Abstract: A method to prevent email voters from revealing their true choices by using personal voting codes (PVC) in casting their ballots, particularly email absentee ballots. In one embodiment of the invention, voters enter sequential numbers to fill-out the available alternatives for each question on the ballot; for example, Mr. Bush, 3; Mr. Edwards, 4; Mr. Buchanan, 5 . . . ” and so on. If bystanders are in the vicinity of the voter when the ballot is being completed, they would not be able to determine the voter's choice because they would be unable to discern the choice from the markings on the ballot; because of the use of personal voting codes, only the voter would know that the voter's candidate of choice is tagged with their PVC. In a particular example, the voter may have entered the number five (5) as a decision-making mark (a.k.a. PVC), which s/he later uses in the ballot to select the candidate of her/his choice (Mr. Buchanan in the example).

Abstract: A method to improve precinct privacy can be achieved after a successful voter verification process, by using the computerized list (as defined by HAVA), if we extract the voter's voting code and then secretly and securely load it into the device (smart card) required by the voting equipment to guarantee that the voter can cast his/her vote only once. Once the voting equipment gets the voting code, the voter can type sequential numbers to fill-out the available alternatives for each question on the ballot; for example, Mr. Bush, 3; Mr. Edwards, 4; Mr. Buchanan, 5 . . . and so on. Hence only the voter and the voting equipment would know what the voter's selections were even if a camera or recording device was used. If a paper verification printer is required, the printer output, even though visible, would not disclose the voting code. It would still hold all the required information for a paper recount.

Abstract: A method to prevent absentee voters from revealing their true choices by using personal voting codes (PVC) in casting their ballots, particularly absentee paper ballots. In one embodiment of the invention, voters write down sequential numbers to fill-out the available alternatives for each question on the ballot; for example, Mr. Bush, 3; Mr. Edwards, 4; Mr. Buchanan, 5 . . .” and so on. If bystanders are in the vicinity of the voter when the ballot is being completed, they would not be able to determine the voter's choice because they would be unable to discern the choice from the markings on the ballot; because of the use of personal voting codes, only the voter would know that the voter's candidate of choice is tagged with their PVC. In a particular example, the voter may have entered the number five (5) as a decision-making mark (a.k.a. PVC), which s/he later uses in the ballot to select the candidate of her/his choice (Mr. Buchanan in the example).

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the security of containers and the goods within them and for tracking a shipping container from its origin to its destination. A shipping container uses a breach containment system comprising a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, a status record and a plurality of conductors to detect any breach of the shipping container structure. The conductors are embedded in, or applied to, the structures that form the shipping container and are connected a processor. The processor maintains a local timer. Upon the sealing of the shipping container, the conductors form circuits and the local timer contributes a time value to the status record. An open circuit condition experienced by circuits formed by the conductors causes the local timer to be reset and status record to be revised to reflect the revised time value. A monitoring station maintains a master timer that is synchronized with the local timer when the shipping container is sealed.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the security of containers and the goods within them and for tracking a shipping container from its origin to its destination. A shipping container uses a breach containment system comprising a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, a status record and a plurality of conductors to detect any breach of the shipping container structure. The conductors are embedded in, or applied to, the structures that form the shipping container and are connected a processor. The processor maintains a local timer. Upon the sealing of the shipping container, the conductors form circuits and the local timer contributes a time value to the status record. An open circuit condition experienced by circuits formed by the conductors causes the local timer to be reset and status record to be revised to reflect the revised time value. A monitoring station maintains a master timer that is synchronized with the local timer when the shipping container is sealed.

Abstract: A method and system to make a cyclone. Delivery of almost vertical sun energy to a water target area is accomplished using floating mirrors. One or more Floating Mirrors are suspended from balloons or alternatively place in orbit around the earth, and are parked and maintained at a given position above the earth using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Pluralities of Floating Mirrors can be utilized to extend the sun exposure time over a given target area. By heating a column of air using the present invention water evaporates causing a cyclone to form. The cyclone in combination with the evaporated water causes rain to fall in the area of the cyclone thus creating localized weather patterns. The cyclone forming mechanism produces fresh water from seawater and in effect can transport water to desired locations depending on meteorological conditions.

Abstract: The invention reduces the pressure differential between the eye and the body of a storm thereby degrading a storm. A pipeline with sealed ends is placed in a violent storm, with one end at the high-pressure body and one end at the low-pressure eye. Controllable valves open the pipeline once the low and high-pressure ends are above water level. Air from the high-pressure end flows through the pipeline to reach the eye of the storm thereby establishing equilibrium. Alternate embodiments decrease pressure differential by positioning storage tanks of compressed gasses to inject air or other gas into the eye or low-pressure region of the storm.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and system for conducting elections using a personal voting code enabled electronic device (PVCe-ballot) as the voting ballot. Voters maintain their vote selections in secrecy even if third parties observe vote casting. One or more computers or personal computers perform the functions of a pre-election computer, voting computer and an elections computer. Voters provide or enter voter verification information. If voter verification matches that stored in the PVCe-ballot, the voter is allowed to enter voting codes. Election selections are marked as affirmative when an entered voting code matches a stored personal voting code. Optional security features include the use of party access codes and tamper detection circuitry.

