduce topographical variation on a cross-section of a write-head in order to improve the accuracy of metrology applications. Topographical variation is reduced by using a protective layer that comprises a material having mill rates at higher incidence angles that closely approximate the mill rates of the structure at those higher incidence angles. Topographical variation can be intentionally introduced by using a protective layer that comprises a material having mill rates at higher incidence angles that do not closely approximate the mill rates of the structure at those higher incidence angles.

Abstract: A liquid property detecting device includes a switch portion switching an electrode to charge with a standard voltage generated by a generator, or discharge through a grounding. An operation signal output portion outputs an operation signal to the switch portion so as to switch in a predetermined switch period. A voltage of the electrode is output as a detection signal, when the standard voltage is applied to the electrode. A signal process portion calculates liquid property based on the detection signals. A gain of the signal process portion relative to the detection signal is increased, as the detection signal is decreased.

Abstract: A blood glucose measurement device (50) comprises a test piece insertion unit (10) for inserting, holding, and electrically connecting a test piece on which an electrode pattern has been formed, a measurement circuit (16) for electrochemically measuring a biological sample that has been placed in the form of a spot on the test piece, a communication circuit (15) for transmitting the result of measurement with the measurement circuit (16) by wireless communication using an antenna electrode (2C) equipped with the test piece, and a switch (14) that is connected to the test piece insertion unit (10) for switching between the measurement circuit (16) and the communication circuit (15).

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical sensors for measuring an analyte in a subject. More particularly, the sensor comprises a non-working electrode, the non-working electrode comprising a non-working electroactive surface, and a layer covering at least a portion of the non-working electroactive surface, the layer configured to prevent or reduce endogenous or exogenous components from contacting the non-working electrode surface.

Abstract: A measuring device (1) for monitoring materials that affect corrosion of a steel reinforcement (2) in a concrete part (3) includes a sensor (4), which can be disposed inside the concrete part (3) in the vicinity of the steel reinforcement (2), and an external electronic evaluation device (5), which can be disposed outside the concrete part (3). At least two axially spaced-apart, wire-like probes (9, 9?), wrapped in loop-like fashion around the housing (6), are disposed on the outside of the housing wall (8) of the sensor (4), which probes have a different spacing from the steel reinforcement (2) to be monitored, so that the course over time of the corrosion progressing in the direction of the steel reinforcement (2) is ascertainable by the external electronic evaluation device (5).

Abstract: A long-term, reliable high pressure reference electrode for high temperature applications was disclosed. This reference electrode has inner and an outer liquid junction plugs. The inner plug provides the function of restraining the outflow of the internal reference electrolyte. The outer plug is chemically and mechanically robust in the external fluid where the reference electrode is used and protects the inner plug from the mechanical and chemical attacks by the harsh external fluid. Therefore, the inner plug can be selected from many of the well-characterized liquid junction plugs used in regular low temperature reference electrodes, without the need for the inner plug to be chemically and mechanically stable in the external fluid, as long as it has the thermal stability. A method for preventing the formation of gas bubbles inside a high pressure reference electrode in the electrolyte-filled section, and thus eliminating the gas bobble effect on the electrical continuity, was also disclosed.

Abstract: A chip 400 is composed of a substrate 401, and a frame component 402 provided on the surface of the substrate 401, so as to be brought into contact with the substrate 401. A flow path 102 which retains a liquid sample, and serves as a trench-type flow path allowing therethrough electrophoretic migration of a sample to be subjected to mass analysis, is configured to use the substrate 401 as the bottom surface, and to use the frame component 402 as the sidewall. The substrate 401 and the frame component 402 are configured to be separable.

Abstract: A capillary tube having a hard, optically clear external coating or cladding. In one embodiment, the external clear coating comprises hard-fluoropolymer. The hard-fluoropolymer coating bonds to the fused silica glass, providing higher strength and superior static fatigue performance resulting in vastly improved bending flexibility. The thin hard-fluoropolymer coating of capillaries provides higher initial tensile strength, longer lifetime (resistance to stress corrosion or static fatigue) and superior ability to transmit excitation light and emitted light directly through the coating for fluorescence based detection.

