Abstract: A protective covering for a lumber stack is constructed by providing an appropriately sized sheet of heavy duty heat shrinkable plastic material, folding the side edges of the plastic sheeting material inwardly along spaced apart longitudinally extending lines to form top and bottom layers and joining the ends of the top and bottom layers to define a top layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width and a bottom layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width except for an opening extending the longitudinal center line of the bottom wall from end to the other. A lumber stack is received through the opening in the bottom wall thereby forming initially upwardly extending rectangularly shaped panels which are folded downwardly and secured to the ends of the lumber stack. The portions of the plastic sheeting extending adjacent the ends and the corners of the lumber stack are then heated to shrink the plastic sheeting into secure engagement with the lumber stack.

Abstract: In scalable multi-node systems, applications that interact with remote users often use sessions that involve multiple messages. Unless the application instance that initiates the conversation processes all subsequent parts of that session, the context of the conversation must be passed between application instances. This context often involves sensitive data, such as session keys. This invention uses a central service, known as a Key Repository process, to create and manage a set of symmetric encryption keys unique to this application. All authorized instances of the application then obtain these keys from the Key Repository process, enabling these application instances to encrypt and save the context on disk, and allowing a possibly different instance of the application to retrieve and decrypt the context. As a result, these application programs can be designed to operate in a context-free manner.

Abstract: In scalable multi-node multi-process application environments, identical copies of applications are often executing in parallel thus allowing the distribution of load and tolerance of system failure. A problem arises when these applications are security-oriented and involve keying information that changes periodically, such as in the case of public key certificate renewal. When these certificates need renewal, each instance of such applications could attempt to contact the certification authority, potentially causing a conflict since each instance is unaware of the renewal efforts by others. The present invention implements a central process called the Key Repository process, assigning it the function of performing these renewals and other certificate management functions, and inhibiting the application programs from performing these actions. When new certificates are issued, the Key Repository Process makes them available to affected applications when they next request them.

Abstract: In large computer application environments supporting secure enterprise applications, it is often necessary to distribute the environment among multiple systems in diverse locations, and yet share and maintain a set of keys and other sensitive information securely. This invention describes a method to accomplish this, by positioning in each remote site a trusted local agent, and establishing a secure and authenticated communications link between this remote agent and the master system. This remote agent limits the distribution of sensitive information to authorized applications, thus enforcing the security policy of the enterprise.

Abstract: A server computer performing sensitive applications in an enterprise under the control of a single person provides an opportunity for fraud. A method and system are described for distributing responsibility to multiple individuals and enforcing this distribution with a computer program called a Key Repository process; a process designed to manage the trust relationships of an enterprise. It secures and manages the secrets of the enterprise, enforcing these trust relationships. Secrets are given only to pre-authorized applications. Public Key Infrastructure certificate management is handled centrally. All sensitive data is stored in encrypted form. Exposure of this data, as well as any change in a security-related parameter, is possible only with the approval of a pre-determined number of owners. The system is designed to accommodate a large number of application processes performing the work of the enterprise.

Abstract: In computer environments where passwords are used to compute retained secrets by methods such as password-based encryption, a need often arises to update these secrets. Retaining the password value, or the keys computed from the password, would be unwise; and requiring each password owner to type in their password would be cumbersome. The present invention describes a method that allows a fully operational system to modify the retained secrets without retaining passwords or requiring human intervention.

Abstract: In scalable multi-process and possibly multi-node application environments, the management of sensitive data, such as cryptographic keys, is complicated by the number of processes, the frequency at which they are created and destroyed, and by the desire to avoid storing any keys in the clear in these processes or in data files. The present invention defines a central autonomous process, called the Key Repository process, which is tasked with many functions, including controlling and limiting the distribution of the relevant sensitive information, authenticating operators and policy owners, and performing key renewal operations. The Key Repository process is initiated by multiple acts of human intervention, in combination, thus allowing for the shared responsibility of ownership. Once the Key Repository process is initiated and configured, it enforces the policy decisions of the enterprise. At no point is the sensitive data written to the disk in the clear.

Abstract: In enterprise computer environments involving sensitive data, it is important that security policy decisions be made and be approved by the appropriate individuals owning the particular policy decision, rather than relegating this function to computer operators. These policy decisions often include the approval of specific programs to act on behalf of the enterprise, exposure of cryptographic secrets, and others affecting risk. The present invention enforces the separation of the functions of computer operator and policy decision owners.

