Abstract: A wind turbine rotor, the rotor blades of which are shaped generally to resemble the sail of an Oceanic sprit rig sailboat (a traditional sailing craft with a sail plan having unusual and significant aerodynamic properties). The rotor blades might be movably mounted to maximize use of apparent wind. An alternative embodiment includes a contra-rotating rotor of similar design.

Abstract: A method for coordinating investor-guaranteed loans over the internet whereby borrowers submit loan requests to a database and investors search the database and select borrowers. The investors then consent to act as guarantors on loans made to the selected borrowers and, in addition, make an investment by contributing funds to an intermediary. The intermediary lends money to the selected borrowers. The resulting investor-guaranteed loans are serviced by the intermediary. To enhance user benefits, the method further enables both borrowers and investors to form personal and/or community relationships or associations which can accompany or transcend the borrower/guarantor relationship.

Abstract: A water rescue device for use in man overboard situations, comprising a foldable frame structure formed from a plurality of individual segments. The device is restrained in a compact storage configuration until needed. When deployed, resilient band or elastic cord material causes the foldable frame structure to assume an unfolded deployed configuration which floats and can be seen by rescuers. In an alternative embodiment, the device also serves as a lifting basket to assist in lifting a victim from the water.

Abstract: A system and method for user authentication employing a portable handheld electronic device to store, in digital form, a user's password, access code, or PIN. The portable handheld electronic device can be any such device capable of visual output and/or auditory output, such as a mobile telephone, a personal music player, or a PDA. When the user receives a true visual cue and/or a true auditory cue from the portable handheld electronic device, an input command can be entered that will cause the password, access code, or PIN to be transmitted to gain access. In an alternative embodiment, the password, access code, or PIN is changed during each access granted session and stored in the portable handheld electronic device. A new security code is therefore used each time the user seeks access.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing passwords, access codes, and personal identification numbers by making them pace, rhythm, or tempo sensitive. The password includes a sequence of characters and an associated timing element. To access a restricted device or function a user enters the correct character sequence according to the correct pace, rhythm, or tempo. The entered sequence and timing element are compared with stored values and access is granted only if the entered and stored values match. In an alternative embodiment the stored timing element is set, and periodically altered, by a computer or program without consent from the user and visual, auditory, and/or tactile prompts indicate the correct timing element to the user during the authentication process. The meaning of the prompts are provided to the user in advance.