Abstract: A color-based content encoding system is provided that includes providing a color-containing image from an electronic device display including a fixed pixel grid, wherein the color-containing image includes a plurality of color pixels on the fixed pixel grid, each of the color pixels having sub-pixels correlating to encoded binary data; reading the color-containing image with a scanner; and decoding the encoded binary data. In one embodiment, the plurality of sub-pixels includes three sub-pixels, wherein each sub-pixel of the three sub-pixels corresponds to a binary data value of “1” or “0”.

Abstract: An electronic system comprising a system to be monitored (2) and a plurality of fault-monitoring systems (4, 6) each of which is adapted to output a fault signal when an input indicates that the electronic system is in a fault condition associated with the fault-monitoring system. The fault-monitoring systems are arranged in a cascade fashion such that a fault signal output from one fault-monitoring system (4) is provided as an input to a subsequent fault-monitoring system (6) in the cascade of fault-monitoring systems to simulate a fault condition associated with the subsequent fault-monitoring system. The output of the final fault-monitoring system in the cascade gives an indication of whether there is a fault with any of the fault-monitoring systems.

Abstract: Techniques for creating a multi-modal one-dimensional (1D) barcode are provided. The techniques include obtaining N one-dimensional (1D) barcode images, wherein N 1D barcode images comprise two or more 1D barcode images, placing the N 1D barcode images with a horizontal displacement of 1/N barcode units, and combining the N 1D barcode images with the displacement to create a multi-modal 1D barcode. Techniques for decoding a multi-modal barcode are also provided herein.

Abstract: Techniques for creating an identity document are provided. The techniques include obtaining two or more identity-linked images, deriving one or more at least partially transparent regions from one of the two or more identity-linked images, combining the two or more identity-linked images to create a combined image, and embedding authentication data into the combined image, inside the one or more at least partially transparent regions, to create an identity document.

Abstract: A color-based content encoding system is provided that includes providing a color-containing image from an electronic device display including a fixed pixel grid, wherein the color-containing image includes a plurality of color pixels on the fixed pixel grid, each of the color pixels having sub-pixels correlating to encoded binary data; reading the color-containing image with a scanner; and decoding the encoded binary data. In one embodiment, the plurality of sub-pixels includes three sub-pixels, wherein each sub-pixel of the three sub-pixels corresponds to a binary data value of “1” or “0”.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for authenticating communications between a user computer and a server via a data communications network. A security device has memory containing security data, and security logic to use the security data to generate an authentication response to an authentication message received from the server in use. An interface device communicates with the security device. The interface device has a receiver for receiving from the user computer an authentication output containing the authentication message sent by the server to the user computer in use, and interface logic adapted to extract the authentication message from the authentication output and to send the authentication message to the security device. Includes a communications interface for connecting to the server via a communications channel bypassing the user computer. Either the security device or interface device sends the authentication response to the server via the communications channel bypassing the user computer.

Abstract: A method of decoding a two-dimensional enhanced-density barcode. A first and a second barcode are encoded in the enhanced-density barcode. The enhanced-density barcode includes a set of blocks. Each block includes a predefined number of sub-pixels. The blocks of the enhanced-density barcode being arranged relatively to each other in a geometrical lattice having a first and a second lattice direction. The method includes the steps of distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the first lattice direction, resulting in a first distorted barcode, distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the second lattice direction, resulting in a second distorted barcode, reconstructing the first barcode by low-pass filtering the first distorted barcode, reconstructing the second barcode by low-pass filtering the second distorted barcode.

Abstract: An electronic system comprising a system to be monitored (2) and a plurality of fault-monitoring systems (4, 6) each of which is adapted to output a fault signal when an input indicates that the electronic system is in a fault condition associated with the fault-monitoring system. The fault-monitoring systems are arranged in a cascade fashion such that a fault signal output from one fault-monitoring system (4) is provided as an input to a subsequent fault-monitoring system (6) in the cascade of fault-monitoring systems to simulate a fault condition associated with the subsequent fault-monitoring system. The output of the final fault-monitoring system in the cascade gives an indication of whether there is a fault with any of the fault-monitoring systems.

Abstract: A control system for a load (10), the system comprising a first microprocessor (16) having an output to drive one side of a load (10), a second microprocessor (18) having an output to drive the other side of the load (10), the system being arranged so that when either microprocessor detects a fault in the control of the load (10) the load (10) is switched off.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing professional investment advice to investors is provided. A computerized exchange system permits one or more advisors to make investment strategies available to subscribing investors. Each strategy defines a sequence of trade transactions that are consistent with strategy parameters and are designed to achieve the risk and return objectives of the strategy. The strategies are distributed to subscribers who can undertake the recommended transactions using separate brokerage accounts. A subscriber can maintain a corresponding portfolio that assigns weighting factors to various strategies in order to provide a customized investment strategy. Accordingly, the exchange system can provide professional fund manager trading decisions to individual investors in near real time without the administrative burdens or costs associated with traditional mutual funds.

