Abstract: A plurality of certification authorities connected by an open network are interrelated through an authentication and certification system for providing and managing public key certificates. The certification system with its multiple certification and its policies constitute a public key infrastructure facilitating secure and authentic transactions over an unsecure network. Security services for applications and users in the network are facilitated by a set of common certification functions accessible by well-defined application programming interface which allows applications to be developed independently of the type of underlying hardware platforms used, communication networks and protocols and security technologies.

Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling in which the torque transmission takes place by way of elastomer shackles between the two shafts to be coupled. The coupling components in the form of separate anchoring plates are all arranged in a single radial plane of the coupling, whereas the radially outward-pointing elastomer shackles are mounted to enclose the coupling. For predetermined torques to be transmitted, this design allows minimal outside dimensions of the flexible shaft coupling, as a result of which these couplings are especially applicable to wheel driveshafts of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A rare earth element-doped multiple-core optical fiber 31 has a bundle of cores 32-1.about.32-7 co-doped with Er and Al, primary cladding layers 33 covering each core, and an outer cladding layer 34 covering all cores 32-1.about.32-7, wherein one core 32-1 being positioned substantially on a central axis of the outer cladding layer and surrounded by other six cores 32-2.about.32-7. A core diameter Dc of the center core 32-1 is smaller than a core diameter Do of each peripheral core 32-2.about.32-7. The power of both signal light (1.53 .mu.m.about.1.57 .mu.m wavelength bands) and pumping light (0.98 .mu.m or 1.48 .mu.m band) propagating through the center core 32-1 becomes lower and the power propagating through each core 32-1.about.32-7 is equalized, and the flatter characteristics of gain to wavelength are obtained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the rapid creation of wire frame representations of 3-dimensional objects using generic wire frames which are prototypical of a class of objects and which are modifiable to correspond to a specific instance of the class. A set of generic wire frames are bundled as a tool kit with software for editing wire frames. A method of morphing from a source 3-dimensional stereo rendered wire frame to a target rendered wire frame is also disclosed and the apparent camera viewpoint can change during morphing.

Abstract: A precision polishing system able to polish samples to an accuracy within the submicron range is disclosed. The novel polishing system has applications in the semiconductor field for use in polishing silicon wafers during testing and quality control inspections. In the examination of failed wafers during the semiconductor manufacturing process, it is desirable to examine a cross section of the wafer at the point of failure. The polishing system of the present invention enables very accurate polishing of the wafer down to the submicron accuracy range. The sample is held is place by a gripper assembly which is attached to a polishing arm slideably connected to a fixed rail. The polishing arm is raised and lowered to polish the sample using a polishing wheel covered with a suitable abrasive. A video microscope attached to an object lens and a video camera provide images that are processed to control the polishing operation.

Abstract: Oxygen ion is implanted into a silicon substrate to remain a silicon layer on a surface of the silicon substrate. In this state, a silicon oxide layer is formed under the silicon layer. Silicon oxide particles are formed and remained in the residual silicon layer. While maintaining this state, the silicon substrate is heated to a predetermined temperature not less than 1300.degree. C. Alternatively, the silicon substrate is heated at a high temperature-rise rate to 900.degree.-1100.degree. C., and thereafter is heated at a low temperature-rise rate to the temperature not less than 1300.degree. C. The silicon substrate is held at the predetermined temperature not less than 1300.degree. C. for a predetermined time, whereby crystallinity of the residual silicon layer is restored.

Abstract: Three-dimensional color images are produced by combining the red image plane from a left color camera and the blue and green image planes from a right color camera. Techniques for compensating for over or underexposure in a particular image plane are deployed as well as techniques for minimizing subjective disturbance when viewing relatively pure color regions of a 3-dimensional image and for transmission of 3-dimensional color television images to users.

Abstract: In apparatus and method for navigating a mobile body such as an automotive vehicle along a set route of travel, a road map stored in an external large-capacity memory unit such as a CD-ROM on a two-dimensional plane is graphically drawn on a display frame of an image screen with a degree of particulars of the road map data varied according to a displayed position of the image screen with respect to the display frame so that the graphically drawn road map in a form of a bird's eye view is viewed three-dimensionally with a feeling of depth given to a viewer. In an embodiment, as the displayed position of the image screen becomes upper with respect to the display frame, the degree of the particulars becomes lower.

Abstract: A power plant support device for a vehicle which includes a releasable first mount and second mount. The first mount has a releasing mechanism which releases a connection to the power plant upon an impact force larger than a predetermined impact force. The second mount rotatably supports the power plant and is located below the center of gravity of the power plant, but it has enough endurance to support against the predetermined impact force. When a front collision of the vehicle occurs and the power plant receives an impact force larger than the predetermined impact force, the connection between the first mount and the power plant is released and the power plant rotates about the second mount, so that the power plant moves away from a lower dash panel of the passenger compartment. Thus, the degree of crush of a framework of the vehicle increases and a larger shock can be absorbed.

Abstract: A method for of delivering a defibrillation shock to a heart at an optimal time to stop ventricular fibrillation which involves obtaining an electrocardiogram of a heart in at least two directions, determining a time-coherency of the electrocardiogram based upon each of the at least two directions, and computing a tracking function from the time-coherency. An optimal time to apply a defibrillation shock to the heart is determined by locating a local maximum on the tracking function. The method utilizes spacia characteristics of the ventricular fibrillation. The method can be incorporated into implantable cardioverter defibrillators utilizing existing hardware technology.

