Abstract: A data archiving system and method is described. A storage device (10) is arranged to communicate with an archival device (40) and to upload a stored file (30) thereto. The storage device (10) is arranged to generate a file encryption key and encrypt the file with the file encryption key upon upload to the archival device (40). The file encryption key can be regenerated by the storage device (10) upon presentation of the encrypted file.

Abstract: A data storage system, and associated asynchronous communication system and method are described. The data storage system includes data storage means (46) for storing data and an asynchronous transmitter/receiver (45) arranged to communicate over an IEEE 1394 network (30). The data storage means (46) is arranged to accept inputs and to output via an access limiting connector. At least selected data files of the stored data include copy control limiting information, a request for a data file including the copy control limiting information from the data storage means being permitted by the access limiting connector only upon successful authentication. A permitted requested file being encrypted and transmitted asynchronously by the transmitter/receiver (45).

Abstract: A virtual payment card system for ordering and paying for goods, services and content over an internetwork is disclosed. The virtual payment card system comprises a commerce gateway component (52) and a credit processing server component (53). The virtual payment card system is a secure closed system comprising registered merchants and consumers. A consumer becomes a registered participant by applying for a virtual payment card. Likewise, a merchant becomes registered by applying for a merchant account. A consumer can instantly open an account on-line. That is, the credit processing component (53) immediately evaluates the consumer's virtual payment card application and assigns a credit limit to the account. Once an account is established, a digital certificate is stored on the registered participant's computer. The consumer can then order a product, i.e., goods, services or content from a merchant and charge it to the virtual payment card.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention a structural member is formed by iron-phosphorous alloy powder having about 0.01 wt % to 1.2 wt % of phosphorous by weight of the powder. The powder is then pressed to the desired matrix density and copper infiltrated such that copper is present in the amount of 1.96 wt % to 23.08 wt %, by weight of the weight of the structural member. The final density of the structured member is in a range of 6.1 to 8.1 g/cc. The structural member formed using the sintered powder metal of the present invention has superior elongation (as much as 10.3% elongation), impact strength (159 N-m charpy unnotched), tensile strength (530 MPa), and modulus (166 GPa) as compared to standard density powder metal.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention a structural member is formed by iron-phosphorous alloy powder having about 0.0l wt % to 1.2 wt % of phosphorous by weight of the powder. The powder is then pressed to the desired matrix density and copper infiltrated such that copper is present in the amount of 1.96 wt % to 23.08 wt %, by weight of the weight of the structural member. The final density of the structured member is in a range of 6.1 to 8.1 g/cc. The structural member formed using the sintered powder metal of the present invention has superior elongation (as much as 10.3% elongation), impact strength (159 N-m charpy unnotched), tensile strength (530 MPa), and modulus (166 GPa) as compared to standard density powder metal.

Abstract: A billing system is provided that allows a consumer to order products from computers connected to the Internet, wherein the consumer is automatically billed for the ordered good or service by its telephone service provider. The billing system comprises a plug-in component (52, 52′), a billing server component (62, 62′), and in some embodiments, a merchant session gateway component (65). When a consumer orders a product over the Internet (20), the plug-in component (52) of the consumer's computer (42) establishes an Internet connection to a billing server (34) located elsewhere on the Internet (20) to order the product. In a first embodiment, the billing server component (62) of the billing server (34) transfers an encrypted version of the product to the plug-in component (52). The plug-in component (52) then disconnects from the Internet (20) and establishes a point-to-point (PPP) connection with the billing server (34).

Abstract: A process for preparing agrochemical intermediates of formula (I), wherein W is (CH.sub.3 O).sub.2 CH.CHCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.3 O.CH.dbd.CCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; Z.sup.1 is a halogen atom; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alky, C alkoxy, acetoxy or acyl; the process comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a compound of formula (II), wherein X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined above, with a compound of formula ROCH.sub.3, wherein R is a metal; and, (b) reacting the product of (a) with a compound of formula (III), wherein Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are halogen atoms. A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are all hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for preparing (E)-methyl 2-[2-(6-(-cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy)phenyl]-3-methoxypropenoate comprising contacting (E)-methyl 2-[2-(6-chloropyrimidin-4-yloxy)phenyl]-3-methoxypropenoate or methyl 2-[2-(6-chloropyrimidin-4-yloxy)phenyl]-3,3-dimethoxypropanoate with 2-cyanophenate anions, the process being conducted in the absence of copper or a copper salt and in the absence of N,N-dimethylformamide. The 2-cyanophenate anions are generated in situ by reacting 2-cyanophenol with an alkali metal carbonate.

Abstract: A metallurgical molten-metal runner has a support trough, a trough-shaped temperature-equalizing layer received in and lining the trough, a system for cooling the layer isothermally to about 100.degree. C., a permanent refractory outer lining received in and lining the layer, and a renewable refractory inner lining received in and lining the outer lining and in direct contact with molten metal in the runner. The layer is of greater thermal conductivity than the linings. The cooling system includes conduits in heat-conducting engagement with the layer and an arrangement for circulating a coolant through the conduits. Water or, for safety's sake, oil can be used as the coolant, normally in liquid state to keep the layer below 100.degree. C. The layer according to this invention has a coefficient of thermal conductivity greater than 10 Kcal/M.multidot..degree.C..multidot.h, preferably above 25 Kcal/m.multidot..degree.C..multidot.h and can be composed principally of silicon carbide, semigraphite, or graphite.

Abstract: A process for controlling the speed of strand sintering machines through utilization of the temperature of collected waste gas as measured in the collector pipe as the controlled variable provides improved response by utilizing as an additional controlled variable the temperature of the waste gases at the windboxes. Either the average temperature of those waste gases that leave the windboxes at a temperature above approximately 100.degree. C. or the location of the burn-through point as determined from the temperature of the waste gases at the windboxes can be used as the additional variable. In the latter case, the temperature of the collected waste gases can be used to automatically control the desired variable in a secondary cascade-type control loop in which the location of the burn-through point is the actual value and the travel speed is the regulated quantity.