Abstract: A computer-based method of collecting payment for a service is presented. The method includes capturing a service that is rendered for a service recipient by a service provider and, if there is a third party payer in contract with the service recipient to pay at least part of the cost for the service, determining a relationship between the third party payer and the service provider that defines a preliminary allowed amount to be collected by the service provider for the service. Of the preliminary allowed amount, a first portion that is to be collected from the service recipient for the service is determined. The computer automatically collects the first portion from the service recipient on the date of service. In one embodiment, the method provides a universal platform with which healthcare providers can collect payments from patients and various third party payers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washcloth having at least one motif printed thereon with an ink that reacts with water so as to let the motif either appear or disappear when the washcloth is wet. Also disclosed is a washcloth having at least one motif that is printed thereon with an indelible ink and is covered with a water soluble hiding material that disappears when the washcloth is wet and thus lets the motif appear. Such a washcloth is preferably disposable and can particularly be used for encouraging children to clean themselves.

Abstract: A water permeable membrane capable of blocking the growth of plant and tree roots only in a mechanical way. This membrane comprises n layers of a non-woven material having a predetermined thickness and n+1 layers of an impermeable material perforated with holes to allow drainage of water, where n is an integer equal or greater than 1. The layers of non woven and impermeable material are in alternate position so that two layers of impermeable material form external layers of the water permeable membrane, and each layer of non-woven material is positioned between two layers of the impermeable material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a triboelectric air filter consisting essentially of a mixture of polypropylene fibers with polymethaphenylene isophatalamide fibers.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a liquid in a reactor comprising a chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion, a liquid inlet located in the upper portion of the chamber, a liquid outlet located in the lower portion of the chamber and an absorbent bed within the chamber between the upper and lower portions thereof, said method comprising using as said absorbent bed a porous packing that is able to absorb by capillarity the liquid to be treated, said porous packing having a given capillarity height h.sub.s which is the height that the liquid to be treated reaches by capillarity action when it is fed in a column filled up with a continuous layer of said porous packing; mounting at least one horizontally extending separation member within the chamber so as to divide the absorbent bed into at least two superimposed layers of a given height that is equal to or lower than h.sub.