Abstract: The present invention is directed to a separator for an electrochemical cell comprising a web, the web comprising fibers of a polyimide and a protective region wherein the protective region impedes electrochemical reduction of the polyimide inside the electrochemical cell. The present invention is further directed to a multi-layer article and electrochemical cell containing the separator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a separator for an electrochemical cell comprising a web, the web comprising fibers of a polyimide and a protective region wherein the protective region impedes electrochemical reduction of the polyimide inside the electrochemical cell. The present invention is further directed to a multi-layer article and electrochemical cell containing the separator.

Abstract: An optical terminus has a two-piece embodiment having a terminus body and a ferrule with an integral lens. The terminus has a bore that receives an optical fiber cable. The lens can also be fashioned separately and snap fit to the ferrule. The connector can also be provided as a single piece member with the lens formed integrally or separately.

Abstract: This invention provides membrane-mediated electropolishing (MMEP) processes for polishing and/or planarizing metal work pieces using topographically patterned membranes. The processes can be used for both pure metals and alloys, and provide advantages over conventional electropolishing processes and known MMEP processes using smooth membranes. This invention also provides a cathode half-cell and an apparatus useful in membrane-mediated electropolishing processes. The invention also provides processes for electroengraving and electromachining topographic patterns, holes and/or grooves into the surface of a metal work piece.

Abstract: This invention provides a membrane-mediated electropolishing apparatus for polishing and/or planarizing metal work-pieces. The work-piece is wetted with a low-conductivity fluid. The wetted work-piece is contacted with a first side of a charge-selective ion-conducting membrane, wherein the second side contacts a conductive electrolyte solution in electrical contact with a electrode. Current flow between the electrode and the work-piece electropolishes metal from the work-piece.

Abstract: This invention provides a membrane-mediated electropolishing process for polishing and/or planarizing metal work pieces. The work piece is wetted with a low-conductivity fluid. The wetted work piece is contacted with a first side of a charge-selective ion-conducting membrane, wherein the second side contacts a conductive electrolyte solution in electrical contact with a cathode. Current flow between the cathode and the work piece electropolishes metal from the work piece. This process can be used for both pure metals and alloys, and provides several significant advantages over conventional electropolishing processes. This invention also provides an apparatus useful in the membrane-mediated electropolishing process.

Abstract: A system and method for performing inversion and for correcting for shoulder bed effect. The method enhances the resolution of wave propagation resistivity logs and corrects the logs for adjacent bed effects, whereby the resulting logs have a vertical response as good as wireline high-resolution induction logs. The method first performs logging while drilling on a formation to obtain LWD resistivity log data. The method then selects one or more control depths at one or more locations of each of a plurality of detected beds in the formation. The present invention includes a novel method for selecting bed boundaries from the log data, and the control depths are then determined based on the determined bed boundaries. The method then estimates the resistivity of each bed only at the selected control depths to produce an estimated resistivity of the beds. The method then computes a simulated log value at each control depth using a current estimate of the resistivity of the beds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a substantially pure nucleic acid sequence encoding a mammalian 43 kDa non-dystrophin component (.beta.-sarcoglycan) of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Also disclosed are immunogenic peptides which, when used to immunize a mammal, stimulate the production of antibodies which bind specifically to the .beta.-sarcoglycan. Mutations in the .beta.-sarcoglycan gene which are associated with autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy are also disclosed. The identification of such mutations enables the design of nucleic acid probes which hybridize specifically to a mutant form of .beta.-sarcoglycan, or the complement thereof, but not to the DNA of the wild-type form of the gene (or the complement thereof), under stringent hybridization conditions. Such probes are useful, for example, in connection with the diagnosis of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for reducing the flammability of aramids by contacting a solvent swollen or never dried aramid with an aqueous solution of a tungsten compound, removing the solvent from, and then drying the aramid. The resulting aramids have superior Limiting Oxygen Indices, making them particularly useful where lower flammability is desired, as in firefighters' overcoats.

Abstract: In a textile warping system having one or more driven yarn engaging or yarn winding rolls, e.g. a driven warp beam, braking of each driven component is controlled by an individual pneumatic brake operated by a central programmable logic control system to brake the driven component according to a predetermined relationship of decreasing speed to elapsed braking time.

Abstract: A safety bracket for securing a ladder in place against a building structure, the bracket having two extending arm members interconnected in crossing relation intermediate the respective ends thereof with each arm member being slidable with respect to the other. Each arm member includes an intermediate portion and two end portions pivotally joined to the intermediate portion, the two end portions of each arm member including, respectively, a hook shaped portion which may be hooked around an upright member of a ladder and an eyelet for receiving therethrough a projecting member secured to the building structure.