Abstract: The present invention provides a real-time, instantaneous method and system for tracking mail. The system utilizes an intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device to collect information regarding a mailpiece delivered to a mail distribution facility. The device is linked via the internet to a globally accessible relational database that permanently stores and efficiently and continuously tracks the mailpiece from receipt of the mailpiece in the mail distribution facility until delivery to its final destination. The system effectively utilizes signature capture and location codes to track the mailpiece at all times until final delivery.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for x-ray imaging including: exposing a volume of interest to a first technique level to obtain a first set of image data; exposing the volume of interest to a second technique level to obtain a second set of image data; and estimating whether the volume of interest includes a foreign object based at least in part on a comparison of at least an aspect of the first set of image data and at least an aspect of the second set of image data. According to an embodiment, one of the first and second technique levels is selected to generate x-rays having a higher average energy than the other of the first and second technique levels. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second technique levels is selectable to cause an overexposure. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second technique levels corresponds to a clinical technique level.

Abstract: A process (and apparatus therefor) for carrying out thermally-initiated chemical reactions or physical changes by heating a particulate substrate in a fluidized bed having hotter zone(s) and cooler zone(s) between which the fluidized particles circulate, the dwell time in the hotter zone(s) being sufficiently short so as to prevent the particles undergoing an undesirable thermal transformation before the particles move into the cooler zone(s). The fluidized bed is applicable, for example, to a process for the polymerization of a low molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate).