Abstract: An insulating container is disclosed. The insulating shipping container includes an outer container and pieces of laminated foam, which are cut or scored to create hinges that permit the laminated foam pieces to be configured into an insulating enclosure. Alternatively, the laminated foam pieces may be formed without hinges and friction fit into the outer container.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of database searching. First, a language is selected and elements received. The system is searched to identify a unit number associated with each element, which is linked to a data unit containing morphological variants of the element. If none are identified, the element is broken into sub-textual units that may contain a prefix, compound-prefix, and/or suffix along with a primary element. A unit number is then obtained for the primary element. If this does not result in a match, the elements may be saved in a database for further linguistic development. A unit number associated with each matched element is then chosen, and the elements contained in the data units linked to the unit numbers are compared to a database index. If an element is associated with multiple unit numbers, this process is repeated until all data units have been compared to the database.

Abstract: A barrier is fixed on a wall or other perimeter structure by way of support posts. The barrier has a support shaft along which a number of rotatable units are mounted. Each rotatable unit is formed from two interengaged elements, each element having been formed from a length of metal tubing. Part of the tubing has been cut longitudinally to define blades extending from one end of a tubular portion, and splayed outwardly and spaced apart. Two such elements are assembled so that their blades interengage to form one of the units. The rotatable units so constructed are simple to manufacture, but provide an effective barrier.

Abstract: A process and system for activating various programs are provided in a personal computer. The computer is initially provided with a registration shell. A data link is established between the personal computer and a registration computer. By providing the registration computer with various information, a potential licensee can register to utilize the program. Once the registration process is complete, a tamperproof overlay program is constructed at the registration computer and transferred to the personal computer. The tamperproof overlay includes critical portions of the main program, without which the main program would not operate and also contains licensee identification and license control data.

Abstract: A process and system for activating various programs are provided in a personal computer. The computer is initially provided with a portion of a main program. A data link is established between the personal computer and a registration computer. By providing the registration computer with various information, a potential licensee can register to utilize the program. Once the registration process is complete, a tamperproof overlay program is constructed at the registration computer and transferred to the personal computer. The tamperproof overlay includes critical portions of the main program, without which the main program would not operate and also contains licensee identification and license control data.

Abstract: A global data network communication system for communicating between diverse computer systems, each system provided with different protocols used to transmit, receive and understand information. At least one of the computer systems contains a memory into which a directory of information is stored to recognize the various protocols which are received from diverse computers and/or to transmit information to these diverse computers. This information contains the specific protocol which is being utilized by the diverse computer systems. A channel selector is provided which allows operator selection of the specific protocol characteristics of the particular station with which you wish to communicate.