Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the security of data transmissions between stations and for controlling secured transactions from remote locations in a data-transfer system. The method and apparatus obviate the need for transmitting user-identification information such as personal identification number (PIN) from station to station, e.g., from the station utilized by the user to enter his PIN and initiate a transaction, to the station that processes the transaction. Also, for added security, the method and apparatus provide for encryption (encoding) and decryption (decoding) of data during a transaction using encryption and decryption keys produced from different (independent) PIN's. The apparatus includes at least one irreversible algorithm module, a random number generator and at least one data file (e.g., disc or magnetic tape storage). The apparatus also includes a comparator or, alternatively, an encoding algorithm module and a matching decoding algorithm module.

Abstract: An improved electrocautery instrument includes a manually retractable-extendable electrode-blade with a vacuum channel disposed therebeneath. A guide in close-spaced relationship to the electrode-blade at the end of the instrument facilitates the scraping off and cleaning of the blade-electrode as it is retracted out of the way to configure the instrument for use as an uncluttered vacuum wand.

Abstract: A card-coding system and method preserves the security of the encoding process against duplication and counterfeiting of cards by securing the interactions under the control of the individual and then of the issuing institution. Multilevels of offset codes are generated in successive interactions so that attempted alteration, duplication, or counterfeiting of a coded card will be readily detectable using "off-line" card-checking apparatus. An "active" card is initially issued or authorized with an established credit balance, and its authenticity, balance, and proper use are continuously checked, debited and updated in each authorized transaction completed by the proper individual.

Abstract: An improved secured data transmission system relies on the favorable comparison of coded signals derived from information about authorized individuals and particular data terminals that is both prestored and subsequently supplied under manual command in order to generate an operating key which is then used to encode and decode data that is entered after the initialization procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the security of data transmissions between stations and for controlling secured transactions from remote locations in a data-transfer system. The method and apparatus obviate the need for transmitting user-identification information such as personal identification number (PIN) from station to station, e.g., from the station utilized by the user to enter his PIN and initiate a transaction, to the station that processes the transaction. Also, for added security, the method and apparatus provide for encryption (encoding) and decryption (decoding) of data during a transaction using encryption and decryption keys produced from different (independent) PIN's. The apparatus includes at least one irreversible algorithm module, a random number generator and at least one data file (e.g., disc or magnetic tape storage). The apparatus also includes a comparator or, alternatively, an encoding algorithm module and a matching decoding algorithm module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the security of data transmissions between stations. The method obviates the need for transmitting user-identification information such as personal identification number (PIN) from station to station, e.g., from the station utilized by the user to enter his PIN and initiate a transaction, to the station that processes the transaction. Also, for added security, the method provides for encryption (encoding) and decryption (decoding) of data during a transaction using encryption and decryption keys produced from different (independent) PINs. The apparatus includes at least one irreversible algorithm module, a random number generator and at least one data file (e.g., disc or magnetic tape storage). The apparatus also includes a comparator or, alternatively, an encoding algorithm module and a matching decoding algorithm module.

Abstract: A bistable hysteretic integrated circuit is designed such that the hysteretic characteristic is determined by the ratio of the resistances of two resistors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the security of data transmissions between stations and for controlling secured transactions from remote locations in a data-transfer system. The method and apparatus obviate the need for transmitting user-identification information such as personal identification number (PIN) from station to station, e.g., from the station utilized by the user to enter his PIN and initiate a transaction, to the station that processes the transaction. Also, for added security, the method and apparatus provide for encryption (encoding) and decryption (decoding) of data during a transaction using encryption and decryption keys produced from different (independent) PINs. The apparatus includes at least one irreversible algorithm module, a random number generator and at least one data file (e.g., disc or magnetic tape storage). The apparatus also includes a comparator or, alternatively, an encoding algorithm module and a matching decoding algorithm module.

Abstract: An optical comparator having a transimpedance amplifier with feedback diodes coupled to a differential pair of transistors which have transfer functions matching those of the feedback diodes provides a linear interpolated signal in response to the comparison of two light signals.

