Abstract: The invention utilizes an existing cash register that, in processing the purchases, establishes an identifier (i.e. date stamp, barcode, QR code) on the receipt. This code is then used at an exit portal to trigger the opening of a barrier allowing the purchaser to leave the building. In the preferred embodiment, an image of the customer is taken on entering and leaving the building and facial recognition is made for the purpose of later apprehension or for future denial of entry into the store.

Abstract: A security mechanism for a store in which the exit door is selectively locked when an alarm, such as the sound of breaking glass is sensed. The locked door, once locked in response to a security alarm, is opened by the presence of an emergency vehicle proximate to the store, thereby allowing police to enter the store.

Abstract: An assist apparatus for an electric vehicle which is powered by rechargeable batteries. To assist in the range of the electric vehicle, a platform is secured or towed by the vehicle. On the platform is a hydrocarbon internal combustion engine/motor that generates electricity. The hydrocarbon engine/motor is activated, either manually, via a handheld switch, or automatically by sensors in the electric vehicle, to charge the rechargeable batteries within the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An air sterilizing apparatus is created which can be set within an environment without adversely affecting people, pets, or plants within the environment such as a room. The apparatus uses a passage through which ambient air passes. The passage has a treatment chamber in which ultraviolet light (ideally UV-C) is used to sterile the ambient air. Each end section of the passage is configured to block light from exiting the passage. In the preferred embodiment, each end section includes a coating of UV adsorbing material to provide further protection to the environment from the UV light.

Abstract: A system to recharge an electric vehicle in which the rechargeable battery within the electric vehicle. The rechargeable battery is disengaged from electric vehicle, removed, and a replacement rechargeable battery is placed within the electric vehicle. In this manner, the electric vehicle is fully charged without having to wait at a charging station. An added feature is the easy disconnect of the rechargeable battery from the electric vehicle using an electromagnet connector for the electrical connection. The electromagnet is selectively powered by a secondary battery and adapted to disconnect the releasable electrical connector from the rechargeable battery when said electromagnet is not activated.

Abstract: The invention provides for a system for processing tendered ballots. A table for a poll worker is provided on which the ballots are sorted and processed. A camera is directed to the work space on the table. The image from the camera is both digitally stored and provided to the poll watchers via a viewing screen. The poll worker then knows that his actions are being monitored and recorded, thereby reducing thoughts of trying to “fix” the vote.

Abstract: An air sterilizing apparatus is created which can be set within an environment without adversely affecting people, pets, or plants within the environment such as a room. The apparatus uses a passage through which ambient air passes. The passage has a treatment chamber in which ultraviolet light (ideally UV-C) is used to sterile the ambient air. Each end section of the passage is configured to block light from exiting the passage. In the preferred embodiment, each end section includes a coating of UV adsorbing material to provide further protection to the environment from the UV light.

Abstract: An air sterilizing apparatus is created which can be set within an environment without adversely affecting people, pets, or plants within the environment such as a room. The apparatus uses a passage through which ambient air passes. The passage has a treatment chamber in which ultraviolet light (ideally UV-C) is used to sterile the ambient air. Each end section of the passage is configured to block light from exiting the passage. In the preferred embodiment, each end section includes a coating of UV adsorbing material to provide further protection to the environment from the UV light.

Abstract: A vertical separator system with an enhanced control mechanism which employs one or more micro-adjustment features. The micro-adjustment features include a combination of an air bladder, a mass sensor, and/or a bleed valve.

Abstract: The invention is a credit card system which utilizes a substrate having a machine readable user account number and, a user removable portion of the substrate. The credit card identifies if the user removable portion of the substrate has been disturbed, the reader requests a secondary user identification to verify that the user is authorized to use the credit card.

Abstract: The invention produces a mechanism and method to clean coal of contaminates/pollutants such as sulfur, mercury, silica, and others, for use in a coal fired electrical generator. The mined coal is first ground to a mesh size and is subjected to a vertical separator which separates contaminates/pollutants from the coal. The now cleaned coal is ground to a smaller mesh size and injected into the boiler of the electrical generator. In some embodiments, the cleaned coal is formed into solids for transport to the coal fired electrical generator.

Abstract: The invention provides a content distribution system having a central computer having a memory having stored therein digital content, together with a receiving mechanism such a laptop, cellular phone, tablet, or the like. Using a unique identifier from a component in the receiving mechanism, the digital content is encrypted and communicated to the receiving mechanism which alone is able to decrypt the encrypted digital content.

Abstract: A news collection and dissemination system which utilizes a central computer having a data base of articles which have been submitted by submitters/reporters (ideally eye witnesses) located at the site. Submission of the articles uses a first electronic mechanism (e.g. a laptop computer, a note pad, a desktop computer, a cellular telephone) linked with and communicating with the first computer. Ideally the first electronic mechanism is identified using a removable memory. The articles are selectively communicated to a second electronic mechanism which ideally is also identified using a removable memory.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: A dynamic electrical converter system configured to receive a variable voltage input which is then converted to a proper electrical configuration for a load. The converter assembly utilized multiple converters, each of which is configured to accept a unique range of voltages and from these voltages creating the desired electrical output configuration. A monitor checks the incoming voltage and by controlling switches going to each of the converters, selectively closes the circuit to the appropriate converter; thereby, routing the incoming voltage to the converter capable of addressing the incoming voltage.

Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.

Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (10) (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line (12). The conductive line (12) is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor (13, 14) to adjust the altitude of the aircraft (10). The conductive line (12) is isolated from the ground (17) and an electrical conductor (6) is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load (5). In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.

Abstract: A refining mechanism for separating particles based upon their density. The mixed particles are deposited near an upper edge of an air suspension vibrating table and permitted to drift to a lower edge. A trough is positioned at the lower edge; the lower edge of the air suspension vibrating table is selectively deformed allowing the denser particles to pass under the trough while the lighter particles are collected by the trough. Ideally, a control mechanism is used to control the entire operation including the amount of deformation, the amount of air pressure being delivered to the table and the amount of vibration.

Abstract: A computer system which is configured to load executable programs. This configuration first accepts an operator defined key; withdraws an encrypted executable program from memory; and, using the operator defined key, decrypts the encrypted executable program into a functional executable program. It is this functional executable program which is used by the processing unit. During shutdown, each executable program is checked to see if it was derived from an encrypted executable program; those that aren't, are verified as being legitimate by the operator prior to their storage into the memory.