Abstract: A user inputs a pattern consisting of a plurality of lines. The lines are classified by relative length, overall direction and degree of curvature. Where a line is started from a new position, the direction from the previous starting point is taken into account. The series of lines is then serialised into a key value, which may then be used to decrypt data stored on a device. This enables data to be securely stored since the key is supplied by the user at runtime and is not itself stored on the device.

Abstract: In a credential recovery process, a user is authenticated using an application running on a mobile communications device, and requests recovery of a credential. The application generates a session key encrypted with the public key of a gateway, and sends the encrypted key to the gateway. The gateway recovers the credential from a depository, encrypted using a symmetric key shared with the depository. The gateway decrypts the credential and re-encrypts the credential using the session key. Preferably, the decryption and re-encryption is performed within a hardware secure module within the gateway. The re-encrypted credential is sent to the application, which decrypts the credential and outputs it to the user. In this way, the credential is provided securely to the user and may be made available for use immediately, or nearly so.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having a memory storing application software for initiating a payment transaction with a remote system, a data interface for coupling the device to a host computer, a contactless interface for receiving payment token data from a contactless payment token, and a cellular network interface for communication of data over a cellular network. The application software is executed from the device when the device is connected to the host computer and configures the portable electronic device to initiate a payment transaction by receiving payment token data via the contactless interface means and transmitting said payment token data to the remote system via the mobile network interface means.

Abstract: In a secure computing environment, a method, system and device are provided for loading stored encryption key data from a protected non-volatile memory of a portable device. A boot loader program is initiated after the portable device is powered on, encryption key data is loaded from the protected non-volatile memory of the portable device, and access to the protected non-volatile memory is disabled after a predetermined time after the portable device is powered on. In this way, the encryption key data is loaded from the protected non-volatile memory of a portable device before the boot operating system is loaded.

Abstract: A high efficiency bicycle hub for near frictionless free wheeling comprising a hub having a toothed engagement ring, a driver having a retractable engagement member that can engage and disengage from the hub, and a retraction device to facilitate a disengaged configuration. The retraction device comprises a retaining ring having retraction members and the retractable engagement member comprises reciprocal retraction members to “catch” the retraction member to maintain a disengaged configuration. In use, forward rotation of the driver engages the retractable engagement member with the toothed engagement ring of the hub to drive the hub. Reverse rotation of the driver rotates the reciprocal retraction members underneath or behind the retraction member thereby disengaging the driver from the hub.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods that automatically gather, organize, present, and communicate data and information that aid a claim handler in making an accurate, informed decision regarding whether or not to allow or approve an authorization request, payment, claim, or action associated with a pharmacy insurance claim. Exemplary embodiments include a software application that reduces the effort required and increases the speed and effectiveness of claim handlers by providing organized, immediate access to claim summary and detailed pharmacy information, which streamlines reviews and the request approval process, including payment requests and prior authorization requests. Various embodiments also activate real-time alerts and reminders to claim handlers for various pharmacy claim management tasks.

Abstract: A high efficiency bicycle hub for near frictionless free wheeling comprising a hub having a toothed engagement ring, a driver having a retractable engagement member that can engage and disengage from the hub, and a retraction device to facilitate a disengaged configuration. The retraction device comprises a retaining ring having retraction members and the retractable engagement member comprises reciprocal retraction members to “catch” the retraction member to maintain a disengaged configuration. In use, forward rotation of the driver engages the retractable engagement member with the toothed engagement ring of the hub to drive the hub. Reverse rotation of the driver rotates the reciprocal retraction members underneath or behind the retraction member thereby disengaging the driver from the hub.

Abstract: A high efficiency bicycle hub for near frictionless free wheeling comprising a hub having a toothed engagement ring, a driver having a retractable engagement member that can engage and disengage from the hub, and a retraction device to facilitate a disengaged configuration. The retraction device comprises a retaining ring having retraction members and the retractable engagement member comprises reciprocal retraction members to “catch” the retraction member to maintain a disengaged configuration. In use, forward rotation of the driver engages the retractable engagement member with the toothed engagement ring of the hub to drive the hub. Reverse rotation of the driver rotates the reciprocal retraction members underneath or behind the retraction member thereby disengaging the driver from the hub.

Abstract: An encryption service system comprises an API for receiving requests from one or more calling applications. Each request comprises information identifying the operations to be performed on data to be processed and information identifying the origin and target of the data. The encryption service system further comprises a cryptographic server for processing the requests and determining, for each request, an encryption policy to be applied.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal apparatus is provided formed from two identical halves comprising a plurality of holes. A bolt secures the two halves through the holes and projects out beyond the surface of the pedal, thereby performing a dual role of securing the two halves together and serving as a traction mechanism. The pedal bodies rotate about a pedal axle either directly on the axle or on bearings. In embodiments utilizing bearings, two different bearings are used, roller bearings to bear the rotational load and thrust bearings to bear any axial load. The pedal axle can be tapered with a flanged head and resides in a cavity in the pedal body that substantially conforms to the shape of the pedal axle so as to minimize movement of the pedal axle within the pedal body.

