Abstract: A data processing system includes means for verifying the authority of data-entry devices to input data and the authenticity of such data. The system includes a central data-processing computer, a plurality of data-entry devices connected to the central computer for providing input data, a central security system, connected to the central computer for identifying the data-entry devices and verifying that such devices are authorized to input data, and a programmable external security device connected to at least one of said authorized data-entry devices. The external security device is programmed by the central security system to exchange user-identifier and user transaction-related data with this data-entry device and with the central security system.

Abstract: A process for refining brass and cuprous chloride includes contacting solid cuprous chloride with molten brass scrap which converts the zinc in the brass scrap to a zinc chloride fume and which reduces the copper values in the cuprous chloride to molten elemental copper. The zinc chloride fume, containing minor quantities of cuprous chloride, is condensed and reduced by contact with aluminum scrap to convert aluminum in the scrap to an aluminum chloride fume and forming a molten zinc-copper-aluminum alloy product. If desired, the aluminum chloride fume can be oxidized with steam to yield an aluminum oxide product and by-product hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: Security for computer software is achieved by providing each purchaser of a software package with an electronic security device which must be operatively connected to the purchaser's computer. The software sends coded interrogation signals to the electronic security device which processes the interrogation signals and transmits coded response signals to the software. The program will not be executed unless the software recognizes the response signals according to preselected security criteria.