Abstract: A method of producing a charge separation in a plasma having a low particle density which comprises a plurality of electrons and a plurality of positive ions. The method includes generating a magnetic field and passing the plasma having a low particle density along a first axis through the magnetic field. The magnetic field is generated having a component which is perpendicular to the first axis and is configured so as to deflect the plurality of electrons from the first axis and allow the plurality of positive ions to travel substantially undeflected along the first axis. Also provided is a magnetohydrodynamic generator and a low earth orbit thruster making use of the charge separation mechanism.

Abstract: A plasma torch having an open end from which a plasma plume is emitted in use is disclosed. The plasma torch includes a central cathode rod, a grounded conductive tube having an open end and being arranged around the cathode and spaced therefrom to form a first cylindrical cavity open at one end; and a high voltage electrode having a dielectric barrier material at a radially inward-facing surface thereof and being arranged around the grounded conductive tube and spaced apart therefrom to form a second annular cylindrical cavity open at one end. A constant direct current (DC) electrical power plus a high voltage pulsed electrical power is provided to the cathode producing an arc discharge in the first cavity between the cathode and grounded tube to generate a central thermal plasma emitted at an open end of the first cylindrical cavity.

Abstract: A method of producing a charge separation in a plasma having a low particle density which comprises a plurality of electrons and a plurality of positive ions. The method includes generating a magnetic field and passing the plasma having a low particle density along a first axis through the magnetic field. The magnetic field is generated having a component which is perpendicular to the first axis and is configured so as to deflect the plurality of electrons from the first axis and allow the plurality of positive ions to travel substantially undeflected along the first axis. Also provided is a magnetohydrodynamic generator and a low earth orbit thruster making use of the charge separation mechanism.

Abstract: A plasma torch having an open end from which a plasma plume is emitted in use is disclosed. The plasma torch includes a central cathode rod, a grounded conductive tube having an open end and being arranged around the cathode and spaced therefrom to form a first cylindrical cavity open at one end; and a high voltage electrode having a dielectric barrier material at a radially inward-facing surface thereof and being arranged around the grounded conductive tube and spaced apart therefrom to form a second annular cylindrical cavity open at one end. A constant direct current (DC) electrical power plus a high voltage pulsed electrical power is provided to the cathode producing an arc discharge in the first cavity between the cathode and grounded tube to generate a central thermal plasma emitted at an open end of the first cylindrical cavity.

Abstract: Ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. One example embodiment is a method for ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. In this example method, the three-dimensional scene is made up of objects that are spatially partitioned into a plurality of cells that make up the grid. The method includes a first act of computing a bounding frustum of a packet of rays, and a second act of traversing the grid slice by slice along a major traversal axis. Each slice traversal includes a first act of determining one or more cells in the slice that are overlapped by the frustum and a second act of testing the rays in the packet for intersection with any objects at least partially bounded by the one or more cells overlapped by the frustum.

Abstract: A method for managing a distributed identity, including retrieving identification data of a user, wherein the identification data includes a username, a password, and metadata; receiving, from a general-use device, a unique physical identifier of the user; combining the unique physical identifier and the identification data to create a unique identity record of the user; encrypting at least a component of the unique identity record; creating a hash of an identifying token of the unique identity record; passing the hash of the identity token of the unique identity record to be parsed into a hierarchy; organizing the unique identity record in a distributed database of a plurality of unique identity records; and storing the unique identity record, containing the encrypted component, in the distributed database of the plurality of unique identity records.

Abstract: Ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. One example embodiment is a method for ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. In this example method, the three-dimensional scene is made up of objects that are spatially partitioned into a plurality of cells that make up the grid. The method includes a first act of computing a bounding frustum of a packet of rays, and a second act of traversing the grid slice by slice along a major traversal axis. Each slice traversal includes a first act of determining one or more cells in the slice that are overlapped by the frustum and a second act of testing the rays in the packet for intersection with any objects at least partially bounded by the one or more cells overlapped by the frustum.

Abstract: Utilization of the on-demand/one-off digital content manufacturing process can be used to create a unique digital product that includes additional content targeted to the consumer. Through applying advanced analytical and artificial intelligence technology to data gathered at time of purchase, material that best matches the consumer's interests can be selected. Once additional data is selected it can be altered with tracking information and then inserted to create the consumer's final product.

Abstract: The ability of retail stores to sell digital products through the secure distribution and delivery of digital video and/or audio content directly to a Portable Multimedia Device or a memory module that inserts into a portable media device.

Abstract: The ability of retail stores to sell digital products through the secure distribution and delivery of digital video and/or audio content directly to a Portable Multimedia Device or a memory module that inserts into a portable media device.

Abstract: The combination of strategic insertion of uniquely generated Digital Watermarks with an on-demand method of manufacturing digital content (Audio CD, Software CD, DVD Video Games, DVD Movies etc.) can be applied in such a way that the content can be forensically tied to the physical media.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a secure return policy of supply chain for digitally stored products. The method and system verifies whether each product for return originated within the supply chain. If the product did originate within the supply chain and qualifies for return under the supply chain's return policy, the data existing on the physical media is securely rendered unusable. A record of the destruction allows for a reversal of the entire transaction within the supply chain.