Abstract: A combination bicycle fork and steering tube assembly is formed with a pair of downwardly directed, mutually converging end closure tabs that are bent over into abutment and welded together to define peripherally enclosed fork openings at the ends of the steerer tube. The upper ends of the hollow fork legs are configured to follow the surface contours of the lower end of the steerer tube and are welded to the end closure tabs about the circumferences of the enclosed fork openings at the lower end of the steering tube. The front wheel axle dropouts are formed directly in the lower ends of the fork legs, which include internal dropout support inserts. The dropout support inserts are sandwiched in between a pair of flat, mutually parallel dropout tabs defined directly in the lower ends of the fork legs.

Abstract: A high efficiency bicycle hub for near frictionless free wheeling comprising a hub having a toothed engagement ring, a driver having a retractable engagement member that can engage and disengage from the hub, and a retraction device to facilitate a disengaged configuration. The retraction device comprises a retaining ring having retraction members and the retractable engagement member comprises reciprocal retraction members to “catch” the retraction member to maintain a disengaged configuration. In use, forward rotation of the driver engages the retractable engagement member with the toothed engagement ring of the hub to drive the hub. Reverse rotation of the driver rotates the reciprocal retraction members underneath or behind the retraction member thereby disengaging the driver from the hub.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.

Abstract: A free coaster bicycle wheel driving apparatus is provided with a clutch that employs radially acting, rather than axially acting components. An annular drive sleeve projecting inwardly from a drive sprocket is disposed within multiple transmission power transmission sleeves, which are disposed within a cylindrical wheel hub shell. The drive sleeve defines multiple cam lobes and the power transmission sleeves define multiple cam lobes and multiple pockets. When the drive sleeve cam lobes are disposed in the power transmission sleeve pockets, the driving apparatus is disengaged and allowed to free coast. Upon forward rotation of the driving apparatus, the drive sleeve cam lobes rotate toward and engage the power transmission sleeve cam lobes, thereby forcing the power transmission sleeve radially outward towards the wheel hub shell, thereby allowing the sprocket to engage the wheel hub.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket.

Abstract: A combination bicycle fork and steering tube assembly is formed with a pair of downwardly directed, mutually converging end closure tabs that are bent over into abutment and welded together to define peripherally enclosed fork openings at the ends of the steerer tube. The upper ends of the hollow fork legs are configured to follow the surface contours of the lower end of the steerer tube and are welded to the end closure tabs about the circumferences of the enclosed fork openings at the lower end of the steering tube. The front wheel axle dropouts are formed directly in the lower ends of the fork legs, which include internal dropout support inserts. The dropout support inserts are sandwiched in between a pair of flat, mutually parallel dropout tabs defined directly in the lower ends of the fork legs.

Abstract: A combination bicycle fork and steering tube assembly is formed with a pair of downwardly directed, mutually converging end closure tabs that are bent over into abutment and welded together to define peripherally enclosed fork openings at the ends of the steerer tube. The upper ends of the hollow fork legs are configured to follow the surface contours of the lower end of the steerer tube and are welded to the end closure tabs about the circumferences of the enclosed fork openings at the lower end of the steering tube. The front wheel axle dropouts are formed directly in the lower ends of the fork legs, which include internal dropout support inserts. The dropout support inserts are sandwiched in between a pair of flat, mutually parallel dropout tabs defined directly in the lower ends of the fork legs. The preload bolt has an internal partition that defines a wrench socket that is radially displaced from the axial center of the preload bolt.

Abstract: A free coaster bicycle wheel driving apparatus having a clutch that employs radially acting components. A drive sleeve has an inner cylindrical wall surface mounted coaxially about a wheel mounting shaft and an outer cylindrical wall surface that is eccentric relative to the drive sleeve inner wall surface. The outer surface of the drive sleeve cooperates with a power transmission sleeve that has an inner cylindrical wall surface that is eccentric relative to its cylindrical outer wall surface. The power transmission sleeve is interposed between the drive sleeve and a wheel hub. When the eccentric lobe on the drive sleeve is in opposition to the eccentric lobe on the surrounding power transmission sleeve, the sprocket is disengaged from the wheel hub. Forward rotation of the sprocket jams the lobe of the drive sleeve against the power transmission sleeve, forcing its cam lobe outwardly into frictional engagement with the wheel hub.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket crank assembly is comprised of first and second crank arms joined to a spindle. One of the crank arms and the spindle may be fabricated as a unitary structure, or both cranks arms may be formed as separate structures and joined together. In either case the spindle has at least a first coupling end with an internally tapped axial bore defined therein and the second crank arm forms at least a first socket at its axle end. At least a first wedging sleeve is provided and is disposed about the first coupling end of the spindle. The first wedging sleeve conforms to the shapes of both the first coupling end of the spindle and the hollow cavity in the first socket. Either the coupling end of the spindle or the hollow cavity is axially tapered, and the wedging sleeve is tapered to match.