Abstract: A computer system which is configured to load executable programs. This configuration first accepts an operator defined key; withdraws an encrypted executable program from memory; and, using the operator defined key, decrypts the encrypted executable program into a functional executable program. It is this functional executable program which is used by the processing unit. During shutdown, each executable program is checked to see if it was derived from an encrypted executable program; those that aren't, are verified as being legitimate by the operator prior to their storage into the memory.

Abstract: A therapeutic clothing which directs a polarity of a permanent magnet into selected locations of the human to assist in healing of the human body. The permanent magnets are preferably thin members and are positioned to contact the skin of the user. The articles of clothing include a wide variety of apparel including: gloves, trousers, socks, brassieres, and kneepads.

Abstract: An electro-refining system in which the deposited metal is harvested without the need to remove the cathode from the slurry bath. The cathode has a hollow cavity permitting steam or hot water to be introduced to heat the cathode. During the deposition process, the heating of the cathode encourages the deposition process. When the deposited material is to be harvested, the cathode is heated to “melt” the bonds between the cathode and the deposited metal. Using a bracket which was installed before the deposition process and into which the deposited metal has been formed, the now-released sheet of deposited metal is easily removed.

Abstract: A filtering system which is secured to a traditional air register. The filter uses a flange adapted to encircle the outlet of the traditional air register. Connected to the flange is an air filtering material which collects the dust and pollen at the air register, before the air enters the room. In one embodiment of the invention, an electro-static charge is used by the filtering material to assist in the collection of the dust and pollen. To assist the user in determining when the filter system should be replaced, the air flow pushes a flag; hence as the air flow decreases as the filter becomes clogged, the location of the flag notifies the user that the air filter system should be replaced. While a hook-and-loop fastener is sometimes used to secure the filter to the air register, the preferred embodiment uses a releasable adhesive.

Abstract: A composition which incorporates a metallic salt of fluoric acid is used as an additive for washing. When used in the “wash cycle”, the metallic salt of fluoric acid increases the cleaning affect of the detergent and also increases the “fluff” of the clothes. Application of the fluoric acid is through a variety of mechanisms including: direct deposit of a quantity of liquid dilute containing the fluoric acid; application of an absorbent material containing the fluoric acid within the wash; and, inclusion of the fluoric acid within the detergent.

Abstract: An infant inhaler in which the aerosol medication is communicated into a flexible bag. Using a mask, during inhalation, the medicated air within the flexible bag is drawn into the infant's lungs; exhalation from the infant is exhausted into the atmosphere. By watching the deflation of the flexible bag, the care-giver is appraised of the progress of the medication's inhalation. The entire assembly is held with one hand allowing the infant to be cradled in the other arm. Refilling of the flexible bag with ambient air is accomplished by inverting the apparatus which causes the valves therein to open and allow ambient air into the flexible bag. Refilling the flexible bag with medication is done using a single hand by pressing the aerosol bottle against the apparatus.

Abstract: A method to model the NMR signal and/or noise functions as stochastic processes. Locally relevant statistics for the signal and/or noise processes are derived directly from the set of individual coil images, in the form of array correlation matrices, by averaging individual coil image cross-products over two or more pixel locations. An optimal complex weight vector is computed on the basis of the estimated signal and noise correlation statistics. The weight vector is applied to coherently combine the individual coil images at a single pixel location, at multiple pixel locations, or over the entire image field of view (FOV).

Abstract: A valve apparatus in which moisture sensitive material controls the opening size of a water valve. The moisture sensitive material is placed in an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. As the material dries, the moisture sensitive material constricts to open a valve draining a timing reservoir so as to hasten the refreshing of moisture to the evaporative pad. In an alternative embodiment, this moisture sensitive material located in the evaporative pad is balanced against an identical moisture sensitive material located in a constantly moisturized pad. This balancing of the materials permits fine control of the moisture content in the evaporative pad.

Abstract: A valve operating on hydraulic pressure for the control of water being deposited onto evaporative pads located on a cool tower. The valve utilizes water flow to fill a basin or tank which is slowly being drained. When the tank is empty, a valve is opened that releases water to the evaporative cooling pads and also to the tank; when the tank is filled, the valve closes permitting the tank to slowly drain and repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A particle separator which separates particles based upon their relative densities or weights. The mixture of particles is deposited within a gas channel while a flow of gas, created by a gas flow amplifier, separates the material. The gas flow is sufficient to entrain the lighter/less dense particles; but is insufficient to entrain the heavier particles which are allowed to fall into a receptacle. The lighter entrained particles are directed to another receptacle or container.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a supply of adjustable water charged air is provided to the internal combustion engine. Water vapor is provided to the air stream through the use of an evaporative pad; this pad has an adjustable exposed surface area, thereby permitting the fine-tuning adjustment of the amount of humidity generated so as to maximize the efficiency of the engine. Additionally, a barometric valve adjusts the humid air stream and a heat-responsive valve provides additional air input depending on the altitude and ambient air temperature respectively.

Abstract: A device for the protection of a vehicle's windshield from heat, frost, rain, snow, and the like. The protector is preferably a layer of polyethylene which covers the outside of the windshield. The cover is held in place by two wings which are secured between the vehicle's doors and their frames. Placement of these wings within the door is facilitated through the use of handles or cords which attach to the wing and are long enough to permit the operator to keep their hand from the doorway during closure of the vehicle's door.

Abstract: A tower, or vertical shaft, equipped with a two stage evaporative cooler near the top. The chimney effect, in reverse, causes the cool air to flow by gravity down the tower. The air can be used for cooling and ventilating structures. In one embodiment of the invention, the ambient air flow is all that is required for the embodiment to operate and all reliance upon electrical energy is eliminated.

Abstract: A valve system for the finite control of abrasive media within an abrasive blasting environment. Two valves communicate in series: (i) to stop the flow of abrasive media when the deadman switch is deactivated; and (ii) to adjust the flow of abrasive media into the pressurized hose. The flow of abrasive media is controlled through a control panel housed in the blast handle at the blast site and/or through a control panel at the site of the blast generator.

Abstract: A knock-down or collapsible article of furniture which, in a disassembled state, utilizes some of its components to interlock and create a storage package for the remainder of the components. In the disassembled state, two side panels operate in conjunction with a support member and a locking key to create a box or envelope that holds the remaining pieces of the article of furniture.