Abstract: Apparatus for identifying the persons participating in an encounter, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered human individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing local images of an individual and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals whose identifying information is stored in the database. The identifying information stored in the database includes at least one image of a unique, visually observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The accuracy of user identification is enhanced by allowing the sender of information to supply visual content which modulates the appearance of a biologic identifier of the user. Utilization of the system for the document of critical encounters such as medical events is provided.

Abstract: A system and methods of maintaining communication with a medical device for exchange of information, instructions, and programs, in a highly reliable manner. Apparatus and methods for accomplishing this task include: 1) The inclusion of a locating device in the system, in close proximity to an implanted device, but which does not drain the implanted device battery. The locating device may be implanted or external to the body. 2) The use of motion detection and global positioning system devices to locate elements within a communicating system for the medical device; 3) The assessment of received signal quality by elements of the system; 4) The use of a notification system for a device user who is moving out of range of communications; and 5) Documenting the absolute and functional integrity of instructions received by the medical device.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying a person who wishes to receive information, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing images of an individual requesting information, and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals. The stored identifying information includes images of a unique, observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The specificity of the identification process is enhanced by storing registered examples of altered biological information in the database, by allowing the information provider to induce an alteration in a biologic identifier of a requesting person at the time of the request, and by comparing the altered requesting person information to stored information.

Abstract: Methods for managing a hazardous fluid within a pipeline and within a storage facility, and in particular for managing a potential or actual leak of the hazardous fluid. Such methods include the detection of such an event by one or more sensors, and the containment and the mitigation of the event.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for identifying and managing a requesting person who wishes to access information in a computer memory, calls for capturing local images of the requesting person and determining whether this person is the same as one of the registered persons whose identifying information is stored in a database. Identifying information stored in the database pertains to at least one visually observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered person. The accuracy of requesting person identification enhanced by allowing the access grantor of information to provide visual content which modulates the appearance of the biologic identifier of the requesting person. An identified human gatekeeper further hardens the system against inappropriate access. Utilization of the system for the documentation of encounters such as medical and other events is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying a person who wishes to receive information, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing images of an individual requesting information, and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals. The stored identifying information includes images of a unique, observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The specificity of the identification process is enhanced by storing registered examples of altered biological information in the database, by allowing the information provider to induce an alteration in a biologic identifier of a requesting person at the time of the request, and by comparing the altered requesting person information to stored information.

Abstract: Semi-autonomous vehicle apparatus which is controlled by a plurality of control sources includes a vehicle which may function autonomously and apparatus for control of the vehicle by either an onboard driver or a driver not situated onboard. The vehicle may also be controlled by an off-vehicle computational device. Hierarchy setting apparatus determines which one or combination of the possible control entities take priority. Persons using the apparatus are identified by either a password or, preferably by providing identification based on a biologic feature. Management of impaired vehicle operators is provided for.

Abstract: Semi-autonomous vehicle apparatus which is controlled by a plurality of control sources includes a vehicle which may function autonomously and apparatus for control of the vehicle by either an onboard driver or a driver not situated onboard. The vehicle may also be controlled by an off-vehicle computational device. Hierarchy setting apparatus determines which of the possible control entities take priority. Persons using the apparatus are identified by either a password or, preferably by providing identification based on a biologic feature. Management of impaired vehicle operators is provided for.

Abstract: A method for policing and managing the operation of a flying, unmanned aircraft in the event of usurpation of control of, malfunction of, or ill-intentioned use of, this aircraft includes the steps of (a) detecting inappropriate operation of the aircraft; (b) transmitting a takeover command to the aircraft to interrupt control of the operation of this aircraft by a first pilot and relinquish control of the aircraft to a second pilot; and (c) transmitting control commands to the aircraft to control its operation by the second pilot, until the need for alternate pilot control of the aircraft has ended or until the aircraft has landed safely.

Abstract: A method for policing and managing the operation of a flying, unmanned aircraft in the event of usurpation of control of, malfunction of, or ill-intentioned use of, this aircraft includes the steps of (a) detecting inappropriate operation of the aircraft; (b) transmitting a takeover command to the aircraft to interrupt control of the operation of this aircraft by a first pilot and relinquish control of the aircraft to a second pilot; and (c) transmitting control commands to the aircraft to control its operation by the second pilot, until the need for alternate pilot control of the aircraft has ended or until the aircraft has landed safely.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying the writer or receiver of a document, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered human individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing local images of an individual producing or receiving information and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals whose identifying information is stored in the database. The identifying information stored in the database includes both an alphanumeric identifier and at least one image of a unique, visually observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The accuracy of user identification is enhanced by allowing the sender of information to supply visual content which modulates the appearance of a biologic identifier of the user. A human gatekeeper further hardens the system against inappropriate access. Utilization of the system for the document of critical encounters such as medical events is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying a person who wishes to receive information, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing images of an individual requesting information, and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals. The stored identifying information includes images of a unique, observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The specificity of the identification process is enhanced by storing registered examples of altered biological information in the database, by allowing the information provider to induce an alteration in a biologic identifier of a requesting person at the time of the request, and by comparing the altered requesting person information to stored information.

