Abstract: Described herein is a multilayer microporous film or membrane that may exhibit improved properties, including improved dielectric break down and strength, compared to prior monolayer or tri-layer microporous membranes of the same thickness. The preferred multilayer microporous membrane comprises microlayers and one or more lamination interfaces or barriers. Also disclosed is a battery separator or battery comprising one or more of the multilayer microporous films or membranes. The inventive battery and battery separator is preferably safer and more robust than batteries and battery separators using prior monolayer and tri-layer microporous membranes. Also, described herein is a method for making the multilayer microporous separators, membranes or films described herein.

Abstract: Described herein, are battery separators, comprising the following: a microporous polymeric film; and an optional coating layer on at least one side of the microporous polymeric film, wherein at least one of the microporous polymeric film and the optional coating comprises an additive. The additive is selected from the group consisting of a lubricating agent, a plasticizing agent, a nucleating agent, a shrinkage reducing agent, a surfactant, an SEI improving agent, a cathode protection agent, a flame retardant additive, LiPF6 salt stabilizer, an overcharge protector, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a lithium deposition agent or improver, or a solvation enhancer, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a wetting agent, and a viscosity improver. Also, described herein are batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, comprising one or more of the described separators. Methods for making the battery separators are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of distributed ledger technology are leveraged to verify subrogation settlements. In particular, two parties to a subrogation claim provide cryptographic hashes to a subrogation demand smart contract stored at an address on a blockchain. The subrogation demand smart contract determines that the parties have reached an agreement by determining that the cryptographic hashes match. A settlement amount from the subrogation claim may be appended to a set of settlement amounts to determine a net settlement amount to facilitate a single payment between the parties on a periodic basis, such as daily, to alleviate the need for the parties to send or receive a payment for each individual settlement amount.

Abstract: A system and method for sanitizing the interior surface of gloves is provided. One embodiment comprises at least one ultra violet (UV) lamp, wherein the at least one UV lamp is sized and shaped to fit within a selected region within an interior of the glove, and wherein the least one UV lamp emits UV radiation at a predefined intensity for a predefined duration that kills at least one consisting of a virus, a bacteria, and a mold that resides on the interior surface of the selected region of the glove.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting pistons with flaws is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with flaws is three dimensionally scanned and compared to a reference image to detect the location and geometry of the flaws. The location and geometry of the flaws are recorded and used to generate a surface condition score. The pistons are sorted based on the surface condition score being higher or lower than a set threshold value.

Abstract: A method and system for sorting pistons with flaws is disclosed. In an embodiment, a piston with flaws is three dimensionally scanned and compared to a reference image to detect the location and geometry of the flaws. The location and geometry of the flaws are recorded and used to generate a surface condition score. The pistons are sorted based on the surface condition score being higher or lower than a set threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus for mobilization of entrained gas bubbles in a fluid circuit comprises opposing fluid circuit engagement members. At least one of the fluid circuit engagement members has a vibrational energy transfer effector. A vibration generator is provided for generating vibrational energy. The vibrational energy transfer effector is coupled to the vibration generator such that vibrational energy is transmitted from the vibration generator to the vibrational energy transfer effector and to the fluid circuit. The vibration generator in one embodiment can produce vibrational oscillations at between 60 and 12000 cycles per minute. A method for mobilizing entrained gas bubbles in a fluid circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An innovative but easy to use on-line guide is provided to provide the user of a multiple channel television broadcast system a wealth of programming information in a simple format that is easy to understand. The guide enables the user to easily select a particular program to watch. In particular, when the guide is presented to the user, the guide covers only a portion of the actual television screen or display. The remaining portion of the television screen continues to broadcast the audio and video of the currently selected program. As a user scans through the guide and moves the pointer from one station to another, the system responds by automatically tuning to the channel pointed to by the pointer and provides the audio and displays the video in the portion of the screen not covered by the guide. Thus, the user can easily get an idea of the broadcast on a particular station without exiting the guide and without expressly selecting a particular channel.