Abstract: To suppress temperature variations of sample fluids within flow channels for electrophoresis, in a method for controlling temperatures within micro flow channels. When controlling the temperatures of sample fluids within micro flow channels of electrophoresis chips, in which flow channels through which electrophoresis occurs by application of electrical potential differences can be switched, temperature variations of the sample fluids within the micro flow channels, caused by differences in heat generated by the sample fluids prior to and following the switching of the flow channels, are predicted. Control properties for temperature control in order to cancel the temperature variations are changed during the switching of the flow channels.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method for easily detecting a phosphopeptide (protein) in a test sample by using SDS-poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) which has been employed in analyzing a protein, a polyacrylamide gel for electrophoresis to be used in the above method, a method of producing the gel and an intermediate in synthesizing the gel. The polyacrylamide gel for electrophoresis to be used in the above method has a structure represented by the following general formula (I) in at least a part of the structure thereof: (I) wherein M2+ represents a transition metal ion; and X represents a linker.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a fluid mixture for electrowetting in a device that is suitable for this. According to the invention, the fluid mixture consists of at least two components, namely an electrically inducible liquid and an electrically inert fluid. These two components form a bi- or multiphasic mixture. The electrically inducible liquid responds to a change of an electric field that surrounds it or completely or partly permeates it, in such way that it changes its surface tension so that its form is changed too, particularly if only parts of its surface are permeated by the electric field, or if the field strength is distributed not homogenously. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrically inducible liquid consists of propylene carbonate.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for concentration and cleanup of samples containing bio-molecule analytes (e.g., polynucleotides, such as DNA, RNA, PNA). Various embodiments provide for pH-mediated sample concentration and cleanup of nucleic acid samples with channel devices (e.g., cross-T format, microchannel devices).

Abstract: In order to provide a high-performance electrophoresis chip and an electrophoresis unit having the same that can restrain the diffusion of sample at an intersection between the electrophoresis groove and the sample introduction groove and prevent decrease in contrast and decrease in resolution, an electrophoresis chip is provided with a sample introduction groove, an electrophoresis groove, and a through hole. The sample introduction groove, the electrophoresis groove, and the through hole are formed on different substrates. In the electrophoresis chip, by combining the substrates, the sample introduction groove and the electrophoresis groove are located in different planes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating free-standing polymeric nanopillars or nanotubes with remarkably high aspect ratios. The nanopillars and nanotubes may be used, for example, in integrated microfluidic systems for rapid, automated, high-capacity analysis or separation of complex protein mixtures or their enzyme digest products. One embodiment, preferably fabricated entirely from polymer substrates, comprises a cell lysis unit; a solid-phase extraction unit with free-standing, polymeric nanostructures; a multi-dimensional electrophoretic separation unit with high peak capacity; a solid-phase nanoreactor for the proteolytic digestion of isolated proteins; and a chromatographic unit for the separation of peptide fragments from the digestion of proteins.

Abstract: In order to provide a high-performance electrophoresis chip and an electrophoresis unit having the same that can restrain the diffusion of sample at an intersection between the electrophoresis groove and the sample introduction groove and prevent decrease in contrast and decrease in resolution, an electrophoresis chip is provided with a sample introduction groove, an electrophoresis groove, and a through hole. The sample introduction groove, the electrophoresis groove, and the through hole are formed on different substrates. In the electrophoresis chip, by combining the substrates, the sample introduction groove and the electrophoresis groove are located in different planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the deionization of liquids through the use of electrodeionization methods and apparatuses. The apparatuses may be configured to minimize the fouling of the electrode chambers and to provide continuous regeneration of the ion exchange materials. The apparatuses may be configured according to the desired levels of deionization for anions, cations, or both. Finally, methods are presented for various uses of the apparatuses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for remediation of a xenobiotic in a liquid. The system comprises: a first chamber having a first port and a second port, a first electrode in the first chamber, a second electrode is in electrical communication with the first electrode and with a voltage source, wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode or the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode. The system uses an electric current to provide an electron acceptor or electron donor for a microorganism capable of remediating the xenobiotic.

