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: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: Techniques for identifying a trusted SSID for a wireless network are disclosed. Prior to establishing a connection with a wireless network, a first network message is received from a first access point (AP) identifying a first service set identifier (SSID) associated with a first wireless network, a second network message is received from a second AP identifying a second SSID associated with a second wireless network, and a visual similarity is determined between a first visual representation of the first SSID and a second visual representation of the second SSID. The second SSID is designated as suspicious based on the determined visual similarity.

Abstract: This is a basketball training device for a user's guide hand comprising upper arm, pivot, forearm, thumb, and finger components. The pivot component is pivotably connected to the upper arm component and rigidly coupled to the forearm component, and the forearm component is rigidly coupled to both the thumb component and the finger component. The upper arm, forearm, thumb, and finger components are each secured to the user's upper arm, forearm, thumb, and at least one finger, respectively. As such, the basketball training device not only restricts flexion and opposition of the thumb but it restricts pronation of the user's forearm. In addition, the basketball training device restricts flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation of the user's wrist while allowing the user appropriate extension at the elbow joint during the entire shooting motion.

Abstract: This is a basketball training device for a user's guide hand comprising upper arm, pivot, forearm, thumb, and finger components. The pivot component is pivotably connected to the upper arm component and rigidly coupled to the forearm component, and the forearm component is rigidly coupled to both the thumb component and the finger component. The upper arm, forearm, thumb, and finger components are each secured to the user's upper arm, forearm, thumb, and at least one finger, respectively. As such, the basketball training device not only restricts flexion and opposition of the thumb but it restricts pronation of the user's forearm. In addition, the basketball training device restricts flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation of the user's wrist while allowing the user appropriate extension at the elbow joint during the entire shooting motion.

Abstract: A composite resinoid/diamond dicing blade includes diamond particles and a dry lubricant dispersed in a resin binder. The dry lubricant can be in powdered form, and is preferably selected from graphite, talc, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, niobium disulfide, boron nitride, and ditellurides and diselenides of group V and VI metals, with molybdenum disulfide being particularly preferred. The dicing blade can be used in cutting a variety of substrates, such as in the production of ink jet printheads, electrical semiconductor chips, raster input scan (RIS) sensor bars, and magnetic heads.

Abstract: A new Bullet Trap System for allowing a user to perform target practice with a gun without fear of the bullets straying and injuring another person or property. The inventive device includes a funnel device having an enlarged end and a narrow end, a storage container is attached to the narrow end, and a support stand securing the funnel device. The enlarged end receives the bullet from the gun whereafter the bullet engages a slanted wall of the funnel device thereby slowing the travel of the bullet. The bullet thereafter projects into the storage container through the narrow end where the user may empty upon filling with the bullets.

Abstract: A composite resinold/graphite/diamond blade is described having enhanced precision cutting properties. The blade is made by assembling several layers, each layer comprising a veil of non-woven graphite fabric impregnated with a mixture of diamond particles blended into a phenolic resin. Layers are built up in sandwich fashion. In one embodiment described, four layers are formed and, in a heating compression molding operation, the sandwich is compressed into a composite blade having a diameter of 4.7 inches with a thickness of 0.011 inch. The final blade is formed by a die cut and lapping process. The layered construction yields a blade with more consistent cross-section and improves blade wear symmetry. In another embodiment, the layers are tailored to have a grit concentration of the diamond/resin mixture at the periphery or cutting edge.

Abstract: An engine control system that is configured to be attached to the intake port or intake manifold of a reciprocating engine. The system can be designed to allow installation as original equipment or as a retrofit unit. In either case, the system provides the engine with a dual ignition and electronically controlled fuel-injection. The system includes a master control unit (MCU) that utilizes a firmware operated microprocessor. The MCU is connected to a plurality of sensors that sense critical system parameters that determine the engine settings. All system parameters are user-controlled by three system command switches that are located on a control display unit (CDU). The CDU is attached to the MCU by an electrical cable and is positioned on the vehicle to provide easy accessibility.

