Abstract: Techniques for guaranteeing that a software program is executed on a machine only during designated periods of time are provided. Service windows define time periods during which software programs targeted to execute on a machine are allowed to execute on the machine. On the machine, the service windows work in conjunction with a client process that is executing on the machine to guarantee execution of the software programs by the client process only during available service windows.

Abstract: A cartridge (10), constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for use in a firearm (not shown), such as a traditional 12-gauge shotgun, broadly includes a shell (12), powder (14) housed within the shell (12), wadding (16) separating the powder (14) within the shell (12), and high density, non-toxic, non-steel shot (18) received within the wadding (16). The high density shot (18) includes a plurality of pellets (44), each including tungsten (46) and presenting a density between about sixteen and nineteen grams per cubic centimeter. Each of the pellets (44) present a uniform, smooth spherical shape. The high density shot (18) is a non-toxic, non-steel shot that patterns well even at long range applications while providing the desired lethality without the need for relatively large payloads.

Abstract: Playground equipment may include a variety of different types of components. For example, the playground equipment may include a main structure and one or more components, such as a swing set, a climbing wall, a slide, monkey bars, picnic table, sandbox, a ladder and/or the like. The various components and structures of the playground equipment may be connected in a variety of suitable configurations and arrangements. Advantageously, if the playground equipment includes a climbing wall, the climbing wall may include one or more panels that are adjustably connected and constructed from blow-molded plastic. Additionally, if the playground equipment includes a picnic table, the picnic table top may have a surface that includes one or more generally planar portions and one or more generally offset portions. The offset portions may be sized and configured to be traced, for example, onto a sheet of paper to create a pleasing design.

Abstract: Methods, data structures, and systems by which entities can efficiently discover, extend, validate and establish business relationships over a digital network are disclosed. A transitive trust system can be utilized by any number of interconnected entities in which at least two of the entities are capable of sharing information. One or more entity trust lists contain, for at least two of the entities, at least one characteristic. Each characteristic can, for example, describe or pertain to the actual or perceived dependability, reliability and/or credibility of an entity. The system also includes at least one transactional trust list that contains at least one parameter relative to an exchange between at least two of the entities through at least one degree of separation between the entities. The transactional trust list can, for example, be a listing of any type of parameters that define or describe business exchanges within a particular industry segment.

Abstract: A system for permitting offline content playback and for managing the rights to one or more digital content files within a computer network. The system manages these rights by encrypting the content files to prevent unauthorized access to the files. Encryption is accomplished by using one or more keys which are associated with one or more segments of the content file. These keys enable an authorized user to decrypt and playback the content files at a subsequent time. When the keys are received, a license which specifies the rights of the user regarding the content files, is obtained by the end user system, and verified locally to permit the content playback.

Abstract: A system for permitting offline content playback and for managing the rights to one or more digital content files within a computer network. The system manages these rights by encrypting the content files to prevent unauthorized access to the files. Encryption is accomplished by using one or more keys which are associated with one or more segments of the content file. These keys enable an authorized user to decrypt and playback the content files at a subsequent time. When the keys are received, a license which specifies the rights of the user regarding the content files, is obtained by the end user system, and verified locally to permit the content playback.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for autonomically configuring a user interface. The system can include at least one widget programmed to be disposed in the user interface. The widget can include a dynamically configurable presentation field. Additionally, the system can include a policy defined by one or more business rules for configuring the widget in the user interface based upon a context provided by the widget. Finally, the system can include a rules engine configured to process the business rules. Notably, the widget can be a widget configured to be disposed in a markup language document. The business rules which define the policy of the present invention can include a multiplicity of rules which both define and constrain the level of complexity of user interface widgets in the user interface.

Abstract: A system for permitting offline content playback and for managing the rights to one or more digital content files within a computer network. The system manages these rights by encrypting the content files to prevent unauthorized access to the files. Encryption is accomplished by using one or more keys which are associated with one or more segments of the content file. These keys enable an authorized user to decrypt and playback the content files at a subsequent time. When the keys are received, a license which specifies the rights of the user regarding the content files, is obtained by the end user system, and verified locally to permit the content playback.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for uniform call termination treatment in a global telecommunications network, the network including subscribers and wireless subscriber units. The method includes the steps of receiving calls for the wireless subscriber units for the global telecommunications network; determining unconnected calls that cannot be connected to the subscriber units; and uniformly providing alternative call termination treatment options to each of the unconnected calls. In the preferred embodiment, the reasons why the call cannot be connected to the wireless subscriber unit includes the unit being not reachable, busy, or not being answered. A caller is given the same option to leave either a voice message, a numeric message, or a text message under each of the above circumstances. In this manner, incoming calls are handled uniformly. Because calls are uniformly completed, network providers can bill for each call, minimizing lost revenue.

Abstract: A phosphor composition which comprises oxygen and a combination of elements satisfying the relationship:[(Hf.sub.1-z Zr.sub.z).sub.1+x Sn.sub.1-x ].sub.1-y Ti.sub.2ywherein:x is in the range of from about -0.4 to 0.952y is in the range of from 0 to 0.5 andz is in the range of from 0 to 0.5These phosphors exhibit an orthorhombic crystal structure, and are useful in intensifying screens for producing a latent image in a silver halide radiographic element when imagewise exposed to X-radiation.