Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses a password-derived prime number to facilitate a secure key exchange between a client and a server across a network. During operation, the client receives a password from a user. Next, the client uses the password to determine a prime number P associated with the password. The client then uses the prime number P to determine a generator g associated with P. The client uses this prime number to calculate X=gx mod P, wherein x is a random number generated by the client. Next, the client sends X to the server. The client also receives Y=gy mod P from the server, wherein y is a random number generated by the server. The client then computes a secret key Ks=Yx mod p at the client, which the server can similarly obtain by computing Ks=Xy mod p. In this way, the client and the server can both obtain the same secret key Ks through insecure communications over the network.

Abstract: A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and connected with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is positioned within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway or diffuse through the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for provisioning digital certificates. An automated provisioning engine receives notification of a need to provision a user with a digital certificate. The engine electronically instructs the user to obtain a digital certificate. When obtained, the user responds by forwarding the certificate. The engine then electronically instructs a trusted or provisioned user to verify that the user obtained the digital certificate. The trusted user verifies this, and may obtain the user's certificate or a fingerprint of the certificate to include in a response to the provisioner's instructions. If verified, and if the certificate or fingerprint matches the certificate provided by the user, the user's digital certificate is then activated, to allow it to represent the user in public key transactions.

Abstract: A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and fitted with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics correlating to those of water, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is placed within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway.