Abstract: A method and system for biometric-secure online selling, buying and bill paying in electronic commerce and retail point-of-sale settings that also simplifies the checkout process and eliminates fraudulent transactions. The system relies on an exchange service provider (ESP) that hosts multiple servers: one implementing a web portal for secure online banking, auctions and other exchange opportunities, another being a biometric fingerprint device authenticating database, and yet another being a transaction traffic manager. Participating banks and supporting institutions distribute and activate Secure Individual Identity Devices (SIIDs) to registered users, each SIID being a portable biometric activated identification device that locally stores a fraction of the enrolled users fingerprint (minutia) along with an encrypted code that is used to verify and authenticate the user, eliminating the use of personal or financial information for this purpose.

Abstract: Provided is a waterfowl decoy that includes a suction bottom main body in combination with a removable keel. The main body includes extensions on the bottom that are within the cavity, and the keel includes corresponding slots to slideably engage the extensions. The keel also includes a hollow ballast section with an opening for insertion of desired ballast material. The keel is brought into contact with the bottom of the main body and the extensions are slid into the slots. This invention allows for quick, selectable attachment or removal of the keel in the field. The keel also includes a structure for the attachment and wrapping of an anchor cord.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling a vehicle, including a fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a fluid passing over the fluid contact surface; and a support structure coupled to the fluid contact surface. The support structure is constructed and arranged to expand or contract between a first position and a second position, such that a first dimension of the support structure changes during movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position, while a second dimension of the support structure remains substantially constant during the movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.

Abstract: A gun case having a waterproof outer shell and an oil impregnated inside fabric liner, and conjoined sidelong and end access openings that allow the gun case to be quickly turned inside out and hung for cleaning and/or drying. Secure fold-over VELCRO® closure flaps are provided for both openings to solidly retain the gun within the gun case and to prevent accidental opening and release of the gun. Padding is disposed between the patterned outer shell fabric and inner liner to cushion the gun as it is transported, and to maintain the buoyancy of the gun case so that it floats even with a gun contained therein.

Abstract: A method for making a hydraulically applied mulch using a natural biofiber material preferably comprising of 100% cotton byproduct or a mixture of cotton byproducts and other biomaterials selected such as, hay, grass, kenaf, straw, coconut, bamboo, hemp, bagasse and plant residue (cereal grains, rice, soybeans, grass seed, wood, sawdust, wood pulp, paper, or mixtures thereof). These fibers bear a natural waxy coating. The method includes the optional step of introducing the shredded biofiber composition into a first steaming chamber to stem the biofiber composition, followed by shredding the biofiber composition, and then introducing the shredded biofiber composition into a second steaming chamber to steam, break down and create porosity in the waxy coating of the fibers causing the fibers to become more hydrophilic. The biofibers are steamed followed by drying causing them to curl or physically deform.

Abstract: A universal spark gap electrode with inner conductor formed as an elongate rod, an insulative sheath fit over the inner conductor, and an inner electrode tip soldered or brazed into the inner conductor. The inner conductor passes through an adapter and into an annular base with a spark gap cage and second electrode tip mounted thereon. The adapter is equipped with a molded annular jacket-type adapter mounted exteriorly thereon for engagement with the connecting receptacle of a lithotripsy machine. The annular base has a double-threaded collar that couples over the insulative sheath, and the adapter body screw-couples over the threaded collar of the annular base. This, the annular base, adapter body and insulative sheath are screw-coupled together in a coaxial configuration.

Abstract: A voting booth that is easily transported between a polling-facility and a storage facility, easy to set up, and efficiently stored with other voting booths when not in use. The voting booth comprises an inclined private semi-enclosure and a leg assembly in a nesting configuration. The leg assembly optionally includes a plurality of casters. The voting booth components are configured to allow modular grouping and nesting with voting booths of like construction. The voting booth is light-weight and has a high degree of mobility. The nesting ability provides for efficient storage by minimizing the space needed to store multiple voting booths.

