Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product automatically generates route directions based on signpost data. A calculated route from an origin to a destination includes multiple decision points where a user has more than one option to take. Geo-stamped images of signposts located at each decision point from the multiple decision points are received, and one or more series of signposts is compiled, where each series has a common signpost content. Conflicts in any overlapping series are resolved by using a measure of relative density of signpost content, and one or more decision points of the calculated route are replaced with instructions referring to the common signpost content of the series of signposts. Geo-stamped images of signposts of the series of signposts having the common signpost content are then displayed in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product automatically generates route directions based on signpost data. A calculated route from an origin to a destination includes multiple decision points where a user has more than one option to take. Geo-stamped images of signposts located at each decision point from the multiple decision points are received, and one or more series of signposts is compiled, where each series has a common signpost content. Conflicts in any overlapping series are resolved by using a measure of relative density of signpost content, and one or more decision points of the calculated route are replaced with instructions referring to the common signpost content of the series of signposts. Geo-stamped images of signposts of the series of signposts having the common signpost content are then displayed in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides gels, solutions, films, membranes, compositions, and other materials containing polymerized and/or non-polymerized room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). These materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation and as antistatic agents. The RTILs are preferably imidazolium-based RTILs which are optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxyl groups. Optionally, the materials of the present invention are composite materials comprising both polymerized and non-polymerized RTILs. The RTIL polymer is formed from polymerized RTIL cations typically synthesized as monomers and polymerized in the presence of the non-polymerized RTIL cations to provide a solid composite material. The non-polymerized RTIL cations are not covalently bound to the cationic polymer but remain as free cations within the composite material able to associate with charged subunits of the polymer. These composite materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation, and antistatic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides gels, solutions, films, membranes, compositions, and other materials containing polymerized and/or non-polymerized room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). These materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation and as antistatic agents. The RTILs are preferably imidazolium-based RTILs which are optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxyl groups. Optionally, the materials of the present invention are composite materials comprising both polymerized and non-polymerized RTILs. The RTIL polymer is formed from polymerized RTIL cations typically synthesized as monomers and polymerized in the presence of the non-polymerized RTIL cations to provide a solid composite material. The non-polymerized RTIL cations are not covalently bound to the cationic polymer but remain as free cations within the composite material able to associate with charged subunits of the polymer. These composite materials are useful in catalysis, gas separation, and antistatic applications.

Abstract: A polymer-based electrolyte material for use in lithium ion batteries that exhibits high bulk ion conductivity at ambient and sub-ambient temperatures. The polymer electrolyte comprises a polymer matrix and a liquid electrolyte which is an organic solvent containing a free lithium salt. The polymer matrix is cross-linked and can be formed of cross-linkable ionic monomers, particularly ionic LLC surfactant monomers.

Abstract: The invention provides composite nanofiltration membranes with a lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) polymer composition embedded in or forming a layer on a porous support. The LLC membranes are prepared from LLC monomers which form a bicontinuous cubic (QI) phase. The arrangement, size, and chemical properties of the pores can be tailored on the molecular level. The composite membranes of the invention are useful for separation processes involving aqueous and nonaqueous solutions as well as gases. Methods for making and using the composite nanofiltration membranes of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A roof assembly for an electric arc furnace having a plurality of water cooled trapezoidal-shaped roof segments or panel units arranged in a circular manner and having arcuate surfaces which abut inner and outer fabricated welded support rings and having longitudinal surfaces which do not contact the adjacent panels when in an assembled form. The arcuate surface abutting the inner ring is slanted downwardly towards the outer ring from the top to the bottom surface of the panel, and that abutting the outer ring may have point contact creating a wedging effect for each panel between the support rings. The outer ring provides several spaced apart load bearing members defining openings which permit debris to slide off the assembled roof thereby limiting build-up on the roof, and a conduit of the support rings carries coolant to protect the weldment areas of the rings.

Abstract: A fluid cooled roof assembly for an electric arc furnace comprised of at least three circular sector shaped panels having coolant passages and an outer ring member supporting a plurality of connected arcuate ring sectors which extend upwardly away from the interior of the furnace giving added height thereto, and on which the assembled panels are supported in a flat disposition. The circular sector panels, when assembled, are designed to provide ports for receiving the electrodes and come together at a point location in the center of the roof forming a full circle which completely covers the furnace.

Abstract: A transport support for securing a free standing transportable accessory having a high center of gravity such as a portable IV stand to a transporting vehicle having a relatively low center of gravity such as a wheeled gurney or wheelchair. The transport support comprises a first member secured to the transporting vehicle and a matingly indentical second member coupled to the transportable accessory, and releasable members for coupling the first and second members together. The releasable members including mating serrated washers for fixing a desired angular relationship between the vehicle and accessory.

Abstract: A roof assembly for an electric arc furnace having a plurality of water cooled trapezoidal-shaped roof segments or panel units arranged in a circular manner and having arcuate surfaces which abut inner and outer fabricated welded support rings and having longitudinal surfaces which do not contact the adjacent panels when in an assembled form. The arcuate surface abutting the inner ring is slanted downwardly towards the outer ring from the top to the bottom surface of the panel, and that abutting the outer ring may have point contact creating a wedging effect for each panel between the support rings. The outer ring provides several spaced apart load bearing members defining openings which permit debris to slide off the assembled roof thereby limiting build-up on the roof, and a conduit of the support rings carries coolant to protect the weldment areas of the rings.

Abstract: An electrical safety connector 10 provides a thermal linkage 12 between two female connectors 11. If a high resistance contact occurs at either connector 11, thermal linkage 12 melts and the molten material, of which thermal linkage 12 was comprised, flows under the influence of gravity to an expansion void 14 in an insulation sheath 13, thus interrupting current flow through connectors 11 and preventing the re-initiation of such current flow. Any potential fire hazard from the localized temperature rise at said high resistance contact is thereby eliminated. An alternate embodiment provides a male pigtail wire 17 for utilizing safety connector 10 in updating the wiring of early wired residences and other structures.