Abstract: A vertical electrostatic coalescer comprises a first and second electrode surface and a horizontally disposed foraminous surface. The first electrode surface and horizontally disposed foraminous surface are at ground potential. The first and second electrode surfaces share the same planar orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vessel. The unique arrangement of the vessel and opposing pairs of first and second electrode surfaces provides for a substantially uniform voltage field around a perimeter of the vessel and an effective voltage field for coalescence within a center of the vessel. A circular-shaped distributor pipe or a distributor housing serves to absorb momentum of the incoming emulsion stream and distribute the stream into an interior of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an article comprising a barrier layer, the method comprising—providing an metallic or metalloid layer to a surface of a substrate by electro-deposition, using a plating liquid comprising an ionic liquid and metal ions or metalloid ions, which metal ions or metalloid ions are reduced and deposited to form the metallic or metalloid layer during the electro-deposition; and—preferably at least partially oxidising the metallic or metalloid layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the light-supported precipitation of an electrolyte on a semiconductor component comprises a plating bath with an electrolyte, a first electrode arranged in the plating bath and a second electrode arranged outside the plating bath, a holding device for the semiconductor component and an irradiation device for irradiating the semiconductor component with electromagnetic radiation, the irradiation device being arranged outside the plating bath.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrochemical analysis method for accurately detecting a harmful substance such as arsenic contained in a solution. In the electrochemical analysis method, a working electrode and a counter electrode are disposed in an object electrolytic solution. A negative potential is applied to the working electrode to electrodeposit the electrolyte onto the surface of the working electrode and thus to form an electrodeposit. Next, the potential of the working electrode is sweeped in a positive potential direction to allow the electrodeposit to elute into the solution and, at the same time, to detect a current change upon a potential change and thus to analyze an object substance dissolved as an electrolyte in the object electrolytic solution. A boron-doped electroconductive diamond electrode or an electrode with gold deposited on its surface is used as the working electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum which has a wall, wherein at least the inside of the wall is provided with a surface of insulating material, an opening, defined by wall segments of the wall, radially spaced from one another with respect to a central rotational axis of the drum, and a drive mechanism for rotating the drum in a first or in a second direction, wherein at least one first electrode is arranged on the inside of the wall, and wherein at least one counter electrode is arranged on or between a central axis of the drum and the wall, and a method for coating workpieces.

Abstract: A material for forming electroless plate comprising a non-conductive base material and a catalyst adhering layer provided on the non-conductive base material is constituted so that the catalyst adhering layer should comprise a hydrophilic (meth)acrylic resin constituted with a hydrophilic monomer and a hydrophobic monomer and containing the hydrophobic monomer at a ratio of 50 to 90 mol %. This material for forming electroless plate shows favorable catalyst adhering property, and shows no delamination of the catalyst adhering layer from the non-conductive base material, no dissolution of the catalyst adhering layer into a plating solution, and no discoloration of plate layer during the catalyst adhering step, development step and other steps.

Abstract: Sensors and switches for detecting hydrogen include an electrically-insulating support; a first and second electrode; and a palladium structure alone or in combination with an organic insulating film. The palladium structures of the sensors are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structure extends to and contacts the second electrode to create a conductive path. The palladium structures of the switches are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structures extend to and contact an organic insulating film deposited on the second electrode. Upon exposure of the switch to hydrogen, portions of the palladium structure extend through the film and contact the second electrode to create a conductive path. Methods of detecting hydrogen and methods of fabricating a sensor for detecting an analyte of interest are also provided.

Abstract: A method is described for the manufacture of semiconductor nanoparticles. Improved yields are obtained by use of a reducing agent or oxygen reaction promoter.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an adhesive layer forming liquid capable of maintaining the performance of forming an adhesive layer easily and keeping adhesive property to a resin certainly, and an adhesive layer forming process using the liquid. The adhesive layer forming liquid of the invention is an adhesive layer forming liquid for forming an adhesive layer for bonding a copper and a resin to each other, which is an aqueous solution comprising an acid, a stannous salt, a stannic salt, a complexing agent, and a stabilizer, and which is prepared to set the value of B/A to 0.010 or more and 1.000 or less at the time of the preparation, wherein A represents the concentration (unit: % by mass) of the stannous salt as the concentration of bivalent tin ions, and B represents the concentration (unit: % by mass) of the stannic salt as the concentration of tetravalent tin ions.

Abstract: A plating process for plating chromium metal onto substrates is disclosed. The process uses a trivalent chromium plating bath with a sulfate and/or sulfonate matrix. The process also utilizes insoluble anodes. An addition of manganese ions to the plating bath inhibits the formation of detrimental hexavalent chromium ions upon use of the plating bath.

