Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting if a person has attempted to tamper with an integrated circuit (IC). The apparatus is located on the IC and comprises detection circuitry that detects a build up of electrical charge on the IC and disablement circuitry that disables the IC when the detection circuitry detects a build up of electrical charge on the IC. The method comprises detecting if a build up of electrical charge on the IC has occurred and disabling the IC when a build up of electrical charge on the IC has been detected.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and services that utilize telephone system Central Office recognition of specifically programmed user-initiated signaling to turn on and to turn off one or more muting functions for transmission and/or receipt functions of the user's or another's telephone. Particular embodiments include the use of such methods, systems and services in multi-party conference calls, including where a leader of such conference call can, by pressing keypad commands, actuate the enabling and disabling of transmission and/or receipt paths for one or more other members of the conference call.

Abstract: A cycle crank gear assembly includes a weather sealed, preadjusted cartridge which is replaceably installed in a crank gear box in a cycle frame. A clamping or wedging device secures the cartridge in the crank gear box.