Abstract: This method provides a way for a user to alleviate feelings of fear, anxiety, helplessness, powerlessness, vulnerability, or other negative feelings that the user has toward another person with whom the user previously had an abusive relationship. Images of the other person and a deadly weapon, such as a knife or axe, are displayed. The user moves the images so that the weapon appears to harm the other person. Unless the negative feelings of the user are ascertained to be reduced by a predetermined amount, the process is repeated. The procedure thus transforms the user in a manner such that at least partial catharsis or discharge of negative cathexis occurs, but without the user believing consciously that the user's simulated actions actually harmed the other person as acted out. A preferred embodiment carries out this procedure by computer means, such as a PC or handheld portable device.

Abstract: A closed loop system and method for extracting geothermal are disclosed. They do not fracture subterranean rock structures or let fluid into the structures or extract fluid from them, thereby lessening the risk of causing seismic disturbances and pollution of groundwater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing security in issuing and redeeming gaming tickets is described in which a machine-readable indicium (preferably barcoding) is embodied in a payout ticket from a gaming machine. When the ticket is presented for redemption, the machine-readable indicium is read automatically (preferably by a barcode reader), to provide electronic signals which are then processed electronically to determine whether the ticket is genuine (valid). In a preferred embodiment, a barcode reader reads from a ticket a validation number which if genuine is a predetermined function of a payout amount and one or more other parameters barcoded on the ticket; an electronic processing unit then determines whether the barcoded data is related according to the predetermined function.