Abstract: A memorabilia registry system in which information regarding an item, such as the signer, a list of all signers, or authentication of signature, is initially entered into the registry with a time stamp and additional information about the item may also be added over the life of the item. The information in the registry can provide authentication of an item's past and can be useful in establishing the chain of title. One method of authenticating a signature is through the use of a biometric pen. The biometric pen authenticates the “way” something is signed (i.e. the multi-dimensional data captured from the pen's tilt, speed, pressure all over time, date of signing, time of signing, specific pen used to sign, etc.) rather than the “image” of the signature, making it much more difficult to counterfeit.

Abstract: A compact Keplerian optical system includes a telescope having an image-rotator (Pechan roof prism pair), and an eyepiece and objective lens operative to form an intermediate image plane within the image-rotator, thereby decreasing the overall length. The objective lens optionally forms part of a replaceable cap, and plurality of replaceable caps may be provided, each with a different focal length to adjust for working distance. In the preferred embodiments, the eyepiece includes a singlet and a doublet lens to minimize eyestrain, and the objective lens includes a doublet and singlet field lens operative to increase depth of field and field of view. A practical implementation includes a pair of the telescopes, one for each eye of a user. Such a configuration may take the form of loupes mounted relative to eyeglass frames for surgical, medical or dental viewing applications.

Abstract: A method and system for securely transmitting data from a sender to a receiver wherein a private lock is created by a receiver. The private lock is freely distributable while the key remains with the receiver. To receive encrypted data, the lock is sent to the sender who uses the lock to encrypt data. The sender sends the encrypted data to the receiver. When the receiver receives the encrypted data, he can decipher the message using his own key. In cases where there are multiple intended recipients, each recipient sends their lock to the sender and the sender encrypts the same data with each of the locks. The sender then sends the encrypted data to each of the recipients. Each recipient uses their own key to access the data. In some instances, the locks will be recognizable and each receiver will be able to identify his own lock while in other instances the locks will not be recognizable and the user will not know how many locks are on the data or the types of locks that are being used.

Abstract: This present invention includes a method for capturing and transmitting data captured from a writing instrument in a secure manner. More specifically, the biometric information collected from the pen is coupled with at least one additional data point for encryption. The user initially uses the pen to create a signature which is converted into an encrypted reference value in accordance with the present invention. When authentication is desired, the user uses the same or similar pen to create a signature which again is converted into an encrypted data value. Thereafter, the encrypted reference value is compared to the encrypted data value to determine if the values substantially match. There is not need to retain the original reference signature, thereby enhancing the security of the overall system.

Abstract: A magnetic spinal implant device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes: a first piece configured to be implanted into a patient and coupled to the patient's spine, wherein the first piece includes a recessed portion; a first magnet coupled to the first piece; a second piece configured to be implanted into the patient and juxtaposed with the first piece, wherein the second piece includes a base portion surrounding a raised portion, wherein the raised portion is configured to be at least partially received within the recessed portion of the first piece so as to facilitate alignment of the first and second pieces; and a second magnet coupled to the second piece, wherein the first magnet exerts a desired magnetic force on the second magnet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for selling food to customers wherein nutritional information such as calories, fat content, carbohydrate content, etc., for a meal ordered by the customer is automatically accessed from a memory and thereafter provided to the customer.

Abstract: A compact Keplerian optical system includes a telescope having an image-rotator (Pechan roof prism pair), and an eyepiece and objective lens operative to form an intermediate image plane within the image-rotator, thereby decreasing the overall length. The objective lens optionally forms part of a replaceable cap, and plurality of replaceable caps may be provided, each with a different focal length to adjust for working distance. In the preferred embodiments, the eyepiece includes a singlet and a doublet lens to minimize eyestrain, and the objective lens includes a doublet and singlet field lens operative to increase depth of field and field of view. A practical implementation includes a pair of the telescopes, one for each eye of a user. Such a configuration may take the form of loupes mounted relative to eyeglass frames for surgical, medical or dental viewing applications.

Abstract: A commercial refrigerator cabinet is illuminated by fluorescent lamps which are located closely behind insulated glass doors for closing the cabinet. Each lamp is located behind a reflector and is at least partially enclosed by a clear plastic lens having multiple facets on its inner side. The reflector and the lens cause the light emitted from the lamp to reflect and refract in such a manner as to distribute the light substantially uniformly on products located at various distances from the lamp and to reduce glare in the immediate vicinity of the lamp.

Abstract: A telemicroscopic lens configuration for high quality optical imaging applications which provides high magnification of a work area with a wide field of view. The telemicroscopic lens configuration is a Galilean-type configuration having a positive-power objective lens and a negative-power eyepiece lens separated by an air space. The focal length of the objective lens and the air space distance are optimized to provide the magnification and overall effective focal length of the instrument. The focal length of the eyepiece lens is chosen so that the object being magnified appears in front of the viewer. Different lens materials are selected to minimize polychromatic aberrations. The shape of the objective lens, including radius of curvature and thickness of each lens element, is optimized to minimize monochromatic aberrations, which principally include spherical aberration and coma.

Abstract: An optical multi-channel data communication link transmits data from a transmitter to a remote receiver. The link includes a multimode laser diode source connected to the transmitter, a device for modulating the source with each channel of data to generate a modulated light wave, and a wavelength division multiplexing device at the transmitter. The wavelength division multiplexing device has paraxial optics for multiplexing the light waves to produce a multiplexed signal. Multimode fiber optic means are connected to the multiplexer and pass the multiplexed signal to the remote receiver. A wavelength division multiplexer has paraxial optics for demultiplexing the multiplexed signals at the receiver to produce demultiplexed light waves. Each of the demultiplexed light waves are converted for use by the receiver.

Abstract: A multiwavelength sensor for sensing light scattered from a scattering medium includes a light source, a uniform broadband reflection grating at the Littrow position, a fiber, and a detector. Light from the source is incident on the grating, which diffracts the light. The fiber has a first end into which the light diffracted from the grating is received and has a second end from which the light exits, the fiber being positioned so that the light is incident upon and scattered from the scattering medium. At least some of the light scattered from the medium is scattered back into the second end and out of the first end and incident upon the diffraction grating. Light out of the first end and diffracted from the grating is incident on the detector. The system is fully transparent so that light traveling toward the second end and light traveling back toward the first end are optically isolated and cross-talk is substantially nonexistent.