Abstract: A method for executing a secure online transaction between a vendor computer and a user computer, wherein the vendor computer and the user computer are interconnected to a computer network such as the Internet for data communications therebetween.

Abstract: A portable sporting goal is provided comprising a net that is removably attached by hook and loop connectors to strategic locations on a framework. The framework has a plurality of substantially hollow tubular frame members, each comprising a pair of ends comprising an inner surface. Each inner surface comprises a substantially cylindrical inner surface portion and a substantially non-cylindrical inner surface portion. The frame members are joined by a plurality of mating connectors, each comprising a pair of ends comprising an outer surface. Each outer surface comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface portion and a substantially non-cylindrical outer surface portion. The outer surface is configured to slidingly engage within the inner surface when in substantial alignment with each other.

Abstract: A self-testing data communications system suitable for use with an alarm system, the communications system being capable of modifying an operational parameter such as the input signal sensitivity of a receiver located at a monitoring station during receipt of a supervision signal from a remote alarm device, in order to ensure that a non-supervision alarm signal will be properly received when the operational parameter is again returned to its normal state.

Abstract: A unique wireless transmission signal structure has a preamble at a first data rate and a data portion including the base band signal at a second, higher data rate. The signal is generated in a manner which ensures that the transmitted signal is "on" no more than one half the entire transmission time. A unique wireless transmitter generates the inventive transmission signal. A crystal oscillator drives both a signal generation circuit and a frequency generator. This provides accurate timing and allows the transmission signal to be not self-clocked. A unique wireless transmission receiver has adjustable pre-detection and post-detection filters. When the receiver is scanning for an incoming transmission signal, the pre-detection filter has a wide bandwidth to receive incoming transmission signals within a predictable range of variations due to inaccuracies in the transmitter and receiver. At this time, the post-detection filter has a narrow bandwidth to pass the low bit rate preamble data and reject noise.

Abstract: A self testing wireless data communications system suitable for use with an alarm system, the receiving element of the communications system is capable of measuring the signal strength (RSSI) of the received message signal and comparing it, if it is a supervision message, to a predetermined threshold value. When the supervision RSSI signal is above the threshold, the received message is passed to the control as being validly received; when the supervision RSSI signal is not above the threshold, then the message is ignored.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an investment fund, such as a long term investment fund which may be suitable for retirement purposes, comprising the steps of establishing a credit based account with a credit card issuer for the benefit of a credit card holder, providing an investment account with a financial institution for the benefit of the credit card holder, funding the investment account by the credit card issuer with a predetermined amount of money on a periodic basis, and charging an amount of money so funded against the credit based account of the credit card holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for increasing the size of a rose head prior to cutting the rose head from its plant comprising at least partially preventing the rose head from opening prior to cutting the rose head from the plant. This is accomplished by constricting the rose head with an elastic material wrapped around the rose head. The elastic material is preferably a netting sleeve having at least one open end suitable for placing over the rose head, the netting sleeve being comprised of an elastic netting material such as nylon or rubber capable of stretching so as to fit snugly over the rose head. In particular, the rose head is at least partially constricted for a predetermined time period prior to cutting from the plant.

Abstract: A self testing wireless data communications system suitable for use with an alarm system, the receiving element of the communications system is capable of receiving the message simultaneously at two different sensitivity levels, and during a supervision message, the lower sensitivity path is used in order to ensure that non-supervision alarm messages are received with an adequate signal margin.

Abstract: A radio frequency coupling device used in conjunction with a communications system for effecting free space communications between adjacent cars on a multi-car vehicle, wherein each of the cars has coupling arms for connecting the cars to each other, and wherein each of the cars further comprises radio frequency transceivers. The RF coupling device of the present invention is implemented by mounting the first coupler housing on a coupler arm of a first car, the first coupler housing comprising a first antenna element and a third antenna element configured so as to transceive separate channels of radio frequency energy substantially out of phase from each other. The second coupler housing is mounted on a coupler arm of a second car and comprises a second antenna element and a fourth antenna element and located near the first coupler housing when the coupler arms of the cars are mechanically joined together.

Abstract: A modular pump barge and walkway system having a modular subsystem of pump barges and a modular subsystem of walkways releasably attached thereto. Each of the pump barges has a top deck and four side walls, wherein each of two oppositely disposed side walls has a recess disposed therein with a bottom shelf and a pair of holes. Each of the barges has a link pin assembly for interconnecting with an adjacent barge, comprising a support plate and a pair of vertically disposed pins, the support plate arranged so as to be removably attachable to the top deck so as to cover the recess, the pins being disposed so as to be mated with and removably inserted into the pair of holes disposed within the bottom shelf of the recess when the support plate is attached to the top deck.

Abstract: A communication system for transferring data through the air over a relatively short fixed distance comprises a transmitting antenna comprising a leaky coaxial cable for radiating electromagnetic energy modulated with data to be transferred; and a non-linear fixed beam array antenna for receiving the modulated electromagnetic energy from the leaky coaxial cable. The fixed beam array antenna is juxtaposed with the transmitting antenna such that said transmitting antenna extends at least partially through the near-field region of the fixed beam array antenna. The fixed beam array antenna comprises four conductive patch elements comprising two inner patch elements and two outer patch elements juxtaposed linearly on a substantially flat substrate, wherein each of the patch elements is arranged to transduce electromagnetic energy with corresponding electric signals.