Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A vent valve includes a vent cap closed by a cover plate with an orifice through it. The vent cap has a circular section and includes two diametrally opposed vent holes on its circumferential wall. An elastic seal having three vertices arranged in a triangle and connected in pairs by respective circular arcs—and preferably in the shape of a REULEAU triangle—is compressed between the bottom of the vent cap and the cover plate. The seal therefore blocks the orifice. If the fluid pressure at the orifice is sufficiently high, the fluid compresses the seal further and makes a path for itself between the seal and the cover plate and then escapes through the vent holes. The vent valve is suitable for use in a storage cell, in which case the cover plate can be used to close its casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the interface port for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and for controlling access to the protected segment.

Abstract: A vent valve includes a vent cap closed by a cover plate with an orifice through it. The vent cap has a circular section and includes two diametrally opposed vent holes on its circumferential wall. An elastic seal having three vertices arranged in a triangle and connected in pairs by respective circular arcs—and preferably in the shape of a REULEAU triangle—is compressed between the bottom of the vent cap and the cover plate. The seal therefore blocks the orifice. If the fluid pressure at the orifice is sufficiently high, the fluid compresses the seal further and makes a path for itself between the seal and the cover plate and then escapes through the vent holes. The vent valve is suitable for use in a storage cell, in which case the cover plate can be used to close its casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting computer software from unauthorized execution or duplication using a hardware key is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a means for communicating with the computer to receive command messages from the computer in the hardware key and to provide response messages to the computer, a memory for storing data for translating command messages into response messages enabling software execution, and a processor coupled to the communicating means for translating command messages into response messages using the data stored in the memory. The processor further comprises a memory manager, including means for logically segmenting the memory storing the data into at least one protected segment, and a means for controlling access to the protected segment.