Abstract: A substrate structure having three-dimensional functional film network comprising a plurality of radio frequency discharge plasma film layers. The plasma film layers include a first layer, comprising a plurality of a first functional group, and a second layer, comprising a plurality of a second functional group. The employment of three-imensional film networks with desired functional groups located either on the periphery or both the periphery and interstitial spaces of the networks provides means for significantly increasing the surface functional density.

Abstract: An RFID antenna system is described comprising an elongated antenna disposed proximate an interrogation path for interrogating transponders moving along the interrogation path. The antenna is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the antenna is substantially perpendicular to said interrogation path. The antenna provides an active RF interrogation zone that intersects at least 40% of the horizontal longitudinal plane of the interrogation path.

Abstract: An end-of-life indicator comprising a housing having a chamber therein and attachable to the water treatment device, a diaphragm disposed within the chamber, a rotatable cap having indicia disposed thereon adapted to cooperate with the housing, a spring device for rotating the cap with respect to the housing, an escapement device for regulating the rotational displacement of the cap and means for resetting the cap to a start position. The chamber is arranged for the ingress of water into the water treatment device to pressurize the chamber and the egress of water from the water treatment device to depressurize the chamber, the ingress and egress of water defining one fill cycle. The diaphragm is arranged to be moved by the pressurizing and depressurizing of the chamber. The escapement device are arranged to cooperate with the diaphragm and the spring device whereby predetermined incremental rotation of the cap is provided during each of the fill cycles.

Abstract: A conically threaded closure system is described which provides a compressive radial force to axial force ratio in the range of 4.3-6.2:1, resulting in an optimum stress distribution throughout the thread structures, optimum thread engagement with minimal rotational effort and primary and secondary sealing means. The system comprises a container having a first conical thread structure and a cap having a second conical thread structure disposed on the inside surface of the cap skirt adapted to cooperate with the first conical thread structure. The first and second conical thread structures each have a conical angle in the range of approximately 20.degree. to 30.degree., preferably approximately 24.degree. to 28.degree..