Abstract: In a sprinkler effectiveness testing system, a fire plume to simulate a burning warehouse commodity storage array is generated. The sprinkler system to be tested is suspended from an adjustable ceiling. Thermocouples measure the temperature of the fire gases under and adjacent to the ceiling. Collection pans are positioned to collect sprinkler water passing through the plume and to separately collect the sprinkler water passing around the plume.

Abstract: A system and method for securing access to network elements by user elements, wherein the network elements and the user elements are coupled to a network. A network security server coupled to the network, wherein the network security server provides network security mechanisms to control access to the network elements and protect network resources and information. The network security mechanisms include: an authentication server responsible for authentication of the network users to network elements, a credential server responsible for controlling the network user credentials or privileges, and a network element access server responsible for controlling of access to the network elements by the user elements. A registration database facilitates administration and management of access to the network by the user elements. The registration database stores user profiles and administrative information to enhance effectiveness of the network security mechanisms.

Abstract: A communication device according to the present invention comprises an enciphering transmitter for enciphering data and transmitting enciphered data, a counter for obtaining a count of a quantity of enciphered data, and an accounting circuit for calculating, in accordance with the count held by the counter, an amount to charge a user for the data.

Abstract: A system and method for secure purchase and delivery of video content programs over various distribution media, including distribution networks and digital video disks, includes an integrated circuit card (e.g., a smart card, PCMCIA card) which is configured to store decryption capabilities for related video programs. The decryption capabilities are initially kept in a secure store at a video merchant. When a purchaser orders a particular video program, the decryption capabilities for that program are downloaded to the IC card, either at the merchant premises or over a distribution network. The video content program is distributed in encrypted format via the distribution media to the purchaser. The IC card uses the decryption capabilities to at least partly decrypt the video content program without exposing the decryption capabilities.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus having a body member with a portion engageable with a work object having a medium to be sensed; and a system for registering at predetermined criterion, relative to the body member, during engagement of the portion of the body member with the work object, as an index of the medium. A method for manufacturing a resultant work piece having at least one projection thereon, the method including the steps of cutting a first work material to form the projection on a portion of the first work material, mounting the projection on a second work material and removing the remainder of the first work material from the projection to form the resultant work piece.

Abstract: An in-line flow meter for use in drip irrigation systems which provides a field adjustable, infinitely variable visual flow indication of both high and low flow rates above and below a field adjustable normal flow rate is provided by means of a drag paddle rotatably disposed in the flow in the fluid conduit. The paddle carries a magnet and an indicator lever exterior to the conduit carries a second magnet which interacts with the magnet on the paddle. The paddle which hangs downwardly into the flow, and rotates upwardly and downwardly depending on whether the flow increases or decreases. The exterior indicator lever similarly rotates to mimic or telegraph the angular orientation of the paddle through the interaction of the two magnets. An adjustable counterweight is provided on or as the exterior indicator lever and can be positioned so that the indicator lever is approximately level or aligned with a fixed shield when the predetermined flow is achieved.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a signal decoder in a broadcasting system, a broadcast signal and an encrypted signature are generated and the signature is added to the signal. The signal together with the signature is broadcasted and received in the decoder, where the signature is decrypted and compared with a verification value. If a match occurs, further operation of the decoder is allowed. If a match does not occur, further operation of the decoder is disallowed.

Abstract: A capacitive level detection system provides a highly accurate determination of liquid level within a container. The primary sensor is an elongate capacitive probe positioned vertically within the container so that a lower portion of the probe is in liquid and an upper portion of the probe extends above the surface of the liquid. A capacitive liquid reference sensor is proximate the lower end of the probe, and a capacitive gas reference sensor is proximate the upper end of the probe. A controller is provided for driving each of the sensors with an electrical signal and reading a resultant value corresponding to the capacitance of each of the sensors. The controller is configured to enable the system to be calibrated prior to installation by placing each of the sensors in a calibration or identical medium, reading sensor values corresponding to capacitances for each of the sensors, and calculating and storing calibration values based on the sensor values.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for obstructing the flow of fluid through a flexible tube is provided. The assembly comprises a plunger sleeve member having a first open end and a compression mechanism for selectively contacting and compressing the flexible tube. The compression mechanism has a contacting portion for contacting the flexible tube and an extending portion with the extending portion being slidably receivable within the plunger sleeve member through the first open end of the plunger sleeve member. A spring mechanism is mounted about the extending portion of the compression mechanism and between the contacting portion of the compression mechanism and the first open end of the plunger sleeve member for providing selective movement to the compression mechanism relative to the plunger sleeve member.