Abstract: Methods for managing a hazardous fluid within a pipeline and within a storage facility, and in particular for managing a potential or actual leak of the hazardous fluid. Such methods include the detection of such an event by one or more sensors, and the containment and the mitigation of the event.

Abstract: A method for policing and managing the operation of a flying, unmanned aircraft in the event of usurpation of control of, malfunction of, or ill-intentioned use of, this aircraft includes the steps of (a) detecting inappropriate operation of the aircraft; (b) transmitting a takeover command to the aircraft to interrupt control of the operation of this aircraft by a first pilot and relinquish control of the aircraft to a second pilot; and (c) transmitting control commands to the aircraft to control its operation by the second pilot, until the need for alternate pilot control of the aircraft has ended or until the aircraft has landed safely.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying the writer or receiver of a document, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered human individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing local images of an individual producing or receiving information and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals whose identifying information is stored in the database. The identifying information stored in the database includes both an alphanumeric identifier and at least one image of a unique, visually observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The accuracy of user identification is enhanced by allowing the sender of information to supply visual content which modulates the appearance of a biologic identifier of the user. A human gatekeeper further hardens the system against inappropriate access. Utilization of the system for the document of critical encounters such as medical events is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for casting votes electronically comprises both a host server and a plurality of voting machines at various remote locations. First “user identifying information” for a plurality of potential users who are registered to use the system is pre-stored in memory, either at the host server or at a voting machine, or both. Second “user identifying information” is entered by a user of the voting machine at the time the user wishes to vote. A display on the voting machine presents to the user voting information concerning at least one voting matter for which the user is to make a voting selection. A processor in either the host server or the voting machine, or both, compares the second user identifying information entered by the user of the voting machine with the first user identifying information, if any, previously stored in memory.

Abstract: An electronic medical monitoring and treatment apparatus allows a victim of a medical emergency person access to a medical professional (MP) who can monitor, diagnose and treat the person from a remote site. The apparatus includes a cardiac medical monitoring and treatment device (MMTD) coupled to an electronic adapter designed to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device used by the MP. The MMTD may comprise a cardiac treatment circuit for effecting cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation and a cardiac signal circuit for receiving cardiac signals. The cardiac signals are (1) transmitted from the signal circuit to the second T/R device for evaluation by the MP, (2) the MP may transmit a control signal to the treatment circuit, and (3), in response thereto, the treatment circuit may generate one or more electrical pulses for treatment of the person.

Abstract: Methods of, and apparatus for, storing and transporting a hazardous fluid, such as a combustible fuel, include methods and means, respectively, for: (a) treating the fluid to reduce its hazardous condition; (b) storing and/or transporting the treated fluid in such a manner that the risk of its hazardous condition remains reduced; (c) thereafter retreating the fluid to restore it to its original hazardous condition so that the fluid may be used in its restored condition. The hazardous fluid may be treated by adding a substance to, or removing a substance from, the fluid, or by changing the state of the fluid. For example, if the fluid is a fuel, it may be treated by cooling it to near or below its freezing temperature to reduce its combustibility, volatility, explosivity and/or ease of ignition.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying a person who wishes to receive information, where identifying information for each of a plurality of registered individuals is stored in a database, calls for capturing images of an individual requesting information, and determining whether this individual is the same as one of the registered individuals. The stored identifying information includes images of a unique, observable biologic identifier on a body portion of each registered individual. The specificity of the identification process is enhanced by storing registered examples of altered biological information in the database, by allowing the information provider to induce an alteration in a biologic identifier of a requesting person at the time of the request, and by comparing the altered requesting person information to stored information.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for casting votes electronically comprises both a host server and a plurality of voting machines at various remote locations. First “user identifying information” for a plurality of potential users who are registered to use the system is pre-stored in memory, either at the host server or at a voting machine, or both. Second “user identifying information” is entered by a user of the voting machine at the time the user wishes to vote. A display on the voting machine presents to the user voting information concerning at least one voting matter for which the user is to make a voting selection. A processor in either the host server or the voting machine, or both, compares the second user identifying information entered by the user of the voting machine with the first user identifying information, if any, previously stored in memory.