Abstract: An apparatus and method for ensuring effective and efficient vehicle vapor recovery performance, storage tank system integrity relative to both vapor and liquid containment and for reducing the probability that inaccurate information causes companies to undertake unnecessary, expensive and wasteful loss investigations at gasoline dispensing facilities. A fuel storage and delivery system is transformed from an “open system” communicating directly with the environment to a “closed system” which ensures capture, containment and accurate accounting of both hydrocarbon vapors and liquid phase product.

Abstract: A taut wire intrusion detection system includes posts that are used to detect an intrusion into a secured area. The supporting posts are used to both detect a movement of the taut wire and anchor the taut wire by using separate anchor and sensor elements. The taut wire system eliminates many of the weaknesses of prior taut wire systems by providing a less variant taut wire sensitivity.

Abstract: 3-D views of a 2-D image containing objects are provided by simulation of inter-object volume and intra-object volume. Intra-object volume is simulated by defining a plurality of volumetric slices from the object and assigning relative volume values to each. Multiple views of the object are simulated by displacing each slice in accordance with the defined volumetric effect as part of an animation sequence simulating progressive movement about a focus point of the object.

Abstract: A collection case combines a trading card with an actual piece of associated memorabilia to enhance its value. The collection case encapsulates the two items together in a protective plastic slab for safe keeping. The process results in a new collectable product of increased value.

Abstract: A server interacts with a sender to form a package which can include one or more attached data files to be sent to one or more recipients, and the server applies a policy established by a policy authority of the sender to the package. Since the server both forms the package through interaction with the sender and applies the policy, any violations of the policy by the package can be brought to the sender's attention during an interactive session with the sender and before encryption of all or part of the package. As a result, the sender is educated regarding the policy of the sender's policy authority, and the sender can modify the package immediately to comport with the policy. The server delivers the package to the one or more intended recipients by sending notification to each recipient and including in such notification package identification data, e.g., a URL by which the package can be retrieved.

Abstract: A composite sports racquet frame is made by placing a first prepreg tube into a first mold plate and a second prepreg tube into a second mold plate. A plurality of pin plates, each having a plurality of pins which are at least substantially parallel to one another, are secured to the mold plate so that, when the mold is closed, the pins extend between the two tubes. The tubes are pressurized to assume the shape of the mold and contact one another, and the mold is heated to allow resin to flow between the tubes as they cure, the pins forming pin holes in the frame. Once cured, the frame is removed from the mold, and the pins are withdrawn. If desired, the ends of the tubes forming the handle section can be kept separate from one another during the molding process, by using a removable mold plate. In this manner, not only do the two tubes become integral with one another, at least in the head portion, but string holes do not need to be drilled after the racquet is molded.

Abstract: A firearm safety system restricts the use of the firearm by reference to biometric data received by a sensor coupled to the firearm trigger. The biometric data is compared to at least one record of biometric data associated with a permitted user to determine whether firearm actuation is permitted. Firearm actuation is controlled by a latching track that is coupled to the firearm trigger. Firearm actuation is prevented when the latching track prevents the sliding of a ring rigidly coupled to the trigger. Firearm actuation is permitted when the latching track allows for the sliding of the ring past the predetermined location on the track.

Abstract: A slide projector that is portable, easy to use and suitable for use by an individual, or individuals in the home. The slide projector comprises means in which to project an image perpendicularly from a slide onto a projection surface. In use, the projected image of the slide lies in a substantially planar surface. The slide is located in a rotating carousel which can be automatically, or manually, rotated, thus providing accurate simulation of the orientation of stars and other celestial bodies at a specific date and time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for effecting secure document delivery in any of various document formats. A document is encrypted with the public key of a server associated with the recipient of the document, instead of with the public key of the intended recipient. The receiving server is located within a firewall. The encrypted document is forwarded to the server within the firewall. The server decrypts the document using its corresponding private key, converts the document to a now data representation, and then either forwards the document to the recipient inside the firewall, or re-encrypts the document with the public key of an intended recipient outside of the firewall or with the public key of another server that is associated with the intended recipient of the document.

