Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining transfer time and/or bandwidth between devices connected to a computer network includes sending a script or redirect signal to a browser attempting to fetch a banner from a server that causes a timer or clock to run between the initiation of a subsequent fetch page, fetch image, or other request by the browser and the delivery of subsequent data to the browser. The bandwidth of the device and/or the transfer time between the server and the device on which the browser is operating and the bandwidth of the device can then be used in the selection of which subsequent files, images, scripts, banners, executable software, or other content to be served to the browser or in the selection or configuration of web pages, electronic mail, or executable software to be served to the browser.

Abstract: Process for purifying crude ethanol, whether produced by fermentation or by the synthetic route, to produce a pure ethanol-water azeotrope. The process uses only two distillation columns for fermentation ethanol and only three columns for synthetic ethanol because the latter has diethyl ether as impurity. The inventive concept lies in the design and specification of the columns and the specific distillation conditions which enable each of the impurities in ethanol to be reduced below 1 ppm. Ethanol of such purity is most desirable when used for potable or pharmaceutical purposes. The crude ethanol is fed into a first column and water is separately fed there as well, a side stream of purified aqueous ethanol is withdrawn from the first column and fed to a rectification column where a substantially pure ethanol-water azeotrope is withdrawn as a side stream. The points of introduction and removal of the respective streams to and from the columns are critical for a successful operation and product recovery.