Abstract: A mat for absorbing aqueous solutions has a liquid-impervious bottom layer and a top fabric layer bonded directly to the bottom layer. The fabric layer is of needle punched polypropylene while the bottom layer is of low density polyethylene. The edges of the mat are heat die-cut to provide a moisture-impervious periphery for the mat.

Abstract: A protective liner for shipping containers having top, bottom and side walls has a plurality of panels each having peripheral dimensions chosen to permit each panel to be positioned proximate an inner surface of a different one of the container walls and to overlie substantially the entire inner surface of the wall. Each panel has a cut-resistant weave layer, which may be of galvanized steel. The weave layer may be sandwiched between protective fabric outer layers, which provide a peripheral flap for the panel allowing it to be joined to other panels. The edges of the weave layer may also be covered with a protective foam edging.

Abstract: A protective liner for shipping containers having top, bottom and side walls has a plurality of panels each having peripheral dimensions chosen to permit each panel to be positioned proximate an inner surface of a different one of the container walls and to overlie substantially the entire inner surface of the wall. Each panel has a cut-resistant weave layer, which may be of galvanized steel. The weave layer may be sandwiched between protective fabric outer layers, which provide a peripheral flap for the panel allowing it to be joined to other panels. The edges of the weave layer may also be covered with a protective foam edging.

Abstract: A mat for absorbing aqueous solutions has a bottom sheet with a liquid-impervious layer, an top fabric layer overlying the bottom sheet and providing a top surface for the mat, and a superabsorbent polymer located between the bottom sheet and top fabric layer. The bottom sheet is joined to the fabric layer about their mutual peripheries, the polymer being thereby retained between the bottom sheet and fabric layer. The polymer may be supported by a fabric matrix captured between the bottom sheet and the fabric layers.

Abstract: A method for analyzing data, the data characterized by a set of scalars and a set of vectors, to analyze the data into components related by statistical correlations. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes steps or devices for, receiving a set of a scalars and a set of vectors as the inputs; calculating a correlation direction vector associated with the scalar and vector inputs; calculating the inner products of the input vectors with the correlation direction vector; multiplying the inner products onto the correlation direction vector to form a set of scaled correlation direction vectors; and subtracting the scaled correlation direction vectors from the input vectors to find the projections of the input vectors orthogonal to the correlation direction vector. The outputs are the set of scalar inner products and the set of vectors orthogonal to the correlation vector. The steps or devices can be repeated in cascade to form a multi-stage analysis of the data.

Abstract: A method for securing a portable cart includes wrapping a band around the cart sufficiently tight to prevent access to the cart. The band is then secured to the cart. In preferred methods, the cart is a food service cart on an airplane. The band can include a flexible plastic band with a pair of regions of adhesive covered with removable cover strips.

Abstract: A method for analyzing data, the data characterized by a set of scalars and a set of vectors, to analyze the data into components related by statistical correlations. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes steps or devices for, receiving a set of a scalars and a set of vectors as the inputs; calculating a correlation direction vector associated with the scalar and vector inputs; calculating the inner products of the input vectors with the correlation direction vector; multiplying the inner products onto the correlation direction vector to form a set of scaled correlation direction vectors; and subtracting the scaled correlation direction vectors from the input vectors to find the projections of the input vectors orthogonal to the correlation direction vector. The outputs are the set of scalar inner products and the set of vectors orthogonal to the correlation vector. The steps or devices can be repeated in cascade to form a multi-stage analysis of the data.