Abstract: A workpiece cutting apparatus includes a laser source, a first suction system, and a first finger configured to guide a workpiece as it moves past the laser source. The first finger includes a first end provided adjacent a point where a laser from the laser source cuts the workpiece, and the first end of the first finger includes an aperture in fluid communication with the first suction system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an engine (5) having axially opposed cylinders (C). The engine (5) has a first cylinder (C) having a first cylinder opening and a first cylinder head (H), a first piston (10) that reciprocates in the first cylinder opening, a second cylinder (C) having a second cylinder opening and a second cylinder head (H), and a second piston (30) that reciprocates in the second cylinder opening. The first cylinder opening and the second cylinder opening are in facing relationship such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are axially opposed. The first piston (10) and the second piston (30) are connected such that the first piston (10) moves toward the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves away from the second cylinder head (H) and such that the first piston (10) moves away from the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves toward from the second cylinder head (H).

Abstract: A method for treating cancer and other hyperproliferative tissues in humans that can be exposed to light comprising injection of HPPH at the equivalent to a dose of 0.05 to 0.11 mg/kg of body weight 24 hours post injection and exposing the tumor or other hyperproliferative tissue to 665±10 nm of light at 50 to 200 Joules/cm2.

Abstract: A method for treatment of esophageal high grade dysplasia comprising the steps of: injecting HPPH in a physiologically compatible medium into a patient having high grade dysplasia tissue to provide a dose level of 3 through 5 mg/m2 of body surface area, waiting for a time period of 24 through 60 hours to permit preferential absorption of the HPPH into esophageal cancer tissue, and exposing the esophageal cancer tissue to light at a wavelength of about 670±5 nm at an energy of from about 75 to about 200 Joules/cm.

Abstract: A method for treatment of Barrett's esophagus comprising the steps of: injecting HPPH in a physiologically compatible medium into a patient having Barrett's esophagus tissue to provide a dose level of 3 through 5 mg/m2 of body surface area, waiting for a time period of 24 through 60 hours to permit preferential absorption of the HPPH into Barrett's esophagus tissue, and exposing the Barrett's esophagus tissue to light at a wavelength of about 670±5 nm at an energy of from about 75 to about 200 Joules/cm.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating.

Abstract: A conductive polyolefin film characterized by acceptable physicals, no pinholes, and a resistance through its thickness of less than about 100 ohms, preferably less than about 10 ohms, and a method for making the same. The film includes a structural polymeric material such as a polyolefin blended with conductive additives such as carbon filler to produce desired characteristics. The film may be surface treated to enhance its ability to bond to other materials. The process includes combining and blending a plurality of resins with different conductive carbon loaded polymers, drying the conductive resin mix to a selected moisture content, converting the conductive film resin into a fluidized solid, and forming a film. The film and method of the present invention provide films suitable for use in a range of applications, including as conductive media for electrodes in batteries and capacitors or in desalination/deionization systems.

Abstract: A method for treatment of cancerous tissue in the upper respiratory system including the steps of: injecting HPPH in a physiologically compatible medium into a patient having the cancerous tissue at a level of 3 through 5 mg/m2 of body surface area, waiting for a time period of 24 through 60 hours to permit preferential absorption of the HPPH into the cancerous tissue, and exposing the cancerous tissue to light at a wavelength of about 665±5 nm at an energy of about 75 to about 200 Joules/cm.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a can having a first end and a second end and a first element provided within the can and including an electrode. The cell also includes a first terminal integrally formed as a part of the can and extending from one of the first or second ends. The cell further includes a terminal assembly directly coupled to the first element and including a stud configured to act as a second terminal. The first end includes a boss that defines an aperture through which the stud extends, wherein the boss at least partially surrounds the stud and a bushing coupled to the stud.

Abstract: Provided is a system for managing a lithium battery system having a plurality of cells. The battery system comprises a variable-resistance element electrically connected to a cell and located proximate a portion of the cell; and a device for determining, utilizing the variable-resistance element, whether the temperature of the cell has exceeded a predetermined threshold. A method of managing the temperature of a lithium battery system is also included.

