Abstract: A system and method for water desalination using forward osmosis to address problems associated with scarcity of freshwater around the world. The system uses ammonium bicarbonate as the draw solution to draw out freshwater through a forward osmosis (FO) membrane from an amount of saltwater or other contaminated water initially directed through one side of the FO membrane. The ammonium bicarbonate draws the desalinated water through the membrane of the FO membrane. Brine or other solutes are directed away. The combination of desalinated water and ammonium bicarbonate is directed through a series of valves and pumps, including a heat pump, and through a hydrophobic membrane that allows freshwater (product water) to be obtained from the desalination process in a more cost-effective and efficient manner. The ammonium bicarbonate is recycled and reused to generate additional draw solution for additional batches of saltwater or contaminated water for desalination.

Abstract: A pocket-sized checkbook adapted to a register-type checkbook cover for simultaneously recording a checking transaction automatically while a check is being written. A plurality of vertically-offset, overlapping checks are removably attached to a checkbook having a back flap adapted for insertion into a pocket of a register-type checkbook cover. A record sheet is also removably attached to the checkbook for insertion beneath the particular check being written and on top of the remaining unused checks. The record sheet has vertically arranged spaces disposed beneath and corresponding to selected spaces on the face of the checks for duplicating certain information written thereon and computing a balance. A pressure sensitive medium associated with the checks and record sheet transfers the information written on the check to the record sheet, while a separate memo portion of the record sheet may be provided for recording additional information.