Patents Issued in April 3, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140093789
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery, comprising a non-aqueous solvent, a lithium salt and an additive having a perfluoroalkyl group. By including the additive having a specific structure in the electrolyte, the output of the lithium secondary battery can be improved greatly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Ho Ahn, Chul Haeng Lee, Min Jung Kim, Doo Kyung Yang
  • Publication number: 20140093790
    Abstract: A nanofibrous catalyst and method of manufacture. A precursor solution of a transition metal based material is formed into a plurality of interconnected nanofibers by electro-spinning the precursor solution with the nanofibers converted to a catalytically active material by a heat treatment. Selected subsequent treatments can enhance catalytic activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Di-Jia Liu, Jianglan Shui, Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20140093791
    Abstract: The invention provides a metal air battery with a discharge capacity higher than a conventional one. This is achieved by an air electrode for a metal air battery provided with a layered body including a first layer containing a carbon material, a second layer containing a carbon material, and an intermediate layer containing a solid electrolyte and being positioned between the first layer and the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yushi SUZUKI, Sanae OKAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20140093792
    Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided that is inexpensive, and is excellent in the ionic conductivity characteristics, the methanol crossover characteristics and the mechanical characteristics. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane contains a block copolymer A containing a hydrophilic segment having an ion exchange group and a hydrophobic segment, and a block copolymer B containing a hydrophilic segment having an ion exchange group and a hydrophobic segment and having a smaller ion exchange capacity than the block copolymer A, and has a structure where a region A having the block copolymer A agglomerated therein is dispersed in a matrix constituted by a region B having the block copolymer B agglomerated therein, with a microscopic phase-separated structure having a period of from 10 to 100 nm being formed in the region A and the region B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki TAKAMORI, Atsuhiko ONUMA
  • Publication number: 20140093793
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refilling device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down properly when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SOCIETE BIC
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
  • Publication number: 20140093794
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes: a tubular reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using a material gas; a CO reducer configured to reduce carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas generated in the reformer; a tubular hydro-desulfurizer provided at an outer periphery of the reformer and configured to remove a sulfur compound contained in the material gas; and a material gas supply passage through which the material gas to be supplied to the hydro-desulfurizer flows. The material gas supply passage is configured to perform heat exchange with the CO reducer, and a material gas inlet port of the hydro-desulfurizer is provided at an end surface closer to the CO reducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromi Kita, Akira Maenishi, Masaki Nobuoka
  • Publication number: 20140093795
    Abstract: The reservoirs 2 and 2? preliminarily contain liquid water, which is utilized as the water to be supplied to the polymer membrane. A vapor pressure of the water is set to a predetermined value in the reservoir by controlling the temperature of the reservoirs 2 and 2? individually. Pressure gauges 6 and 6? may be used for setting a vapor pressure of the water. The water which is gasified based on the set vapor pressure in the respective reservoir is supplied to the stack 10 along with oxygen from the reservoir 2, and with hydrogen from the reservoir 2?. This configuration makes it possible to adjust the amount of water contained in the polymer membrane and maintain the moisturization of the polymer membrane without external water supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventor: Yoshitsugu SONE
  • Publication number: 20140093796
    Abstract: A wet state control device for fuel cell includes a priority control unit for preferentially controlling either one of a pressure and a flow rate of cathode gas when a wet state of a fuel cell is adjusted, a water temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of cooling water when the wet state of the fuel cell is not completely adjustable by a control of the priority control unit, and a complementary control unit for controlling the other of the pressure and the flow rate of the cathode gas to complement a response delay of the water temperature control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Tetsuya Aoki, Michihiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20140093797
