Abstract: A method of representing crytographic values in text form is described. The text representation is formed from words selected from a vocabulary, which may include a collection of pseudowords. The text representations can be further transformed to a paragraph in an apparently grammatically correct form.

Abstract: A method of compressing a cryptographic value. The method comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a secret value; (b) performing a cryptographic operation on the secret value to generate the cryptographic value; (c) determining whether the cryptographic value satisfies the pre-determined criteria; and (d) repeating the sequence of steps starting at step (a) until the cryptographic value satisfies the pre-determined criteria.

Abstract: An algorithm is provided having a matrix phase and point addition phase that permits computation of the combination of more than two point multiples. The algorithm has particular utility in elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) such as for computing scalar multiplications in, e.g. batch ECC operations, accelerating Lenstra's ECM factoring algorithm, exploiting expanded ECC certificates (which contain pre-computed multiples of a party's public key), incremental hashing based on elliptic curves, accelerating verification of ECDSA signatures, etc.

Abstract: A method of performing a cryptographic operation on a point in an elliptic curve cryptosystem using an elliptic carve. The method comprises the steps of obtaining information that uniquely identifies the elliptic curve and performing computations on the point to obtain the result of the cryptographic operation. The computations use the information. The computations produce an incorrect result if the point is not on the elliptic curve.

Abstract: A potential bias in the generation or a private key is avoided by selecting the key and comparing it against the system parameters. If a predetermined condition is attained it is accepted. If not it is rejected and a new key is generated.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for facilitating protected access to clinical information systems, functions, or authorizing clinical documents. Certain embodiments provide a method for providing access to a protected clinical system. The method includes verifying a first form of authentication for access to the protected clinical system. The first form of authentication includes one or more alphanumeric characters entered by a user to access the protected clinical system. The method further includes verifying a second form of authentication for access to a controlled function of the protected clinical system. The second form of authentication includes a personalized physical identifier for the user.

Abstract: A system for managing the generation of licensed end-user software applications based on contracting information which is automatically fed from one or more business contract systems. A license manager communicates with a license database, a license generator and one or more business contract systems. The license manager receives an automated feed of contract and subscription information from each business contract system, interprets which of the bundled features require a license, filters or strips out the licensing information needed to generate the required license, and then logs that licensing information in the license database. If the license manager determines that a license file needs to be generated, the license manager outputs the licensing information to the license generator with a request that the latter generate a tamper-proof encrypted license file.

Abstract: A method of performing a cryptographic operation on a point in an elliptic curve cryptosystem using an elliptic carve. The method comprises the steps of obtaining information that uniquely identifies the elliptic curve and performing computations on the point to obtain the result of the cryptographic operation. The computations use the information. The computations produce an incorrect result if the point is not on the elliptic curve.

Abstract: A potential bias in the generation or a private key is avoided by selecting the key and comparing it against the system parameters. If a predetermined condition is attained it is accepted. If not it is rejected and a new key is generated.

Abstract: Pointing stick assembly for use in a computer keyboard for cursor control is disclosed. The assembly includes a pointing button coupled through a plurality of rigid actuator legs to force sensors. For pointing operations, the pointing button is pressed in a desired direction by a user for moving a cursor in a corresponding direction on a display screen. Apertures are provided extending through one or more keycaps on the keyboard for mounting the pointing assembly. Each actuator leg is positioned in one of the apertures so that no additional keyboard space is required for the pointing device, thereby obviating a separate mouse, keyboard mounted trackball or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for normalizing electronic sensor data to correct for variations in individual sensor transfer characteristics which are not known in advance. A general characteristic transfer function for a sensor type of interest is determined empirically. A baseline response reading is acquired from an individual sensor, and that baseline response applied to the general transfer function to determine a specific transfer function for the individual sensor. The specific transfer function is used to calculate normalized data. One application of the invention is in computer cursor control pointing devices such as a joystick. Because the invention compensates for wide variations in sensor characteristics, inexpensive sensors such as force-sensitive resistors may be used in a joystick without sacrificing pointing accuracy and ergonomic efficiency.

Abstract: A medical apparatus disposal container includes an open topped container adapted to be closed by a lid having a top wall with an opening through which medical apparatus may be disposed into the container. A cap is provided for closing the opening when the container is filled. A continuous seal is effected between the lid and container by a pair of generally parallel spaced apart interior and exterior flanges defining an open bottom channel around the periphery of the lid. The channel is of a size and shape to receive the upper portion of the container sidewall in fluid tight sealed relation therein with the interior flange extending downwardly into the container. Coacting fasteners on the lid and container sidewall secure the lid in sealed relation onto the container. The lid may be fitted with a sealing gasket or flexible flange in the open bottom channel to effect further sealing of the lid.

Abstract: A particulate filter medium for collecting finely dispersed particles from a circulating gas stream. The filter medium comprises a gas flow zone consisting essentially of gas permeable particles of the same material as the finely dispersed solid particles to be collected. The finely dispersed particles are generated by granular product blending operations of dry granular materials such as fertilizers, chemicals, animal feeds and clays.A substantial saving in filter material renewal costs is realized by adding the spent filter medium to the product stream, and simply replacing the spent filter medium with fresh, granular particles of the product having a capacity to collect finely dispersed solid particles from the circulating gas stream.