Abstract: The use of ultrasonic transducers installed in utility meters is provided for the detection of fluid leaks in a conduit. Such transducers are normally used to transmit acoustic waves in order to measure the velocity of fluid flow, but it is disclosed that such transducers are also capable of detecting leak noises in addition to such transmitted acoustic waves.

Abstract: A co-extruded multi-layer biaxially oriented polyester film comprising a primary polyester layer and a dissimilar secondary polyester layer adjacent to the primary polyester layer, wherein the primary polyester layer and the secondary polyester layer each comprise a glycidyl ester of a branched monocarboxylic acid, wherein the monocarboxylic acid has from 5 to 50 carbon atoms, and wherein said glycidyl ester is in the form of its reaction product with at least some of the end groups of the polyester; and use thereof as a component of a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: The use of ultrasonic transducers installed in utility meters is provided for the detection of fluid leaks in a conduit. Such transducers are normally used to transmit acoustic waves in order to measure the velocity of fluid flow, but it is disclosed that such transducers are also capable of detecting leak noises in addition to such transmitted acoustic waves.

Abstract: Devices to detect utility theft are provided, as well as methods of their use. The devices are utility meters that have a positioning detector; a microprocessor connected to receive readings from the positioning detector; a memory storage device in communication with the microprocessor, and at least one power source to provide power to the microprocessor and the memory storage device. Combining positioning readings with theft detection algorithms allows increased accuracy in the automated detection of theft, even when grid power is not available to power the accelerometer or compass.

Abstract: A co-extruded multi-layer biaxially oriented polyester film comprising a primary polyester layer and a dissimilar secondary polyester layer adjacent to the primary polyester layer, wherein the primary polyester layer and the secondary polyester layer each comprise a glycidyl ester of a branched monocarboxylic acid, wherein the monocarboxylic acid has from 5 to 50 carbon atoms, and wherein said glycidyl ester is in the form of its reaction product with at least some of the end groups of the polyester; and use thereof as a component of a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

Abstract: A multilayer card has (i) an opaque polyester film substrate containing 0.2 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the substrate, of at least one copolyesterether, (ii) a first ink-receptive layer on at least one surface of the substrate, (iii) a cover layer on the surface of the ink-receptive layer and/or surface of the substrate and (iv) a second ink-receptive heat-sealable layer comprising a polyester resin on a second surface of the substrate. The presence of the copolyesterether in the substrate reduces the tendency of the card to delaminate in use. Suitable for use, inter alia, in identification, magnetic, credit, pre-paid and smart cards.

Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

Abstract: A multilayer card has (i) an opaque polyester film substrate (1) containing 0.2 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the substrate, of at least one copolyesterether, (ii) an ink-receptive layer (2) on at least one surface of the substrate, and (iii) a cover layer (4) on the surface of the ink-receptive layer and/or surface of the substrate. The presence of the copolyesterether in the substrate reduces the tendency of the card to delaminate in use. Suitable for use, inter alia, in identification, magnetic, credit, pre-paid and smart cards.

Abstract: A multilayer card has (i) an opaque polyester film substrate (1) containing 0.2 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the substrate, of at least one copolyesterether, (ii) an ink-receptive layer (2) on at least one surface of the substrate, and (iii) a cover layer (4) on the surface of the ink-receptive layer and/or surface of the substrate. The presence of the copolyesterether in the substrate reduces the tendency of the card to delaminate in use. Suitable for use, inter alia, in identification, magnetic, credit, pre-paid and smart cards.

Abstract: A polymeric film has a substrate layer of polyester material and an antistatic layer containing a polyester/polyalkylene oxide copolymer and a salt, the ratio by weight of copolymer/salt being in the range from 0.1 to 100/1. The copolymer is preferably a polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene oxide block copolymer and the salt is preferably an alkali metal salt. The film exhibits low surface resistivity, even at low relative humidity.

Abstract: A magnetic novelty post card incorporating a thin sheet of magnetic material that will self-adhere to metal surfaces, and allowing an image on the front or obverse face and printed material or correspondence on the back or reverse face. A method of manufacturing a magnetic novelty post card that allows a matrix of multiple post card images to be aligned in proper registration with multiple printed paper backs, thus permitting economic and efficient use of existing post card printing plates and permitting the cutting of the multiple images into individual post cards by use of conventional die cutting or shear cutting means.