Abstract: A resilient rod that provides adjustable directional resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod and a position of an applied force with respect to a fulcrum point. In another aspect of the invention, at least one spine may be attached to the beam to increase a diameter of the beam along one axis. A resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod, a position of an applied force and an orientation of the at least one spine with regard to the direction of the applied force. In other aspects of the invention, the resilient rods may be incorporated into various equipment that provide for adjustable resistance levels. In still other aspects of the invention, the resilient rod may be incorporated into medical devices that provide adjustable support for injured limbs or joints.

Abstract: A communications system comprises a mobile master transceiver unit for a patent and one or more mobile slave transceiver units for a child. The slave unit includes means for sending a non-voice alarm signal to the master unit. The slave unit can include an optional GPS module for transmitting a signal to enable the location of the slave unit to be determined. The slave unit is provided with actuating means which causes the non-voice alarm signal to be sent if the slave unit is detached from the or if an alarm button is pressed.

Abstract: Online Internet application where the user can input any details known about any postage stamp, scan the image of a stamp or stamps that require identification into the online application and identification will be provided by comparing the details to database containing details of all postage stamps or comparing the uploaded scan to images in the Stampez database using specifically designed image comparison technology. The image comparison technology will provide either an exact match or number of matches based on the percentage likelihood of accuracy. The percentage of accuracy can be reduced or broadened by the user. Besides pictorial identification the application will also provide country of origin, date stamp was issued, market price, thematic category, unique identification code, perforations and watermark of postage stamps.