Abstract: This invention provides a system that includes a plurality of voting PC, which allow the voters to cast a vote from home, office, public places or precinct without losing the secrecy, by casting a vote using Personal Voting Codes (PVC) and a voter Personal Identification Number (PIN) and an electronic ballot that store and read the vote in accordance with some access codes. The system further includes a plurality of results PCs, which tabulates the content of completed ballots with identical Party's Access Codes (PAC) in a manner that maintains the Voter's Identity (VI), PIN and PVC of the voters associated with the particular ballots, confidential. The system further include a plurality of PC with the PAC and VI to be removing; in a manner that only electronic ballots with identical PAC and VI will be deleted, this will facilitates the challenge of ineligible votes and the correction of erroneous votes.

Abstract: A network audio-link alarm monitoring system for sensing the sound from triggered alarms and reporting the arm to alarm authorities. The system and method of the invention relies on the aural sound produced from alarms that have been triggered. The system, implemented on a PC or other processor on premises, differentiates the sound coming from different alarms, characterizes the sound as from a particular alarm via FFT processing and reports the alarm over the Internet, public switched telephone, or other communication link to a central station which then reports the alarm to the alarm authority. In another embodiment, the reporting of the alarm is done directly by the PC at the residence or business to the alarm authority over the Internet or other communication link.

Abstract: A raising siphon for transferring fluids from a lower level to a higher level. The raising siphon works on the principal of increasing and/or decreasing the molecular size of fluids being transferred. Larger molecules are less dense than smaller molecules of the same type. Molecular manipulation occurs by the application of electrical current, magnetic flux and application of heat. When molecular expansion is applied to the intake column of fluid conduit, or siphon, a fluid flow from the intake column to the out take column is induced. Similarly when a molecular contraction force is applied to the out take column of a fluid conduit, a fluid flow is induce in the direction of the out take column. When the out take column outlet is at a higher level than the intake fluid level, an upward siphoning action is induced. Fluid flow therefore occurs in an upward direction.

Abstract: A TV viewer is presented various offers for products and services displayed on his TV screen. Pre-obtained unique product and service codes are generated by the TV program during the offers. The viewer has a remote control device for indicating his acceptance of an offer. An audio beep corresponding to the unique code is transmitted by the program along with the offer. This beep is picked up by a microphone and is transmitted, along with the remote control acceptance indication, by a transmitter located at the viewer's location to a nearby repeater station. The transmitted signal is data including an identification of the viewer's location as well as the accepted offer code. This data is relayed to a nearby repeater station and then to a central data collection station where the acceptance is processed.

Abstract: A wide range interactive two way communication video system operable nation-wide over satellite links has comprehensive local data processing stations for network subscribers that give a wide range of choices for customizing system features. In particular the system is soft-ware controlled by a programmable computer that comprehensively interconnects one or more interactive features or modes of operation in a local subscriber's unit that may be licensed to or chosen by individual subscribers. Such optionally selected features include data bases, audience response, instantaneous purchase and billing, channel and program selections, restructuring of system operation, and video games. Multiple slot software capability for receiving chips, discs or other software storage units are provided for customizing data bases, fiscal transactions, access to network facilities and remote stations, operational menus and program selection menus from broadcast, and cable or satellite communications.

Abstract: Encrypted communications ensure privacy of communications point-to-point in a network of interactive video stations interconnected by a broadcast network. The encryption as a function of personal identity keys uniquely assigned to each station protects private communications both incoming and outgoing. Thus, a central facility having the only directory of the personal identity keys intercepts encrypted communications for reformatting and encrypting to redirect to a designated target station in the network. The keys are thus secured, and the broadcast communications are not readily analyzed for deriving sensitive data, or the communicating parties. In this manner financial transactions such as electronic payment from banks authorized in private communications with vendor stations are subject to intrusion and/or fraud.

Abstract: Movies and like video programs are distributed electronically from a program storage and processing center in encrypted format over a satellite channel upon custom order for private viewing of one paying subscriber or a small group of subscribers. Thus, charges may be shared to lower the processing, transmission and royalty costs involved for custom rental of unscheduled programs available from a large storage library facility. The transactions for ordering, paying and receiving a decryption key are made over a two-way interactive wireless satellite network in communication with a nationwide network of subscribers and the video program storage and distribution center. Software controlled subscriber stations permit the monitoring and control of the private viewing conditions to meet various copyright and recording criteria. The transmission is preferably in digital format, and thus may be easily stored in encrypted format for a single private viewing session at a time chosen by the subscriber.

Abstract: A network of local area audience response systems is coupled together at a central audience response processing station by a satellite communication system for real time audience response analysis, nationally or internationally. Each local area station and each response unit may be identified and verified by allocation of specific time slots for response preferably synchronously related to a TV picture program transmission carrying the audience questions to be answered. Wireless transmission of the question and answer signals in digital format of beeps of a single frequency keeps transmission channels narrow. The system may be operated in conjunction with TV broadcasting or independently.

Abstract: A network of local area audience response systems is coupled together at a central audience response processing station by means of a satellite communication system for real time audience response analysis, nationally or internationally. Each local area station and each response unit may be identified and verified by allocation of specific time slots for response, preferable synchronously related to a TV picture program transmission carrying the audience questions to be answered. Wireless transmission of the question and answer signals in digital format of beeps of a single frequency keep transmission channels narrow. The system may be operated in conjunction with TV broadcasting or independently.

Abstract: A network of local area audience response systems is coupled together at a central audience response processing station by means of a satellite communication system for real time audience response analysis, nationally or internationally. Each local area station and each response unit may be identified and verified by allocation of specific time slots for response, preferable synchronously related to a TV picture program transmission carrying the audience questions to be answered. Wireless transmission of the question and answer signals in digital format of beeps of a single frequency keep transmission channels narrow. The system may be operated in conjunction with TV broadcasting or independently.