Abstract: The present invention includes iterations of devices for absorbing water and hydrocarbons that accumulate in hydrocarbon handling and dispensing systems, fuel tanks, sumps, and other oil and hydrocarbon storage tanks, at gas stations and other locations such as ports, commercial trucking facilities, government installations, military bases, privately owned and commercial shipping vessels, and privately maintained fueling locations including trucking facilities, etc. Specialized versions of the devices can also clean up petroleum slicks on water surfaces—known as “sheen” or petroleum-contaminated water (PCW”), and other contaminants. The present invention can stop “phase separation”. Once they have absorbed water, most versions of the device can also be disposed of easily and economically compared to alternative disposal methods due to their extremely light weight and because they can be dehydrated before disposal.

Abstract: The invention includes a defense against flooding, with a flexible, outer shell, with absorption holes, and, inside the outer shell, one or more water-absorbing components that expand when absorbing water. The outer shell can be hydrophobic. The water-absorbing components can be compressed wood pellets. Also inside the outer shell can be a hydrophobic, but oleophilic, inner component that absorbs hydrocarbon molecules penetrating through the absorption holes. The water-absorbing components do not absorb hydrocarbons in some embodiments, In other embodiments other components mat be added that target and absorb other substances. In the first embodiment, the compressed wood pellets can be discarded easily after they have absorbed water and been expanded. In the first embodiment, the hydrophobic outer shell and oleophilic inner component are both made of polypropylene.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for storing consumers' data and automatically filling out forms by sending this information to merchants, allowing users to complete forms and exchange information much faster than could be done by hand. The invention includes an online repository of personal information, and a method to provide easily accessible, secure, sharable data. The invention includes a central repository for forms data, through which merchants can build their own applications, interact with other users, and avoid the inconvenience of filling out forms. The invention will only release the data, to a merchant, that is needed to complete a specific form. A user can send and receive form-related data during different transactions. Consumers will create and maintain a web-based Online Profile (OP) with data that merchants can access, after authentication, via a device with web access. The invention reduces identity theft, via a record of all a consumer's transactions.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for storing consumers' data and automatically filling out forms by sending this information to merchants, allowing users to complete forms and exchange information much faster than could be done by hand. The invention includes an online repository of personal information, and a method to provide easily accessible, secure, sharable data. The invention includes a central repository for forms data, through which merchants can build their own applications, interact with other users, and avoid the inconvenience of filling out forms. The invention will only release the data, to a merchant, that is needed to complete a specific form. A user can send and receive form-related data during different transactions. Consumers will create and maintain a web-based Online Profile (OP) with data that merchants can access, after authentication, via a device with web access. The invention reduces identity theft, via a record of all a consumer's transactions.

Abstract: A small medallion is disclosed, which contains a QR code, a phone number, and an alphanumeric code, which the user can input on a website. The user may then associate medical history information, information regarding next-of-kin or personal contacts, and information such as a will or instructions for continuity of a business with the QR code and alphanumeric code. If the user is ever need of emergency assistance, a paramedic who finds the user can scan the QR code, communicate the alphanumeric code to a contact center, and then the contact center will inform the medical center where the user is to be taken for treatment about the user's medical history information, personal contact information, and legal information. A system, which includes steps for ensuring that a user's medical, personal contact, are available in emergencies is also disclosed. A method of learning through which includes steps for ensuring that a user's medical, personal contact, are available in emergencies is also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal cap to be placed on standard containers for lip balm and lipstick that contains one or more modules that house therein functional items to assist the user for personal health and safety applications. The cap includes modules that contain space for the inclusion of identifying information, interior space for a flashlight and battery, interior space for an audio alarm, an interior space to house medication, a place for a nail file and a place for a glass breaker along with a flange to allow attachment to a lanyard or similar item.