Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implementing a new insurance industry business processing system, called a “Shared Industry Platform”, are described. A network-based computing platform is defined which includes a communications portal and industry shared databases which are controlled by enabling application and security software and which may be accessed through a global computer network by insurance company computers, managing general agency computers, selling agent computers, and consumer computers. This shared industry platform allows communication among the various components of the insurance industry in a flexible manner as specified by each insurance company, no matter what the company's customary internal processing system might be.

Abstract: A multi-channel, reconfigurable fiber-coupled Raman instrument uses fiber optic switches for laser and calibration light routing to facilitate automated calibration, diagnosis and operational safety. The system allows wavelength axis calibration on all channels; laser wavelength calibration (including multiple and/or backup laser options); fiber coupling optimization; fault detection/diagnosis; and CCD camera binning setup. In the preferred embodiment, dedicated calibration channels surround data channels on a 2-dimensional CCD dispersed slit image implemented using a unique cabling architecture. This “over/under” calibration interpolation approach facilitates quasi-simultaneous or sequential calibration/data acquisitions. CCD binning between sequential calibration and data acquisitions enables higher density multi-channel operation with tilted images based upon a multiplexed grating configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implementing a new insurance industry business processing system, called a “Shared Industry Platform”, are described. A network-based computing platform is defined which includes a communications portal and industry shared databases which are controlled by enabling application and security software and which may be accessed through a global computer network by insurance company computers, managing general agency computers, selling agent computers, and consumer computers. This shared industry platform allows communication among the various components of the insurance industry in a flexible manner as specified by each insurance company, no matter what the company's customary internal processing system might be.

Abstract: A water purifier having its principal utility in medical, biological and chemical laboratories comprising a housing having a water inlet and three water outlets and containing a charcoal layer which strips the water of absorbed and non-ionized dissolved impurities, and an ion-exchange resin layer which strips the water of ionized dissolved impurities, and a submicron pore size filter membrane which strips the water of bacteria and other solid impurities, two of the three water outlets being for withdrawing water from the housing after it has passed through the aforesaid layers and the membrane, and the third of the three water outlets being for withdrawing water from the housing after it has passed through the aforesaid layers not through the membrane.