Abstract: Mass data (the contents of arrays, large data structures, linked data structures and similar data structures stored in memory) are common targets for attack. The invention presents a method and system of protecting mass data by mapping virtual addresses onto randomly or pseudo-randomly selected actual addresses. This mapping distributes data values throughout the memory so an attacker cannot locate the data he is seeking, or identify patterns which might allow him to obtain information about his target (such as how the software operates, encryption keys, biometric data or passwords stored therein, or algorithms it uses). Additional layers of protection are described, as well as efficient techniques for generating the necessary transforms to perform the invention.

Abstract: If a user loses his password or pass phrase required for a computer or communication system, he must have some way of obtaining a new one. Typically, new passwords are provided to users manually, by another human, an approach that is expensive and insecure. The invention provides an automated solution which allows recovery of secure access. The invention does this by complementary encryption of the user's pass phrase and responses to personal questions, the reference responses being encrypted with the pass phrase and the pass phrase being encrypted with the reference responses. When a user loses his pass phrase, he can provide answers to the personal questions and the system will recover both the reference responses and the pass phrase, so the account can be re-initialized by entering a new pass phrase. The invention also allows “approximate matching”, so biometric data can be used for identification.

Abstract: A digital information mapper and method for mapping sequences of information characters into a SONET (synchronous optical network) payload in such a manner that there can be an arbitrary mixture of control and/or data values in those sequences. Each information character comprises 9 bits consisting of an 8 bit information byte, being either a control byte or a data byte, and one octet type bit identifying the byte as control or data. A processor applies a mapping algorithm of a mapping module to the input information characters. The mapping algorithm is applied to sequences of eight input information characters, the algorithm being operable to map the information bytes of each sequence of eight information characters to eight of a sequence of nine contiguous SPE octets. The algorithm then maps the octet type bits for the eight mapped information bytes of the character sequence to the ninth octet of the contiguous SPE octets of the SPE octet sequence.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fiber channel (FC) data frames from a fiber channel link to a metropolitan area link of lesser bandwidth (a synchronous optical network (SONET)). The release of each data unit by a data source for transport onto the first channel is governed by a credit-based protocol whereby one data unit is released upon the provision of one credit unit. A first marker identifies a high limit H of the buffer at which a first condition occurs, H being less than N and the first condition applying when the number of data units in the buffer is greater than H. A second marker identifies a low limit L of the buffer at which a second condition occurs, L being less than H and the second condition applying when the number of data units in the buffer is less than L. A credit unit owed counter O counts the number of credit units which become owed to the data source when the second condition applies.

Abstract: A combination of two trailing cable termination devices is provided for connection in parallel between the ground-check and ground conductors of the two arms of a Y-configured trailing cable supplying power to two loads, the combined output electrical characteristic of the parallel termination devices satisfying the requirements of a ground-check monitor located at the source of the power and the individual output electrical characteristics of the devices each failing to satisfy those requirements.

Abstract: In a boot comprising an upper portion and a lower portion the upper portion comprises a flexible draw cord extends within channel means provided within and around the upper periphery of the upper portion and exits the channel means through openings in the upper portion. A squeeze-type fastener holds the draw cord at a selected length of the cord adjacent the openings and outside of the upper portion and the draw cord is an endless loop outside of the channel means. A gripping means is affixed to the terminal end of the endless loop of the draw cord. The endless loop termination of the draw cord outside of the boot ensures that the cord is never able to unintentionally retract into channel means 100 and eliminates any need for tying cord ends so that the upper closure is effective for use by a child without assistance from an adult.

Abstract: A sheet material, such as a bank note, having tactile indicia therein, the tactility of which is resistant to deterioration and useful for assisting persons with impaired vision to identify one or more predetermined characteristics of the sheet material such as a bank note. The sheet material has therein at least one embossment forming the indicia and comprises a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces defining a cavity in the area of the embossment. A layer of reinforcing material is provided to at least the area of that surface which comprises the cavity. Once the reinforcing material is dried and/or cured the embossment (indicia) is strengthened by the layer of reinforcing material and thereby rendered more durable when the bank note is subjected to the wear of circulation. The reinforcing material may be selected from the group consisting of varnishes, inks, adhesives and caulking compounds.

