Abstract: A hydrophilic textile matrix having antibiotic activity is provided. The textile matrix is a non-woven material including a blend (i.e., mixture) of metallic silver-coated fibers and a non-metallic, water absorbent material. Wound dressings incorporating the textile matrices are provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a metallized polymeric foam that produces an anti-microbial material using an advanced method of metallizing polymeric foam with a metal, such as silver. The foam material may be polyurethane, polyester, polyether, or a combination thereof. The method provides a 3-dimensional surface coating of the metal. The metallized substrate is durable and highly adherent. Such metallized foam is a highly effective filter and/or an anti-microbial product. The mechanism of filtration is mainly due to Vander Der Wal attraction. The anti-microbial activity may be due, in part, to the release of select metal ions as a response to stimuli.

Abstract: A compression stretch bandage formed from at least one layer of a stretchable, textile material forming a body of the bandage, a base material attached to the stretchable, textile material on a first side, and a silver material attached to the base material for reducing risk of infection. The bandage may be a flexible, stretchable, hydrophilic bandage that reduce the risk of infection at a wound by providing a moist environment that will aid in optimum release of silver ions into the wound.

Abstract: A filter membrane formed from a filter medium and one or more metallic threads incorporated with the filter membrane for antimicrobial properties. The metallic threads may be formed from silver, copper, and zinc. The metallic threads may be wrapped around or incorporated within the material forming the filter membrane. In one embodiment, the metallic thread may be wrapped around the outside of a cartridge style filter body to kill bacteria and other organisms from the air or fluid, such as water, flowing through the filter.

Abstract: A flexible electrical circuit formed from a flexible fabric of a nonconductive material that forms a sheet and one or more conductive circuits attached to the fabric and formed at least partially from silver. The conductive circuits may be formed from at least one conductive fiber formed from a core coated with a coating at least partially formed from silver, wherein the core is formed at least partially from nylon. In at least one embodiment, the outer coating may have a silver content of more than 95 percent. The fiber may be patterned stitched, plied multiple times, or attached in other manners to change the resistance. In another embodiment, the conductive circuits may be formed from an etched silver layer attached to the flexible fabric. The conductive circuits may be used in many applications, such as, but not limited to forming heaters, sensors, antennas, stretchable fabrics, and in other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system consisting of reusable components for implementing data warehousing and business intelligence solutions. The reusable components comprise a data model component housing an exhaustive pre-built vertical and business function specific data models and key performance indicator libraries. The reusable components further comprise a MetAL component which serves as a key repository of all mappings between all standard source data systems and vertical function specific data models and KPIs used in the data model component. Being compliant with Common Warehouse Metamodel, the system is extraction and reporting tool neutral. In other words, the technical and business metadata can be exported to any of the CWM compliant extraction and reporting tools. The system further consists of an algorithm to automatically detect version changes in the standard source systems.

Abstract: A flexible intermediate bulk container having the ability to discharge hazardous charges without combustion, thereby enabling the container to contain incendiary materials without risk of combustion. The flexible intermediate bulk containers may permit safe handling of materials whether or not the materials are grounded. Unlike many prior art systems, the flexible intermediate bulk container need not include an anti-static coating to function, thereby resulting in cost savings. The electrostatic yarn of the present invention may be incorporated into any bag or container system without any modifications in the process. The electrostatic yarn may also be used in either flat or circular weave. The electrostatic yarn may also be included in fabrics other than containers or bags.

Abstract: A blanket system having a blanket with at least one strip of conductive fibers coupled to a power source for providing heat to vital aspects of a person. The blanket system may include a blanket with one or more conductive strips formed from metal coated filaments, such as silver coated filaments, for effectively converting electricity to heat and delivering that heat to a person suffering from hypothermia or other needs. The blanket may be coupled to a portable power source enabling the blanket system to be used by hikers, hunters, other outdoorsman, sports fans and by others in other applications. The metal coated filaments are capable of conducting electricity yet retain the flexibility of an uncoated filaments. Such filaments enable a blanket to be very flexible, launderable, and comfortable to a user.