Abstract: An electronic dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of web material includes an antenna in conductive communication with at least one component of the dispenser that stores static charge generated by operation of the dispenser. The antenna is disposed so as to dissipate the static charge through a non-conductive material external to the dispenser housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for dispensing individual paper products that includes a housing, a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening, a means for elevating paper products, and a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing. The plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the means for elevating paper products. The container may be included in a system for dispensing paper products that further includes a cartridge containing paper products. The cartridge defines a dispensing opening and a second opening wherein the means for elevating paper products extends through the second opening into the interior area of the cartridge to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening. The cartridge and container may be configured wherein the second opening is formed by separation of an internal platform during the process of inserting the cartridge into the container.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator (10) is made which contains a plurality of bundles (14) of solid oxide fuel cells (36), the fuel cells, capable of generating electrical current, a bus bar unit (128) in adjacent contact with the plurality of fuel cell bundles at the sides of the generator, where the bus bar unit (128) can pass electrical current from the adjacent fuel cell bundles, the bus bar unit (128) containing inner flat plate/screen sections (130) near the fuel cell bundles, outer solid nickel bar (134) and with wide, solid, flexible, corrugated nickel strap electric current take-off connections (136) between the screens and bar; a power lead (140) electrically connected to the outer solid nickel bar, and also electrically through the bus bar unit to the fuel cell bundles through the take-off connections and inner screen sections; where the inner screen sections (130) and take-off connections (136) pass electrical current generated in the fuel cell bundles through the bus bar units (128) to an electric

Abstract: A segmented ball control valve assembly for controlling fluid flowing in a piping system having a ball valve seat retainer rigidly affixed to the valve body and providing universal end connections. The universal end connections include both a screw-type end connection and a wafer-type end connection. The segmented ball control valve can be used without modification in a threaded NPT piping system or a flanged piping system. The wafer-type connection is provided by the rigidly affixed ball valve seat retainer on the inlet end of the valve assembly. A ball valve seat isolates the ball valve body from the ball valve seat retainer. A solid graphite seat provides the primary sealing component between the ball and ball valve seat.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for automatically dispensing a paper product mounted on a gravity-assisted holder through a dispenser. The apparatus includes an electric motor, a main product roller for automatically rolling a predetermined amount of the paper product from the holder, exit guide rollers for guiding the paper product through a front cover of the dispenser, and a series of interconnected gears that are driven by the electric motor to activate the main product roller and exit guide roller and operate both the main roller and exit roller at the same speed. Operating the rollers at the same speed prevents paper or tissue jamming inside the dispenser. The system monitors usage of each paper product dispenser with each dispenser having a microprocessor controller for determining a corresponding paper product status for the dispenser. Each paper product dispenser communicates with a master network device preferably mounted on a ceiling plane.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for switching transmission of light from one optical fiber to another. A steerable fiber has an end in a capsule, as do one or more cooperating fibers. Initially the steerable fiber is at a rest position, from where it couples light into one of the cooperating fibers. The end of the steerable fiber includes an armature that moves in response to applied magnetic fields. Then a magnetic field is generated selectively, and a pair of pole pieces transfers it to a location inside the capsule, which is close to the armature. Thus the end of the steerable fiber is moved to another position, from where it couples light into the other cooperating fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a network host decoy on a virtual host using a pseudo implementation of a network protocol stack are described. A hierarchical network protocol stack is functionally defined and includes a plurality of communicatively interfaced protocol layers. A request frame originating from a remote host is received. The request frame includes a plurality of recursively encapsulated data segments which each correspond to a successive protocol layer in the network protocol stack. At each protocol layer, processing a header associated with the encapsulated data segment demultiplexs each encapsulated data segment in the request frame. Any requested network service is performed and any recursively encapsulated portion is forwarded to the next successive protocol layer. A plurality of pseudo data segments corresponding to each of the protocol layers in the network protocol stack is formed. Each pseudo data segment includes a header and data portion.

Abstract: The signal device includes a housing containing a light and having a front face adapted to receive, in removably mounted engagement thereon, a first message screen selected from a group of message screens. Each message screen of the group of message screens is preferably a substantially planar sheet permitting the passage of light therethrough when mounted in the front face and backlit by the light. The first message screen has a first distress message formed thereon which is illuminated when the message screen is backlit by the light. Each message screen of the group of message screens has a different distress message for communication by the backlighting by the light so that a user may select an appropriate distress message by selecting the corresponding message screen for mounting onto the front face. The light is activated by a switch mounted to the housing and cooperating with a power supply.

Abstract: The signal device includes a housing containing a light and having a front face adapted to receive, in removably mounted engagement thereon, a first message screen selected from a group of message screens. Each message screen of the group of message screens is preferably a substantially planar sheet permitting the passage of light therethrough when mounted in the front face and backlit by the light. The first message screen has a first distress message formed thereon which is illuminated when the message screen is backlit by the light. Each message screen of the group of message screens has a different distress message for communication by the backlighting by the light so that a user may select an appropriate distress message by selecting the corresponding message screen for mounting onto the front face. The light is activated by a switch mounted to the housing and cooperating with a power supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing semi-conductor chips is disclosed. The individual semiconductor chips have I/O contacts. The apparatus is provided with an interposer that has contacts corresponding to the contacts on the semiconductor chip. Both the chip and the interposer contacts can be any known type including metal ball, bumps, or tabs or may be provided with dendritic surfaces. The chip contacts are first brought into relative loose temporary contact with the contacts on the interposer and then a compressive force greater that 5 grams per chip contact is applied to the chip to force the chip contacts into good electrical contact with the interposer contacts. Testing of the chip is then performed. The tests may include heating of the chip as well as the application of signals to the chip contacts. After testing the chip is removed from the substrate.