Abstract: A security closure for bottles and the like, which makes unauthorized opening clearly evident, comprises a pourer body, a cylindrical sleeve having an inner rim for retaining the pourer body, a cap screwed onto the pourer body, and a security band constituted by a ring which is divided into two structurally-independent, identical portions, and which is fixed to the cap by means of a weakened line, external teeth being formed on the cylindrical sleeve and opposing internal teeth being formed on the ring for engaging the teeth when the cap is first unscrewed.

Abstract: A color image intensifier device includes an evacuated envelope with an input window for receiving incident light from the environment. A photocathode is deposited upon the interior surface of the envelope of the input window for converting the incident light into a photoelectron signal. A phosphor layer, emitting several wavelengths approximating white light when struck by and amplified by an intensified photoelectron signal, is deposited upon an interior surface of the envelope proximate an output window to convert the amplified signal into a visible light output image projected from the intensifier.

Abstract: A driving-torque distribution control system for a four-wheel drive vehicle, comprises a transfer having a transfer clutch for variably adjusting a front and rear drive-wheel torque distribution, and a torque-split controller for setting a weighting coefficient to a lower speed of rotational speeds of secondary drive wheels depending on a wheel-load shift between the secondary drive wheels e.g. a lateral acceleration exerted on the vehicle or a rolling moment. The controller calculates a simple mean of rotational speeds of primary drive wheels, and also calculates a weighted mean of rotational speeds of the secondary drive wheels based on the weighting coefficient so as to control the transfer clutch in accordance with the front and rear drive-wheel torque distribution based on a difference between the simple mean and the weighted mean. The weighting coefficient is held constant until the lateral acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A software license management system that assists a user at a local node of a computer network in selecting an appropriate type of software licenses available at the time of a request. When the user requests a license for a required software tool, the system determines whether a node-locked license assigned to its node is available. If not, the system determines whether a floating license for the required software tool is available. If no floating or local node-locked license is available, the system finds out whether a node-locked license assigned to a remote node of the network can be used. If so, the user is connected to the remote node to use that node-locked license. If no license for the required software tool is available at the time of the request, the request is placed on a license request queue for the required software tool. The user is notified in order of the queue when any license for the required software tool becomes available.

Abstract: A support is composed of a plurality of units which each consist of a hollow essentially cylindrical member in which a sets of parallel non-intersecting wires are strung. The units are arranged one after the other with the wires extending either parallel to each other or at different angles to one another. The cylindrical members are in some embodiments formed with crenelations over which wire wound during the stringing process. Alternatively, through-holes are used to receive portions of the wires.

Abstract: According to an apparatus for automatically generating a logic circuit, when a request specification represented by a state transition diagram is input to the apparatus, the apparatus divides the specification into an information control part and an information processing part, divides the information control part into a transition state generator and a control signal generator, and specifies the transition state generator, the control signal generator, and the information processing part, as combinations of circuits, which are realized by combinations of logic elements and wirings, and wirings connecting the circuits. Therefore, the apparatus can easily cope with a change of use of the logic circuit, a change of a library of a final product, and the like.

Abstract: With the present invention, an inputted color image is separated to image signals for three colors of Red, Green and Blue, determination is made as to whether a remarked pixel is for a specified color or not according to the image signals for the separated three colors, brightness data for the inputted color image is detected, determination is made as to whether a remarked pixel is for a white color or a black color depending on the detected brightness data, a pixel determined as for a specified color is converted to a specified color, and a pixel determined as not for a specified color is converted to a white color or a black color according to a result of determination as to whether the remarked pixel is for a white color or a black color, so that a separation area for a specified color can clearly be defined.

Abstract: The adjustable mounting device comprises two superposed plates in sliding relationship. One of the plates is pivotally connected to the articulator. A first mechanism is provided to selectively slide and lock in position one of the plates relative to the other while this other plate is provided with a second mechanism to selectively rotate and lock the device in position with reference to the dental articulator. This mounting device replaces one or both conventional fixed mounting plates in a dental articulator to provide adjustability between the lower and upper parts of the dental cast.

Abstract: A seat-lifting device having a pair of left and right units 3, 4 arranged on both sides of a stool 1 in a toilet. The units 3, 4 are connected mutually by a connecting frame 5. Each unit 3, 4 has a guide portion 7 and a cable-driving portion 10 which are connected with a pair of conduits for guiding a cable. The guide portion 7 has a static guide 11, 14, a sliding plate 13 slidably supported with the static guide, a seat-supporting member 15 tiltably mounted on the sliding member, and a gas spring 17 urging the rear portion of the seat-supporting member. The sliding plate 13 is driven by the cable-driving portion through a loop of cable.

Abstract: When recording data according to the PWM recording system by modulating signals, pulse modulation for pulse modulation for recording for recording a 0 signal or the like having a signal width of nT (T: Clock time) after modulation is a continuous electro-magnetic wave at a power level e, a record signal pulse array for recording a 1 signal or the like having a signal width of nT after modulation comprises a pulse section fp having a time width x and a power level a, a multi-pulse section mp in which a low level pulse at a power level b and a high power pulse at a power level c having a time width T in total alternately appear (n-n') times in all with a duty ratio y, and a pulse section op having a time width z and a power level d, and x, y, z are integers satisfying the conditions of 0.5T .ltoreq.x.ltoreq.2T, 0.4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.6 and 0.5T.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.