    Abstract: A recirculation device for a fuel cell system includes a recirculation line connecting the outlet and inlet of the anode region of the fuel cell. The recirculation device includes a liquid separator situated in the area of the recirculation line and a discharge line having a discharge valve for liquid and/or gases. A bubble sensor for controlling the discharge valve is situated in the area of the discharge line. A method for discharging liquid and/or gases from a recirculation device opens and closes the discharge valve as a function of an event detected by the bubble sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Armin Muetschele
  • Publication number: 20140093798
    Abstract: A mixer/eductor assembly for use with a fuel cell stack having an anode-side and a cathode-side, said mixer/eductor assembly mixing and at least partially combusting anode exhaust gas output from the anode-side and an oxidant supply gas, said mixer/eductor assembly comprising: a first area receiving and mixing a first portion of the anode exhaust gas and a first portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a first mixture, the first area being configured so as to initiate a combustion reaction in the first mixture; a second area coupled with the first area, the second area receiving and mixing a second portion of the anode exhaust gas and a second portion of the oxidant supply gas to form a second mixture, wherein: the first mixture has a predetermined oxidant to fuel ratio smaller than the oxidant to fuel ratio of the second mixture; and the first area provides an ignition source to promote continuous combustion of the second mixture in the second area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Snyder, Michael P. Quatannens, Dennis R. Farrenkopf
  • Publication number: 20140093799
    Abstract: Electrochemical devices for converting carbon dioxide to useful reaction products include a solid or a liquid with a specific pH and/or water content. Chemical processes using the devices are also disclosed, including processes to produce CO, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2), H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, (COOH)2, (COO?)2, acrylic acid, diphenyl carbonate, other carbonates, other organic acids and synthetic fuels. The electrochemical device can be a CO2 sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Richard I. Masel, Brian A. Rosen, Wei Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140093800
    Abstract: The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell 1 including a reforming section 94, disposed inside a fuel gas supply flow path 20 above a vaporizing section 86 to surround the upper portion of a fuel cell stack 14, for steam reforming raw fuel gas F introduced from a fuel gas introducing portion 90a using steam S produced in a vaporizing section; and a circulating flow path portion 156 disposed in a fuel gas supply flow path between the vaporizing section and the reforming section for circulating rising raw fuel gas introduced from a fuel gas introducing section into a fuel gas supply flow path and rising steam produced in the vaporizing section along the circumferential direction of the fuel gas supply flow path so as to form a flow supplying mixed raw fuel gas and steam uniformly over the entire circumference of the reforming section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki SATO, Naoki WATANABE, Nobuo ISAKA, Shigeru ANDO, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Seiki FURUYA, Osamu OKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140093801
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively determining whether a freeze purge should be performed at shut-down of a fuel cell stack. The method includes identifying that the vehicle has been keyed off and then determining whether a stack membrane humidification value is less than a predetermined humidification value that identifies the humidification of membranes in fuel cells in the fuel cell stack. If the stack membrane humidification value is not less than the predetermined humidification value, then the method determines if the ambient temperature is below a predetermined ambient temperature, and if so, performs the freeze purge. If the ambient temperature is not below the predetermined ambient temperature, then the method performs a short non-freeze purge of the flow channels in the fuel cell stack. The method determines a wake-up time for a controller for a next time to determine whether a freeze purge should be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: AARON ROGAHN, BRUCE J. CLINGERMAN, MICHAEL CARTWRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20140093802
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Gottmann, Patrick Muhl, Chad Pearson, James Daniel Smith
  • Publication number: 20140093803
    Abstract: A fuel cell system that generates electric power by supplying anode gas and cathode gas to a fuel cell includes a control valve adapted to control the pressure of the anode gas to be supplied to the fuel cell; a buffer unit adapted to store the anode-off gas to be discharged from the fuel cell; a pulsation operation unit adapted to control the control valve in order to periodically increase and decrease the pressure of the anode gas at a specific width of the pulsation; and a pulsation width correcting unit adapted to correct the width of the pulsation on the basis of the temperature of the buffer unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Hidetaka Nishimura, Yasushi Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20140093804
