Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus and method for providing secure network communication. Each node or computer on the network has a secure, intelligent network interface with a coprocessor that handles all network communication. The intelligent network interface can be built into a network interface card (NIC) or be a separate box between each machine and the network. The intelligent network interface encrypts outgoing packets and decrypts incoming packets from the network based on a key and algorithm managed by a centralized management console (CMC) on the network.

Abstract: A plurality of flow sensors are fabricated using thin film deposition techniques on a single substrate. The deposition is performed to provide the proper physical relationship of the individual sensors. In the preferred embodiment, the sensors are thermoresistive elements, which change resistance in response to the flow of air across the individual elements. The change in temperature of the air flow in relation to the ambient provides an indication of the flow and may be used to determine the extent of the flow. The resulting multiple sensor structure may be effectively used as a respiration detector by positioning a different sensor element at each of the airflow orifices (i.e. two nostrils and mouth) of a patient. The individual sensor elements may be electrically coupled in series.

Abstract: A plurality of flow sensors are fabricated using thin film deposition techniques on a single substrate. The deposition is performed to provide the proper physical relationship of the individual sensors. In the preferred embodiment, the sensors are thermoresistive elements, which change resistance in response to the flow of air across the individual elements. The change in temperature of the air flow in relation to the ambient provides an indication of the flow and may be used to determine the extent of the flow. The resulting multiple sensor structure may be effectively used as a respiration detector by positioning a different sensor element at each of the airflow orifices (i.e. two nostrils and mouth) of a patient. The individual sensor elements may be electrically coupled in series.