Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tire disabling device. A tire disabling device may comprise a spike-bearing plate that may be contained, in its undeployed state, in a handled enclosure. Upon deployment, the spike bearing plate may be disposed under the tire of a stopped vehicle, which may puncture the tire if the vehicle is moved. Such a device may be beneficial in preventing car chases that begin with traffic stops, by deflating tires upon an attempted evasion from the stop, and by signaling a deterrent to attempt such evasion.

Abstract: A system, method, and program for managing a user key used to sign a message for a data processing system having an encryption chip are disclosed. A user is assigned a user key. In order to encrypt and send messages to a recipient(s), the messages are encrypted with the user key. The user key, in turn, is encrypted with an associated key. The associated key is further encrypted using an encryption chip key stored on the encryption chip. The encrypted messages are communicated to a recipient to validate an association of the user with the encrypted messages. The associated key is decrypted with the encryption chip key. The user key is decrypted with the associated key, and the messages are decrypted with the user key. Thereafter, validation of the association of messages with the user is removed by revoking the associated key. In a preferred embodiment, encryption resources are centralized in a server system having the encryption chip.

Abstract: Described herein is a drinking vessel which incorporates a seismic or impact-actuated sound generating circuit which produces a “Clink” sound that emulates the sound made by a glass, crystal, or ceramic drinking vessel making contact with a hard surface such as another drinking vessel during a toast. As actuation switch, is located on or in the vessel which is responsive to seismic or impact-type events.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery for an electronic device is described. The apparatus includes an array of photovoltaic elements for converting light energy into electrical energy. The apparatus also includes a storage element for storing electrical energy received from the array of photovoltaic elements, and an electrical cord to provide an electrical connection between the storage element and the battery. The array of photovoltaic elements and the storage element are affixed to a mounting that is attachable to and detachable from the electronic device.

Abstract: A cat scratching apparatus is disclosed. The cat scratching apparatus comprises a casing and first and second scratching surfaces. Each of the scratching surfaces is formed by superimposed edge portions of stacks of corrugated material. Further, each of the scratching surfaces is disposed within the casing such that each is opposing the other scratching surface. Additional scratching surfaces may also be added.

Abstract: A cat scratching apparatus is disclosed. The cat scratching apparatus comprises a casing and first and second scratching surfaces. Each of the scratching surfaces is formed by superimposed edge portions of stacks of corrugated material. Further, each of the scratching surfaces is disposed within the casing such that each is opposing the other scratching surface. Additional scratching surfaces may also be added.

Abstract: A note acceptor security system includes a currency validator secured to a housing and a note stacker removably received thereby. The currency validator has an identification chip maintained in association therewith and having a fixed serial number. The currency validator also includes a microprocessor which controls the operation of the currency validator and maintains operational data respecting the same. The stacker has a memory chip which is urged into a grounded position which is removed when the stacker is placed into the note acceptor. A fixed probe within the note acceptor lifts the memory chip from ground and allows communication from the microprocessor and identification chip to the memory chip. When the stacker is full, it is removed from the note acceptor and, with the memory chip grounded, it is transported to a docking station where the memory chip is again probed and the data maintained therein is transferred to a personal computer for later use.

Abstract: A system for repairing worn, distorted, cracked, or degraded portions of high temperature rotors such as those used in high-pressure and reheat steam turbines is disclosed. The repairs are applicable to low alloy steels generally described in ASTM Specification A-470 classes 3, 7, and 8. Explicit controls on the welding process, the welding consumables, and the placement of the weld fusion line are disclosed. For the welding process, a novel staging of the "relative heat input" for applying the initial cold wire gas tungsten arc weld (GTAW) buttering layer is disclosed. Significantly, the optimum weldment properties are achieved in the cold wire GTAW by utilizing a lower heat input for the crucial second layer relative to the first layer. Faster deposition or weld build-up is achieved over the buttering layer by applying the balance of welding through utilization of the hot-wire GTAW process.

Abstract: An automated welding device for applying a weld overlay to a preexisting weld at the saddle-shaped juncture between a horizontal header pipe and a vertical riser pipe includes a track mountable to the header and adapted to receive a carriage for orbital movement thereon. The carriage is self-propelled and includes a guide means for engaging a flat surface of the track to maintain the carriage in the desired orientation. A welding torch can be mounted to the carriage for movement toward and away from the surface of the pipe and for movement back and forth across the width of the preexisting weld. The track can be oriented to permit the welding torch to follow a predetermined path in more than one orthogonal plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing tests for determining the validity of a paper purported to be a valid instrument is presented. Fundamentally, the invention comprises a tray for receiving a paper offered as a valid instrument and maintaining the same in sliding relationship between a light source and reticle. A photocell is operatively connected to the reticle and senses light passing from the light source and through the paper and reticle. The output of the photocell is applied to an operational amplifier having a dynamic feedback network and the output of this amplifier is characteristic of both a grid pattern upon the paper and the optical density thereof. This output is then passed to an amplifier circuit which establishes an optical density domain and is operative to pass a signal only if the paper falls within such domain. This output is then passed to appropriate integrating and comparator circuitry to ultimately determine the validity of the paper.

Abstract: A note storage apparatus has a stacking assembly, a push bar assembly movably mounted in the stacker, a coffer assembly for storing the notes, a collector located in the stacker assembly for receiving the notes and the push bar assembly selectively contacting the note and transferring it to the coffer assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coin and currency changer utilizing a coin chute having two continuously intersecting arms wherein coins may be alternately stored. A plunger assembly is positioned at the bottom of the chute along the line of intersection of the two arms and is operative to dispense one coin at a time therefrom. The coin in the chute immediately above the dispensed coin is retained within the chute by a pinching action between the plunger assembly and the structure of the chute. A sensor is positioned in operative relation with the plunger assembly and senses the actual dispersal of the coins from the chute. Control circuitry counts the number of coins dispensed and is operative to inhibit functioning of the system if more than the desired number of coins is actually dispensed. There is further provided means for maintaining a proper number of coins within the chute by transferring the coins from a bulk hopper to the chute.