    Abstract: A flow battery includes a stack of flow cells, a stack of cell frames supporting the stack of cells, stack level and cell level flow manifolds located in the stack of cell frames, and at least one sealing or shunt current mitigation feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Primus Power Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Kreiner, Kyle Haynes, Jonathan Hall, Lauren Hart, Rick Winter, Russell Cole, Pallavi Pharkya
  • Publication number: 20140093805
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack with a uniform flow distribution structure and a metal sealing member is provided, in which fuel and air introduced into the solid oxide fuel cell stack are preheated to a predetermined temperature by heat exchangers provided therein and uniformly distributed over the entire anode and cathode reaction surfaces of unit cells to improve the use efficiency of a fuel cell and in which the sealing of the fuel cell stack is effectively maintained even under high temperature and high pressure conditions to ensure the safety of the fuel cell and increase its durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventor: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
  • Publication number: 20140093806
    Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first electroformed unipolar plate disposed adjacent a second electroformed unipolar plate. The first and second unipolar plates are bonded by a plurality of localized electrically and thermally conductive plugs by electroplated material deposited within apertures formed in the substrates onto which the unipolar plates are electroformed. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gerald W. Fly, John P. Healy, Steven G. Goebel
  • Publication number: 20140093807
    Abstract: A fuel cell roll good subassembly is described that includes a plurality of individual electrolyte membranes. One or more first subgaskets are attached to the individual electrolyte membranes. Each of the first subgaskets has at least one aperture and the first subgaskets are arranged so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the first subgaskets. A second subgasket comprises a web having a plurality of apertures. The second subgasket web is attached to the one or more first subgaskets so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the second subgasket web. The second subgasket web may have little or no adhesive on the subgasket surface facing the electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric J. Iverson, Daniel M. Pierpont, Michael A. Yandrasits, Steven J. Hamrock, Stephan J. Obradovich, Donald G. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140093808
    Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations. In another aspect, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are in acid form and at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are neutralized by cerium cations. In another aspect, a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations, and wherein the amount of cerium cations present is between 0.001 and 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew H. Frey, Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock
  • Publication number: 20140093809
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell preventing formation of a diffusion layer containing Ca and other elements, and having an excellent power generation performance at low temperature by preventing breakdown of a crystal structure of an electrolyte by firing. Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes an inner electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an outer electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and has a Mg/Si molar ratio of 1.90 to 2.2 both inclusive, and an A-to-B ratio (A/B) of 0.0% to 9.0% both inclusive, where A denotes a maximum peak height which appears at a diffraction angle 2?=26.5° to 27.0° and B denotes a maximum peak height which appears at 36.5° to 37.0° in a powder X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by using Cu—K? radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru ANDO, Seiki FURUYA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Osamu OKAMOTO, Naoki WATANABE, Nobuo ISAKA, Masaki SATO
  • Publication number: 20140093810
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode and a cathode compartments, separated by a membrane, having corresponding electrodes; said anode and cathode compartments each having an external wall, flanged areas designed like frames in the contact area of the compartments, and a gas diffusion electrode comprising a liquid-permeable carrier coated with a catalyst material; said gas diffusion electrode featuring an area not coated with catalyst at its bottom edge, said area, at the bottom end of the electrochemical cell, protruding between the flanged areas of the external wall of the cathode compartment and the flanged areas of the external wall of the anode compartment in the contact area of the compartments; a porous material arranged parallel between the gas diffusion electrode and the membrane, and devices for the supply and discharge of gas and electrolyte, with a gas space separated from an electrolyte space by appropriate means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: UHDENORA, S.P.A.
