Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell includes at least one cell. The cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The cell also includes: an anode-side separator being in contact with the anode and having a fuel flow channel for supplying a fuel to the anode; and a cathode-side separator being in contact with the cathode and having an oxidant flow channel for supplying an oxidant to the cathode. The electrolyte membrane includes an ion exchange resin and has an ion exchange capacity per unit volume which is smaller upstream of the fuel flow channel than downstream thereof.

Abstract: An MEA 15 is arranged between frames 13, 14. A first gas flow passage forming member 21 is arranged between an anode electrode layer 17 of the MEA 15 and a first separator 23 fixed to an upper surface of the frame 13. A second gas flow passage forming member 22 is arranged between a cathode electrode layer 18 of the MEA 15 and a second separator 24 fixed to a lower surface of the frame 14. The gas flow passage forming members 21, 22 are each formed by a metal lath 25. The metal lath is formed by forming a plurality of through holes 26 in a thin metal plate in a mesh-like manner and forming the thin metal plate in a stepped shape. The gas flow passage forming members 21, 22 each include a plurality of annular portions 27 forming the through holes 26. Each of the annular portions 27 has a flat surface portion 28a in a first contact portion 28, which contacts a carbon paper 19, 20.

Abstract: A tubular conductive wire mesh is provided for use in solid state electrochemical devices such as fuel cells. The tubular conductive wire mesh is typically formed from wire using knitting, weaving, or similar process. The mesh typically includes a plurality of substantially uniform interconnected adjacent segments that may form junctions that provide a repetitive pattern of localized bumps that may form preferred electrical contact points between the conductive wire mesh and a surface of a tubular fuel cell body in a solid state electrochemical device. In some embodiments the conductive wire mesh is disposed adjacent the inside surface of a tubular electrode and in some embodiments the conductive wire mesh is disposed adjacent the outside surface of a tubular fuel cell body.

Abstract: The invention provides metal-containing corrin compounds as catalysts for oxygen reduction in electrochemical devices, such as in fuel cells. The catalysts provide more efficient reduction at lower cost than conventional noble metal catalyst. Methods for preparing the catalysts are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning a mask that includes disposing and firstly aligning a mask over a first substrate, with a space interposed therebetween, bringing the mask into contact with the first substrate and then measuring the alignment state of the mask with respect to the first substrate to detect an alignment error, secondly aligning the mask with respect to the first substrate based on the alignment error, transferring the first substrate to the next process, disposing and thirdly aligning the mask over a second substrate with the space interposed therebetween, and bringing the mask into contact with the second substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a parallax barrier including light blocking portions that block light and openings that transmit light, includes: a light-blocking layer formation step of forming a light-blocking layer on a light-transmissive substrate; a pattern formation step of forming the openings, which are formed of a plurality of rectangular ones, thereto; and a cutting step of cutting the light-transmissive substrate along a first cutting direction inclined to the first formation direction by a predetermined angle and a second cutting direction inclined to the second formation direction by the angle, in the pattern formation step, the plurality of openings disposed along the first formation direction formed in such a way that the openings are disposed stepwise shifted in the second formation direction and follow the first cutting direction.

