Abstract: A portable resistance training apparatus for use in exercise routines is described in this patent application. According to the principles of the embodiments of the present invention, a portable resistance training device comprising: an integral elongated cylindrical unit capable of accepting a piston for doing work on a compressible fluid where the force to drive the piston is supplied from without; an elongated rod whose movement is controlled by adduction or abduction exercise routines; valve means for controlling the flow of air from the internal volume of the cylindrical unit thereby controlling the amount of force supplied by the user, and monitoring means for safe training.

Abstract: A protective shield 2 for protecting the operable part of a working hand comprises multiple finger sleeves and a palm shield. The sleeves being composed of hydrophobic polymeric or other materials coated or otherwise laden with disinfecting or pharmaceutical agents for destroying disease causing virus inter alia. The hand protector being designed to be attached separately or in a sheath in a non-obtrusive position on the users body such that only the hand to be protected is required to employ the hand protector for use.

Abstract: A Barkhausen probe includes a magnetizing field generator, a magnetoresistive magnetic field sensor, a direct current power supply for biasing the magnetoresistive magnetic field sensor and signal conditioning electronics. The Barkhausen probe is capable of generating and sensing the Barkhausen noise emanating from the surface of a cyclic magnetized specimen. The conditioned Barkhausen noise output of the signal conditioning electronics is usable as input to various analysis systems where textural analysis of the material can be performed.

Abstract: A Barkhausen probe comprising a magnetizing field generator, a magnetoresistive magnetic field sensor, a direct current power supply for biasing the magnetoresistive magnetic field sensor and signal conditioning electronics is described. The Barkhausen probe being capable of generating and sensing the Barkhausen noise emanating from the surface of a cyclic magnetized specimen. The conditioned Barkhausen noise output of the signal conditioning electronics being usable as input to various analysis systems where textural analysis of the material can be performed.