    Inventors: Peter Woltering, Randolf Kiefer, Rainer Weber, Andreas Bulan
  • Publication number: 20140093811
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode and a cathode compartment separated by a membrane, housing corresponding electrodes. The anode and the cathode compartments having external walls with frame-type flanged areas in the contact area of both compartments. The flanged areas having mounting bores marking an inner area and an outer area of the electrochemical cell a, gas-diffusion electrode resting on a support system, a porous material resting on the gas-diffusion electrode, and devices for the inlet and outlet of gas and electrolyte. At least one circumferential gasket frame is in the contact area of both compartments, between the frame-type flanged areas of the external walls of both compartments, said gasket resting on the membrane, with the porous material and the gas-diffusion electrode resting on the frame-type cathodic flanged area and the circumferential gasket frame overlapping in this area with the porous material and the gas-diffusion electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Uhdenora, S.P.A.
    Inventors: Randolf Kiefer, Peter Woltering, Rainer Weber, Andreas Bulan, Michael Grossholz
  • Publication number: 20140093812
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plate for a fuel cell includes the steps of providing flow channels in a fuel cell plate. Multiple fuel cell plates are joined into a cell stack assembly. A blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate and at least partially obstructs the flow channels. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate after the plates have been arranged into the cell stack assembly. The resulting fuel cell provides a fuel cell plate having a perimeter with an edge. The fuel cell plate includes flow channels extending to the edge. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate at the edge to at least partially block the flow channel. In this manner, an inexpensive fuel cell plate may be used, and the blocking plate can be configured to create terminated flow channels, which may be used to provide an interdigitated flow field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas H. Madden, Timothy W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20140093813
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell electrode includes stamping an electrode workpiece (50, 50?) in a sequence configured to control and/or reduce material growth, such as stamping discrete sections of the electrode workpiece in a sequential order. The method can employ a die with a die face (18, 18?) having a plurality of projections (24, 24?), wherein each projection has a top surface (26, 26?) with a concave curve along at least one plane to control and/or reduce material growth during a stamping operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Michael D. Kozal, Peter Wojtas, William Kanouse, Stacey Broom, Roger L. Whitley
  • Publication number: 20140093814
    Abstract: A method for forming photomasks includes the following steps. A first photomask including a first target pattern and a first unprintable dummy pattern is provided. A second photomask including a second target pattern and a second printable dummy pattern are provided, wherein at least part of the second printable dummy pattern overlapping the first unprintable dummy pattern exposure limit, such that the second printable dummy pattern can not be printed in a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yu Chen, Chia-Wei Huang, Chun-Hsien Huang, Shih-Chun Tsai, Kai-Lin Chuang
  • Publication number: 20140093815
    Abstract: A charge-transporting layer includes a matrix-domain structure. The domain contains a polyester resin A. The matrix contains a charge-transporting substance and at least one of a polyester resin C and a polycarbonate resin D.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Yamamoto, Harunobu Ogaki, Akihiro Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20140093816
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor including the steps of: producing a photosensitive layer application liquid containing a good solvent with respect to a binding resin and at least one organic solvent having a boiling point of 70° C. or higher; and forming a photosensitive layer by coating a photosensitive layer support base having a wall thickness of 0.7 mm or less, with the photosensitive layer application liquid and then drying the photosensitive layer application liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Mizuta, Sakae Saito, Kazunari Hamasaki, Keizo Kimoto, Syoji Itsumi, Hiroshi Takemoto
  • Publication number: 20140093817
    Abstract: Disclosed is a positively-charged single-layer electrophotographic photoreceptor in which a photosensitive layer containing at least a binding resin and a charge transporting material is provided on a photosensitive layer support base with a wall thickness of 0.7 mm or less, wherein when the charge transporting material is solely constituted by a hole transporting material, a content of the hole transporting material is 110 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binding resin, and when the charge transporting material is constituted by a hole transporting material and an electron transporting material, a content of the hole transporting material is 130 parts by mass or less and a content of the electron transporting material is 5 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binding resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Mizuta, Kazunari Hamasaki, Keizo Kimoto
