Abstract: An example of an apparatus to transport utility-scale lithium-ion batteries in a racked and operational state. The apparatus includes a base and an isolation platform. In addition, the apparatus includes an isolator mounted on the base to support the isolation platform. The isolator is to dampen forces exerted on the isolation platform from the base. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a rack mounted onto the isolation platform. The rack is to secure a plurality of lithium-ion batteries to store energy at a utility-scale to be provided to a power distribution network. The plurality of lithium-ion batteries is racked in an operational state during transportation.

Abstract: The subject of this invention is a surgical instrument positioning system using a three-dimensional dual fiducial-sensor trackable device and a method of intra-operative use of the three-dimensional dual fiducial-sensor trackable device for joint replacement, spine, hip, trauma fracture reduction, and implant placement/alignment. The surgical instrument positioning system provides real time position of a surgical device with reference to the three-dimensional dual fiducial-sensor trackable device using a fluoroscopic image. The three-dimensional dual trackable device is enabled to receive at least one of K-wire, guide wire, fixation rod, drill bit, screw, and surgical device.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus to connect a power distribution network with an energy storage unit. The apparatus includes a mobile platform. In addition, the apparatus includes a connection system to connect with an energy storage unit and to receive a current from the energy storage unit. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a transformer mounted on the mobile platform to convert the voltage from the connection system to the voltage of a power distribution network. The apparatus also includes an output cable to connect with the power distribution network.

Abstract: An example of a system to provide energy storage capacity moveable between multiple locations is provided. The system includes a plurality of docking stations, wherein each docking station is connected to a power distribution network. In addition, the system includes an energy storage unit to connect to a first docking station selected from the plurality of docking stations. Furthermore, the system includes a transporter onto which the energy storage unit is mounted to transport the energy storage unit from the first docking station to a second docking station.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed to an artificial intelligence intra-operative surgical guidance system and method of use. The artificial intelligence intra-operative surgical guidance system is made of a computer executing one or more automated artificial intelligence models trained on data layer datasets collections to calculate surgical decision risks, and provide intra-operative surgical guidance; and a display configured to provide visual guidance to a user.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions comprising curable imidazolium-functionalized poly(room-temperature ionic liquid) copolymers and homopolymers. The invention further includes methods of preparing and using the compositions of the invention. The invention further includes novel methods of preparing thin, supported, room-temperature ionic liquid-containing polymeric films on a porous support. In certain embodiments, the methods of the invention avoid the use of a gutter layer, which greatly reduces the overall gas permeance and selectivity of the composite membrane. In other embodiments, the films of the invention have increased gas selectivity and permeance over films prepared using methods described in the prior art.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions comprising curable imidazolium-functionalized poly(room-temperature ionic liquid) copolymers and homopolymers. The invention further includes methods of preparing and using the compositions of the invention. The invention further includes novel methods of preparing thin, supported, room-temperature ionic liquid-containing polymeric films on a porous support. In certain embodiments, the methods of the invention avoid the use of a gutter layer, which greatly reduces the overall gas permeance and selectivity of the composite membrane. In other embodiments, the films of the invention have increased gas selectivity and permeance over films prepared using methods described in the prior art.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing a master component such as a processor on a programmable chip to access memory using unaligned addresses. An adapter connected to a master component determines if a master component memory access request is aligned. If the access request is aligned, the request is forwarded to memory and a response is provided to the master component. If the access request is unaligned, the adapter sends multiple access requests to memory and processes the responses in order to provide a correct response to the master component.

Abstract: A modular surfactant architecture based on room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been developed that affords non-polymerizable and polymerizable amphiphiles that form lamellar (L), hexagonal (H) or bicontinuous cubic (Q) LLC phases when mixed with water or RTILs serving as the polar solvent. The amphiphiles are imidazolium salts having two or more imidazolium head groups joined by one or more spacers. Polymerization of the LLC assembly can produce polymeric materials having ordered nanopores, with the ordering of the pores determined by the LLC phase.

Abstract: SAPO-34 membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO-34 membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with a synthesis gel. The Si/Al ratio of the synthesis gel can be from 0.3 to 0.15. SAPO-34 crystals are optionally applied to the surface of the support prior to synthesis. A layer of SAPO-34 crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO-34 crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current is passed through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by a separator which comprises an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides composite nanofiltration membranes (FIG. 5) with lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) polymer porous membranes (30) attached to a porous support (20). The LLC membranes are prepared from LLC monomers which form the inverted hexagonal or bicontinuous cubic phase. The arrangement, size, and chemical properties of the pores can be tailored on the molecular level. The composite membrane of the invention is useful for separation processes involving aqueous and nonaqueous solutions as well as gases. Methods for making and using the composite nanofiltration membranes of the inventions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified molecular sieve membranes with improved CO2/CH4 separation selectivity and methods for making such membranes. The molecular sieve membranes are modified by adsorption of a modifying agent, such as ammonia, within and/or on the membrane.

Abstract: SAPO membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with an aged synthesis gel. A layer of SAPO crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.

Abstract: A display (10) is provided for displaying an object such as a rifle (12). The object is not only displayed in an attractive manner, but can be secured to the display (10) to prevent casual removal of the object. Supports (38, 42) support the object while securing arms (72, 76) can be moved over the object to prevent casual removal of the object. The securing arms (72, 76) can be actuated by the actuating arm (80) positioned within a box (22) which can be locked to prevent access to the actuation arm (80). A safety block (40) can prevent the rifle safety from moving to the active position.

Abstract: A process is described for the separation of platinum group metals (PGM) from ores also containing iron, nickel and copper as sulfides. The minerals in the ore are first concentrated by flotation and the ore concentrate is melted in an electric furnace to form a matte containing at least 95% of the precious metals. The matte is granulated while molten to granules of a mean size not greater than about 210 micrometers (.mu.m) and then pressure leached with sulfuric acid and oxygen to separate the nickel, iron and copper as their respective sulfates, while recovering the PGM as a residue. Concentration of the leach residue by roasting and subsequent acid leaching yields a final PGM product containing the major portion of the precious metals in the ore and substantially all (i.e., at least about 95%) of the precious metals in the ore concentrate and which contains less than 1% total nickel, iron and copper.