Exhibit 1(b)

                             Joint Filing Agreement

Pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k)(1) of Regulation 13D-G under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, we, the signatories of the statement on Schedule 13D to
which this Agreement is an exhibit, do hereby agree that such statement is, and
any amendments thereto filed by any of us will be, filed on behalf of each of
us.

Dated: July 7, 2004


                                                 PALISADE INVESTORS, L.L.C.

                                                 By: /s/ Steven E. Berman
                                                     --------------------
                                                     Steven E. Berman, Member


                                                 BERMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                                 By: /s/ Steven E. Berman
                                                     --------------------
                                                     Steven E. Berman, VP