Abstract: An improved air-sampling pump of miniature size ideally suited for carrying on a person includes monitoring circuitry which controls motive pump-energizing signal applied to an air pump to ensure that sampled air is pumped through a test chamber at a substantially constant rate over an extended period of time and also includes alarm circuitry which provides comtemporary and residual indications of interrupted flow rate during the sampling period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which automatically focus a television camera or motion picture camera, or the like, in applications where, for any given camera-pointing direction, the desired subject will lie at a single-valued and predetermined distance from the camera such as on a planar surface. In one embodiment, a mechanical linkage enables a camera, shooting downward onto a flat playing field, to self-focus on any point in that field. In an electronic embodiment, a learn mode is included that handles events on more complicated terrains such as mountainous terrain in skiing events. In these cases, the self-focusing action is instantaneous, continuous and accurate.

Abstract: A high frequency programmable frequency divider operates in a digital manner to divide the frequency of an applied signal by an integer value greater than five. The frequency divider combines emitter coupled logic (ECL) devices to perform a frequency divide algorithm at frequencies of 220 MHz.

Abstract: An integrator circuit is disclosed, comprising a capacitor, at least one connectable and disconnectable power source for charging and discharging the capacitor, and a limiter device comprising diodes for limiting the capacitor voltage to a predetermined value. The limiter device can be separated from the remaining integration circuit, thus avoiding the effect resulting from the current/voltage characteristic of the diodes, particularly undesirable voltage discontinuity.

Abstract: Particulate sources of signal which can be detected outside the body of a patient are introduced into the circulating blood and are tracked in three dimensions in the region of the heart using suitable detectors disposed about the patient's chest. This permits the sequence of positions of each particle to be recorded as a function of time as each particle flows through a coronary vessel. Data analyses of these recordings of particle positions provide information about the velocity of blood flow through the course of each coronary artery. This velocity information is used to determine the extent, severity and location of stenotic lesions of the coronary arteries.

Abstract: A code-word security system uses a logic module which can receive an account code word (or any other data that is specific to an individual) and a secret code word from an individual for encoding in accordance with a logical combination of such code words altered in accordance with a selectable control word to produce a compiled code word of fixed length. Such compiled code words may be stored and retrieved for comparison with a compiled code word similarly generated during the course of an authorized transaction by such individual, or may be transmitted with coded information and other data pertaining to such authorized individual for logical manipulation.

Abstract: An improved flow-controlling mechanism utilizes interference-fitting components and static seals to assure accurate and repeatable fluid flow-controlling settings and to eliminate a leakage deteriorating seals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which automatically focus a television camera or motion picture camera, or the like, in applications where, for any given camera-pointing direction, the desired subject will lie at a single-valued and predetermined distance from the camera such as on a planar surface. In one embodiment, a mechanical linkage enables a camera, shooting downward onto a flat playing field, to self-focus on any point in that field. In an electronic embodiment, a learn mode is included that handles events on more complicated terrains such as mountainous terrain in skiing events. In these cases, the self-focusing action is instantaneous, continuous and accurate.

Abstract: A decoder-encoder with a biphase or delta-distance to binary decoding circuit adapts the data sampling interval to compensate for a non-centered signal level transition in the preceding sample interval. The location of the signal level transition in the prior sampling interval modifies the location of the subsequent sampling interval. The adaptive sampling maintains relative frequency and phase synchronization between the biphase or delta-distance source and the decoding circuit.

Abstract: A card having randomly-oriented optical ports and a system having a card reader for reading the card and having a keyboard for entering secret user-identification data are disclosed for securing the user-identification data entered into the system. The system includes a logic unit for controlling the keyboard, and for applying data to the card via the card reader. The system may also include a physical data collector or transducer for collecting fingerprint or voice-print data, or the like, from a user and for applying such data in digital form to the card via the logic unit and the card reader. The card operates in conjunction with the logic unit of the system to transform the applied data and to improve the security of said data. A method of fabricating the card and a method of securing entered data using the card are also disclosed.