Abstract: An electrolyte is provided having a backbone that includes a plurality of aromatic constituents coupled together by at least one atom having a &pgr;-cloud, and in which a halogen atom and an ion exchange group are covalently bound directly to the backbone. Furthermore, the electrolyte is high temperature resistant and may comprise perhalogenated polymers, including perhalogenated polyphenylenes, perhalogenated polyamides, perhalogenated aromatic polyesters, perhalogenated polyimide, etc. Still further, the electrolyte may have acidic groups as ion exchange groups, including sulfonic acid groups, or phosphoric acid groups.

Abstract: A self-evolving generic index for storing marketplace information for multiple types of items allows users to add new parameters, values and possibly new classifications for use in describing items. The new parameters/values/classifications can then be selected by other users for use in describing their own items. It is especially contemplated that the system can display information relating to the usage with which parameters/values/classifications have historically been employed in describing different types of items. This encourages users to be consistent in selecting parameters/values/classifications for both entering and searching data, while still allowing great flexibility.

Abstract: A battery powered device such as an electric vehicle includes a high power loads such as a drive motor (50), and on-board charging and discharging systems (20) which share significant components such as a pulsing subsystem (40). In particularly preferred embodiments the battery (10) and regenerative braking system (90), where applicable, are selected to operate efficiently with the charging and discharging systems (20).

Abstract: Described is a compliant and crosslinkable thermal interface material of at least one malenized rubber with maleic anhydride adducted to the molecule and at least one hydroxyl terminated olefin rubbers, and a method of making and using same; as well as a method of improving thermal conductivity of polymer systems.

Abstract: An improved bed assembly having a sheet with multiple fasteners of at least two different types for attaching the sheet to a bed. The sheet may be combined with a mattress having fasteners suitable for coupling with at least some of the sheet fasteners. The sheet may include fasteners which are of a type not found on the mattress, and the mattress may include fasteners which are of a type not found on the sheet.

Abstract: An irrigation controller modifies sophisticated irrigation protocols using an extremely simple user control. In one aspect of a particularly preferred class of embodiments, the user control includes a simple “more/less” (increase/decrease) adjustment In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the controller automatically determines appropriate irrigation amounts, start times, durations, and frequencies. Such automatic determination may advantageously be based in part on the more/less adjustment, and in part on an external signal, such as that transmitted by a radio transmitter.

Abstract: Apparatus, compositions and methods provide cathodic protection to a structure by placing an anode layer (10) directly between the structure (22) and its underlying foundation (30). Structures contemplated to be protected in this manner include especially very large structures such as above ground storage tanks. In one aspect of preferred embodiments, the anode layer (10) comprises sheets of at least 85% aluminum with other alloying elements such as magnesium (0.05 to 6%), zinc (0.1 to 8%), indium (0.005 to 0.03%) and tin (0.05 to 0.2%) added for the purposes of optimizing current yield, polarization and ease of manufacturing the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an entertainment and exercise device which allows exercise by placing it on a person's body and swiveling the body. The entertainment and exercise device has a flexible circular belt and a turning member rotating along the periphery of the belt. When the user wears the entertainment and exercise device on his body and swivels the body, the turning member rotates about the belt, thereby the user obtains an exercise effect and a finger-pressure effect. Also, the entertainment and exercise device of the present invention is convenient to carry and store, thereby being used for exercise irrespective of the exercising area.

Abstract: Nanoporous low dielectric constant materials are fabricated from a first reagent and a second reagent. The reagents are mixed to give a reagent mixture and a polymeric structure is formed from the reagent mixture. Nanosized voids are created by removing at least in part the second reagent from the polymeric structure by a method other than thermolysis, and other than evaporation.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium cholinergic agent is complexed with a multivalent anion, or with multiple monovalent anions. The complex may be administered orally to a patient to treat pain, or for some other purpose. Numerous modifications are contemplated, including modifications to the ring structure of the compound, substitution and functionalization of the ring. Other contemplated modifications include the use of different anions, including various monovalent and polyvalent anions, and both organic and inorganic anions. The compounds have utility as cholinergic agents, and especially in the treatment of mysasthenia gravis, chest pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: An onboard electric vehicle charger is provided which incorporates a forward converter with dynamic balancing of the primary drive currents of its ferrite core transformer to produce 5,000 watt charging power with a power density of 333 watts per kilogram and full safety isolation between the input power source and the batteries plus small size (approximately 15″ by 9″ by 6″) and weight (less than 15 kilograms) and a power factor correcting boost preregulator with dynamic adjustment of its compensation networks which produces full correction to substantially unity (99.9+%) for power factor with current total harmonic distortion (THD) of 2% to 3% over the entire power range of 100 watts to 5,000 watts. The same boost preregulator circuit allows operation from power sources of 95 to 145 VAC or 200 to 275 VAC.

Abstract: A plurality of batteries located in battery-operated devices by a charger through a distributor where there is no communication between the distributor and the batteries in the battery operated devices are charged in automated sequence in situ by a charger through a distributor where there is no communication between the distributor and the batteries, preferably using pulsed charge technology. In preferred embodiments the pulsed charge technology includes both forward and reverse pulses.

Abstract: Self-evolving indexing systems and methods store and retrieve information on multiple types of items. Indices evolve at least in part by providing subsequent users with summary comparison usage information based upon the choices of previous users, and in part by permitting subsequent users to can add new add classifications, parameters, and values instead of being limited by those previously used by others. Summary comparison usage information is preferably communicated to users in the form of listings in which the choices are presented in order of descending usage. Contemplated systems and methods can be used to describe every conceivable type of product and service, as well as such diverse types of information as news items, historical facts, book reviews, questionnaires, opinion surveys, case law, and the topics discussed in various chat rooms. Preferred database structures include those having multiple tables for item classifications, parameters, values, and parameter-value pairs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing a fire rated insulation material to span an expansion joint between walls by hollowing out a portion of at least one wall adjacent to the joint to form at least one pocket, and installing the insulation material so that it spans the joint and can slide in and out of the at least one pocket.

Abstract: A number of modified nucleosides are disclosed composed of modified sugar moieties which contain substituents at C1 and C4 positions, or branched substituents at C3 and C5 positions of deoxyribose or ribose. Each nucleoside is converted to or properly protected and then converted to the corresponding phosphoramidites. These phosphoramidites are used to assemble oligonucleotides in which there is at least one of the forenoted nucleosides. These sugar modified oligonucleotides have the potential to be used as antisense therapies since they are expected to enhance nuclease resistance and cellular uptake while they maintain sequence-specificity and affinity to nucleic acid targets in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: A new integral motor/pump design utilizing a combination centrifugal enclosed impeller, shaft and feeder conduit. Whereby the impeller drive shaft serves a dual purpose of providing applied power from the hollow motor driveshaft directly to the impeller blade or blades and also is a fluid entrance conduit for the impeller media feed. The present invention hollow motor drive shaft, hollow impeller shaft and enclosed impeller also incorporates optional changeable impeller leading edge blades. These blades help facilitate the most efficient flow of various fluids and pumped media. The present invention utilizes simplicity of design whereby inspection and service accessibility is optimized. Design configuration renders radial thrust bearing curves more applicable to a broad range of applications and extended motor/pump service life.