Abstract: A method for improving boarding of passengers and baggage onto a flight, comprises, at a predetermined time before the scheduled departure of the flight, determining an eligible carry-on baggage items count of carry-on baggage items eligible for treatment as checked baggage items. The eligible carry-on baggage items count is based on predetermined criteria comprising at least one of an aircraft type for the flight, a passenger load factor for the flight and carrier historical data relevant to the flight. If the eligible carry-on items count is greater than zero, then an offer to a passenger on the flight to have the passenger's carry-on baggage item treated as a checked baggage item is communicated, and the passenger's communication in response to the offer is received. For each accepted offer, decrementing the eligible carry-on items count.

Abstract: A system for providing stand-off biometric verification of a driver of a vehicle at a control gate while the vehicle is moving, including an RFID vehicle tag reader, an RFID personal tag reader and a facial detection and recognition (verification) system. The RFID vehicle tag reader scans and reads data from an RFID vehicle tag of the vehicle that is trying to pass through the gate. The RFID personal tag reader reads data from an RFID personal tag carried by personnel who are driving in the vehicle. The facial detection and verification system scans and reads facial images for the driver. All the data and facial images detected by the reader are sent to a computer for further processing (final face verification).

Abstract: A system for providing stand-off biometric verification of a driver of a vehicle at a control gate while the vehicle is moving, including an RFID vehicle tag reader, an RFID personal tag reader and a facial detection and recognition (verification) system. The RFID vehicle tag reader scans and reads data from an RFID vehicle tag of the vehicle that is trying to pass through the gate. The RFID personal tag reader reads data from an RFID personal tag carried by personnel who are driving in the vehicle. The facial detection and verification system scans and reads facial images for the driver. All the data and facial images detected by the reader are sent to a computer for further processing (final face verification).

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations comprising particulate products which may be prepared by methods and apparatus using supercritical fluids. More particularly, the invention relates to formulations comprising certain crystalline forms of 4-hydroxy-&agr;1-[[[6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexyl]amino]methyl]-1,3-benzenedimethanol (salmeterol) 1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylate (xinafoate). Accordingly, the present invention provides an aerosol pharmaceutical formulation comprising salmeterol xinafoate with a controlled particle size, shape and morphology, and a fluorocarbon, hydrogen-containing fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new polymorphic crystalline form of S-fluoromethyl 6&agr;,9&agr;-difluoro-11&bgr;-hydroxy-16&agr;-methyl-3-oxo-17&agr;-propionyloxyandrosta-1,4-diene-17&bgr;-carbothiate (fluticasone propionate). The new polymorphic crystalline form is easily handled and easily fluidised and its particle size and shape can be controlled. The invention also relates to the use of this new material in therapy, particularly in the treatment of respiratory disorders, e.g. asthma.