Abstract: A method for authenticating nodes/users and in protecting data flow between nodes. This is facilitated by creating a dialogue involving authenticated encryption among the nodes. During each session, a key for use in cryptographic conversion is constructed among the node participants in order to permit symmetric authentication. The key is unique to the session. A different key is generated for each and every session. The building of the session key involves sharing of a minimal amount of information among the participants in the form of combining both a random number and authentication indicia.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing the work required for moving, handling, and rolling heavy boxes and the like having a center of gravity. The apparatus incorporates a ramp contoured to the locus of points described by the surfaces of the workpiece as that workpiece rotates about its center of gravity, as that center of gravity is horizontally translated while simultaneously maintained at constant vertical elevation.

Abstract: An optimized feedhorn comprising a circular waveguide having a corrugated plate disposed around the outside of the aperture of the waveguide wherein the corrugations of the plate are capacitive as to E plane signals. The feedhorn includes a reduced aperture diameter which selectively protrudes beyond the plane of the corrugated plate. The amount of protrusion of the aperture is determined to approximately equalize E and H plane beamwidths and selectively shape the top and skirts of the signal pattern around the center frequency of interest.

Abstract: A continuously-variable septum for rotation of electric field polarization in a circular waveguide comprising a continuous, serpentine-shaped, electrically conductive filament.

Abstract: The acoustic imaging transducer described herein incorporates an acoustic stack contained in an alumina housing which also provides structure for electrically connecting the transducer array elements to system signal processing electronics.

Abstract: Data representations are translated on a rotating disc utilizing multiple transducers at different radial positions. The disc is logically formatted into selected concentric bands. Within each band data representations are translated alternately in a repetitive sequence among a selected number of transducers characteristic of the particular band. By appropriately selecting band format parameters and increasing the characteristic number of transducers as a function of decreasing band radial position the track data density may be maintained within selected limits.

Abstract: A reflector for high gain antennae comprising a plurality of generally triangular shaped petals joined in edgewise overlapping relation, wherein the overlap gradually increases from rim to center of the reflector, so as to provide a mechanically stable paraboloid configuration. The petals are supported by a rigid rim structure constructed of preformed tubular sections.

Abstract: A belt for carrying beverages and liquified food.

Abstract: A seagoing vessel is stabilized by a passive system including tanks symmetrically disposed on the vessel below the water line. The tanks are connected by a conduit and pressurized with air to a selected pressure level. During each oscillatory roll and/or pitch cycle of the vessel, the tanks alternately fill and drain with selected volumes of water to reduce the righting moment of the vessel. The period of oscillation of the vessel is thus lengthened beyond the period of wave motion.

Abstract: The modular read-write and read-only memory, central processing, input-output control keyboard input and output printer units of the calculator described herein provide an adaptable programmable calculator that may be operated manually by the user from the keyboard input unit or automatically by a program stored in memory. Programs may be loaded directly into memory from the keyboard and either data or programs may be separately transferred bi-directionally between the memory unit and an external magnetic card. Programs stored in the memory unit may be edited and key-coded logs, program lists, labels, and messages may be printed by the output printer unit by specifying one of several modes of the calculator. In one of the modes, the printer will print a log comprising a listing of a key code for each key actuated, of nearly all programmable operations performed from the keyboard.

Abstract: The improved drive system for linearly translating the sample platform of a mensuration stage along two axes comprises two drive bars, each bar having one tapered lontitudinal edge. The X-Y position adjustment of the sample platform is controlled by two manually operable, coaxial controls which are coupled to V-grooved drive wheels. Leaf springs formed in the ends of each drive bar urge the tapered edge of each drive bar into enhanced, frictional engagement with a drive wheel. Each end of the drive bars are also formed to cause the drive bar to frictionally disengage from the drive wheel as the sample platform is driven to its limit in either direction along either axis.

Abstract: A high-speed data transfer system comprising a plurality of data drivers, each with controllably reduced on-resistance and correspondingly reduced risk of driver circuit burnout and each operating asynchronously or synchronously with a plurality of different data drivers.

Abstract: Control forces for stabilizing semi-submersible platforms are provided outboard the platform columns, at a point approximately where the free surface of the water intersects the columns, without altering the internal arrangements or structure of the platform and employing equipment which develops pressures needed to impose control forces only. In a similar manner, control forces for stabilizing pitch and roll motions in ships and to effectively damp the oscillatory motion of the water level in a "moon pool" are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides programmable, remote and automatic numeric control and calibration of analog signal measuring and generating apparatus. Digital values for control signals for control of gain, sensitivity, frequency and the like and for calibration are stored and may be easily modified to follow complex control and calibration functions. Conventional controls are replaced by pushbuttons which initiate calculation of digital control signals for controlling the transfer function of variable elements of the apparatus. Conventional meters and dials are replaced by digital readout devices for indicating operational parameters such as amplitudes, sensitivities, frequencies and the like. Digital values for calibration factors and parameter control settings also may be recorded on suitable recording media for use under recurring conditions and environments.

Abstract: The retainer sleeve of a ferrule suitable for very small diameter optical fibers is coupled to a connector barrel so that, after the ferrule and optical fiber have been assembled, the position of the optical fiber end with the coupling surface of the ferrule may be adjusted. The connector barrel also includes means for securely locking the adjusted position of the optical fiber in the ferrule.

Abstract: A soft carrying case for battery-powered, hand-held calculators and the like, as described herein, prevents the user from turning on the calculator while that calculator is in the carrying case, and provides the user with a way of detecting when the calculator is on if inserted into the carrying case without first being turned off.

Abstract: The capacitive fluid pressure transducers described herein comprise quartz bodies and diaphragms having suitable electrodes deposited thereon to form both sensing and reference capacitors in appropriate configurations for high fidelity measurement of relative blood pressure, said transducers being substantially unaffected by temperature and other environment factors.

Abstract: The retainer sleeve of a three piece ferrule suitable for very small diameter optical fibers has an outside diameter threaded portion at the closed end so that, after the ferrule and optical fiber have been assembled, an outer sleeve, having a correspondingly threaded inside diameter, can be used to adjust the optical fiber end to be positioned flush with the end face of the ferrule during assembly. The design of the outside threaded sleeve for retaining the connector of two fibers to be connected is improved by inserting a shim sleeve of molded, pliable material having a "D"-shaped inside diameter to apply force to the outside diameter of the ferrules when inserted therein for reliable, concentric snug-fit.