Abstract: In a monitoring method of an exposure apparatus, a top critical dimension (TCD) and a bottom critical dimension (BCD) of the test pattern formed on a photo-sensitive material layer are measured. A dose deviation (?E) and a focus deviation (?F) are calculated by following equations: TCD+BCD=??E+(TCD0+BCD0) TCD?BCD=?1?F+?2?F3 Here, ?, ?1 and ?2 are constants, ?E=E?E0, ?F=F?F0, E represents a real exposure dose, F represents a real exposure focus, E0 represents a dose defined when a middle critical dimension of the test pattern is equal to a predetermined value, F0 represents a focus defined when TCD of the test pattern is equal to BCD thereof, and TCD0 and BCD0 are theoretical values in case of E0 and F0.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoconductor that is usable in an exposure light source having a wavelength of 405±20 nm, the electrophotographic photoconductor comprising a photosensitive layer including a charge generation layer and a charge transfer layer stacked in order on a conductive substrate, the charge transfer layer containing, as a charge transfer material, a phenylenediamine compound represented by the following general formula (I): wherein Ar is an aryl group that may have a substituent, R1, R2 and R3 are a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an alkyl or alkoxy group, independently, R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an alkyl or alkoxy group that may have a substituent, k is an integer from 1 to 5, and l and m are an integer from 1 to 4, the charge generation layer containing, as a charge generation material, a titanylphthalocyanine having a crystal form showing diffraction peaks in an X-ray diffraction spectrum at Bragg angles (2?±0.2°) of 7.5°, 12.3°, 16.3°, 25.3° and 28.7°.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and process cartridge both employing the organic photoreceptor by improving an abrasion resistance of the organic photoreceptor up to the same level as an amorphous silicone photoreceptor, the image blur and image flow problem liable to generate in high temperature and high moisture condition, and to provide an organic photoreceptor capable of obtaining a precise and a high quality dot image by short wavelength laser exposure. Provided is an organic photoreceptor having a conductive substrate, provided thereon at least a photo receiving layer and a protective layer in this order, wherein the protective layer comprises at least a resin layer obtained by a reaction between a chain polymerizable compound having a charge transportable structure represented by Formula (1) and a chain polymerizable compound without having a charge transportable structure.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments are directed generally to an improved electrostatographic imaging member in which the overcoat layer comprises cross-linkable polyester resins. The overcoat layer not only provides wear resistance, but it also provides higher charge transport efficiency and therefore better photoelectrical properties. In addition, the polyesters can cross-link with a variety of resins and thus provide good adhesion as well.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes an electroconductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed thereon, the photosensitive layer including a sub-layer that constitutes an outermost surface of the photosensitive layer, the sub-layer including an organic solvent having a boiling point of from about 65° C. to about 250° C. in an amount of from about 5,000 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, and the sub-layer including a polymer of a charge transporting material having a polymerizable group.

Abstract: There is provided a toner for electrostatic latent image developing, which includes a binder resin; a carbon black-surface treated with an isocyanate compound including a plurality of isocyanate groups which include one or more isocyanate groups that are not bonded to the carbon black; and a release agent having an acid value of about 5 mgKOH/g or higher and/or a hydroxyl value of about 5 mgKOH/g or higher.

Abstract: A toner including at least one polyester resin serving as a binder resin, a colorant, a releasing agent, and a fixing aid, wherein the fixing aid includes a fatty acid amide-based compound, and the fatty acid amide-based compound is at least one of a fatty acid amide compound having a mono- or higher valent amide bond and a fatty acid amide-based compound having a mono- or higher valent amino group or a hydroxyl group.

Abstract: Carbon black with a content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons measured by the 22 PAH method of less than 5 ppm and an STSA surface area of <90 m2/g. The carbon black is prepared by treating the starting carbon black with electromagnetic radiation. The carbon black can be used in rubber, plastics, printing inks, liquid inks, inkjet inks, toners, coating materials, paints, adhesives, batteries, pastes, paper, fuel cells, bitumen, concrete and other building materials.

Abstract: Provided are a toner containing a resin having wax properties and a method of preparing the toner. The toner includes a binder resin into which at least one residue of the group consisting of a C8-C60 higher fatty acid residue and a C8-C60 higher alcohol residue is introduced by esterification, a colorant, and at least one additive.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing toner including melting, mixing, and kneading a releasing agent and a coloring agent with at least part of a polyester binder resin, and suspending and granulating an oil phase comprising the binder resin, the coloring agent, and the releasing agent in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The electrographic printing of one or more multi-channeled layers having a particular pattern by electrographic techniques that produces a three-dimensional optical waveguide electrographically. Such electrographic printing comprises the steps of forming a desired print image, electrographically, on a receiver member utilizing predetermined sized marking particles; and, where desired, forming one or more final multi-channeled layers utilizing marking particles of a predetermined size or size distribution.

Abstract: A method for producing a toner, containing: dispersing, in an aqueous medium, an oil phase which contains an organic solvent, and a binder resin component contained in the organic solvent, where the binder resin component contains a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous polyester resin; and removing the organic solvent from the dispersion to obtain the toner, in which the dispersing further contains heating and dissolving the crystalline polyester and the amorphous polyester in the organic solvent to obtain a solution, cooling the solution so as to recrystallize the crystalline polyester resin, and mechanically pulverizing the recrystallized crystalline polyester resin so as to obtain a crystalline polyester dispersion.

