Abstract: The present invention provides a device which permits the passage of an electrical cords or wires through an open window or door into a building while providing a weather proof seal for the opening and preventing the entry of carbon monoxide and other fumes into the building. The device also prevents the entry of insects and/or small animals into the building thereby preventing the introduction of diseases and other health issues. The device prevents damage to the electrical cords or wires by not permitting the window or door to close directly onto the cords. The device allows the electrical cord length to be adjusted. A provision is made in the device to allow the passage of the electrical cord therethrough while maintaining the integrity of the sealed opening. The device may be formed from a number of different materials, closed cell foam being a preferred material. The device is preferably an elongate member with a provision for electrical cords to pass transversely therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for quickly connecting a handpiece to a pressurized fluid source. A hollow tube on the handpiece is inserted through an aperture in an annular gasket which is held in a chamber in a body. On application of pressurized fluid to the body, the gasket is pressed against the walls of the chamber, and against the tube, thereby channeling the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube. The handpiece is retained in connection with the body by a releasable connector, such as a latch. The handpiece can be removed and replaced by releasing and remaking the connection.

Abstract: A method of embedding auxiliary information into the digital representation of host data containing noise in the low-order bits. The method applies to digital data representing analog signals, for example digital images. The method reduces the error introduced by other methods that replace the low-order bits with auxiliary information. By a substantially reverse process, the embedded auxiliary data can be retrieved easily by an authorized user through use of a digital key. The modular error embedding method includes a process to permute the order in which the host data values are processed. The method doubles the amount of auxiliary information that can be added to host data values, in comparison with bit-replacement methods for high bit-rate coding. The invention preserves human perception of the meaning and content of the host data, permitting the addition of auxiliary data in the amount of 50% or greater of the original host data.