Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing the security of an electronic database system. The system has a registry server hosting a registry database accessible by a registry user, and an authorization server hosting an authorization database. In operation, the registry server queries the authorization server to determine whether a particular record is locked. When a record is locked, an authorization service key is requested from the registry server and verified by the authorization server.

Abstract: Apparatus and a methods for increasing the fluid volume available in a storage tank equipped with a foam chamber for fire-suppression purposes. A foam discharge assembly couples the foam chamber to the storage tank and is arranged to provide full flow of fire-suppression foam at a higher level in the tank.

Abstract: Plant seed compositions are disclosed that comprise a herbicide-resistant variety as a major component and two or more additional varieties as minor components. One of the minor varieties is herbicide-resistant. Each variety is phenotypically distinguishable from all other varieties in the seed mixture.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an identity involves a computing device receiving a first credential over a first communications channel, and determining a second communications channel from a comparison between the first received credential and a first reference credential provisionally associated with the first credential. The computing device opens the second communications channel and receives second credential over the second communications channel, and the identity is authenticated based on a verification of the second credential. The computing device authenticates the identity by generating a first identity proof score from a correlation between the first received credential and the first reference credential, generating a second identity proof score from a correlation between the second received credential and a second reference credential, and generating an ultimate identity proof score from the first identity proof score and the second identity proof score.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an identity involves first receiving a first credential over a first communications channel, and determining a second communications channel provisionally associated with the first credential. The second communications channel is different from the first communications channel, and the first credential is provisionally associated with an identity. Then, a second credential is received over the second communications channel, and the identity is authenticated based on a verification of the second credential.

Abstract: A method for protecting real estate from fraudulent changes in title begins by receiving a verification that a party requesting a change in title to a specific item of real estate is the true owner of the specific item of real estate. A title change authorization is provided if the identity of the requesting party is verified. A verification is received if the individual is a trusted authority authorized to modify title to real estate. The individual is authorized to effect the change in title to the specific item of real estate in accordance with the title change authorization.

Abstract: A mobile light is disclosed that produces a high level of illumination without glare using the DC power of a vehicle's battery and charging system. The mobile light uses a high-intensity discharge lamp with a control circuit that initially ignites the lamp using a voltage multiplier circuit and that maintains illumination of the lamp using an FET switching circuit that applies a lower AC voltage to the lamp. The microprocessor also periodically adjusts the power delivered to the lamp to compensate for adverse conditions, such as high temperatures within the work light, or a high or low DC input voltage. The microprocessor also periodically senses the level of illumination provided by the lamp and adjusts the voltage applied to the lamp accordingly.

Abstract: A mobile light is disclosed that produces a high level of illumination without glare using the DC power of a vehicle's battery and charging system. The mobile light uses a high-intensity discharge lamp with a control circuit that initially ignites the lamp using a voltage multiplier circuit and that maintains illumination of the lamp using an FET switching circuit that applies a lower AC voltage to the lamp. The microprocessor also periodically adjusts the power delivered to the lamp to compensate for adverse conditions, such as high temperatures within the work light, or a high or low DC input voltage. The microprocessor also periodically senses the level of illumination provided by the lamp and adjusts the voltage applied to the lamp accordingly.

Abstract: A vehicle location system which operates to provide a location of a vehicle. Specifically, if a payment due date associated with the vehicle has passed and a payment has not been received for the vehicle, the vehicle location system operates to provide the vehicle's location to a service agency. The service agency can then locate and repossess the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle location system can be activated if it is detected that the vehicle is being tampered with. The location of the vehicle can be determined using global positioning satellites or by triangulation using base stations in mobile radio systems.

Abstract: A two-part traffic channelizing device including a recycled rubber base (or other suitable material) having a slot with a textured interior surface extending therethrough and a vertically upwardly extending vertical member coated with reflective material and releasably inserted inside the slot, forming a friction/compression fit between the vertical member and the textured interior surface of the slot. The vertical member is held in position in the slot by friction/compression alone. Upon impact, the vertical member pops out of the slot, and the device is reassembled simply by reinserting the vertical member into the slot; no replacement parts are necessary, except for accessory items such as lighting devices or power sources.

Abstract: A remote alarm module and an alarm system. The remote alarm module has a base which defines a passage. A transient generator is joined to the base. The transient generator is generally non-conducting of electricity after transmission of a single electric transient following the connection of the transient generator to an electrical circuit. A switch has a body and a lever. The body is joined in rigid relationship to the base. The switch has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected electrically in series with the transient generator. The lever has an inner end and an outer end. The inner end is pivotably connected to the body. The outer end has a line receiver. The line receiver adjoins the passage. The lever pivots between a second position, in which the terminals are electrically isolated from each other and a first position, in which the terminals are in electrically conductive relationship.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed which extends the useful life of a battery by regulating the power supplied from the battery to a load, such as a highway warning lamp, as the battery voltage decreases from age and use. The circuit supplies current from the battery to the load over periods of time which are automatically varied in length according to the battery terminal voltage, thereby maintaining the average power consumption at a fixed level throughout the useful life of the battery.

Abstract: When explosive fuels such as hydrocarbons are pumped into or out of a barge or tanker, a metallic conduit having an insulated flange therein is typically connected to the barge. The method of this invention involves connecting the barge to the earth through a barge-grounding cable, connecting the metallic conduit to the earth through a conduit-grounding cable, whereby a grounding test circuit is established with a current source connected between the earth and the grounding cables. A flange resistor is connected across the insulated flane to form a flange circuit. The currents flowing through the grounding cables are being continuously monitored in the grounding circuit to determine the presence of a broken connection or of an ineffective electric contact. A continuity test is also continuously being made of the flange insulation in the flange.

Abstract: The sensor system senses a drop in the flow of impressed cathodic protection current to a minimum threshold level. A potential difference is developed which is a sample of the cathodic protection current. A comparator receives the sample potential difference and normally produces an output control signal which drops to substantially zero when the cathodic protection current drops to a predetermined threshold level. A relay responsive to the control signal then switches a signaling device to its signaling condition. A standby battery is also coupled to the signaling device through the relay. In the event of any failure in the sensor system or in the primary source of power energizing the sensor system, the standby battery becomes connected to the signaling device to cause it to change to its signaling condition.

Abstract: The connector of this invention can make an arcless connection between an electric cable and a metallic object. The connector preferably is a C-clamp having a pair of opposed legs. One leg carries an adjustable clamp screw. The other leg carries a block of compressible, insulated, elastic material having a contact surface. At least one contact member has a portion thereof completely embedded in the block. The contact member has a sharply pointed tip adjacent to and facing the contact surface. By tightening the clamp screw against the metallic object, the clamping pressure will compress the block material until the pointed tip pierces the contact surface and establishes a forced electric connection between the contact member and the metallic object.