Abstract: A resin composition for laser engraving, including at least a phenol derivative (A) represented by the following Formula (A), a binder polymer (B), and a crosslinking agent (C), wherein the content of the phenol derivative (A) with respect to the total solid content of the resin composition is from 5% by mass to 50% by mass:

Abstract: A method of drying an organic pigment is provided which includes an under-depressurization microwave drying step of irradiating the organic pigment with microwaves under depressurization and drying the organic pigment. A method of processing a phthalocyanine pigment and a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photosensitive member are also provided each of which utilizes the drying method.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a compound that when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, generates any of acids of general formula (I) below, in which W1 represents an optionally substituted alkylene group, W2 represents a bivalent connecting group, W3 represents an optionally substituted organic group having 15 or more carbon atoms, and Z represents a hydroxyl group or a fluoroalkylsulfonamido group having at least one fluorine atom introduced therein as a substituent.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor, comprising a support having thereon an image-recording layer containing (A) an infrared absorbing agent, (B) a radical polymerization initiator, (C) a radical polymerizable compound, (D) a polymer compound containing a polyoxyalkylene structure and (E) an ultraviolet absorbing agent and being capable of forming an image by supplying at least one of printing ink and dampening water on a printing machine after imagewise exposure to remove an unexposed area of the image-recording layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photoresist composition comprising a resin having an acid-labile group and being insoluble or poorly soluble in an aqueous alkali solution but becoming soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid, an acid generator and a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein Z1 represents a C7-C20 alkylene group, a C3-C20 divalent saturated cyclic group or a divalent group formed by combining at least one C1-C6 alkylene group with at least one C3-C20 divalent saturated cyclic group.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes an aluminum support subjected to a surface roughening treatment, and an image-recording layer, the image-recording layer contains an infrared absorbing agent, a radical polymerization initiator, a radical polymerizable compound and an inorganic particle which has, on a surface of the inorganic particle, an acrylic polymer as a graft chain and an unexposed area of the image-recording layer is capable of being removed with at least one of oily ink and dampening water.

Abstract: A first film-modifying method includes forming a second film on a first film that includes an acid-dissociable group. The second film is an acid transfer resin film that includes a photoacid generator. The second film is exposed via a mask so that the second film generates an acid. The acid generated by the second film is transferred to the first film.

Abstract: To provide a dithiane derivative, having a structure expressed by the following general formula 1: where R1 is —H, or —CH3, a polymer containing a monomer unit containing the dithiane derivative, a resist composition containing the polymer, and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device using the resist composition.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support, and an image-recording layer, the image-recording layer contains a urethane resin having a polyalkylene oxide chain represented by the formula (1) as defined herein in a side chain, an infrared absorbing agent, a radical polymerizable compound and a radical polymerization initiator, and an unexposed area of the image-recording layer is capable of being removed with at least one of dampening water and ink.

Abstract: A positive resist composition for immersion exposure comprises: (A) a resin containing at least one repeating unit having a fluorine atom and increasing a solubility of the resin in an alkali developer by an action of an acid; and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with one of an actinic ray and radiation.

Abstract: A method is provided for reworking film structures containing silicon-containing anti-reflective coating (SiARC) layers in semiconductor device manufacturing. The method includes providing a substrate containing a film stack that includes SiARC layer thereon, and a resist pattern formed on the SiARC layer. The method further includes removing the resist pattern from the SiARC layer, exposing the SiARC layer to process gas containing ozone (O3) gas to modify the SiARC layer, treating the modified SiARC layer with a dilute hydrofluoric acid (DHF) liquid, and centrifugally removing the modified SiARC layer from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The method may include providing a substrate; forming a first material layer over the substrate; forming a patterned second material layer over the substrate; and removing the patterned second material layer with a fluid comprising a steric hindered organic base and organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of forming patterns includes (a) coating a substrate with a resist composition for negative development to form a resist film having a receding contact angle of 70 degrees or above with respect to water, wherein the resist composition for negative development contains a resin capable of increasing the polarity by the action of an acid and becomes more soluble in a positive developer and less soluble in a negative developer upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, (b) exposing the resist film via an immersion medium, and (c) performing development with a negative developer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoimageable antireflective coating composition capable of forming a pattern by development in an aqueous alkaline solution, comprising, (i) a polymer A soluble in a coating solvent and comprises a chromophore, a crosslinking moiety, and optionally a cleavable group which under acid or thermal conditions produces a functionality which aids in the solubility of the polymer in an aqueous alkaline solution and; (ii) at least one photoacid generator; (iii) a crosslinking agent; (iv) optionally, a thermal acid generator; (v) a polymer B which is soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution prior to development, where polymer B is non-miscible with polymer A and soluble in the coating solvent, and; (vi) a coating solvent composition, and (vii) optionally, a quencher. The invention also relates to a process for imaging the antireflective coating.

