Abstract: A method of verifying a user transaction at a blockchain node is provided, the method including receiving at a communication device information provided by a user in a user transaction, generating a message in dependence on the received information and signing the generated message with a private key of a public-private key pair. The method including transmitting the signed message to a server, calling an execution function for executing code of the execution function, the execution function being for verifying that a public key of the public-private key pair matches the private key with which the message was signed, and passing the signed message to the execution function, executing the code to determine whether the signed message was signed with the private key matching the public key, and, based on the determination, verifying the user transaction so as to permit the user transaction to be recorded at a blockchain node.

Abstract: Roughly described, a method of recording a change of authorization state of one or more authorization agents, the method comprising: establishing a copy of a blockchain ledger at each of a plurality of blockchain nodes, wherein each of the blockchain nodes is associated with a different controlling entity; providing a public key/private key pair for a first of the blockchain nodes; receiving, from the communication device, a first message comprising: first data indicative of a change of authorization state of a first authorization agent associated with the first controlling entity, the first data being encrypted; and a digital signature based on the blockchain ledger and the private key; authenticating the message using the public key; adding a block to the blockchain ledger based on the first message, thereby to generate a new blockchain ledger that records the change of authorization state of the first authorization agent.

Abstract: A method of verifying a user transaction at a blockchain node is provided, the method including receiving at a communication device information provided by a user in a user transaction, generating a message in dependence on the received information and signing the generated message with a private key of a public-private key pair. The method including transmitting the signed message to a server, calling an execution function for executing code of the execution function, the execution function being for verifying that a public key of the public-private key pair matches the private key with which the message was signed, and passing the signed message to the execution function, executing the code to determine whether the signed message was signed with the private key matching the public key, and, based on the determination, verifying the user transaction so as to permit the user transaction to be recorded at a blockchain node.

Abstract: A module for mounting and use in a postage meter for printing postage includes a housing and two ink cartridges for ink-jet printing, each of the cartridges having a flexible electrical circuit member operatively attached thereto, with one of the electrical circuits including a microprocessor. The housing consists of two lateral components, each containing one of the ink cartridges, a central panel component interposed between the lateral components, and elements for maintaining the components in assembly. The ink cartridges are placed into cavities formed by the lateral components, which are then assembled on opposite sides of the central component with the flexible circuit members suitably arranged, to produce the inking module. The central panel includes features for applying laterally outward biasing force upon the seated ink cartridges, and structure is provided on the module to facilitate mounting and retention in a postage printing machine.

Abstract: A thermal ink ribbon cassette for a mailing machine has an anti-reverse spring for preventing rotation of the take-up spindle in the unwinding direction; a constant-tension drag arrangement, including an expansible stub axle, a cooperating expansion member, and a drag gear mounted on the stub axle in meshing engagement with an array of gear teeth surrounding the base of the ribbon supply spindle; and a guide bar for defining an optimal ribbon path between the entrance opening of the cassette housing and the take-up spindle.

Abstract: An inked ribbon core is formed with interference structure, providing an internal cylindrical contact surface, and a longitudinal rib, the interference structure and rib frictionally engaging corresponding spindle structures to secure the core on the spindle.

Abstract: A thermal ink ribbon cassette for a mailing machine has an anti-reverse leaf spring for preventing rotation of the take-up spindle in the unwinding direction, and a member that serves to limit deflection of the spring produced by engagement with teeth that surround the spindle base.

Abstract: A thermal ink ribbon cassette for a mailing machine has an anti-reverse spring for preventing rotation of the take-up spindle in the unwinding direction; a constant-tension drag arrangement, including an expansible stub axle, a cooperating expansion member, and a drag gear mounted on the stub axle in meshing engagement with an array of gear teeth surrounding the base of the ribbon supply spindle; and a guide bar for defining an optimal ribbon path between the entrance opening of the cassette housing and the take-up spindle.

Abstract: An improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in or is otherwise mounted to the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.

Abstract: An inked ribbon core is formed with interference structure, providing an internal cylindrical contact surface, and a longitudinal rib, the interference structure and rib frictionally engaging corresponding spindle structures to secure the core on the spindle.

Abstract: An inked ribbon core has an internal collar and a longitudinal rib which frictionally engage corresponding spindle structures to thereby secure the core in its fully mounted position, as determined by a stop ring.

Abstract: An inked ribbon core has an internal collar and a longitudinal rib which frictionally engage corresponding spindle structures to thereby secure the core in its fully mounted position, as determined by a stop ring.

Abstract: An improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in or is otherwise mounted to the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.

Abstract: An improved detectable spool for use with a ribbon includes an improved hub which includes a core and an indication member. The indication member is a generally planar metallic member that is substantially embedded in the core, with the indication member including a support and a plurality of tabs. In at least one embodiment the indication member is a monolithically formed single-piece member, while in another embodiment the indication member is a multi-component member.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel 3-(5-nitro-2-imidazolyl)pyrazoles exhibiting utility as antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal agents, making the compounds useful particularly in veterinary medicine, especially in controlling bacterial and protozoal infections of cattle, swine, and poultry. The compounds are also active as growth promoters in chickens.

Abstract: 2-Nitroimidazolyl-4-thiomorpholinoiminoalkyl thiazoles are useful as anti-parasitic agents, being active against Trypanosomidae, and may be prepared by reaction of novel 2-nitroimidazolyl-4-acylthiazoles with an N-aminothiomorpholine.

Abstract: 2-Nitroimidazolyl-4-thiomorpholinoiminoalkyl thiazoles are useful as anti-parasitic agents, being active against Trypanosomidae, and may be prepared by reaction of novel 2-nitroimidazolyl-4-acylthiazoles with an N-aminothiomorpholine.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel 3-(5-nitro-2-imidazolyl)-pyrazoles exhibiting utility as antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal agents, making the compounds useful particularly in veterinary medicine, especially in controlling bacterial and protozoal infections of cattle, swine, and poultry. The compounds are also active as growth promoters in chickens.