Abstract: A wearable rod holder having a holder portion rotatably connected to a strap clip portion is provided. The strap clip portion engages a strap or a belt a fisherperson may be wearing so that two spaced apart cradle hooks provided by the holder portion may support a fishing pole, hands-free. An elastic cord provided by the holder portion helps secure the fishing rod to the cradle hooks when the fisherperson goes hands-free and/or when rotating the holder portion relative to the strap clip portion to selectively position the fishing rod in a locked engagement with the wearable rod holder.

Abstract: A wearable rod holder having a holder portion rotatably connected to a strap clip portion is provided. The strap clip portion engages a strap or a belt a fisherperson may be wearing so that two spaced apart cradle hooks provided by the holder portion may support a fishing pole, hands-free. An elastic cord provided by the holder portion helps secure the fishing rod to the cradle hooks when the fisherperson goes hands-free and/or when rotating the holder portion relative to the strap clip portion to selectively position the fishing rod in a locked engagement with the wearable rod holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for protecting message data. In the method, the message data is padded with padding bits generated based on a deterministic function performed on the message data. The padded message data is compressed to generate compressed data. A length of the compressed data is dependent on the padding bits. The compressed data is encrypted to generate encrypted message data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for protecting message data. In the method, the message data is padded with padding bits generated based on a deterministic function performed on the message data. The padded message data is compressed to generate compressed data. A length of the compressed data is dependent on the padding bits. The compressed data is encrypted to generate encrypted message data.

Abstract: An entropy source and a random number (RN) generator are disclosed. In one aspect, a low-energy entropy source includes a magneto-resistive (MR) element and a sensing circuit. The MR element is applied a static current and has a variable resistance determined based on magnetization of the MR element. The sensing circuit senses the resistance of the MR element and provides random values based on the sensed resistance of the MR element. In another aspect, a RN generator includes an entropy source and a post-processing module. The entropy source includes at least one MR element and provides first random values based on the at least one MR element. The post-processing module receives and processes the first random values (e.g., based on a cryptographic hash function, an error detection code, a stream cipher algorithm, etc.) and provides second random values having improved randomness characteristics.

Abstract: One feature pertains to an electronic device that includes a memory circuit and a processing circuit. The processing circuit computes a scalar multiplication output Z where Z=k·P by receiving an input multiplier k and a base P, and adds a modifier s to the input multiplier k to generate k?. The processing circuit also computes an intermediate scalar multiplication output Z? where Z?=k?·P by using a digit expansion of k? that includes a sequence of digits ki belonging to a digit set D. Additionally, the processing circuit subtracts s·P from Z? to obtain the scalar multiplication output Z if k? is odd or subtracts (s+1)·P from Z? to obtain the scalar multiplication output Z if k? is even. The scalar multiplier output Z may be used in a cryptographic security algorithm to secure data.

Abstract: One feature pertains to an electronic device that includes a memory circuit and a processing circuit. The processing circuit computes a scalar multiplication output Z where Z=k·P by receiving an input multiplier k and a base P, and adds a modifier s to the input multiplier k to generate k?. The processing circuit also computes an intermediate scalar multiplication output Z? where Z?=k?·P by using a digit expansion of k? that includes a sequence of digits ki belonging to a digit set D. Additionally, the processing circuit subtracts s·P from Z? to obtain the scalar multiplication output Z if k? is odd or subtracts (s+1)·P from Z? to obtain the scalar multiplication output Z if k? is even. The scalar multiplier output Z may be used in a cryptographic security algorithm to secure data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for protecting message data. In the method, the message data is padded with padding bits generated based on a deterministic function performed on the message data. The padded message data is compressed to generate compressed data. A length of the compressed data is dependent on the padding bits. The compressed data is encrypted to generate encrypted message data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for protecting message data. In the method, the message data is padded with padding bits generated based on a deterministic function performed on the message data. The padded message data is compressed to generate compressed data. A length of the compressed data is dependent on the padding bits. The compressed data is encrypted to generate encrypted message data.

Abstract: A decorative column comprising a rigid center post, a plurality of pre-cast pieces with each piece having a hole extending therethrough so the pre-cast piece slides onto the center post and remains in place on the center post. Each pre-cast piece being stacked upon another pre-cast piece, the pre-cast pieces being of a predefined shape, and a compressible center core liner filling a portion of the hole of the pre-cast piece. The compressible center core including a cutout shape consistent with the cross sectional shape of the rigid center post thereby allowing passage of the center post through the compressible center core.

