Abstract: A simple universal hash apparatus and method include input means for inputting at least one of a plurality of Plaintext blocks into an integrity aware encryption scheme using at least one of two secret keys to obtain a plurality of Ciphertext blocks; Plaintext checksum means for computing a Plaintext checksum value from said plurality of Plaintext blocks; Ciphertext checksum means for processing said plurality of Ciphertext blocks and a third key to obtain a Ciphertext checksum; and combination means for combining said Plaintext checksum and said Ciphertext checksum to obtain the simple universal hash value.

Abstract: A simple universal hash apparatus and method include input means for inputting at least one of a plurality of Plaintext blocks into an integrity aware encryption scheme using at least one of two secret keys to obtain a plurality of Ciphertext blocks; Plaintext checksum means for computing a Plaintext checksum value from said plurality of Plaintext blocks; Ciphertext checksum means for processing said plurality of Ciphertext blocks and a third key to obtain a Ciphertext checksum; and combination means for combining said Plaintext checksum and said Ciphertext checksum to obtain the simple universal hash value.

Abstract: Provided are filtered cathodic vacuum arc systems useful for modifying a surface of a substrate (e.g. depositing a thin film of a material onto a surface of a substrate and/or implanting a material into the near-surface region of a substrate). The systems are configured to stabilize a do arc discharge plasma from an arc source. Also provided are methods for modifying a surface of a substrate, which in some cases includes depositing a material onto a surface of a substrate, in some cases includes implanting a material into the near-surface region of a substrate, and in some cases includes both depositing a material onto a surface of a substrate and implanting a material into the near-surface region of a substrate using the subject cathodic arc systems. In addition, magnetic recording media produced by the subject systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring trust in a transaction over a public key certificate network includes associating each edge KA?KB of an public key certificate network connecting two public keys KA and KB with a probability p that information about KB is reliable, and a confidence c that is a total dollar amount of transactions which have involved using edge KA?KB. One or more authentication paths are formed in the public key certificate network starting from public key KS and ending with a target public key KT. A limit l of an amount of insurance that an owner of KS is willing to provide to a user interested in a transaction with an owner of KT is calculated, and for each amount m<l, a premium for which the owner of KS is willing to sell insurance to the user for an amount of m is calculated.

Abstract: A simple universal hash apparatus and method include input means for inputting at least one of a plurality of Plaintext blocks into an integrity aware encryption scheme using at least one of two secret keys to obtain a plurality of Ciphertext blocks; Plaintext checksum means for computing a Plaintext checksum value from said plurality of Plaintext blocks; Ciphertext checksum means for processing said plurality of Ciphertext blocks and a third key to obtain a Ciphertext checksum; and combination means for combining said Plaintext checksum and said Ciphertext checksum to obtain the simple universal hash value.

Abstract: A simple universal hash apparatus and method include input means for inputting at least one of a plurality of Plaintext blocks into an integrity aware encryption scheme using at least one of two secret keys to obtain a plurality of Ciphertext blocks; Plaintext checksum means for computing a Plaintext checksum value from the said plurality of Plaintext blocks; Ciphertext checksum means for processing said plurality of Ciphertext blocks and a third key to obtain a Ciphertext checksum; and combination means for combining the said Plaintext checksum and the said Ciphertext checksum to obtain the simple universal hash value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synergistic herbal formulation comprising an active fraction from Azadirachta indica designated as Fraction A and a fraction from Citrullus colocynthis designated as Fraction B, along with a fraction C containing an antioxidant from Cucumis sativus extract; and pharmaceutically accepted a carrier wherein the ratio of the components ranging between about 2 to 5.5% of fraction A; about 0.5 to 2.5% of fraction B; about 0.1–0.4% of extract of Cucumis sativus; and about 82–97% of carrier or additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides encryption schemes and apparatus which securely generate a cipher-text which in itself contains checks for assuring message integrity. It also provides compatible decryption schemes confirming message integrity. The encryption scheme generates a cipher-text with message integrity in a single pass with little additional computational cost, while retaining at least the same level of security as schemes based on a MAC. One embodiment encrypts a plain-text message by dividing the plain-text message into a multitude of plain-text blocks and encrypting the plain-text blocks to form a multitude of cipher-text blocks. A single pass technique is used in this process to embed a message integrity check in the cipher-text block. A message integrity check is embedded in the cipher-text blocks by embedding a set of pseudo random numbers, which may be dependent, but are pair-wise differentially uniform. We also describe an embodiment which is highly parallelizable.

