Abstract: In an electronic transaction, the invention provides a process and system for blocking a user's account until a verifier verifies the identity of the user. The process comprises pre-enrolling the user and the user's personal communication device. Optionally, one or more of the user's accounts are enrolled. At the time a transaction is initiated, the verifier sends an identification verification request to the portable communication device of the person initiating the electronic-transaction. The person then verifies his/her identity as the user. Optionally, the user authorizes the amount of the transaction. Optionally, the verifier issues to the user a proxy transaction card which the user uses to initiate electronic transactions that will be billed to one of the user's pre-enrolled accounts. Using information obtained from the user's proxy transaction card, the retailer/merchant's bank opens a communications link to the verifier, and the verifier then verifies the user's identity.

Abstract: Structures built from square metal tubing and methods for their construction, wherein curved sections of square tubing are welded to substantially straight sections of metal tubing according to the design requirements of the structures. The curved components are stronger and lighter than equivalent components made by bending. In addition, the curved components can be manufactured in a much wider range of configurations, sizes and dimensions than equivalent components made by bending.

Abstract: The present invention is an exercise routine (ER) display system and method that can substitute as a trainer/therapist for the purpose of leading one or more users through a single exercise task or through an entire ER. The device displays a predetermined series of exercise tasks seriatim in a predetermined sequence, displaying each repetition of each task in the proper cadence according to a set of variable parameters that specify how each maneuver is to be displayed. Audible elements of the display count the repetitions or give cues for proper technique. Various other types of information are shown visually. The exercise maneuvers are displayed on a local display module that includes, in one embodiment, data processing components, data input/output components, display components, and sufficient long-term memory capacity to accommodate a large library of exercise maneuvers.

Abstract: A method of producing idiosyncratic electronic emissions fingerprints from an electronic device is disclosed wherein emissions produced by the electronic device are collected and converted into one or more digital electronic fingerprints. The method contemplates a variety of emissions, such as electromagnetic emissions (including radio frequency emissions) and vibrational emissions (including audio emissions). The emissions fingerprints of various types extracted from an electronic device can be combined into more complex emissions signatures, and/or they can be combined with conventional electronic fingerprints or other idiosyncratic identifying data. A drift-test method for compensation and correction of emissions fingerprint drift is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a framing component interconnecting device that is particularly useful for interconnecting a spanning member and its supporting components. While the device may be used in a number of ways to facilitate frame construction, the preferred mode of use is to pre-attach it at the bearing points of a spanning member during pre-assembly of the spanning member. Because the device is not obtrusive while it is in what is referred to herein as a “non-deployed configuration,” the device thus attached to a spanning member does not hinder or complicate storing, transporting, and handling the spanning member. The device incorporates an anchor strap and connecting flaps that can be deployed in order to interconnect the spanning member to its supporting component once the spanning member has been raised into position. In its deployed configuration, the device anchors, orients, braces, and interconnects one framing component to another.

Abstract: A swing-arm rack for storing and/or displaying hanging articles, the rack comprises a swing-arm that is pivotally attached by its upper terminus to a vertical support such that the swing-arm hangs substantially vertically in a folded configuration. The fixed terminus of a drop arm is pivotally attached to the lower end of the swing-arm. A flexible restraint is connected to the free end of the drop-arm. The opposing end of the flexible restraint passes through an aperture in the swing-arm and is secured against the outward surface of the swing-arm by a keeper. In a deployed configuration of the swing-arm rack, the drop arm is oriented substantially horizontally with its free end abutting the vertical support, thereby locking the bottom of the swing-arm away from the vertical support so that the hanging articles are more easily accessed. In a folded configuration of the swing-arm rack, the free end of the drop-arm is juxtaposed against the inward surface of the upper end of the swing-arm.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for simultaneously spacing and bracing adjacent framing components. The disclosed device is an elongate U-shaped spacing member having a pivot tongue extending from one end of the spacing member and a free tongue extending from the other end. The pivot tongue incorporates a pivot plate with a pivotable connection means, and a hinge. The free tongue incorporates an attachment means. Optionally, both or either tongue may incorporate a locking tab.

Abstract: A gas delivery system and method are disclosed in which a flow indicator is interposed between the distal end of a conduit connected to a gas source and a device for introducing the gas in the airway of an individual so that the individual, or some other person in visual contact with the individual, can easily determine whether or not gas is flowing through the system.

Abstract: A Computer Managed Learning System (CMLS) and process are provided by which an information database is produced by formatting the information to be learned into units; inputting the units of information into a computer system; storing the units of information in discrete locations on a storage media; and, assigning to each unit an Importance Rank, a provisional Individualized Difficulty Rank (IDR), a provisional Individualized Urgency Rank (IUR), a provisional Population Difficulty Rank (PDR) and a provisional Population Urgency Rank (PUR), which are also stored in discrete locations on storage media. When a student accesses the database, the student may elect to filter the units by specifying subject matter and/or ranges for IDR, Importance-rank and IUR, or combinations or permutations thereof. The system selects the appropriate units from the database according to the filtering criteria input by the student.

Abstract: A method and a device for repelling pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins) and boids (pythons, anacondas, boa constrictors) are disclosed whereby the snakes are irradiated with IR radiation having an appropriate wavelength and intensity to stimulate the IR-receptors of the snakes, thereby “jamming” the IR-receptors and/or producing an inimical electromagnetic environment that the snakes cannot tolerate.

Abstract: In a beverage tap of the kind used in ale houses, pubs and restaurants, a tap-handle-assembly extension is provided that facilitates the operation of the tap with one hand so that the server can easily fill two receptacles from two taps simultaneously without wasting beverage. Disclosed embodiments include an extension that may be reversibly retrofitted to an existing tap, an extension that is incorporated into the structure of a tap handle, and an extension that is connected to and contiguous with an upper retaining nut.