Abstract: A seat assembly (10) that is particularly designed to be installed on the truck bed (60) of a pick-up type truck. The assembly (10) includes a first and second side plate (16) that allows the attachment of a seat (20) and an articulated backrest (24). The backrest is designed to be locked in either an upright, sitting position or to be lowered against the upper surface of the seat (20) when the assembly (10) is not in use. To install the seat assembly (10) to the truck bed (60), a set of four, flush-mounted seat coupling plates (14) are attached to the truck bed. A corresponding set of L-brackets (18) are attached to the first and second side surfaces (20C, 20D) of the seat (20). The brackets (18) have a nut bore (18C) through which is inserted a threaded bolt (18E). The bolt attaches to the coupling plate (14) to securely attach the seat assembly (10) to the truck bed (60).

Abstract: A resinoid dicing blade having approximately a 20% by volume porosity structure is coated and impregnated with Teflon.RTM. by a process which impregnates the resinoid blade with Teflon.RTM. to about 0.3 to 0.5% by weight. The Teflon.RTM. impregnated dicing blades not only reduces nozzle chipping when bonded silicon wafers are separated into a plurality of individual printhead die, but blade life is significantly increased.

Abstract: A method of fabricating thermal ink jet printheads comprises aligning and bonding a pair of silicon wafers together, which have, on opposing confronting surface thereof, a plurality of sets of linear arrays of heating elements and associated driver circuitry on one wafer surface and a plurality of sets of parallel grooves and a communicating reservoir for each set of grooves. The grooves and reservoirs are filled with a filler material which is solid or gels at room temperature and liquid at higher temperatures. The bonded pair of wafers are severed into a plurality of individual printhead sby dicing processes conducted at room temperature. One of the dicing processes cuts the grooves in a direction perpendicular thereto in order to form concurrently the nozzle face and nozzles. The solid filler material supports fragile edges of the wafers and prevents entry of dicing debris and other contaminants. The printheads are subjected to heat, spinning, and high pressure water spray to remove the filler material.

Abstract: A caster direction-locking mechanism for a mobile cart improves agility and stability of the cart during high speed movement. This cart includes four casters supporting it for rolling movement. Each caster has a wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis and is mounted with the cart for swiveling movement about a generally vertical axis. The caster direction-locking mechanism selectably locks two adjacent casters against such swiveling movement and with the horizontal axes thereof in generally mutually parallel relation. A handle is mounted on the cart for steering it and an actuator is associated with the handle for actuating the caster direction-locking mechanism to selectably lock and unlock the two casters against swiveling movement.

Abstract: A medical emergency crash cart includes a housing having a top formed with a recessed tray for storing instruments, supplies, and the like, and at least one side formed with an opening. A transparent cover selectably covers the tray but provides visual access to its contents. A removable door encloses the opening. At least one storage compartment is mounted on another side of the housing and is pivotable between open and closed positions. A single latch mechanism simultaneously locks the cover in position covering the tray, the door in position enclosing the opening in the housing, and the compartment in its closed position.

Abstract: A latching mechanism, for latching and unlatching a panel movable relative to a stationary panel of a container, includes a latch secured to one of the panels, and a structure defining an opening in the other of the panels through which the latch extends when the movable panel is in container-closing position. A latch keeper is positioned by a positioning device in operative position relative to the other of the panels to engage and retain the latch when the movable panel is in container-closing position. A keeper actuating device is operable to shift the latch keeper to latch-releasing position. The positioning device and the keeper cooperate to maintain the keeper in operative position and the keeper is manually shiftable from the operative position for disengagement from the other of the panels.

Abstract: An acquisition circuit for a cardiac pacer includes an oscillator for producing an externally generated magnetic signal at a first predetermined frequency. An implantable cardiac pacer has a tuned inductor coil to be responsive to the magnetic signal for developing an induced signal with a phase-shift. Light-emitting devices are responsive to the magnetic signal and the induced signal are provided for transmitting optical signals which change gradually from flashing to a steady on condition when the telemetry head is moved closer to and adequately positioned over the cardiac pacer to indicate that positive acquisition has been obtained.