Abstract: Method and apparatus enable cutting out shapes (S) preset in moving sheet material (10) by locating coordinates of one or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) in the sheet material (10) with a vision system (12). The fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) correspond to a pattern (P) for the preset shape (S). A cutting system (11) superimposes the pattern (P) relative to the located one or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) for cutting out the preset shape (S) while the vision system (12) is concurrently locating subsequent one or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) in the moving sheet material (10). The concurrent processes of cutting and locating subsequent fiducials (F,F2 . . . ) are repeated substantially continuously. Preferably, using two or more fiducials (F,F2 . . . ), distortion is detected and the pattern (P) can be remapped before cutting for accurate superposition of the pattern (P) and distorted preset shape (S).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition with &bgr;-sheet microcrystalline cellulose with improved potency life and methods of preparation therefor. Improved thyroid hormone pharmaceutical compositions comprising 50 weight % or more of &bgr;-sheet microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to stable pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and administering such compositions. In one aspect, the invention features stabilized pharmaceutical compositions that include pharmaceutically active ingredients such as levothyroxine (T4) sodium and liothyronine (T3) sodium (thyroid hormone drugs), preferably in an immediate release solid dosage form. Also provided are methods for making and using such immediate release and stabilized compositions.

Abstract: A module for use in a vehicle includes a first compartment for containing a battery and a second compartment contiguous to the first compartment for containing a liquid. The second compartment is configured to route the liquid between the second compartment and a vehicle subsystem.

Abstract: An engine is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the engine comprises a compressor, and combustor, and an expander. The compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The expander receives the exhaust gases from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The compressor may be a gerotor compressor or a piston compressor having variable-dead-volume control. The expander may be a gerotor expander or a piston expander having variable-dead-volume control. In another embodiment, an engine comprises a piston compressor, a combustor, a piston expander, and a pressure tank. The piston compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor bums the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The piston expander receives the exhaust gasses from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The pressure tank receives and stores the compressed air from the compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transport of thyroid hormone drug formulations from a blender to a tablet press using mass flow of the formulation in order to maintain consistent tablet compositions during manufacture of the tablets.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a friction clutch for a motor vehicle includes a cover and a ferrule. The cover has a ferrule aperture passing therethrough from an outer side to a inner side. The ferrule is a one piece unitary structure and is disposed in the ferule aperture. The ferrule has a spring receiving portion and a base portion and axis of orientation passing through both the spring receiving portion and the base portion. The spring receiving portion projects from the ferrule aperture beyond the inner side. The spring receiving portion has a spring aperture. The base portion has a pilot portion disposed within the ferrule aperture. The pilot portion is of a size complementary to the ferrule aperture. The size of the pilot portion is selected to enable the ferrule to be positively positioned within the ferrule aperture.

Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.

Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a friction clutch for a motor vehicle includes a cover and a ferrule. The cover has a ferrule aperture passing therethrough from an outer side to an inner side. The ferrule is a one piece unitary structure and is disposed in the ferrule aperture. The ferrule has a spring receiving portion and a base portion and an axis of orientation passing through both the spring receiving portion and the base portion. The spring receiving portion projects from the ferrule aperture beyond the inner side. The spring receiving portion has a spring aperture. The base portion has a pilot portion disposed within the ferrule aperture. The pilot portion is of a size complementary to the ferrule aperture. The size of the pilot portion is selected to enable the ferrule to be positively positioned within the ferrule aperture.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery with a pair of terminals extending from one side of the battery case, and a tray-like battery holder. The terminals have hollow sockets inserted therein which are engaged by posts extending from conductive plugs that extend through an end wall of the holder. A threaded connection is formed in the plug and opens to the outside of the holder. Alignment posts are formed in the holder to be disposed within cylindrical wells in the bottom of the battery case and ensure proper alignment of the battery in the holder. A hinged latch is formed in the holder and engages a projection on the battery case. When in place in the holder, the battery case rests on resilient pads located on a floor of the holder.

Abstract: A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.

Abstract: An engine is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the engine comprises a compressor, and combustor, and an expander. The compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The expander receives the exhaust gases from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The compressor may be a gerotor compressor or a piston compressor having variable-dead-volume control. The expander may be a gerotor expander or a piston expander having variable-dead-volume control. In another embodiment, an engine comprises a piston compressor, a combustor, a piston expander, and a pressure tank. The piston compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The piston expander receives the exhaust gasses from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The pressure tank receives and stores the compressed air from the compressor.

Abstract: Method and positioner apparatus are provided for minimizing the time required to move a tool along a continuous path such as over material conveyed continuously thereunder. The continuous path is discretized into geometric moves, pairs of which are preferably joined to minimize positioner stop and go. Ranges of velocities are analyzed for each discrete move and are adjusted to overlap for fitting a continuous velocity curve therethrough. Optimizing of the velocity ranges for maximum tool acceleration and velocity results in a time-optimized velocity profile for the tool. Velocity profiles for each discrete move are further optimized to maximize acceleration and deceleration resulting in the most time spent at maximum velocity. Throughout, the method is cognizant of the effects of time and displacement being measured in integer increments. Rounding is appropriately performed and move parameters are adjusted appropriately.

Abstract: A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery with a pair of terminals extending from one side of the battery case, and a tray-like battery holder. The terminals have hollow sockets inserted therein which are engaged by posts extending from conductive plugs that extend through an end wall of the holder. A threaded connection is formed in the plug and opens to the outside of the holder. Alignment posts are formed in the holder to be disposed within cylindrical wells in the bottom of the battery case and ensure proper alignment of the battery in the holder. A hinged latch is formed in the holder and engages a projection on the battery case. When in place in the holder, the battery case rests on resilient pads located on a floor of the holder.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a cover for venting gases from thin metal film battery cells having vents disposed at the center of one end of the cells. The vents comprise cylindrical wells that recess into, and substantially fill, the top portions of battery cell cavities within a battery housing. The cavities are sized to hold the battery cells securely and are configured to provide an electrical serial connection. The wells include pipes which extend outward from the bottom of the wells and lead from openings in the bases of the wells. The openings in the pipes are covered with flexible valve caps and well lids cover the wells. The center point arrangement of the recessed wells permit gases from the battery cells to escape through the openings, yet restrict the electrolyte from exiting the housing.

Abstract: A thin metal film battery cell is formed by one or more plates wound in a spiral thereby forming a roll with two ends at which spiralled edges of the plates are exposed. Each end of the roll is covered by an end strap which includes a body of electrically conductive material from which a tab extends. The body contacts each convolution of the roll while leaving a portion of each convolution exposed so that an electrolyte is able to flow into the roll. The tab attached to and projecting outward from the body for making electical connection to the thin metal film battery cell.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery case and battery wherein the battery case includes a housing having a top and a bottom and wherein the housing defines a plurality of cavities that are generally octagonal in cross-section. The battery includes a housing defining octagonal shaped cavities, a terminal coupled to the housing, a top and bottom sealingly coupled to the housing, and a plurality of battery cells disposed win the cavities and electrically interconnected in series with the terminal.