Abstract: A styrene reduction agent that effectively and economically reduces styrene emissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe, closed molding processes. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. Capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a transtibial or transfemoral (above or below the knee) prosthesis. The anchoring system includes a liner for enveloping an amputee limb. The liner has a first strap attached toward an upper end, and a corresponding strap fixedly attached to the distal bottom end of the liner. The anchoring system also includes a containment socket for seating the liner. The containment socket has a pair of slots there through at positions corresponding to the two straps of the liner, respectively. To apply the anchoring system, the patient first applies the liner to his/her limb. The liner is then inserted into the socket with the two fastening straps protruding out through the respective slots. The patient pulls down on the lower strap thereby drawing the liner down into the socket until the liner is securely seated in the socket. When fully seated, the two fastening straps are overlayed and secured to themselves by Velcro™. The foregoing forms a suspension which holds the prosthesis on.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses using both VPEA and fixed load energy absorbers (FLEAs) that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed. A semi-active control absorption system, comprising a VPEA and FPEA configured to work in series, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A software system and method for monitoring and tracking print transaction event history for a pipeline users, devices, applications and documents in a network environment. The system employs a substitute print driver that comprises the original OEM Print Driver installed at each client or server PC, and at each target output device, wrapped with installed “agent” software. This agent software combined with the original OEM print driver performs the following functions: 1) monitors document origination, generation, acquisition and destination metrics to and from the network pipeline of User(s) and Device(s) connected to the print server; 2) sends data to a data store which the customer and/or dealer controls, and 3) provides content management functionality of document delivery.

Abstract: A fire protection system for homes and other structures including a pliable multi-layered shroud of fire-resistant material having an inflatable support structure embedded therein. The inflatable support structure includes a web of inflatable channels for rapid deployment from a folded configuration to an inflated configuration in which the fire-resistant material partially envelops a structure. The shroud is packed in an enclosure having a bi-fold top panel for ease of access. The enclosure also has one or more air hose couplings to which the inflatable support structure is connected for rapid inflation and deployment out of the enclosure. A plurality of tethers are also provided as tie-downs, which anchor the heat resistant shroud. The system affords ample rapid deployment protection from neighboring fires and heat exposure therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treatment of tumors comprising administering to subject bearing a tumor an effective amount of at least one agent that decreases the [GSH]2/[GSSG] ratio in the malignant cells of said tumor, wherein said at least one agent is administered continuously to said patient for a period of time within the range of from about 15 to about 75 hours.

Abstract: A system and method for secure internet access by children that assigns each child a Safe Card with integral fingerprint scanner, plus an intelligent USB card reader for biometric-secure internet access. Both the Safe Card and card reader/docking station have device ID numbers. At registration each child is assigned a user ID, and a registration record is compiled including user ID, device IDs and photo data. Parents author a parental ruleset for their child which is associated with the registration record. The child activates their Safe Card by an initial fingerprint scan, and can then access the Internet from any web-enabled computer simply by plugging the card reader/docking station into the computer's USB port, inserting their Safe Card, and scanning their fingerprint. This authenticates the child, pre-loads the parental control ruleset and gives the child-user a restricted safe and secure but full internet experience.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a transtibial or transfemoral (above or below the knee) prosthesis. The anchoring system includes a liner for enveloping an amputee limb. The liner has a first strap releasably secured to the fabric of the liner by a reinforcement plate that has a particular molded hook backing that removably adheres to the liner in such a way as to still provide a secure anchor for the buckle. The liner also has a second strap fixedly attached to the distal bottom end of the liner. The anchoring system also includes a containment socket for seating the liner. The containment socket has a pair of slots there through at positions corresponding to the two straps of the liner, respectively. To apply the anchoring system, the patient first applies the liner to his/her limb. The liner is then inserted into the socket with the two fastening straps protruding out through the respective slots.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the properties of blood using ultrasound. The present invention is particularly suitable for measuring HCT, HGB, MCV, RBC, MCHC, MCH or TPC of blood.

Abstract: A fluid contact surface actuation system for a vehicle, including a first fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a first fluid passing over the first fluid contact surface; and a first fluid actuator coupled to the first fluid contact surface to move the first fluid contact surface between a first position and a second position to enable control of the vehicle in a predetermined manner, the first fluid actuator having a first resilient bladder that receives a second fluid such that pressure of the second fluid moves the first bladder between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.