Abstract: A flexible intermediate bulk container having optimum discharge of hazardous charge. Conventional flexible containers are capable of carrying materials that may ignite if contacted with a charge. The container of the instant invention permits the safe handling of flexible intermediate bulk containers, either with or without grounding. Unlike many prior art systems, the container, in one embodiment, does not include an anti-static coating, thereby resulting in cost and time savings. The electrostatic yarn of the present invention may be incorporated into any bag or container system without any modifications in the process of forming the yarn. The yarn may be used in either flat or circular weave, and the yarn may be included in fabrics used in other materials besides containers or bags.

Abstract: A fiber having insect repellant capabilities. The fiber includes an insect repellant and another material capable of eliminating odor, such as human body odor. In one embodiment, the material capable of eliminating odor is silver. Other materials may include, carbon, copper, a ceramic, or a combination thereof. The insect repellant and the material capable of eliminating odor are added to the fiber in amounts effective to eliminate or substantially reduce odor, thereby helping to prevent insects from locating an individual. The insect repellant is added in an amount to be effective at repelling insects that do locate the individual. The fiber may be used in any type of fabric, cloth, garment or other article.

Abstract: A method of making a hydrogel having antimicrobial properties. The hydrogel includes a hydrogel-forming polymer and an anti-microbial agent. The method includes mixing a hydrogel-forming polymer, such as a hydrophilic polymer, with water and cross-linking the polymer and water using an energy source. The method does not require any chemical additive to affect the cross-linking. The anti-microbial agent may be mixed with the hydrogel-forming polymer and water prior to cross-linking. Alternatively, the anti-microbial agent may be applied to a substrate onto which the hydrogel is placed such that the anti-microbial agent or the properties of the agent, or both, migrate into the hydrogel. The substrate may be a liner onto which the hydrogel is placed, a scrim located on or in the hydrogel, or other appropriate device.

Abstract: A method of producing metal-containing particles. The metal-containing particles are micro-sized and/or nano-sized particles. The particles may have anti-microbial properties depending on the metal used. For embodiments wherein silver is used, the particles may also provide and-fungal properties, anti-static properties, electromagnetic interference shielding, and/or conductive properties. The particles may range in size from about 0.01 to about 300 ?m.

Abstract: A hydrophilic textile matrix having antibiotic activity is provided. The textile matrix is a non-woven material including a blend (i.e., mixture) of metallic silver-coated fibers and a non-metallic, water absorbent material. Wound dressings incorporating the textile matrices are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of securing remote terminal access to a central computer. The method uses the services of a physically secure coprocessor which is, or will be, coupled to the remote terminal for the purposes of effecting remote access to the central computer. The method comprises transferring an encrypted decryption key from the central computer to the physically secure coprocessor. The coupling between the coprocessor and remote terminal allows a file to be encrypted which can confirm that the remote terminal (which is the source of the encrypted file) has or had access to the specific coprocessor to which the encrypted decryption key had previously been transferred. Thereafter the encrypted file is transferred to the central computer and is examined there to confirm that the source of the file has access to the specific coprocessor which received the encrypted decryption key.

Abstract: Method and apparatus which restricts software, distributed on magnetic media, to use on a single computing machine. The original medium is functionally uncopyable, until it is modified by the execution of a program stored in a tamper proof co-processor which forms a part of the computing machine. The modified software on the original medium may then be copied, but the copy is operable only on the computing machine containing the co-processor that performed the modification.

Abstract: The invention provides a software asset protection mechanism which is based on the separation of the software to be protected from the right to execute that software. Protected software can only be executed on composite computing systems in which a physically and logically secure coprocessor is associated with a host computer. The software to be protected is broken down into a protected (encrypted) portion and an (optional) unprotected or plain text portion. The software is distributed by any conventional software distribution mechanism (for example a floppy disk) including the files already identified along with an encrypted software decryption key. The coprocessor is capable of decrypting the software decryption key so it can thereafter decrypt the software, for execution purposes. However, the coprocessor will not perform these functions unless and until the user's right to execute is evidenced by presentation of a physically secure token.

Abstract: Method and apparatus which restricts software, distributed on magnetic media, to use on a single computing machine. The original medium is functionally uncopyable, until it is modified by the execution of a program stored in a tamper proof co-processor which forms a part of the computing machine. The modified software on the original medium may then be copied, but the copy is operable only on the computing machine containing the co-processor that performed the modification.