Abstract: A decorative column comprising a rigid center post, a plurality of pre-cast pieces with each piece having a hole extending therethrough so the pre-cast piece slides onto the center post and remains in place on the center post. Each pre-cast piece being stacked upon another pre-cast piece, the pre-cast pieces being of a predefined shape, and a compressible center core liner filling a portion of the hole of the pre-cast piece. The compressible center core including a cutout shape consistent with the cross sectional shape of the rigid center post thereby allowing passage of the center post through the compressible center core.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a network traffic synchronization mechanism facilitating the deployment of network devices in redundant network topologies. In certain embodiments, when a first network device directly receives network traffic, it copies the network traffic and transmits it to at least one partner network device. The partner network device processes the copied network traffic, just as if it had received it directly, but, in one embodiment, discards the traffic before forwarding it on to its destination. In one embodiment, the partner network devices are operative to exchange directly received network traffic. As a result, the present invention provides enhanced reliability and seamless failover. Each unit, for example, is ready at any time to take over for the other unit should a failure occur.

Abstract: A molded panel for buildings is manufactured in a manner that permits the blocking tab along the upper edge of the panel to be molded in a position that is close to its final desired position. Pressure is applied to the locking tab as it cools, thereby bringing the locking tab into its final position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a network traffic synchronization mechanism facilitating the deployment of network devices in redundant network topologies. In certain embodiments, when a first network device directly receives network traffic, it copies the network traffic and transmits it to at least one partner network device. The partner network device processes the copied network traffic, just as if it had received it directly, but, in one embodiment, discards the traffic before forwarding it on to its destination. In one embodiment, the partner network devices are operative to exchange directly received network traffic. As a result, the present invention provides enhanced reliability and seamless failover. Each unit, for example, is ready at any time to take over for the other unit should a failure occur.

Abstract: A siding panel for installation in courses, includes features that allow for proper panel to panel engagement, so that the divisions between the individual panels can not be seen. Panels are joined in a friction fit after being brought together by a free panel being moved vertically upward into a frictional engagement with an attached panel. Joining is complete based frictional engagement and frictional locking between portions of each panel.

Abstract: Synchronization of network traffic compression mechanisms deployed in redundant network topologies. In one implementation, the present invention features the synchronization of compression statistics on redundant network devices to facilitate failover and load sharing operations in the management of data flows traversing computer network environments. In one implementation, compression meta data is appended to synchronization packets and transmitted to one or more partner or redundant network devices. The receiving network devices use the compression meta data to synchronize one or more data flow control processes or data structures. Implementations of the present invention also feature process flows that increase the efficiency of synchronizing compression related operations.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems allowing for network link state mirroring in intermediate network devices. A variety of intermediate network devices disposed between two network devices are operationally transparent to the two network devices. For example, a bandwidth management device disposed between a gateway router and a LAN hub or switch, is operationally transparent, to both network devices since the bandwidth management device, pacing or otherwise controlling packet flows, does not alter the essential routing or switching functions of the devices. The present invention promotes or enhances this operational transparency by mirroring the link state detected at a first network interface on other network interfaces. This functionality is highly useful in today's network topologies where information regarding failure of a link can be used to re-route traffic, alert a network administrator, and the like.

Abstract: A molded panel for buildings is manufactured in a manner that permits the blocking tab along the upper edge of the panel to be molded in a position that is close to its final desired position. Pressure is applied to the locking tab as it cools, thereby bringing the locking tab into its final position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a network traffic synchronization mechanism facilitating the deployment of network devices in redundant network topologies. In certain embodiments, when a first network device directly receives network traffic, it copies the network traffic and transmits it to at least one partner network device. The partner network device processes the copied network traffic, just as if it had received it directly, but, in one embodiment, discards the traffic before forwarding it on to its destination. In one embodiment, the partner network devices are operative to exchange directly received network traffic. As a result, the present invention provides enhanced reliability and seamless failover. Each unit, for example, is ready at any time to take over for the other unit should a failure occur.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a network traffic synchronization mechanism facilitating the deployment of network devices in redundant network topologies. In certain embodiments, when a first network device directly receives network traffic, it copies the network traffic and transmits it to at least one partner network device. The partner network device processes the copied network traffic, just as if it had received it directly, but, in one embodiment, discards the traffic before forwarding it on to its destination. In one embodiment, the partner network devices are operative to exchange directly received network traffic. As a result, the present invention provides enhanced reliability and seamless failover. Each unit, for example, is ready at any time to take over for the other unit should a failure occur.