Abstract: A suspension type electrodeposition coating composition containing, as a resin component, block copolyimide having a siloxane bond in a molecular structure and an anionic group in a molecule. Preferably, the above-mentioned block copolyimide contains, as one of the diamine components, diamine having a siloxane, bond in a molecular structure. In addition, preferably, the above-mentioned anionic group is a carboxylic acid group or a salt thereof and/or a sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof. The electrodeposition coating composition has superior heat resistance, which does not easily develop peeling and cracks in the electrodeposited body, and is capable of efficiently forming a high-insulation electrodeposited film superior in the uniformity of film property.

Abstract: A valve system includes a gas generator coupled to a first chamber and a passage for conveying a flow of fluid therethrough. The first chamber is configured to hold a gas generated by the gas generator. The chamber includes a diaphragm deformable in response to an increase in an amount of the gas in the first chamber received by the gas generator. A deformation of the diaphragm in response to the increase in the amount of the gas in the first chamber inhibits flow of the fluid through the passage.

Abstract: An electrochemical system having a plurality of discrete electrochemical cell stacks is described. The system includes a water-oxygen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cell stacks and a hydrogen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cells. A means for ventilating the system and a control system for monitoring and operating said electrochemical system, said control system including a means for detecting abnormal operating conditions and a means for degrading the performance of said electrochemical system in response to said abnormal condition.

Abstract: An electrochemical actuator system includes a membrane electrode assembly coupled to a source of electrical energy. The membrane electrode assembly includes a proton-exchange membrane disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode. A first chamber is located on a first side of the membrane electrode assembly and is configured to hold a gas generated by applying electrical energy to the first electrode of the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly and the first chamber are sealed to inhibit fluid communication with the surrounding ambient environment. The chamber includes a diaphragm deformable in response to a change in an amount of the gas in the first chamber. A deformation of the diaphragm in response to the change in the amount of the gas in the first chamber causes a movement of an actuating member coupled to the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a current collector for electrochemical diaphragm or membrane-type cells, comprising a layer obtained by interlacing or weaving of a multiplicity of first sets of metal wires with a multiplicity of single metal wires or of second sets of metal wires and provided with substantially parallel corrugations. Such layer is coupled to a planar element consisting of a cloth or a flattened stocking formed by weaving of a single metal wire. The current collector is characterised by a low angular coefficient of the pressure/thickness ratio over a wide range of compression levels.

Abstract: A method for stripping a component, in particular a gas turbine component, to completely or partially remove a multilayer or sandwich antiwear coating from the surface of the component, the antiwear coating including at least one relatively hard ceramic layer and at least one relatively soft metallic layer is disclosed. According to the present invention, in order to remove the multilayer or sandwich antiwear coating, the component is placed in a bath of an alkaline electrolyte, the component placed in the electrolyte being stripped at a current density of between 1 A/dm2 and 20 A/dm2.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte, comprising: trapping an analyte in a sample by using a test chip, wherein the test chip comprises: a working electrode including a semiconductor layer, a probe being capable of trapping the analyte and being immobilized on the semiconductor layer, a counter electrode, and a reduction electrode for reducing an electrolyte contained in an electrolyte medium to be contacted with the working electrode and the counter electrode: irradiating, with a light for exciting the modulator, the modulator with which the analyte trapped by the probe has been modified, while the working electrode, the counter electrode and the reduction electrode are contacted with an electrolyte medium containing the electrolyte; measuring a current which due to movement of electrons from the photoexcited modulator to the working electrode, passes between the working electrode and the counter electrode, while the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte medium is reduced by the reduction electrode.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus includes a heater regulating section to control the supply of electricity to a heater included in a gas sensor, an impedance sensing section to sense an impedance of a cell of the gas sensor, and an impedance condition examining section to examine whether the sensed impedance is greater than or equal to a predetermined abnormality judging threshold. The control apparatus further includes a voltage condition examining section to examine whether a maximum effective voltage is applied to the heater, when the impedance is above the predetermined abnormality judging threshold, a duration measuring section to examine whether an application time duration of the maximum effective voltage becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined heater overheat preventing time, and a voltage decreasing section to decrease the heater application voltage to such a lower effective voltage as to hold the temperature of the cell higher than or equal to 500° C.