Abstract: The present invention relates to footwear componentry for alleviating the discomfort caused by wearing high-heeled footwear.

Abstract: The central system component of the present invention is a flexible “smart cable” which enables accurate measurement of local curvature and torsion along its length. These quantities are then used to infer the position and attitude of one end of the cable relative to the other. Sufficiently accurate measurements of the local curvature and torsion along the cable allow reconstruction of the entire cable shape, including the relative position and orientation of the end points. The smart cable for making these measurements comprises a multicore optical fiber, with individual fiber cores constructed to operate in the single mode regime, but positioned close enough to cause cross-talk (mode coupling) between cores over the length of the fiber. This cross-talk is very sensitive to the distribution of strains (curvature and torsion) along the cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for adaptive control which models marginally stable systems by creating a reference or disturbance model to account for the slope of the process variable being constant for different control inputs to the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for adaptive control which models marginally stable systems by creating a reference or disturbance model to account for the slope of the process variable being constant for different control inputs to the process.

Abstract: A multibeam synthetic aperture sonar system that includes a sonar projector. The projector transmits a transmitted sonar signal. A multibeam sonar receiver receives a reflected sonar signal created by the reflection of the transmitted sonar signal off materials and objects ensonified by the transmitted sonar signal. The receiver generates an output signal representative of the reflected sonar signal. The synthetic aperture sonar processor receives the signal output from the multibeam sonar receiver and processes the signal with synthetic aperture algorithms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a forearm-encircling sleeve for attenuating impact-induced shock and for ameliorating the effect of that shock on the elbow joint. The device made in accordance with the present invention provides energy-attenuating viscoelastic means that are positioned distally of the elbow joint and of the common tendon origins of the medial and lateral epicondyle heads of the humerus for attenuating impact-induced shock The energy-attenuating viscoelastic means are placed in force-receiving relationship with the forearm musculature responsible for extension and flexion of the wrist and, preferably, also that responsible for the extension and flexion of the fingers and the pronation and supination of the forearm. Means may be provided for applying a counterforce to these energy-attenuating viscoelastic means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a token which is preferably a "dumb token" to provide secure access by authorized users to a selected resource. The token stores a secret user code in machine readable form, which code is read by a token processor. The token processor also receives a time-varying value and an algorithm, both of which may be stored or generated at either the token or the token processor and preferably a secret personal identification code which may be inputted at the token, but is preferably inputted at the token processor. The secret user code, time-varying value and secret personal identification code are then algorithmically combined by the algorithm, preferably in the token processor, to generate a one-time nonpredictable code which is transmitted to a host processor. The host processor utilizes the received one-time nonpredictable code to determine if the user is authorized access to the resource and grants access to the resource if the user is determined to be authorized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for enhancing security for a private key or other multibit secure token code stored in a token by (a) assuring that the secure token code is not stored in the token except for short intervals when the token is actually in use by an authorized user and (b) by assuring that the secure token code cannot be obtained from the token except by an authorized user. This is accomplished by algorithmically combining a PIN or other secret code memorized by the user with the secure token code, either in the token or at a suitable terminal, to generate a meaningless multibit sequence/token secret which is stored in the token. The multibit sequence stored in the token is selected such that when it is algorithmically combined with the secret memorized code known only to the user, either in the token or at a terminal, it produces the private key or other secure token code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the integrated compression and encryption (concryption) of clear data and for the deconcryption of concrypted data to obtain the clear data for utilization. For concryption, the clear data and an encryption key are obtained, at least one compression step is performed and at least one encryption step is performed utilizing the encryption key. The encryption step is preferably performed on the final or intermediate results of a compression step, with compression being a multistep operation. For deconcryption, decompression and deencryption steps are performed on concrypted data in essentially the reverse order for the performance of corresponding compression and encryption steps during the concryption operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for verifying the identity of a system user. Each user has a token which processes an inputted seed to generate a stored value which is either a current seed value or a function thereof. This value is then changed to generate a new current seed in response to each of a plurality of selectively generated trigger signals. The stored current seed or a selected function thereof is outputted, for example by being displayed on the token, and is received and inputted into a host verification unit. This unit either has or generates the current seed value (and the outputted function thereof where required) for the user, the user being indicated by an input also provided to the host with the token output, and compares the received and generated seed function values to verify the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to honeycomb core components having an undulating configuration reinforced with structural rods or columns which provide nesting sites for indexing with the flutes or nodes of adjacent components when assembled in stacked relation. Methods are also disclosed for producing the core components and assembling them in finished honeycomb core configuration.