Abstract: A vibration sensor is used in conjunction with perimeter security systems. The sensor is comprised of two conductive spherical elements each resting on a pair of parallel conductive arcs. A plurality of sensors are attached to mounting device and placed at spaced intervals on a security fence. The sensors are used to detect persons who attempt to cut, climb, lift, or contact the security fence.

Abstract: A method and computer program product allows for the efficient allocation of buffers (e.g., first-in first-out (FIFO) queues) for current and predicted active speakers in voice conferencing systems. The method and computer program product, implemented by a server hosting an audio conference for a plurality of speakers, minimizes the loss of audio data for speakers as they switch from “non-active” to “active” status. This is accomplished by employing a set of active speaker buffers and a set of predicted active speaker buffers. The predicted active speaker buffers maintain a collection of the most recent x packets or m milliseconds of “non-active” speaker audio data, and transfer a portion of the data from the predicted active speaker buffers to the active speaker buffers as speakers become “active” speakers.

Abstract: Secure web-based messaging according to a “push” paradigm is augmented by specific, intended recipient authentication. In particular, a document can be sent to a specified, intended recipient through the Web using e-mail recipient notification, and the recipient is authenticated prior to delivering the document to the recipient. Such authentication prevents a cracker from snooping a delivery notification e-mail message and retrieving the document prior to retrieval by the true intended recipient. In addition, such authentication of the recipient is driven by the sender such that prior participation by the recipient in the messaging system according to the present invention is required.

Abstract: A firearm safety system restricts the use of the firearm by reference to biometric data received by a sensor coupled to the firearm trigger. The biometric data is compared to at least one record of biometric data associated with a permitted user to determine whether firearm actuation is permitted. Firearm actuation is controlled by an anchor that is pivotally coupled to the firearm trigger. Firearm actuation is prevented when the anchor is extended between the trigger and the trigger aperture. Firearm actuation is permitted when the anchor is retracted in response to a positive identification by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamic combinatorial auctions employing bid composition restrictions is disclosed. Three exemplary types of bid composition restrictions, which may be applied either singly or in combination, are disclosed: non-additive activity restrictions, subset restrictions, and superset restrictions. These restrictions produce more efficient auction outcomes by placing extra constraints on bidders who specify larger combinations in their bids, thereby penalizing attempts at strategic bidding without ruling out genuine attempts to avoid an exposure problem.

Abstract: A system comprising a base unit and a remote unit for transmitting telephonic data on AC power lines is disclosed. The base unit includes a transmitter section, a receiver section, a power line interface, a telephone line interface, a power supply, and a first microcontroller. The telephone line interface is coupled to a telephone line to apply the telephonic data signals to and receive signals from the telephone line. The telephone line interface has a ring detector, a muting circuit, and a hook switch. The transmitter is coupled to the telephone line interface and the power line interface. The transmitter has a modulator, an oscillator, an amplifier, and a filter. The receiver is coupled the telephone interface and the power line interface. The receiver has a filter, an amplifier, and a detector. The remote unit includes a transmitter section, a receiver section, a power line interface, a telephone interface, a power supply, and a second microcontroller.

Abstract: Units for projection of profiled images and for floodlighting suffer from a tradeoff between the quality of the illuminated field and efficiency. The hue, saturation, and intensity must be continuously controllable, and the quality of the illuminated field must be even. According to the invention the optical components have been refined according to a general principle which enables the use of efficient elliptical reflectors without a reduction in quality for both purposes. Each color is controlled by relatively moveable filters having a comblike structure in which the design of the individual teeth compensates for the interaction of the many variables. The intensity is controlled by mechanical dimmers which are designed according to the same principles. This construction will also improve the quality of condenser type projection systems.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product which allows both mixing (e.g., PC-based) and non-mixing (e.g., phone-based) clients to participate in a single audio conference. The system includes a hybrid multi-point control unit (i.e., conferencing server) that performs mixing for phone-based clients and multiplexing for PC-based clients. The method and computer program product determines which clients have the capability to mix multiple audio streams and which do not. For those clients capable of mixing, the server multiplexes the packets of audio data received from each client on the active speakers list into a multiplexed stream. For those clients that are not capable of mixing, the server mixes the packets of audio data received from each client on the active speakers list into one combined packet.