Abstract: A system and associated protocols for communication between two entities across a computer network operate such that the identities of the two entities remain concealed from each other, while ensuring that no third party is able to trace the existence of a conversation between them. The two entities correspond to each other through pseudonyms. The protocols are designed with an object to distribute trust so that an identity is not revealed by the compromise of any one agent involved in the execution of the protocol. No one agent can establish a correlation between a pseudonym and a physical address.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for single point deposit of checks. First, a computer scans each of a plurality of checks to generate digitized images thereof, the plurality of checks including at least one of non-consumer checks and consumer checks. After scanning the checks, the computer generates a master file including a record for each check which includes the digitized image of the corresponding check and a data portion including data obtained from a MICR line of the corresponding check. Once the masterfile is created, it is sorted into first and second sub-files based on the digitized images and/or the data portions. The first sub-file includes only the non-consumer checks and the second sub-file includes the consumer checks. The records of the first sub-file are processed according to a non-consumer check procedure. The records of the second sub-file are processed according to a consumer check procedure or the non-consumer check procedure.

Abstract: A method and system offer confidential purchase of electronic data which can be used without any need of knowledge in cryptography nor mastery of computer use beyond usual usage of the World Wide Web (WWW). The method and system which guarantee confidentiality as long as there is no collusion between agents working for a large number of reputable companies whose references can be easily checked on the Internet before proceeding to the order. In addition, the method and system allow for guaranteed payment and offer recourse in case of improper delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synergistic herbal formulation comprising an active fraction from Azadirachta indica designated as Fraction A and a fraction from Citrullus colocynthis designated as Fraction B, along with a fraction C containing an antioxidant from Cucumis sativus extract; and pharmaceutically accepted a carrier wherein the ratio of the components ranging between about 2 to 5.5% of fraction A; about 0.5 to 2.5% of fraction B; about 0.1-0.4% of extract of Cucumis sativus; and about 82-97% of carrier or additive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and computer program product for enabling the remote authentication of fingerprints over an insecure network using a client-server architecture by generation of a set of random queries relating to fingerprint patterns based on stored fingerprint data at the server, to which the client responds based on the observed fingerprint patterns, followed by the issuing of a randomly generates set of challenges pertaining to geometrical relationships between the fingerprint patterns for which confirm responses are received by their server, the final authentication being determined by the proportion of correct responses by the client to said challenges.

Abstract: A machine for brewing tea. The machine has a housing, a vessel for receiving leaf tea and a hot water supply that supplies hot water to that vessel. The leaf tea is physically agitated within the vessel to maximise the rate and extent of infusion and the resulting infusion is siphoned out of the vessel before it is dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and computer program product for enabling the remote authentication of fingerprints over an insecure network using a client-server architecture by generation of a set of random queries relating to fingerprint patterns based on stored fingerprint data at the server, to which the client responds based on the observed fingerprint patterns, followed by the issuing of a randomly generates set of challenges pertaining to geometrical relationships between the fingerprint patterns for which confirm responses are received by their server, the final authentication being determined by the proportion of correct responses by the client to said challenges.

Abstract: A machine for brewing tea. The machine has a housing, a vessel for receiving leaf tea and a hot water supply that supplies hot water to that vessel. The leaf tea is physically agitated within the vessel to maximise the rate and extent of infusion and the resulting infusion is siphoned out of the vessel before it is dispensed.

Abstract: A machine for brewing tea, particularly in a shoc situation. The machine has a housing and at least one brewing assembly. The brewing assembly is formed to hold a brewing cup that has a filter that defines and separates a first cavity within the brewing cup for containing tea leaves and a second cavity from which tea leaves are excluded. The housing has a water supply that supplies a predetermined volume of water at a temperature that is suitable for infusing tea leaves. It also has a water supply channel for delivering the water into the first cavity of the brewing cup, and a siphon tube that has a siphoning end that extends orthogonally upward into the second cavity of the brewing cup and a downward projecting dispensing end.

Abstract: A solution to the general problem of Secure Storage and Retrieval of Information (SSRI) guarantees that also the process of storing the information is correct even when some processors fail. A user interacts with the storage system by depositing a file and receiving a proof that the deposit was correctly executed. The user interacts with a single distinguished processor called the gateway. The mechanism enables storage in the presence of both inactive and maliciously active faults, while maintaining (asymptotical) space optimailty. This mechanism is enhanced with the added requirement of confidentiality of information; i.e., that a collusion of processors should not be able to learn anything about the information. Also, in this case space optimality is preserved.

Abstract: A cryptographic method implemented on an electronic communication network interconnecting a plurality of terminals represents funds in a way that is secure at the issuer and secure when funds move from payer to payee and back to the issuer. The cryptographic method mints, issues, pays and redeems funds when transactions are done over the network with the flow and transaction of funds being controlled by an issuer. The method implements electronic money acquisition, transfer of money between users in an unrestricted way and in a way where fraud is impossible cryptographically, and redemption of electronic money to correct real money bank accounts. Funds are handled so that their representation enables the issuer to treat the representation as a physical monetary instrument equivalent to notes or coins.