Abstract: An integrated network security system is provided which permits log-on to a normally locked client on the network in response to at least one coded non-public input to the client by a user. At least a selected portion of the coded input is encrypted and sent to a network server where the user is authenticated. After authentication, the server preferably returns a decryption key, an encryption key for future use and any critical files previously stored at the server to the client. The decryption key is utilized to decrypt any material at the client which were encrypted when the client was locked, including any material sent from the server, thereby unlocking the client. The decryption key may be combined with untransmitted portions of the original coded input in a variety of ways to generate an encryption key for the next time the terminal is to be locked.

Abstract: An underwater location system (16) is disclosed having a plurality of locator modules (18), each capable of finding the relative range and bearing of other modules. The modules may be diver mounted, placed on movable objects such as a boat (14) or on fixed positions such as the sea floor (12). Range and bearing to each module of the system is displayed, upon request, on a console (20) which may be hand held or mounted in a diver's instrument console. Each module can interrogate other modules with an acoustic pulse which is answered, after a unique time delay stored in each module, by an acoustic response pulse. Response pulse sources are identified by their arrival in a time detection window set by their unique time delay. Range to each identified transponder source is calculated from a receipt time within each detection window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved security for a personal identification number (PIN) in a personal identification and verification system of the type wherein a time dependent nonpredictable code is generated at a device in the possession of the individual, which code is unique to the individual and this code is communicated to, and compared with a nonpredictable code generated at a central verification computer. In this system, the PIN is mixed with the nonpredictable code before transmission of these values to the central verification computer. A nonsecret code is previously transmitted to the central verification computer and is used to retrieve the PIN and the appropriate nonpredictable code for the user. These values are used to strip the PIN from the transmitted nonpredictable code and the stripped PIN and remaining nonpredictable code are compared with the corresponding retrieved values in order to determine verification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing personal identification and/or verification at perdetermined stations or checkpoints is provided. Each person to be identified has a unit such as a card, badge or other token or device which stores a predetermined coded value, at least a predetermined portion of which is changed at selected time intervals in accordance with an algorithm, the algorithm being such that the value of the predetermined portion of the stored coded value at any given time is nonpredictable. The unit has a triggering signal generator, the unit being responsive to the triggering signal to present an indication of the current stored coded value to the station, the station responding to the predetermined coded value for identifying the person. Triggering may be in response to detection of a predetermined beacon from the station, in response to a user keypad input or may be periodically generated.

Abstract: Low density polyurethane foams having improved resistance to degradation of properties of compression set and flexibility when exposed to elevated temperatures and pressures are made by reacting a polyisocyanate of about 2.3 to 2.7 functionality at an isocyanate index of about 1.0 with a blend of polyols, catalysts, blowing agents and the like in which the polyols are a mixture of a polyether polyol having a molecular weight of at least 5,000 and a polymer polyol, and the catalysts are a mixture of a major portion of an amine catalyst and a minor portion of a metal catalyst. The foams made by this invention are particularly well suited for use as components of sport shoes that are asembled by vulcanization.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of shock attenuating, low rebound polyurethanes in which polyols are reacted with polyisocyanates having a functionality of at least 2.3 at an isocyanate index of from about 65 to about 90.

Abstract: An insole for high heel footwear is designed to provide comfort and support cushioning and significantly reduce shock and vibration through the skeletal system. The insole is comprised of a relatively thin layer of open cell, flexible, resilient foam of low compression set, a heel bucket which extends into the heel of the shoe or an implant which is posiitoned at the heel and a metatarsal insert. The heel bucket or implant, and the metatarsal insert are formed from a shock absorbing, viscoelastic polyurethane elastomer to moderate the accleration of heel and metatarsal strike generated shock waves.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electronic generation and comparision of non-predictable codes.

Abstract: A sensor for a hydro resistance anemometer is designed for immersion in a flowing fluid to provide flow velocity information. The sensor is of a cylindrical configuration with a hemispherical nose. A driving electrode extends axially along the sensor and is exposed to the flowing fluid only at the center of the hemispherical surface of the sensor nose. A reference electrode of annular cylindrical configuration is disposed coaxially about the driving electrode and separated therefrom by a dielectric insulating material. The power dissipated through the sensor is typically on the order of only ten milliwatts.