Abstract: Chelating resins for use in selectively binding heavy metals, having the structure ##STR1## where Ps represents a poly(divinylbenzene), and R represents an organic radical containing at least one N and/or S atoms but not a C--OH group, that is bound to the S atom. The preparation of these chelating resins is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-part metallic ink composition for intaglio printing is provided which produces bright and shiny ink deposits when printed. The two parts of the ink are stored separately from each other and mixed together either immediately or within a predetermined time period prior to use. The first part comprises varnish in the amount of 60-85%, wax in the amount of 6-15% and solvent in the amount of 6-25%, by weight. These three constituents of the first part are heated together until the wax has just completely melted, stirred and cooled to room temperature. The resultant mixture, which appears physically as a gelled varnish (vehicle), advantageously permits the formulation of a bright metallic intaglio ink without the use of an extender. The second part comprises metallic pigment. About 1 part by weight of the first part and about 0.5-2.0 parts by weight of the second part are mixed together to form the composition.

Abstract: A modular flooring system for an animal housing is provided, the flooring being particularly suited to pig housings due to the structure of the flooring which minimizes spacings in which manure, and its attendant bacteria, could collect. A plurality of interconnecting interior and straight-edge panels are provided and a plurality of panel support units each unit comprising a device for fixing the unit to a substrate of the housing and a device for engaging at least one panel to support the panel over the substrate. The panels each have a rectangular frame having side, top and bottom members and a plurality of spaced horizontal and vertical members extending between the side and top and bottom members of the frame, respectively, forming a plurality of horizontal slots. Each side member comprises means for coupling the panel to an adjacent panel. In the interior panels the outer configurations of the top and bottom members are mirror images and the interior panels are rotatable.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vacuum cleaner accessory is provided for use in grooming multiple types of animals and for cleaning fabric and flooring substrates. The accessory comprises a body and a brush attachable thereto. The brush is configured for creating an airflow directed to the surface of the animal's coat or substrate so that the brush is effective for use on all types of animal coats and fabrics/flooring. The brush comprises a circumferential, downwardly-extending skirt and a plurality of cross-members extending inwardly from sides of said brush and joining together in the interior thereof. The skirt and cross-members have a plurality of downwardly-projecting, spaced teeth wherein the teeth are comprised of a thermoplastic material having a relatively high co-efficient of friction to adhere to loose hair to be suctioned (preferably, a durometer reading of Shore A65) and sufficient strength for said brush to achieve brushing action.

Abstract: A two-component vacuum cleaner accessory for the dual purpose of grooming animals and removing hair and debris from fabric such as that used for upholstery. The body of the accessory has a back and sides and attaches to a circumferential brush which has a skirt and cross-members with downwardly-projecting flexible triangular teeth. Flanges on the brush fit into recesses on the body and serve as handgrips for a user. Pressure drop across the device is controlled by the crosspiece and the design and length of the triangular teeth. The use of soft elastomeric triangular teeth having a high co-efficient of friction provides efficient removal of hair and debris.

Abstract: There is an ice fishing rig and a kit for the same. The rig is selectively adjustable between `tip-up` and `rod-and reel` configurations. The kit comprises a handle, an elongated reel securable to the handle, and a rod selectively securable to the handle in a forwardly projecting position or a rearwardly projecting position. The rod includes a fishing line guide, eg. a hole. There is also means cooperative with the handle for selectively supporting the rig in the `tip-up` configuration over an ice fishing hole. The latter means preferably includes a pair of rods, each having a length greater than a width of a typical ice fishing hole. Preferably the rig also includes a spring indicator cooperatively adapted to alert an fisherman when a fish pulls on a fishing line extending from the rig operatively in the `tip-up` position.

Abstract: A feeder for poultry comprising a feed tray, a feed supply stack secured on the tray and audio conveying means to facilitate dispersion of feeding behavior enhancing sounds from the stack a feeding period.