Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for interconnecting proxy directories, through core proxy services. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a first proxy service core computing device, from a participant, a proxy lookup request, where the proxy lookup request includes a proxy and based on one or more routing rules, submitting the proxy lookup request to a second proxy service core computing device. The method also includes receiving, by the first proxy service core computing device, from the second proxy service core computing device, a proxy lookup response, which includes account data linked to the proxy, and returning the proxy lookup response, to the participant, in response to the proxy lookup request.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deploying keys in connection with proxy resolution. One example computer-implemented method includes distributing, by a service core computing device, a root certificate signed by a certificate authority and an intermediate certificate, which is signed by a root private key associated with the root certificate, and receiving, from a participant, a signing request for a participant certificate including a participant public key. The method also includes assessing, by the service core computing device, the signing request for the participant certificate and signing, by the service core computing device, the participant certificate with an intermediate public key included in the intermediate certificate. The method then includes disseminating the signed participant certificate to the participant and another participant, whereby the participants on the participant certificate based on the participant certificate being signed by the intermediate public key.

Abstract: A band accessory includes a first accessory component and a second accessory component which slidably engage each other for attachment to a wearable band. The accessory components each include an upper strip and a lower strip that are laterally spaced by a connector strip. The first upper strip has a top surface that includes a decorative feature. An upper track groove is formed in one of the accessory components, and a rail is formed in the other accessory component, such that the upper rail slidably engages the upper track groove. At least one magnet on the first and/or second accessory components secures the first and second accessory components in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and machine for packaging smoking articles or other tobacco industry products in which the products and packaging may be transported from selected product supply systems and packaging material supply systems selectively along a plurality of alternative transport routes through the machine through a series of workstations arranged to incorporate batches of smoking products selectively in different packaging materials according to the transport route selected.

Abstract: A method and machine for packaging smoking articles or other tobacco industry products in which the products and packaging may be transported from selected product supply systems (22a-e) and packaging material supply systems (42a-g) selectively along a plurality of alternative transport routes through the machine through a series of workstations (61-69) arranged to incorporate batches of smoking products selectively in different packaging materials according to the transport route selected.