Abstract: A yaw rate detector and method of detecting yaw rate. The detector includes a sensor surrounded by a uniformly distributed gel-like material. The gel-like material is retained in a certain shape by a pair of parallel surfaces. The pressure of the gel-like material is affected by centrifugal force, which is sensed by the sensor. The sensor simultaneously detects pressure changes in the gel-like material on opposite sides of the sensor, which permits the detector to sense the angular velocity of rotation of the sensor. The sensor is a semi-conductor pressure sensor formed on a circuit substrate.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimized solution of positions for N liquid surface sensors used to gauge quantity of liquid in the container, comprising the steps of:a) defining geometric limits of the container in terms of coordinates of a three axis (x,y,z) reference coordinate system assigned to the container;b) defining a chromosome structure for an individual, wherein said chromosome structure identifies a solution in terms of position data of the N sensors;c) determining a population of individuals wherein each individual in said population is a possible solution within said geometric limits; each individual having a respective chromosome; andd) executing a genetic algorithm on said population to identify a solution that meets a performance criteria as measured by a predetermined cost function.

Abstract: A signal transmission method applicable to prevention of modification or alteration of the playback mode information, such as copying management information or charging information. The playback mode information form a terminal 15P is data-converted for ciphering by a playback mode information appendage circuit 14 in a header appendage circuit 13 responsive to the key information from a terminal 15K and the resulting information comprised of the data and the playback mode information is outputted. The reproducing side effects data conversion on the ciphered playback mode information for deciphering, by a playback mode information detection circuit 26 in a header separation circuit 25, using the key information from a terminal 27K, for taking out the original playback mode information at a terminal 27P.

Abstract: A data transmitting method for preventing direct copying of digital bi-level signals. When processing input digital data from an input terminal 11 by circuits 13 to 16, modulating the data by a modulation circuit 17 and appending synchronization signals by a synchronization appendage circuit 18, the synchronization signals are appended using a synchronization format which is different from the synchronization format conforming to the standard and which is usually not used. For example, the synchronization pattern different from the regular synchronization pattern may be used, or the synchronization signal may be inserted at a position different from the regular position. If attempts are made for direct copying of the digital bi-level signal having such synchronization format, synchronization may be disengaged, for example, thus obstructing and prohibiting duplication.

Abstract: A scanning differential mobility analysis system having a charging device, a scanning differential mobility analyzer, a flow control, and a particle detector. The charging probability and the flow rates can be dynamically adjusted according to the instant size of the particles under measurement.

Abstract: An online conference session management system includes computer sites associated with a conference session holder, a plurality of service providers and a plurality of conference session participants. The conference session holder and each service provider has a respective associated public/private key pair for a specified online conference session. Each service provider is provided with an active participant registration certificate that gives the service provider the authority to register participants of the specified conference session, as well as authority to register other service providers as active participants of the specified conference session by providing those other service providers with respective active participant registration certificates.

Abstract: An advanced signal processing technique accurately discriminates and estimates a small sinusoidal signal in close proximity from one or more large sinusoidal signals. The technique involves using digital processing techniques to accurately estimate the frequency (96), amplitude (94) and phase (98) of the one or more large sinusoids and then using this estimate to obtain an accurate estimate of the small sinusoidal signal by subtracting the large sinusoid from the data to obtain a residual and reprocessing the residual.

Abstract: This invention relates to an end-sampling thief probe and a method of using this probe. The thief probe of the invention is useful in extracting a sample with minimal disturbance and provides an improved method for end-sampling.

Abstract: A test probe insertion-retrieval tool for pressure vessels and flowlines which includes a generally elongated body, a fixture at one end of the body to secure the body to a pressure vessel or a flowline fitting, including an insulated test probe socket mounted on a rod which passes through the end of the elongated body and guidingly and sealingly through a chamber above the end. There is further provided a piston mounted on the rod in the chamber, allowing a flow of pressurized fluid tapped from the lower chamber through connected tubing to force the piston rod and connected insulated test probe socket into the pressure vessel or flowline. Further, there is provided a system of flow ports for allowing fluid under pressure to flow in relation to the piston so as to allow the piston to return to the up position so that the probe may be removed from the rod for evaluation.

Abstract: Measuring device for measuring the flow rate of a gas flow or liquid flow by means of a rotary piston device consisting of two rotary pistons which are placed in a pipe section and are mounted in such a way that they rotate about a rotary shaft, which rotary pistons are placed relative to each other and relative to the pipe section in such a way that by interaction with each other they shut off the pipe section. During the rotation the two rotary pistons always remain in contact with the wall of the pipe section at one side and with each other at the other side, a quantity of gas or liquid being allowed through every turn. The measuring device is characterized in that it consists of a number of parallel branches, with a rotary piston device accommodated in each branch, the rotary piston devices being synchronized with each other by means of synchronization means in such a way that the flow rate is approximately constant.

Abstract: A fiber optic pressure catheter includes a light source, an optical fiber coupled to receive light from the light source and a sensor head that is optically coupled to the optical fiber. The sensor head has a housing defining a chamber coupled to an end of the optical fiber opposite the light source. The housing has an opening which is enclosed by a membrane. The membrane is responsive to pressure differentials between the chamber and outside the sensor head. A resilient ribbon is coupled within the chamber and has a first end fixedly coupled to a support. The ribbon has a second end that is movable in front of the optical fiber. The ribbon is mounted so that the middle portion of the ribbon touches the membrane and is biased by the membrane in response to various pressure differentials. Thus, various amounts of light are reflected back into the optical fiber based on the amount of pressure at the membrane.