Abstract: A method for permitting the secure transmission of electronic messages by using biometric certification is provided. Enrolled fingerprint feature sets, which have been uniquely modified for a particular person with whom messages will be exchanged, are cross-enrolled between the sender and receiver such that the biometric identity of both the sender and receiver can be checked during message sending and receiving. In one embodiment, the sender provides a live-scan fingerprint feature set which is subtracted from the enrolled fingerprint feature set of the sender to create a “difference key” or “difference key” that is used to encrypt the message and other fingerprint data. The receiver decrypts the sender's live-scan fingerprint feature set that is then used to reconstruct the difference key, which is then used to decrypt the message.

Abstract: A fingerprint optical input apparatus comprises a contact image sensor for viewing a moving finger and providing a high contrast image. A narrow strip of the fingerprint touching a transparent platen is illuminated by sheet of collimated light normal to or at an oblique angle to the surface. The fingerprint image is viewed at an oblique angle by partially scattered light or by frustrated total internal reflection by a GRIN rod lens array and projected onto a linear array sensor. Various embodiments of the platen provide a compact design by using TIR or mirror reflections of the fingerprint image.

Abstract: A fingerprint optical input apparatus comprises a contact image sensor for viewing a moving finger and providing a high contrast image. A narrow strip of the fingerprint touching a transparent platen is illuminated by sheet of collimated light normal to or at an oblique angle to the surface. The fingerprint image is viewed at an oblique angle by partially scattered light or by frustrated total internal reflection by a GRIN rod lens array and projected onto a linear array sensor. Various embodiments of the platen provide a compact design by using TIR or mirror reflections of the fingerprint image.

Abstract: A fingerprint optical input apparatus comprises a contact image sensor for viewing a moving finger and providing a high contrast image. A narrow strip of the fingerprint touching a transparent platen is illuminated by sheet of collimated light at an oblique angle to the surface. The fingerprint image is viewed by frustrated total internal reflection by a GRIN rod lens array and projected onto a linear array sensor. Various embodiments of the platen provide a compact design by using TIR or mirror reflections of the fingerprint image.

Abstract: A tentacle-like manipulator has a resiliently longitudinally extensible, laterally bendable elongate member, e.g. an inflatable bellows or a helical compression spring-like member, with an end effector mounting on one end thereof. Tendon-like tension members extend along said elongate member and are spaced apart from one another around said elongate member, one end of each of said tension members being to said elongate member at said one end thereof. Guides spaced apart along and secured to said elongate member and slidably engage said tension members for guiding said tension members relative to said elongate member. Further tension members extend along only a portion of the length of the elongate member and are secured to the elongate member at a location intermediate the ends of the elongate member. Winches are used to wind and unwind the tension members to correspondingly control the length and the bending of the elongate member.

Abstract: A bellows actuator has at least one bellows chamber comprising at least three chamber segments arranged around an axis. Each of the chamber segments forms a radially outwardly extending protrusion comprising four chamber wall portions, which merge with one another along fold lines which extend peripherally and radially of the bellows chamber and converge radially outwardly to meet at radially outermost apexes of the chamber segments. The bellows actuator is expansible and contractible along the axis by flexure of the wall portions relative to one another about the fold lines in response to pressure changes within the bellows chamber.

Abstract: An axially contractable actuator which includes an elongated hollow enclosure (14) formed by a fluid impermeable substantially non-elastic material and having a plurality of protrusions each with respective bases having more than three sides. Each base side (48) of a protrusion is attached to a base side (48) of an adjacent protrusion by a flexible seam of continuous fold (55). Each protrusion is foldable about a plane dividing the protrusion into two parts from an axially-extended condition in which the base sides are substantially parallel, to an axially-contracted condition in which the protrusion encloses a volume larger than that enclosed in the axially-extended condition. A pair of axially-aligned end terminations (18) are formed at each end of the enclosure with one of the end terminations being hollow.

Abstract: A tension actuator suspension system is disclosed, providing control over the elevation of a load suspended from a reference system, as well as over the compliance of the suspension system. As employed in a vehicle suspension system, a preferred arrangement employs radially expansible, axially contractible tension actuators exhibiting tensile forces that decrease nonlinearly as each contracts. An antagonistic actuator pair is arranged in opposition between the chassis and each wheel of the vehicle. Air is supplied to the actuators from a compressor and accumulator by lines under the control of pressure regulator valves. Manual or automatic inputs allow the adjustment of both vehicle chassis elevation and suspension system compliance individually with respect to each wheel.