A method and apparatus for providing privacy of user identity and characteristics in a communication system. The system comprises a computer and a portable memory device reader, communicatively connected to the computer and being connectable to the portable memory device. The present invention also provides stable dispersions of polymers in polyols and polyurethane formulations containing stable dispersions made by the process of the present invention. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for one power connection for the wireless modem and a DC-to-DC converter for the modem component power. The gas evaporationheating apparatus is arranged in heat transfer connection with the cooling medium circuit of the vessel through an intermediate flow circuit. In some embodiments of the present invention, an insulated conductive particle includes a conductive particle with insulating microparticles bound thereto, wherein the insulating microparticles include a hard particle region and a soft functional resin region, and wherein the soft functional resin region includes a functional group capable of binding a metal.