Abstract: In server environments where sensitive information is used, it is important to protect that information. Policy decisions concerning the distribution of such information must be enforced. Sensitive information is often protected by passwords known to one or more individuals. In these environments, it is impractical to have an operator or other individual authorize every use of sensitive information. This invention describes the pre-authorization of application programs to receive sensitive information of an enterprise, allowing the server to operate without human intervention while preserving and enforcing the security policy of the enterprise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon to form at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. In one embodiment, the catalyst includes a nonstoichiometric rare earth oxycarbonate of the formula MXCYOZ having a disordered and/or defect structure, wherein M is at least one rare earth element selected from the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm; X=2; Z=3+AY; A is less than about 1.8, and Y is the number of carbon atoms in the oxycarbonate. When used for the oxidative dehydrogenation of a lower hydrocarbon at a pressure above about 100 psig, the catalyst has a selectivity of at least about 40% to at least one higher hydrocarbon and/or lower olefin. Methods for preparing catalysts taught by the invention and processes for using the catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of lower hydrocarbons are also provided.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lumber stack is constructed by providing an appropriately sized sheet of heavy duty heat shrinkable plastic material, folding the side edges of the plastic sheeting material inwardly along spaced apart longitudinally extending lines to form top and bottom layers and joining the ends of the top and bottom layer to define a top layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width and a bottom layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width except for an opening extending along the longitudinal center line of the bottom wall from one end to the other. A lumber stack is received through the opening in the bottom wall thereby forming initially outwardly extending triangularly shaped panels which are folded downwardly and secured to the ends of the lumber stack. The portions of the plastic sheeting extending adjacent the ends and the corners of the lumber stack are then heated to shrink the plastic sheeting into secure engagement with the lumber stack.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply having a regulated reflected voltage. In one embodiment, a switched mode power supply includes a power supply regulator coupled between a positive input supply rail of the power supply and a primary winding of an energy transfer element. The reflected voltage across the primary winding of the transfer element is related to the output voltage across a secondary winding of the energy transfer element according to the turns ratio of the energy transfer element. The power supply regulator is coupled to regulate the reflected voltage across the primary winding, thereby regulating the output voltage across secondary winding. In one embodiment, the reflected voltage across the primary winding is sensed through a current representative of the reflected voltage received by the power supply regulator.

Abstract: A nasal cannula retainer has a flexible member and cannula grips. The flexible member has a central nose portion with an adhesive backing for adhering to a patient's nose and two cheek portions connected to the nose portion, each of the cheek portions having an adhesive backing for adhering to a patient's cheek. The adhesive layers are covered with a peel layer which is removed prior to applying the retainer. The cannula grips are attached to the cheek portions to secure a nasal cannula on each of the patient's cheeks. The grips are releasable and reusable, allowing the cannula to be repositioned or temporarily removed without the need for the retainer to be discarded and replaced, and without the use of tape to secure the cannula to the retainer after the cannula is repositioned.

Abstract: Selectively cold-water responsive compositions constructed of combinations of polymers including at least one hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one cold-water soluble polymer are provided. Additionally, methods of making and using selectively cold-water sensitive compositions are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining a polylactide and a cold-water soluble polyvinyl alcohol at a temperature above the melting point of the polymer having the higher melting point, and below the decomposition point of the polymer having the lower decomposition point, to form a homogeneous polymer blend is also provided. The cold-water responsive properties of the compositions of the present invention may be varied include water dispersible, water disintegratable, and water weakenable.

Abstract: Asymmetric radio frequency (RF) coils for magnetic resonance applications are provided. Also provided are time harmonic methods for designing such coils as well as symmetric coils. In addition, methods for converting complex current density functions into discrete capacitive and inductive elements are provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disk drive having a rotary actuator and a disk. The rotary actuator includes a disk transducer head for reading and writing on the disk. The method includes the steps of placing the disk drive in a servo track writer. The servo track writer includes a clock head and means for moving the rotary actuator. The clock head includes an inner transducer and an outer transducer, the inner transducer and the outer transducer being radially spaced apart. A pair of continuous phase coherent radially spaced apart clock tracks are written with the clock head, the clock tracks comprising an outer clock track and an inner clock track wherein the inner clock track is disposed closer to an inner diameter of the disk than the outer clock track. A reference timing clock is read from either or both of the inner and outer clock tracks with the clock head.

Abstract: A shunt trip assembly having a tripping solenoid and a locking solenoid selectively blocks movement of the tripping solenoid to prevent inappropriate tripping of a circuit breaker during shock loading thereof. The tripping solenoid includes a tripping plunger that is longitudinally translatable along a tripping path to operatively engage a trip button of the circuit breaker. The locking solenoid includes a locking plunger that is selectively translatable along a locking path to selectively block movement of the tripping plunger, the locking path being substantially perpendicular to the tripping path. A longitudinally-facing first abutment surface on the tripping plunger is engaged by the locking plunger to prevent inappropriate movement of the tripping plunger during shock loading. A peripherally-disposed second abutment surface on the tripping plunger prevents misconfiguration of the shunt trip assembly after the shunt trip assembly has been deenergized.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to a processes and catalysts for the conversion of a feedstock comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a product stream comprising at least one of an ester, acid, acid anhydride and mixtures thereof. This invention also relates in part to processes and catalysts for converting an alcohol, ether and/or ether alcohol feedstock to oxygenated products, e.g., esters, acids, acid anhydrides and mixtures thereof. The processes and catalysts are especially suitable for the production of acetic acid and methyl acetate from a synthesis gas feedstock or from an alcohol, ether or ether alcohol feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the formula: 1

Abstract: An internet-mediated technique permits the collaboration of parents, educators and advertizing sponsors to motivate student utilization of interactive computer practice sessions with automated assessment and customized presentations for students.