Abstract: A portable heater includes a housing having an access door providing for receiving a fuel tank within the housing. The access door provides for insertion and removal of the fuel tank through the door. A burner within the housing is connected to the fuel tank and emits a flame above the housing. A vertical transparent tube extends above the burner and encompasses the flame along an entire height of the tube. A protective grill surrounds the tube and extends at least as far as the top of the protective grill. An upper cover assembly mounts to the top of the protective grill. The flame is enclosed extending up the tube along the entire height of the tube and creates a glowing vertical element from the housing to the cover.

Abstract: This invention is directed to supply a combustor having a structure that reduces NOx emissions while maintaining combustion stability. The combustor has a chamber into which fuel and air are supplied. An air hole plate having a plurality of air holes upstream of the chamber is also disclosed, and fuel nozzles supplying fuel to the air holes of the air hole plate are further disclosed. In the combustor, a center of a chamber-side of the air hole plate is closer to the chamber than exits of outermost peripheral air holes.

Abstract: An air-fuel burner includes a heat-transfer tube, an air-fuel mixing chamber, and an air-fuel nozzle. The air-fuel nozzle is coupled to the air-fuel chamber to communicate a combustible air-fuel mixture into a combustion chamber defined between the air-fuel nozzle and the heat-transfer tube. The combustible air-fuel mixture, when ignited, establishes a flame in the combustion chamber to produce heat which is transferred through heat-transfer tube to an adjacent medium external to the heat-transfer tube.

Abstract: A combustion rotation system that utilizes the placement, direction, and/or unbalanced fuel injection flow rates to the burners in a fuel-injection power boiler, such as pulverized coal, oil or gas fired boiler, to achieve Inboard/Outboard (I/O) rotation of the combustion mass or other types of mixing of the combustion mass. The over fired air (“OFA”) ports may also be placed, directed, and/or operated to contribute to the rotation of the combustion mass. The fuel-injection combustion rotation system may also be controlled while the boiler is operation, and controlled automatically, through a master control system. The fuel-injection combustion rotation system induces multiple vortex rotation of the combustion mass, which is more efficient and effective than attempting to rotate the entire combustion mass in a single vortex.

Abstract: A candlewick includes a plurality of flame-extinguishing sleeves disposed thereon that are configured with a length and spacing that cause the candlewick to self-extinguish after a pre-determined time interval. Each flame-extinguishing sleeve is comprised of a non-combustible material that prevents consumption of the candlewick contained therein, and is configured to conduct heat into the body of the candle when a flame is disposed at the top of said sleeve. The wall thickness and the material making up the non-combustible sleeves are selected to provide sufficient heat transfer into the body of the candle to melt the candle base material, that is in contact with the flame-extinguishing sleeve when a candle flame reaches the top edge of said sleeve.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus including: a cylindrical processing vessel; a support unit to be loaded into and unloaded from the vessel; and a heating furnace surrounding an outer periphery of the vessel, with a cooling space therebetween. The furnace is connected to a cooling-gas introduction unit, including a gas introduction passage to which a blowing fan is connected, for introducing a cooling gas into the cooling space during a temperature lowering operation after a thermal process. The furnace is connected to a cooling-gas discharge unit, including a heat exchanger, a suction fan, and a gas discharge passage, for discharging the cooling gas of a raised temperature from the cooling space. Connected to the gas discharge passage at a position upstream of the heat exchanger is a temperature-lowering gas introduction unit for introducing a temperature-lowering gas to the cooling gas of a raised temperature so as to lower its temperature.

Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket has an archwire slot, two outer tracks extending in an occlusal-gingival direction on the outer lateral surfaces of the bracket, and a vertical trough extending in an occlusal-gingival direction between the outer tracks. A clip has two parallel outer arms and a central tongue between the outer arms. The outer tracks of the bracket slidably engage the outer arms of the clip and the central tongue is slidably engaged by the vertical trough of the bracket, thereby allowing the clip to slidably move between an open position in which the outer arms of the clip are retracted from the archwire slot to allow an archwire to be placed into the archwire slot, and a closed position in which the outer arms of the clip extend across the archwire slot to retain the archwire in the archwire slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthodontic appliance having a load applying mechanism. To correct malocclusion, the load applying mechanism may include a projection fixed to the specified tooth in the teeth so as to project from the specified tooth in the teeth.

