Abstract: Improved battery separators, base films or membranes, batteries, cells, devices, systems, vehicles, and/or methods of making and/or using such separators, films or membranes, batteries, cells, devices, systems, vehicles, and/or methods of enhancing battery or cell charge rates, charge capacity, and/or discharge rates, and/or methods of improving batteries, systems including such batteries, vehicles including such batteries and/or systems, and/or the like; biaxially oriented porous membranes, composites including biaxially oriented porous membranes, biaxially oriented microporous membranes, biaxially oriented macroporous membranes, battery separators with improved charge capacities and the related methods and methods of manufacture, methods of use, and the like; flat sheet membranes, liquid retention media; dry process separators; biaxially stretched separators; dry process biaxially stretched separators having a thickness range between about 5 ?m and 50 ?m, preferably between about 10 ?m and 25 ?m, having imp

Abstract: Power supply slew time testing is performed on units that require a power supply for operation. A power supply voltage is applied to a unit under test. The power supply voltage has a test slew time that is selected to evaluate operation of the unit under test in a system. A response of the unit under test to the power supply having the test slew time is observed, and the condition of the unit under test is determined based on the response to the power supply having the test slew time. The test may involve application of the power supply voltage having a maximum test slew time and application of the power supply voltage having a minimum test slew time. The test slew times are selected based on the expected range of power supply slew times when the unit is installed in a system.

Abstract: A label printing system. The system includes a computer output printer of the type having a platen roller, a bail rod assembly and a tractor feeder, together defining a web path. A separator rod is attached parallel to the bail rod and introduces a separation angle into the web path. Labels attached to a web of released material are peeled by the separation angle after printing. Variable information is printed on a label being processed and the web is advanced to print fixed information on the next label; moving the printed label over the separator rod and peeling it from the web. A thin edge is left attached to facilitate retrieval by the operator of the printed label. A shipping manifest system including the subject label printer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microprocessor based mailing system, wherein postal rate charts are provided on portable media such as floppy disks, having the capability to update such postal rate charts. The mailing system includes a microcomputer system made up of a microprocessor, a CRT display, a keyboard, dual disk drives and printer; a scale for determining the weight of items to be mailed, and an optional postal meter. The microprocessor determines the appropriate postage for items to be mailed in accordance with the item's weight, postal information input by an operator and postal rate charts stored on a first disk in one of the disk drives. To update the postal rate charts a second disk may be substituted for the first while the first disk is shifted to the other drive. The second disk contains updating information and an updating program to update the rate charts. Upon initialization of the system the updating program is loaded and executed.

Abstract: A precision liquid level sensor utilizes a balanced R. F. bridge, each arm including an air dielectric line. Changes in liquid level along one air dielectric line imbalance the bridge and create a voltage which is directly measurable across the bridge.