  • Publication number: 20140093818
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a surface layer including a particular charge-transporting substance and a particular polyester resin having a particular repeating structural unit. The content of the particular repeating structural unit is 30% by mass or more based on the total mass of the polyester resin included in the surface layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Harunobu Ogaki, Yuki Yamamoto, Akihiro Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20140093819
    Abstract: A decolorable electrophotographic toner, containing a color former compound, a color developing agent, a binder resin, and a release agent, wherein the toner has a pH of from 6 to 9 when dispersed in water with a pH of from 5.5 to 7 at a mass ratio of toner/water of 1/10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi Araki
  • Publication number: 20140093820
    Abstract: To provide a toner containing toner base particles, in each of which a colorant and a releasing agent are encapsulated with a binder resin, where the toner base particles are obtained by the method containing: mixing and emulsifying a mixture containing the binder resin, the colorant, the releasing agent, and an organic solvent in an aqueous medium in the presence of resin particles, wherein the aqueous medium contains a surfactant and an inorganic salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Ayumi Satoh, Tsuyoshi Sugimoto, Akinori Saito, Daisuke Inoue, Naohiro Watanabe, Suzuka Amemori, Rintaro Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140093821
    Abstract: A method of producing a liquid developer containing an insulation liquid and toner particles is provided. The method includes: grinding a toner material under the presence of a substance A in the insulation liquid; subjecting a dispersion liquid to a heat treatment at a higher temperature than a glass transition temperature of a resin material while giving shear force to the dispersion liquid: and mixing the dispersion liquid having been subjected to the heat treatment with a substance B. A liquid developer including an insulation liquid, toner particles, and a substance B is also provided. The toner particles are constituted of a substance A, a resin material and a coloring agent. The resin material is a polyester resin and/or a styrene-acrylic resin. The substance A is an acrylic modified silicone sufficiently soluble to the insulation liquid and the substance B is a silanol group-containing polysiloxane and/or a fluorine modified silicone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu TERAOKA, Fuminori YANO, Masanao KAMEI
  • Publication number: 20140093822
    Abstract: This invention is related to a liquid developer dispersion for use in a digital printing apparatus comprising a non volatile carrier liquid, a marking particle and a dispersing compounds, wherein the marking particle in the liquid developer dispersion is stabilized during storage and wherein at fusing two phases are formed. The invention is also related to the use of the developer in a digital printing apparatus and to a method for preparing the liquid developer dispersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Xeikon IP BV
    Inventors: Lode Erik Dries Deprez, Werner Jozef Johan Op de Beeck, Mathias Jo Bert van Remortel, Dirk Marcel Constant Gijsbrechts
  • Publication number: 20140093823
    Abstract: There are disclosed sulfonic acid precursor compositions, as are methods of using these compositions in, for example, photolithography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. BRAINARD, Shinya AKIBA, Ryo NADANO, Kenji HOSOI, Brian CARDINEAU
  • Publication number: 20140093824
    Abstract: A resist composition including a polymeric compound (A1) containing a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1) and a structural unit (a6) which generates acid upon exposure, and a method of forming a resist pattern using the resist composition. In general formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Wa0 represents a single bond or an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and having a valency of (na0+1); Ra0 represents an aryl group of 4 to 16 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and na0 represents 1 or 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kawana, Kenta Suzuki, Tatsuya Fujii, Jun Iwashita, Kenri Konno
  • Publication number: 20140093825
    Abstract: The invention provides a patterning process comprises the steps of: (1) forming a positive chemically amplifying type photoresist film on a substrate to be processed followed by photo-exposure and development thereof by using an organic solvent to obtain a negatively developed pattern, (2) forming a silicon-containing film by applying a silicon-containing film composition comprising a solvent and a silicon-containing compound capable of becoming insoluble in a solvent by a heat, an acid, or both, (3) insolubilizing in a solvent the silicon-containing film in the vicinity of surface of the negatively developed pattern, (4) removing the non-insolubilized part of the silicon-containing film to obtain an insolubilized part as a silicon-containing film pattern, (5) etching the upper part of the silicon-containing film pattern thereby exposing the negatively developed pattern, (6) removing the negatively developed pattern, and (7) transferring the silicon-containing film pattern to the substrate to be processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu OGIHARA, Takafumi UEDA
