Abstract: An airbag inflation apparatus includes a chamber for generating a gas to inflate an airbag. A valve, including a magnetic fluid and a source of magnetic field, preferably an electromagnet, is associated with the chamber for regulating the flow of the gas into the airbag. A sensor determines and feeds occupant information to the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using biometric information to control access to digital media that is obtained over a network such as the Internet. Encryption, techniques are used in combination with biometric verification technology to control and monitor access to online or locally held media. Biometrics such as keystroke dynamics are measured at a user's computer to confirm the identity of a user for the purpose of allowing the user to audit music files to which the user has authorized access.

Abstract: A device for generating power includes a fluid including magnetic particles. A source magnetizes the fluid thereby inducing rotations in the magnetic particles for creating a magnetic flux. The rotations of the magnetic particles induce an electromagnetic force in a coil associated with the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for engaging and folding the limbs of a tree in a tree baling apparatus features opening and closing by means of concentric part circular tubes of a frame. When gaps of the nested tubes are in alignment, a tree trunk can be received within the frame then closed in by rotating the gaps out of alignment. The closed ring, horizontally engaged about a tree, is then drawn upwardly deflecting the limbs of the tree into a folded configuration for tying. No pivot arms are used as in conventional equipment, avoiding the problems of wear and distortion at pivot linkages.

Abstract: A method of antagonizing inhibition effects of alcohol on cell adhesion is disclosed comprising contacting a cell-adhesion molecule expressing cell with an effective amount of a compound, wherein the compound comprises an alcohol selected from the group consisting of 3-pentanol, 2-pentanol, cyclopentanol, 4-methyl-1-pentanol, 2-methyl-2-pentanol, and 2,6-diisopropylphenol.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing or obstructing a person from negotiating a transaction with another person, group, or entity in a population, includes verifying and crosschecking the identity of the person and the status of the national identification card carried by the person, as a prerequisite to negotiating or entering into a transaction, such as purchasing an airline ticket. The identity of the person is verified and crosschecked by using a biometric characteristic unique to that person. If an irregularity is found during the verification or crosscheck, or if the identification card is found to be invalid or expired, the person is prevented or obstructed from negotiating that or any subsequent transaction with any other person, group or entity in the population.

Abstract: A personal transport vehicle includes a frame with front and rear suspensions. The front suspension supports a front wheel and the rear suspension supports a rear wheel for up and down movement relative to the frame. A manual drive assembly is operably connected to the frame, and a separate power drive assembly forms a part of the rear suspension. The vehicle can be used by pedal power only, motor power only, or a combination of pedal and motor powers.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing or obstructing a person from negotiating a transaction with another person, group, or entity in a population, includes verifying and crosschecking the identity of the person and the status of the national identification card carried by the person, as a prerequisite to negotiating or entering into a transaction, such as purchasing an airline ticket. The identity of the person is verified and crosschecked by using a biometric characteristic unique to that person. If an irregularity is found during the verification or crosscheck, or if the identification card is found to be invalid or expired, the person is prevented or obstructed from negotiating that or any subsequent transaction with any other person, group or entity in the population.

Abstract: A web structure includes a generally hexahedron-shaped frame having a plurality of points or vertices oriented in a manner that no more than three points lie in a common plane. Each pair of the points is connected by a line or frame segment and a plane includes three of the points. One line or frame segment passes through the plane and has first and second ends that are generally equidistant from the plane.

Abstract: A synthetic tetrapeptide having an amino acide sequence, Glycine-Proline-Arginine-Proline (GPRP) has pro-inflammatory effects on human fibroblastic cells, including synovial cells. An amide analog of GPRP is ineffective in inducing, or effective in causing a loss of, pro-inflammatory effects.

Abstract: A new process for recovery of Low Sodium Salt from bittern has been described in the present invention, the said process comprising desulphatation of bittern (by-product of salt industry), evaporation of bittern in solar pans and processing of solid mixture with water to produce a mixture of sodium and potassium chlorides and optionally preparing “free flowing” and iodized, by known techniques.

Abstract: A method and system for packet ordering in a multi-processor data processing system. The multi-processor system comprises an input queue, packet memory for storing the data packets, a series of packet processors with on-chip memory, an output queue, and an ordering buffer. The ordering buffer is provided to maintain strict packet order in the multi-processor system, where the packets are buffered in on-chip memory, but are not necessarily processed in order. The ordering buffer holds a pointer and completion flag for each packet being processed or already processed but not released to the output queue. The ordering buffer allows the data packets to be read from the on-chip memory in the packet processors regardless of the order in which the data packets are processed. A processed data packet is released to the output queue in order once the processing of earlier packets is completed.

Abstract: A formulation useful in the treatment of drug resistant bacterial infections comprising an effective amount of thymol obtained from the plant Trachyspermum ammi, mint oil containing an appropriate amount of monoterpenes obtained from a hybrid of Mentha spicata and Mentha arvensis, and conventional additives. A method for producing the formulation by mixing the above ingredients and a method for the treatment of drug resistance in a patient by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the formulation.

Abstract: A readily portable dumbell or barbell for exercising and weight training is provided in which weight units on an elongated handle comprise front and rear end plates interconnected by a collapsible/expandible fluid receptacle in the form of a resilient bellows. The weight unit is lengthened and expanded when fluid is added and is shortened and decreased in volume when fluid is removed. Calibration means are provided for visually indicating the weight of the unit corresponding to the longitudinal spacing between the front and end plates of the unit. In a preferred embodiment, a visually readable measurement of weight is provided by means for a graduated bar insert which extends slidably within the hollow handle of the dumbell or barbell and moves therealong with expansion or contraction of the water-filled bellows.