Abstract: Processes, systems and databases are provided for plant selection. The processes may include providing a database of plant species and eliminating a portion of the plant species based on at least two search criteria including a user's desired climate zone or location plant cultivation, plant size, plant type, plant leaf type/shape, plant form/habit, plant primary attributes, parcel growing conditions, and desired characteristics. At least one image of the plant species meeting the search criteria may be displayed wherein the image has sufficient resolution to distinguish among different plant species.

Abstract: An ocean tide energy conversion system is disclosed which uses incoming and outgoing tidal flows into a flume with a power wheel and power increaser to furnish power to a turbine pump to lift ocean water into an elevated holding reservoir. Electrical energy is produced when the water in the reservoir flows through a penstock to operate a generator before it is returned to the ocean. This system is completely operated by tidal flows.

Abstract: A method for preventing unauthorized installation of application software is disclosed wherein application software is distributed with a user-readable permanent password, one or more user-readable one-time disposable password, and a hidden password (hidden from users but accessible by the setup program). When the setup program is run, the user must enter the permanent password and disposable password(s). The setup program sends these passwords and the target computer serial number to a remote server which verifies their validity, stores the serial number, and returns a complex password and a new disposable password from a remote passwords folder stored on the remote server. The setup program displays the new disposable password to the user who records it for use in future installations. The complex password is used to enable installation of the software, and it is deleted after installation is complete.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed with at least two partitions and a set of switches to separately enable and disable read and write operations to each of the partitions, wherein read and/or write operations for at least one of the partitions is disabled when the data storage device is accessible by one or more potentially malicious processes. In one embodiment, there are five partitions for (1) operating systems and trusted applications, (2) applications from non-trusted sources, (3) confidential data, (4) non-confidential data, and (5) all other data. A mode switch can be used to enable and disable reading and writing for each of the partitions according to a predetermined set of rules that effectively prevent viruses and other malware from altering or accessing programs and data.

Abstract: A system for reducing congestion on a roadway is provided. Selected lengths of selected normal lanes of a roadway are divided into two commuter lanes, distinctive lane markings identify the commuter lanes, and selected lengths of selected lanes are dynamically designated as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes. In order to dynamically change lane configurations, a set of indicators can be provided as lane markers together with a control system to alter particular lane configurations between normal lanes and commuting lanes both cyclically according to a preprogrammed schedule and dynamically in response to sensed vehicle traffic volume, unusual events such as accidents, weather, and so on. A commuter vehicle is required for use on commuter lanes. A typical commuter vehicle weighs less than 650 lbs., has at least three wheels, an enclosed seating compartment, and a low center of gravity with at least one occupant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-smoke extractor including a housing defining a number of air holes, a bottom plate detachably secured to the housing and a sterilization and deodorization device seated in a receiving space jointly defined by the housing and the bottom plate. The sterilization and deodorization device includes two lamp supports fixed to the front plate, a pair of lamp holders respectively secured to the lamp supports, at least one nano photocatalyst lamp disposed between the lamp holders, a sterilization lampshade fixed to the lamp supports and an axial flow fan corresponding to one of the air holes in the front plate. When the oil-smoke extractor stops running, the sterilization and deodorization device is powered and begins to work. The kitchen air flows into and out of the oil-smoke extractor via the air slots and the air holes.

Abstract: A mobile practice target is described, which includes a framework comprising a base support and at least one substantially vertical support extending above the base support and an angled support above the vertical support, together with a pocket comprising a resilient material having at least one front opening parallel to the vertical support capable of receiving a football propelled from the horizontal direction, and a top opening parallel to the angled support for receiving a propelled football from above. A baffle is secured to the top of the front opening which can absorb the momentum of the propelled football and/or deflect the propelled football downward into the pocket. A mobility means associated with the base support is provided to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target. The mobile practice target captures and contains propelled footballs and prevents them from bouncing out of the pocket when traversing the front opening.

Abstract: An air pressure sensor (2) for a vehicle tire warning system includes a tubular housing (21) defining a chamber (218), an air pressure actuating device seated in the chamber and being moveable back and forth in the chamber in response to air pressure change in the vehicle tire, and a switch device to electrically connect a high air pressure warning circuit or a low air pressure warning circuit under the drive of the air pressure actuating device. The chamber of the tubular housing is communicated to the atmosphere via a connecting pipe (29).

Abstract: Four wide frames are fixed to a vertical axis. The frames have horizontal bars ten centimeters apart. On each horizontal bar, a sheet of cloth twenty centimeters high and as wide as the frame is hung such that the sheets of cloth are all on the same side of the frames so that when the wind blows from any direction, the windmill rotates in the same direction. For frames facing the wind direction, on one side of the axis, the wind will blow the sheets of cloth away from the frame, and the wind will pass through the frame. On the other side of the axis, the wind will blow the sheets of cloth, but the horizontal bars will stop them from blowing to the other side of the frame such that the sheets of cloth stick to the frame and prevent the wind from passing through. The frame on that other side will act like a big sail.

Abstract: A method of reducing congestion on a roadway is disclosed comprising dividing selected lengths of selected normal lanes of a roadway into two commuter lanes, providing distinctive lane markings to identify the commuter lanes, and dynamically designating selected lengths of selected lanes as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes. In order to dynamically change lane configurations, a set of indicators can be provided as lane markers together with a control system to alter particular lane configurations between normal lanes and commuting lanes both cyclically according to a preprogrammed schedule and dynamically in response to sensed vehicle traffic volume, unusual events such as accidents, weather, and so on. Commuter lanes are designated cyclically and dynamically in response to traffic conditions to increase the capacity of the affected road. Normal lanes are designated at other times.

Abstract: This invention protects the data on the hard disk from viruses and hackers by making it possible to turn off any head whether it is a read head or a write head of any arm of the hard disk by providing switches, so when we surf the Internet we turn off the read/write heads of the platter surface which contains the confidential data and we always turn off the write head of the platter surface which contains the Windows programs and other program files so the programs data are always protected and at the same time it is always readable, after we logoff the Internet we turn off the read/write heads of the platter surface used to save Internet data onto it thus we will never have any virus moving from this platter surface to the rest of the hard disk platters surfaces.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for safe and non-traumatic insertion of a nasogastric tube, said system comprises of a nasogastric tube and a curved rubber nasopharyngeal sheath, long enough to reach the hypopharynx from the nostrils. Said sheath has two longitudinal tear-off lines over its full length and two ringed handles to apply lateral pull traction. The diameter of both the tube and the sheath are such that the sheath can accommodate the nasogastric tube. This system can also be used in patients who are endotracheally intubated.