  • Publication number: 20140093826
    Abstract: A composition for forming a liquid immersion upper layer film includes a polymer component including a polymer having a structural unit represented by a formula (1); and a solvent. R1 represents a carboxy group or a group represented by a formula (2); X represents a single bond, a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a divalent fluorinated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R2 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and a valency of (n+1), a fluorinated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and a valency of (n+1), or one of these groups each including between adjacent two carbon atoms thereof —CO—, —COO—, —O—, —NR?—, —CS—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2— or a combination thereof; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: JSR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya MINEGISHI, Kiyoshi TANAKA, Kazunori KUSABIRAKI
  • Publication number: 20140093827
    Abstract: A resist pattern formation method including formation of a resist film, exposure, development, and subsequent rinsing using a resist composition containing a high-molecular compound having a constituent unit represented by the formula (a0-1), a constituent unit containing an acid decomposable group whose polarity increases by the action of an acid, and a constituent unit containing a group represented by the formula (a2-r-1). R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a halogenated alkyl group; Ra01 represents a lactone-containing polycyclic group, an —SO2-containing polycyclic group, or a cyano group-containing polycyclic group; Ra?21 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a hydroxyl group, —COOR?, —OC(?O)R?, a hydroxyalkyl group, or a cyano group; R? represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and n? represents an integer of from 0 to 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Hori, Shinichi Hidesaka, Takeaki Shiroki
  • Publication number: 20140093828
    Abstract: A boiler system includes an arrangement for drying fuel material to be combusted in the boiler system. A combustion chamber combusts fuel material, and generates ash and flue gases. An ash removal conduit connected to the combustion chamber leads ash out of the combustion chamber. A flue gas conduit connected to the combustion chamber leads Hue gases out of the combustion chamber. A flue gas heat recovery system, arranged to the flue gas conduit, recovers heat from the flue gases. A fuel dryer, provided with a first heat transfer device, transfers heat into the fuel to be dried. A second heat transfer device is arranged in connection with the flue gas conduit downstream of the flue gas heat recovery system. A third heat transfer device is arranged in connection with the ash removal conduit and a fourth heat transfer device is arranged in heat transfer connection with the fuel dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Pertti Kinnunen, Timo Jäntti, Juha Räsänen, Juha Palonen
  • Publication number: 20140093829
    Abstract: This describes the novel use of a naturally occurring material known as volcanic rock, as a particulate and CO2 reduction system. The material is used within the combustion chamber of devices that utilize solid fuel for energy generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Alex Leonard Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140093830
    Abstract: A burner which is capable of producing zero NOx and zero CO by passing a thoroughly mixed stream of air and fuel at an appropriate air-to-fuel ratio to maintain a temperature below the NOx forming threshold through a radiant combustion zone. The radiant combustion zone provides the intense radiant energy required to initiate and to complete the combustion process. The burner comprises an Air-Fuel Ratio Attainment Means (AFRAM) and an Air-Fuel Mixing Means (AFMM) in fluid communication with the AFRAM to thoroughly mix the air and fuel to provide a readily combustible mixture, and one or more Radiant Combustion Zone (RCZ), and a Combustion Initiation Means (CIM) located in a combustion-initiation-contact position to initiate the combustion in the RCZ. A high velocity section or a porous flow permeable membrane is used as a combustion guard to prevent flameback from occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Mark St. Louis
  • Publication number: 20140093831
