Abstract: A volatiles analyzer is disclosed that includes a source of microwave radiation that can selectively produce at least one predetermined frequency of microwave radiation. A cavity is in communication with the source. The walls of the cavity form a twelve faced polyhedron in which eight faces form a regular octagon and having two faces that are both non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the eight faces of the regular octagon. The polyhedron focuses microwave energy of the predetermined frequency on a balance pan while supporting a plurality of TM and TE modes in the cavity.

Abstract: A polyester composition is disclosed that is particularly suitable for filament. The composition is formed of polyethylene terephthalate; polyethylene glycol in an amount sufficient to increase the wetting and wicking properties of a filament made from the composition to a level substantially similar to the wetting and wicking properties of cotton and other cellulosic fibers (natural or synthetic) but less than the amount that would reduce the favorable elastic memory properties of the polyester composition; and a chain branching agent selected from the group consisting of trifunctional alcohols and acids and tetrafunctional alcohols and acids that will copolymerize with polyethylene terephthalate, the chain branching agent being present in an amount sufficient to raise the melt viscosity of the polyester composition to a level that permits filament manufacture under conditions that are substantially the same as those under which filament can be formed from unmodified polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. The method includes the steps of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol into polyethylene terephthalate in the melt phase to form a copolyester composition, then polymerizing the copolyester composition in the solid phase until the copolyester is capable of achieving a melt viscosity that facilitates the spinning of filaments, and thereafter spinning filaments from the copolyester. A copolyester composition comprised of polyethylene glycol and polyethylene terephthalate is also disclosed. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wetting, wicking, drying, flame-retardancy, static-dissipation, and soft hand properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction.

Abstract: A cooler is disclosed that utilizes beverage compartments that are integral to the container holding the refrigerant. The beverage compartments are such that they are completely encircled by yet physically separated from the refrigerant. The design provides easy access to the beverage, close contact between the beverage and refrigerant, and the elimination beverages buried in melting ice.