Abstract: A method for correcting bias in altimetry data for ascending satellite tracks and descending satellite tracks. For satellites operating in tandem, calculate ascending track bias between the height measurement made by the first and the second satellites for the ascending tracks in a region, calculate an ascending bias correction by least squares fitting a polynomial to the bias as a function of significant wave height for the ascending tracks, and apply a portion of the ascending track bias to the sea surface height measurements. The correction can be calculated based on only one track and its crossover points. Another embodiment uses data from only one satellite, estimates the sea state bias at the crossover points separately for the ascending and descending tracks, and apportions a percentage of the difference at the crossover points to the tracks based on minimizing the rms differences between the ascending and descending tracks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for encapsulating electronic devices, comprising: providing one or more electronic devices (62) with primary faces (63) having electrical contacts (69), opposed rear faces (65) and edges (64) therebetween. A sacrificial layer (70) is provided on the primary faces (63). The devices (62) are mounted on a temporary support (80) so that the sacrificial layer (70) faces toward the temporary support (80). A plastic encapsulation (86)is formed in contact with at least the lateral edges (64) of the electronic devices (62). The plastic encapsulation (86) is at least partially cured and the devices (62) and plastic encapsulation (86) separated from the temporary support (80), thereby exposing the sacrificial layer (70). The sacrificial layer (70) is removed. The devices (62) and edge-contacting encapsulation are mounted on a carrier (90) with the primary faces (63) and electrical contacts (69) exposed and, optionally, further cured.

Abstract: A method for correcting bias in altimetry data for ascending satellite tracks and descending satellite tracks. For satellites operating in tandem, calculate ascending track bias between the height measurement made by the first and the second satellites for the ascending tracks in a region, calculate an ascending bias correction by least squares fitting a polynomial to the bias as a function of significant wave height for the ascending tracks, and apply a portion of the ascending track bias to the sea surface height measurements. The correction can be calculated based on only one track and its crossover points. Another embodiment uses data from only one satellite, estimates the sea state bias at the crossover points separately for the ascending and descending tracks, and apportions a percentage of the difference at the crossover points to the tracks based on minimizing the rms differences between the ascending and descending tracks.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that establishes a secure connection with a peer. During operation, the system obtains an identity for the peer. Next, the system looks up the identity for the peer in a local store, which contains identities for trusted peers. If this lookup fails, the system asks a user if the peer can be trusted. If the user indicates that the peer can be trusted, the system establishes a secure connection with the peer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that establishes a secure connection with a peer. During operation, the system obtains an identity for the peer. Next, the system looks up the identity for the peer in a local store, which contains identities for trusted peers. If this lookup fails, the system asks a user if the peer can be trusted. If the user indicates that the peer can be trusted, the system establishes a secure connection with the peer.

Abstract: A chaos generator for accumulating stream entropy is disclosed. The chaos generator includes a random source coupled to an entropy accumulator that is configurable for generating a binary random input sequence. The entropy accumulator is configurable for accumulating entropy of the input sequence and providing a binary random output sequence based on the accumulated entropy. The binary random output sequence is reduced by a modular reduction operation having a modulus that is set equal to a cryptographic prime (e.g., the order of an elliptic curve). The number of iterations performed by the entropy accumulator on the binary random input sequence is selected to provide a binary random output sequence having a desired cryptographic strength. The chaos generator can be part of a signing and verification system that uses fast elliptic encryption for small devices.

Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.

Abstract: A method of generating a digital signature includes generating a first random number from a finite field of numbers, and generating field elements defining a first point on an elliptic curve defined over the finite field of numbers by performing elliptic curve arithmetic on the first random number and an initial public point on the elliptic curve. The method continues by generating a product from a field element, a private key, and a second random number received from a challenger seeking verification of a digital signature, and generating a signature component by summing the product and the first random number. The signature component is reduced using one or more modular reduction operations, using a modulus equal to an order of the elliptic curve, and then the reduced signature component and the field elements are sent to the challenger as a digital signature for verification by the challenger.

Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.

Abstract: A portable two-piece motorcycle windshield assembly includes an upper windshield panel having a lower edge and a lower windshield panel having an upper edge with a shape complementary to the shape of the upper windshield panel defining the lower edge. Connector rods are provided for releasably connecting the upper windshield panel and the lower windshield panel together. The lower edge of the upper windshield and the upper edge of the lower windshield mate together in edge-to-edge aligned registration with each other to collectively form a two-piece windshield. A pair of connector brackets are carried adjacent a bottom edge of the lower windshield panel for releasably attaching the assembled windshield to handlebars of a motorcycle.

Abstract: A mobile pedestal unit having a pivotally attached arm member with a grip. The grip can be placed in a projecting position above and outwardly of an upper edge of the unit where the grip can be conveniently grasped to move the mobile pedestal unit. The grip can also be positioned above and only slightly beyond an opposite upper edge of the unit in a storage position. In the storage position the floor area required by the unit is reduced and the storage of the unit under a worksurface panel is thereby facilitated. An auxiliary platform can also be rotatably attached to the arm member. The auxiliary platform may be used as a secondary worksurface panel or shelf when oriented substantially horizontally or serve as a bookstop when allowed to hang freely in a substantially vertical orientation outwardly adjacent an upper edge of the mobile pedestal unit. A retractable U-shaped file hanger which is slidable between a position flush with the exterior surface of the unit and an extended position may also be provided.

Abstract: A solid-fuel effect gas fire comprises an open-topped tray containing a mass of particulate refractory material, means for introducing gas into the tray to percolate upwards to the surface of the refractory material, an apertured or porous plate overlying, but spaced from, part of the surface of the particulate material, and a plurality of refractory bodies, shaped and colored to simulate solid fuel, heaped on the plate and the part of the tray which is not covered by the plate. In use, the fire operates with a mixture of luminous and non-luminous flames and closely resembles a conventional solid-fuel fire. The ratio of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide in the gases of combustion is from 1:0.01 to 1:0.005.

Abstract: A thermal reactor, for example an incinerator, in which an upstanding partition wall in a furnace vessel defines adjacent, interconnecting compartments each containing a bed of particulate material, said beds being fluidized to different extent whereby a cascade of particulate bed material flows across the of the wall from the more fluidized bed to the less fluidized bed and circulation of said bed material around the partition wall is established.

Abstract: A heating appliance operated from a gaseous fuel comprises a plurality of refractory bodies simulating solid fuel mounted on the top of a distributor for the gaseous fuel. To ensure that at least some of the gaseous fuel burns at a high temperature thereby causing the simulated solid fuel to be heated and to "glow" at least one duct leads to the upper side of the gas distributor so that air can be passed along the duct to mix with the gaseous fuel.