Abstract: Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.

Abstract: A novel and improved engine data system for collecting, displaying and analyzing engine/vehicle data is provided. The system have advantageously results in a more effective, convenient, portable and low cost method of monitoring and processing vehicle data. The vehicle data system includes a handheld computer containing operating system software adapted to operate the handheld computer in accordance with a data protocol different from a vehicle bus protocol and a handheld microprocessor for executing the operating system software. The system importantly includes an adapter for creating a data pathway between a vehicle bus connector and an external data port provided on the handheld computer which is physically incompatible with the engine bus connector.

Abstract: Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.

Abstract: A novel and improved engine data system for collecting, displaying and analyzing engine/vehicle data is provided. The system have advantageously results in a more effective, convenient, portable and low cost method of monitoring and processing vehicle data. The vehicle data system includes a handheld computer containing operating system software adapted to operate the handheld computer in accordance with a data protocol different from a vehicle bus protocol and a handheld microprocessor for executing the operating system software. The system importantly includes an adapter for creating a data pathway between a vehicle bus connector and an external data port provided on the handheld computer which is physically incompatible with the engine bus connector.