    Abstract: A flame tube for a liquid fuel burner is disclosed. The liquid fuel burner includes a fuel atomizer directing atomized fuel into the flame tube and an igniter disposed within the flame tube to ignite the atomized fuel. The flame tube comprises an outer wall and an inner wall disposed about the outer wall to define an air passage therebetween. At a discharge end of the flame tube, the outer and inner walls are conjoined to form an annular surface, the annular surface being perforated. Preferably, the annular surface is perforated in an evenly distributed pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Robert S. Babington
  • Publication number: 20140093832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Biolectrics LLC
    Inventors: Issam NEMEH, William J. Leimkuehler, JR., James G. Azlein
  • Publication number: 20140093833
    Abstract: Delivery systems suitable for dispensing orthodontic chains. Such a delivery system includes a housing assembly adapted to enclose an orthodontic chain within an interior cavity of the delivery system defined by and between individual components of the housing assembly. The delivery system further includes an advancement mechanism adapted to engage the orthodontic chain within the interior cavity and dispense the orthodontic chain from the delivery system, a cutting mechanism adapted to cut the orthodontic chain while disposed within the interior cavity, and an exit through which the orthodontic chain exits the interior cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allan Maki
  • Publication number: 20140093834
    Abstract: A mandible repositioning appliance is provided comprising an anterior member adapted to receive anterior teeth; first and second posterior members, each adapted to receive posterior teeth, wherein each posterior member comprises an occlusal pad support; and a positioning guide formed between the anterior member and each of the first and second posterior members, wherein said guide functions to position the user's mandible into an anatomically correct position achieved when each positioning guide is in position resting between the third and fourth upper and lower anterior teeth when the appliance is in place in the user's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Youssif Andary
  • Publication number: 20140093835
    Abstract: Embodiments for estimating a surface texture of a tooth are described herein. One method embodiment includes collecting a sequence of images utilizing multiple light conditions using an intra-oral imaging device and estimating the surface texture of the tooth based on the sequence of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Adi Levin
  • Publication number: 20140093836
    Abstract: An oral hygiene system for cleaning teeth and gums includes a mouthpiece having at least one arcuate channel adapted to receive and surround the teeth. The mouthpiece includes at least two modalities chosen from a group consisting of a mechanical modality, an iontophoretic modality, and a disinfection modality, wherein the mechanical modality brushes the teeth and gums and dislodges food debris, the iontophoretic modality breaks up plaque and tartar buildup, and the disinfection modality removes the food debris, plaque and tartar buildup. A control system coordinates the transmission of modalities, tracks and records utilization, recording completed and failed treatment cycles, and transmits them to a monitoring system. The monitoring system, which links to electronic medical administrating record (eMAR) technology and patient tracking technology (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen H. Wolpo
  • Publication number: 20140093837
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dental implant jig, a dental implant jig set, a drill bar, and a drill bar set, which can safely and easily achieve accurate drilling at low costs. The dental implant jig according to the present invention is provided at a drill bar of a dental hand piece to act as a guide in position and/or direction of drilling for forming an implant fixture embedding hole, is integrated with a shaft interposed between an attachment portion on one side of the drill bar, which is attached to the hand piece, and a blade portion on the other side of the drill bar, rotates around the center of the shaft together with the shaft, and forms a guide portion that is provided on the outer side of the shaft concentrically with the shaft and has a larger diameter than the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EINTELLEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mamiko Enomoto, Akifumi Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20140093838
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for installing a dental implant in a jawbone of a patient. The system includes a threaded drive shaft rotatable about an axis and guide means for supporting the drive shaft with its axis oriented in a path along which the implant is to be installed. The guide means has a threaded bore for receiving a drive shaft and an opening which extends parallel to the axis of the drive shaft and opens radially outwardly from the bore. The drive shaft can then be engaged with and disengaged from the guide means by radial displacement of the shaft parallel to its axis. A drill is adapted to be releasably coupled to a leading end portion of the drive shaft and may be a self-drilling implant. Means is provided for rotating the drive shaft in a direction to cause the drill to penetrate the jawbone of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Robert P. Carmichael, Warren Spitz