Abstract: An activatable dental appliance. A concave trough conforms to a plurality of teeth when placed over the plurality of teeth. A first force applying region is configured to apply a first force to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth for repositioning the tooth. A second force applying region is configured to be selectively activated, wherein when selectively activated the second force applying region applies a force to at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a portable dental whitening device. The device comprises a flexible mouthpiece including a bite platform having a horseshoe shape adapted to receive a plurality of mouth shapes. The mouthpiece comprising at least one lighting element for generating light, at least one heating element for generating heat, a flexible printed circuit board, and at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat generated by the at least one heating elements. Further, the device comprises a control unit for selectively powering said lighting element and said heating element. The dental whitening is achieved by applying simultaneously the light and the heat and the chemical activity delivered by a whitening agent provided in the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is simple to operate, for reducing pathogenic microbes using the antimicrobial effects of silver ions, without engaging additional medicinal treatment, for effectively treating the human body in case of illness or as a preventive measure. The aim is achieved by a device comprising a handle, a negative pole coming into contact with the body, and a device head having a positive pole, so that a low electrical voltage is generated between the poles, wherein at least the positive pole is made of silver, giving off positive ions into the body tissue when the circuit is closed.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a source of gas (air) bubbles (14) in a liquid medium, the gas bubbles having a size range which is associated with the size of bacteria alone or in colonies, on teeth or other surfaces. A source of ultrasound signals (16, 18) has a range of frequencies between 200 kHz and 2 MHz, the ultrasound frequency range including the resonance frequencies of a majority of the bubbles. The application of the ultrasound to the bubble/liquid stream directed toward the biofilm on the teeth results in a dislodging/removal of the biofilm.

Abstract: A nozzle head (5) for a powder jet device (1), for use in applying dental material, comprises a first fluid flow path (8) for delivering a powder/fluid mixture to a first discharge nozzle (8A). A second fluid flow path (6) is provided for delivering a liquid to a second discharge nozzle (6A) located adjacent the first discharge nozzle (8A), so that the materials discharged by the first and second discharge nozzles combine at a desired location to form a dental composition. A nozzle-clearing member (10) is located inside the nozzle head and is movable to remove powder material from the first discharge nozzle when the flow of powder/fluid mixture to the nozzle ceases.

Abstract: An apparatus for intrasosseous injection of medication to the medullary cavity of a jawbone and for the extraction of medullary bone contents is disclosed. It comprises an implant housing component, a drill bit component and a seal plug component. The implant housing component is implanted into the cortical bone of the mandible. The drill bit component produces a hole within the mandible that initiates the implanting of the implant housing component. The seal plug component that is removably attached to the distal end of the implant housing component allows for repeated access of a hypodermic needle into the mandible.

Abstract: A two-unit system for finishing and polishing a target surface such as a dental restoration or appliance. A two-unit system and the method of employing such a system may include a finishing unit that combines gross reduction and final contouring capabilities into the single finishing unit that still results in leaving a smooth surface finish. A separate polishing unit may also be provided that combines contacting the target surface to polish and to achieve high gloss luster into the single unit.

Abstract: Provided is a dental implant fixture with 3 or more ridged portions having mutually different pitches to distribute load uniformly across osseous tissue. The pitches of the ridged portions (200) progressively decrease in one direction. The ridged portions (200) include a larger ridged portion (220) that contacts spongy bone with low bone density, and a smaller ridged portion (240) that contacts cortical bone with high bone density. The smaller ridged portion (240) is provided with 2 or more threaded regions with respectively different pitches. With this configuration, bone decay and bone damage can be prevented, and synostosis can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of implant dentistry, namely to the design of a two-part medicinal device made of biocompatible ceramics, wherein said two-part medicinal device provides a basis for a crown or superstructure, which is easy to handle by a dentist. More precisely, the present invention relates to a two-part medicinal device comprising an implant part (I) and an abutment (12), wherein the prosthetic connection of both parts is provided by an internal connection (4a, 15a, 4b, 15b), which provides a secure connection between both parts.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to a locking ring for a dental implant assembly are disclosed. In one example, the locking ring is adapted at one end to engage with an implant screw, such as the head of the implant screw, and at an opposite end is adapted to engage with a dental prosthesis.