Abstract: A computer-based service provides methods and apparatus for a user to manage a collection of information that the user wishes to share with, or distribute to, one or more designated recipients, typically at a future time, where the user controls the contents of the collection, and the times and rules under which the collection, or portions of the collection, may be accessed by, or delivered to, the one or more designated recipients; and where the resources for storing, retrieving, processing and communicating the collection of information is logically centralized and remote from the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like.

Abstract: A method of sorting plastic items by measuring the effect an item has on light directed at a stream of items from a light source, then selectively removing items from the stream based on a comparison of the light measured and the light emitted from the detector is provided. The invention also includes an apparatus for separating plastic items which comprises a light source, a detector for measuring the effect an individual item has on light emitted from the detector, and sortation means for selectively removing items from the stream based on a comparison of the light emitted by the light source and that measured at the detector. A method for separating single plastic bottles from engaged interlocked bottle clusters comprising directing an air jet at an item sufficiently forceful to displace a single bottle to a collection means but insufficiently forceful to displace an interlocked bottle cluster is also provided.

Abstract: Masses of differently optically transmissive materials, such as plastic bottles of different composition or color, are separated using the different transmissivity to separate masses in a moving stream.

Abstract: A method of sorting plastic items by measuring the effect an item has on light directed at a stream of items from a light source, then selectively removing items from the stream based on a comparison of the light measured and the light emitted from the detector is provided. The invention also includes an apparatus for separating plastic items which comprises a light source, a detector for measuring the effect an individual item has on light emitted from the detector, and sortation means for selectively removing items from the stream based on a comparison of the light emitted by the light source and that measured at the detector. A method for separating single plastic bottles from engaged interlocked bottle clusters comprising directing an air jet at an item sufficiently forceful to displace a single bottle to a collection means but insufficiently forceful to displace an interlocked bottle cluster is also provided.

Abstract: A pilot's ensemble provides protection against cold water immersion and hostile threats, such as chemical and biological agents, while minimizing bulk and weight of the ensemble and impacts to and burdens on the pilot. The ensemble includes a garment (40) having an outer shell (14) impermeable to liquids and gases and a lining (58) bonded to an inner surface of a torso portion of the shell (14). Air is supplied to the lining (58) through a ventilation port (42) to control body temperature. Ensemble headgear includes a helmet (76) with upper and lower pairs of mounting members (78, 80, 82, 84). A permeable hood (70) is worn under the helmet (76) and has chemical vapor absorbing neck portions. A breathing mask (92) is removably attachable to the lower pair of mounting members (82, 84). Goggles (96) are removably attachable to the upper pair (78, 80). The goggles (96) seal the ocular cavity of the pilot and overlap the mask (92) and hood (70) to completely cover the pilot's face.

Abstract: A hot-melt adhesive dispenser having a multi-orifice nozzle manifold in surface-to-surface heat transfer engagement with a heated member. A first sealing element cooperates with a second sealing element to provide a heated member-to-nozzle manifold engagement which is sufficiently inelastic to inhibit adhesive drool between applications, is leak-resistant, and is unlikely to produce air pockets. The first sealing element is a hollow tapered stem having a base which receives adhesive going from within said heated member. The dimensionally reduced tip of the tapered stem is press fit into an inlet bore of the nozzle manifold for fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles. The second sealing element is a high temperature O-ring seated on that portion of the tapered stem not received within the inlet bore. The tapered stem forms a relatively inelastic fit, while the O-ring provides a relatively elastic fit.