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:
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 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:
Pyropheophorbide compounds are injected into a host and accumulate in tumor tissue to a higher degree than surrounding normal tissues. When the pyropheophorbide compounds are exposed to a particular wavelength of light the compounds become cytotoxic and destroy the tumor or diseased tissue without causing irreversible normal tissue damage. The pyropheophorbide compounds have shown improved results as compared to drugs currently used in photodynamic therapy. Further, they absorb light further in the red, optimizing tissue penetration mad are retained in the skin for short time periods relative to other drugs used in photodynamic therapy.
Abstract:
A battery monitoring system is disclosed. The system comprises a means for acquiring a value representative of a first period of time during which the battery will deliver a sufficient amount of power. The system also comprises a means for measuring a set of parameters comprising a voltage of the battery and a temperature of the battery during a second period of time. The system also comprises a means for predicting whether the battery will deliver the sufficient amount of power during a third period of time less than the first period of time. An output signal is provided if the means for predicting determines that the battery will deliver the sufficient amount of power during the third period of time. A system for determining whether a battery for a vehicle will deliver a sufficient amount of power for a sufficient amount of time is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An improved vent cap system for use in an electrochemical battery is provided which includes a ring flange for forming a ring seal between the vent cap assembly and the fill tube. When the vent cap assembly is positioned in the battery housing, the ring flange and the fill tube deform to create a seal therebetween to provide a fluid tight seal.
Abstract:
The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user. The encoded physical medium may have text and/or graphic illustrations that draw the user in or provide meaningful clues or instructions perhaps related to the encoded information. The sensor may have at least one identification number (ID) providing information such as user identity, sensor type, access type, or language type. The sensor can transmit the certain decoded information together with the at least one ID to the computer system.
Abstract:
Compounds having the generic formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently alkyl of 3 through about 10 carbon atoms; provided that, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together contain at least six carbon atoms. The compounds have utility in photodynamic therapy in treatment of tumors and other diseases. The invention includes a method of treatment by contacting a tumor with the compound and then exposing the tumor to light.
Abstract:
Compounds having utility as light absorbing compounds, especially in the area of photodynamic therapy. Such compounds have the formula: ##STR1## where z is .dbd.O or NR.sub.14 ; R.sub.14 is alkyl or substituted alkyl; R.sub.1 is an amino acid group, a polyamine group, a polyether group or OR.sub.13 where R.sub.13 is alkyl; R.sub.4 through R.sub.11 are --H, --OH alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkylene, aryl, or aryloxy, or a carbonyl containing group, wherein carbon containing groups may be substituted with carbonyl, hydroxy, phosphoro, carboxy, halo, sulfo, amino and ether substituents, provided that; R.sub.4 may be taken together with R.sub.7 to form .dbd.O; R.sub.8 may be taken together with R.sub.9 to form .dbd.O; R.sub.10 may be taken together with R.sub.11 to form .dbd.O; and R.sub.4 and R.sub.7 may together form a chemical bond and R.sub.8 and R.sub.11 may together form a chemical bond; and R.sub.12 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; provided that if one z is O, the other z is --NR.sub.14.