Abstract: A battery comprising a housing having a central longitudinal axis. A cover is coupled to the housing and a first flange is integrally formed with the cover and configured to act as a first terminal for the battery. At least a portion of the first flange extends away from the housing in a direction generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. Wherein the first flange is configured for electrical coupling with a terminal of an adjacent battery in a battery system. for electrical coupling with a terminal of an adjacent battery in a battery system.

Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle includes a battery module having a plurality of cells electrically coupled together and a first conductive element for electrically coupling the battery module to other elements in the battery system. The battery system also has a base configured for securing the battery module in place in the vehicle. The base includes a second conductive element for electrically coupling the base to the first conductive element, and a rotatable arm for securing the battery module in place relative to the base. The first conductive element is configured to contact the second conductive element when the rotatable arm is positioned to secure the battery module in place relative to the base.

Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a system configured for passing a fluid past at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to an engine (5) having axially opposed cylinders (C). The engine (5) has a first cylinder (C) having a first cylinder opening and a first cylinder head (H), a first piston (10) that reciprocates in the first cylinder opening, a second cylinder (C) having a second cylinder opening and a second cylinder head (H), and a second piston (30) that reciprocates in the second cylinder opening. The first cylinder opening and the second cylinder opening are in facing relationship such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are axially opposed. The first piston (10) and the second piston (30) are connected such that the first piston (10) moves toward the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves away from the second cylinder head (H) and such that the first piston (10) moves away from the first cylinder head (H) when the second piston (30) moves toward from the second cylinder head (H).

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds for detection, diagnosis and treatment of target tissues or target compositions, including hyperproliferative tissues such as tumors, using photodynamic methods. In particular, photosensitizer compounds that collect in hyperproliferative tissue are provided. In another embodiment, compounds that absorb light at a wavelength of from about 700 to about 850 nm are provided. In a further embodiment, compounds that are detectable by magnetic resonance imaging are provided.

Abstract: A system for testing a battery includes a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The first capacitor and the second capacitor are configured to be arranged in series in a first arrangement and in parallel in a second arrangement. The first capacitor and the second capacitor may be cycled between the first arrangement and the second arrangement to characterize a response of a battery.

Abstract: A compound comprising a chemical combination of a photodynamic tetra-pyrrolic compound with a plurality of radionuclide element atoms such that the compound may be used to enhance MR imaging and also be used as a photodynamic compound for use in photodynamic therapy to treat hyperproliferative tissue. The preferred compounds have the structural formula: where R1, R2, R2a R3, R3a R4, R5, R5a R6, R7, R7a, and R8 cumulatively contain at least two functional groups that will complex or combine with an MR imaging enhancing element or ion. The compound is intended to include such complexes and combinations and includes the use of such compounds for MR imaging and photodynamic therapy treatment of tumors and other hyperproliferative tissue.

Abstract: A method for MR imaging that comprises conducting the MR imaging after injecting compositions that are chemical combination of porphyrins, chlorins, bacteriochlorins, and related tetra-pyrrolic compounds with radioactive elements such as Technetium99, Gadolinium, Indium111 and radioactive iodine. When the element can form cations, the compound is usually a chelate with the porphyrin or chlorin structure. When the element forms anions, the compound is usually a direct chemical combination of the radioactive element into the porphyrin or chlorin structure. The method uses the compounds of the invention for diagnostic imaging of hyperproliferative tissue such as tumors and new blood vessel growth as is associated with the wet form of age related macular degeneration and methods of making the compounds.

Abstract: A method for predicting the remaining life of a battery for a vehicle includes obtaining a value representative of the amount of remaining life for a battery in a new and fully charged state and monitoring at least one parameter of the battery during use of the battery. The method also includes obtaining an acceleration factor based on the at least one monitored parameter and estimating the amount of life lost from the battery utilizing the acceleration factor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of pyropheophorbide a and its derivatives, including 3-devinyl-3-(1?-hexyloxy)ethyl-pyropheophorbide-a, otherwise known as HPPH, is provided. The process involves treating chlorin e6, in the form of its trimethyl ester, with a base, followed by heating to give pyropheophorbide a, which is converted to HPPH by treatment with acid, followed by hexyl alcohol under basic conditions.