Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling propagation of decryption keys is provided. One embodiment of the present invention includes an encryption key propagation control system wherein a generation number is identified with each decryption key and the generation number is queried each time a request is made to forward the decryption key to another user. The generation number is decremented at each request, and once it reaches zero, further requests are refused by the control system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced electronic asset protection are described. One aspect of one described embodiment includes receiving an indication to activate asset protection, the client device having a local data store; and activating asset protection in response to the indication, wherein asset protection comprises disabling the local data store and disabling the client device. In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium (such as, for example random access memory or a computer disk) includes code for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced network access are described. One aspect of one described embodiment includes receiving a request to connect to a network, the request associated with a user, determining a policy associated with the user, identifying at least one available network connection, determining at least one property of the at least one available network connection, evaluating the property based at least in part on the policy, and selecting the at least one available network connection based on the evaluation. In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium (such as, for example random access memory or a computer disk) includes code for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and displaying performance metrics are described. One aspect of one described embodiment includes receiving performance metrics associated with a plurality of network connections to a plurality of networks, each of the plurality of network connections associated with a client device; determining a status of one of the plurality of networks based at least in part on the performance metrics; and providing the status of the one of the plurality of networks to a user interface.

Abstract: Systems are methods for enhanced network client security are described. One aspect of one embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a security-related policy associated with a user, determining a security model associated with the security-related policy, and applying the security model to a network connection on a client device. One aspect of another embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a first measure associated with a usage characteristic, the usage characteristic associated with a user, receiving a second measure associated with the usage characteristic, comparing the first measure and second measure, and determining the likelihood that an unauthorized access has occurred based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring performance of an electromechanical system include monitoring a plurality of predetermined system conditions, collecting monitored values of the plurality of predetermined system conditions over time, and calculating system maintenance needs from collected monitored values.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric film comprising a copolyester having an acid component and a diol component, said acid component comprising a dicarboxylic acid and a sulfomonomer containing a sulfonate group attached to the aromatic nucleus of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, said process comprising the steps of: (i) melt-extruding a layer of said copolyester; (ii) stretching the extrudate in at least one direction; (iii) heat-setting the film by raising the temperature of the stretched film to a temperature T1 in a first heating zone such that (TM-T1) is in the range of from 5 to 30° C., and then raising the temperature of the film to a temperature T2 in a second heating zone such that (TM-T2 is in the range of from 0 to 10° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a patterned phosphor structure having red, green and blue sub-pixel elements for an AC electroluminescent display. The method involves selecting first and second phosphors, each emitting light in different ranges of the visible spectrum, but whose combined emission spectra contains red, green and blue light; depositing and patterning the phosphors in a layer to form a plurality of repeating phosphor deposits; and providing means associated with the phosphor deposits, and which together with the phosphor deposits form the red, green and blue sub-pixel phosphor elements, for setting and equalizing the threshold voltages, and for setting the relative luminosities of the red, green and blue sub-pixel phosphor elements so that they bear set ratios to one another at each modulation voltage used to generate the desired luminosities for red, green and blue; and optionally annealing the patterned phosphor structure so formed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for decreasing the time required for a photo-printing device (such as a commercial photo-printing kiosk) to print a plurality of digital images. For example, the digital images may be transferred from a print client to a print server and stored in a RAMdisk at the print server prior to printing. Image processing may be performed on at least some of the digital images prior to the initiation of printing. The digital images may be processed in decreasing order of estimated image processing time. Two or more of these techniques may be combined to decrease the total time required to print the digital images by, for example, increasing the speed with which images may be accessed, decreasing the amount of time that passes before printing begins, and enabling all of the digital images to be printed without stopping and restarting the print engine.

Abstract: A patterned phosphor structure and EL laminate containing same, forming red, green and blue sub-pixel phosphor elements for an AC electroluminescent display. The patterned phosphor structure includes at least a first and a second phosphor emitting light in different ranges of the visible spectrum, but with combined emission spectra contains red, green and blue light, the first and second phosphors being in a layer, arranged in adjacent, repeating relationship to each other to provide a plurality of repeating first and second phosphor deposits.

Abstract: A patterned phosphor structure, and EL laminate containing same, forming red, green and blue sub-pixel phosphor elements for an AC electroluminescent display. The patterned phosphor structure includes at least a first and a second phosphor emitting light in different ranges of the visible spectrum, but with combined emission spectra contains red, green and blue light, the first and second phosphors being in a layer, arranged in adjacent, repeating relationship to each other to provide a plurality of repeating first and second phosphor deposits.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling propagation of decryption keys is provided. One embodiment of the present invention includes an encryption key propagation control system wherein a generation number is identified with each decryption key and the generation number is queried each time a request is made to forward the decryption key to another user. The generation number is decremented at each request, and once it reaches zero, further requests are refused by the control system.

Abstract: A surgical implant (20) comprises a hank formed from a single strand (21) of flexible biocompatible material (such as polyester) with at least one bight (22) at each end of the hank and a tail (25) extending from one end, and a crimpable sleeve-like element (26) encircling the overlapping end lengths (27) of the strand. The implant (20) is shown in use for the stabilization of the spine, the bights (22) being applied to hooking members (30, 39) engaged respectively with the lamina (47) of one vertebra (24) and the spinous process (23) of an adjacent vertebra, the strand material (21) being tensioned by pulling the tail (25) before crimping the sleeve-like element (26).

Abstract: A self contained portable sprayer system including a tank for receiving a fluid mixture and has a top portion with a cap coupled by a threadable connection. The tank has a flat bottom portion. A fluid release valve with a fluid release tube threadably connected to the top portion of the tank. The release valve has a pair of flexible hoses. A pressure switch that has an air receiving tube at one end threadably connected to the top portion. The pressure switch has a pressure hose. A pressure release valve is positioned on the top portion of the tank. A towing hitch for carrying the tank has, an elongated vertical portion, a short vertical portion, and a flat lower portion. The elongated portion has a distal side with a pair of wheels, and one shelf supporting a power source. The lower portion seats the tank when positioned within the towing hitch. Lastly, a cyclic air pump is positioned on another shelf of the elongated portion and forces air into the tank.