Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing anti-terrorism public safety measures, by more securely determining whether explosives or other contraband have been inserted into notebook computer batteries or other large, replaceable subsystems of electronic devices. Because notebook computers typically require large, heavy batteries, they present attractive containers for smugglers and terrorists attempting to bring explosives onto an airplane. The disclosed security testing system provides more reliable results than many current tests, and does not require that the device under test be powered on. The systems and methods disclosed use out-of-band authentication for added security.

Abstract: A method of managing a software license comprises loading a software program into volatile memory, obtaining authorization data, modifying a portion of the volatile memory relied upon by the program in accordance with the authorization data, executing the program, and causing the modifications to be deleted from the volatile memory. In some embodiments, selection criteria compared with the authorization data does not contain information corresponding to all of the content of the authorization data, thereby denying a software attacker the benefit of identifying and exploiting the selection criteria.

Abstract: Operating a power saw between a pair of parallel guide rails, which engage opposing sides of saw base plate to constrain the motion of the saw to a straight path, allows for precise cuts. A set of two or more fences allows for multiple cutting options. In some embodiments, non-parallel fences coupled to the guide rails allow for precise cuts at more than just a single angle. In some embodiments, two fences may engage opposing sides of the object to be cut simultaneously, holding the object more securely with respect to the guide rails than would a single fence. A possible clamping force holding the two fences against the object allows the miter guide to remain fixed relative to the object so that the user's hand may be freed for another task, such as holding the saw with both hands.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which enable the establishment of file dates and the absence of tampering, even for documents held in secrecy and those stored in uncontrolled environments, but which does not require trusting a timestamping authority or document archival service. A trusted timestamping authority (TTSA) may be used, but even if the TTSA loses credibility or a challenger refuses to acknowledge the validity of a timestamp, a date for an electronic document may still be established. Systems and methods are disclosed which enable detection of file duplication in large collections of documents, which can improve searching for documents within the large collection.

Abstract: A system and method are described for rendering Compact Discs (CDs) and Digital Video Discs (DVDs) unreadable. Embodiments comprise a frame, a guide for constraining motion of the frame with respect to a disc, and at least one scraping element. Scraping elements may be positioned to damage the disc volume descriptor while the frame moves in a constrained manner relative to the disc. The guide may comprise a spindle which engages the center hole of a disc to hold the frame in a radially-fixed position. A scraping element on the frame damages the disc as the disc rotates relative to the frame. The guide may be integrated, such that the frame comprises a slot through which the disc passes. A scraping element inside the slot damages a disc as it passes through. Embodiments are hand operated, not motorized, and some have no moving parts. Embodiments also function with non-optical media.

Abstract: An embodiment of an audio system comprises a speaker system configured to automatically change a coupling of an audio speaker from a first channel input to a second channel input if an external speaker is coupled to a first output. In embodiments of the invention, the speaker that connects to an audio source, such as an audio card of a personal computer (PC), automatically swaps channels based on the jack into which an external speaker is plugged. Thus, the reconfiguration of the audio system is automatic for the user in some embodiments, requiring nothing more from the user than selecting one of two jacks for use with an external speaker.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which enable the establishment of file dates and the absence of tampering, even for documents held in secrecy and those stored in uncontrolled environments, but which does not require trusting a timestamping authority or document archival service. A trusted timestamping authority (TTSA) may be used, but even if the TTSA loses credibility or a challenger refuses to acknowledge the validity of a timestamp, a date for an electronic document may still be established. Systems and methods are disclosed which enable detection of file duplication in large collections of documents, which can improve searching for documents within the large collection.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for rendering published documents tamper evident. Embodiments render classes of documents tamper evident with cryptographic level security or detect tampering, where such security was previously unavailable, for example, documents printed using common printers without special paper or ink. Embodiments enable proving the date of document content without the need for expensive third party archival, including documents held, since their creation, entirely in secrecy or in untrustworthy environments, such as on easily-altered, publicly-accessible internet sites. Embodiments can extend, by many years, the useful life of currently-trusted integrity verification algorithms, such as hash functions, even when applied to binary executable files. Embodiments can efficiently identify whether multiple document versions are substantially similar, even if they are not identical, thus potentially reducing storage space requirements.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that can extend, by many years, the useful life of currently-trusted integrity verification algorithms, such as hash functions, even when applied to binary executable files and data files, the contents of which are not thoroughly examined by humans in their binary state. Embodiments can efficiently identify whether multiple digital files are substantially similar, even if they are not identical, thus potentially reducing storage space requirements.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.

Abstract: Operating a power saw between a pair of parallel guide rails, which engage opposing sides of saw base plate to constrain the motion of the saw to a straight path, allows for precise cuts. A set of two or more fences allows for multiple cutting options. In some embodiments, non-parallel fences coupled to the guide rails allow for precise cuts at more than just a single angle. In some embodiments, two fences may engage opposing sides of the object to be cut simultaneously, holding the object more securely with respect to the guide rails than would a single fence. A possible clamping force holding the two fences against the object allows the miter guide to remain fixed relative to the object so that the user's hand may be freed for another task, such as holding the saw with both hands.

Abstract: A notebook computer with a tilting keyboard, which opens a vent when tilted, solves multiple problems and may further materially contribute to countering terrorism. A tilted position of the keyboard allows the vent to open when the notebook lid is open, thereby providing extra cooling capacity during periods of computer use when there is a lessened need for compactness. The vent is it least partially closed when the keyboard is in the stowed position and the lid is closed, thereby reducing the possibility of debris ingestion when air flow needs are reduced and the need for compactness is increased. A security inspection position of the keyboard enables inspection of the inside of the computer, for example as part of a security checkpoint procedure. A negative tilt can reduce wrist strain and repetitive motion injuries for some users. Some embodiments tilt the keyboard automatically in response to the lid opening, and stow the keyboard automatically in response to the lid being closed.

Abstract: A system and method enable reliable tamper detection for printed documents. Embodiments determine whether tampering has occurred and, if detected, isolate it to a specific section, such as a single page of a multi-page document. Embodiments render classes of documents tamper evident with cryptographic level security, where such security was previously unavailable, for example, documents printed using common printers without special paper or ink. Embodiments enable proving the date of document content without the need for expensive third party archival, including documents held, since their creation, entirely in secrecy or in untrustworthy environments, such as on easily-altered, publicly-accessible internet sites. Embodiments can extend, by many years, the useful life of currently-trusted integrity verification algorithms, such as hash functions, even when applied to binary executable files.