Abstract: A validation system is disclosed for validating an entity with whom a user intends to trade or exchange electronic information, for example over the Internet. The system includes validation means which are operable to obtain status details of the entity from third party validation sources, such as a certification authority, commercial register or the like, and indicator means operable to indicate the obtained status to the user substantially in real time. The system preferably also includes means operable to determine the security of the communication medium between the user and the trading entity, in which case the indicating means is operable to give an indication of the security of the communication substantially in real time. The indicator is preferably a visual indicator, for example provided on a computer monitor, and consists, for example, of a series of colour signals each indicative of a level of trustworthiness, preferably a “traffic light” type set of signals.

Abstract: A chip for performing an electrophoretic separation of micromolecular or macromolecular structures in two dimensions comprises a base substrate comprising a main surface. A channel is formed in the main surface of said base substrate in a first direction, wherein a first voltage is applicable across the channel in order to allow a separation of micromolecular structures or macromolecular structures in the first direction on the basis of a first separation mechanism. In addition, a two-dimensional separation matrix is formed in the main surface of the base substrate, wherein the separation matrix comprises a shallow recess and an array of stand-alone posts arranged in the recess. The recess extends perpendicular from the channel in a second direction, wherein a second voltage is applicable across the separation matrix in order to allow a separation of the structures on the basis of a second separation mechanism.

Abstract: A sail envelope has an internal mast or spar and one or more profiles (1) that is or are free to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the mast. Each profile has an outer edge in the form of a symmetrical aerofoil upon which the inner sides of the external sail surfaces bear.

Abstract: A digital logic bus termination module that is to be plugged into a TTL logic backplane bus and in which the module includes a TTL logic circuit chip package having multiple terminals including a reference terminal, input terminal and output terminal. The TTL logic circuit chip package comprises an input diode, preferably a Schottky diode connected to the input terminal thereof and forming a bus termination clamping means. The bus line is connected to the input terminal of the chip package while the bus reference line is coupled to the reference or ground terminal for the circuit chip package. The TTL logic circuit chip package has the output terminal thereof unconnected so that only the diode is in operative association with the bus. One or more resistors may also be used in parallel with the clamping diodes for impedance matching purposes.