Abstract: Systems and methods for aggregating and analyzing digital manufacturing data are disclosed. An aggregator can collect output data generated a number of digital manufacturing machines. The output data can be filtered and transmitted to a server for storage in a database. One or more clients can access the data in the database via an API.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a security checkpoint system that has a camera configured for obtaining a first photographic image of an individual, a photographic image scanner configured for scanning a second photographic image, and a comparator mechanism for comparing the first photographic image with the second photographic image to ascertain whether the second photographic image is of the individual. Other embodiments include a method for automatedly developing security-related characteristics for an individual.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method and a system for securing data and transmitting it securely. Data is encrypted on a source computer and transmitted to a receiving computer. Users must provide authentication to access the data on the source or receiving computer. The data is not decrypted on the receiving computer until access to it has been authorized. The data can be viewed on the receiving computer or processed to create a print file. The print file can be printed onto pre-printed or partially pre-printed forms. A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for dividing a data file into portions and encrypting the portions. Not all of the portions are encrypted by the same encryption method. An index file describes the portions into which the data was divided and the methods of encryption used to encrypt the portions. The different encryption methods can use different keys. These keys can be produced by multiplying an encryption key by random numbers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting simulator instruments to a simulator host computer includes a plurality of panel modules, a data bus having a connection to each panel module, and a control computer connected to the data bus and to the host computer. Each panel module further comprises at least one simulated instrument and a local computer. The local computer runs a computer program adapted to the instrument or instruments controlled by that panel module, so that the local computer communicates with the data bus for bi-directional communication between the instrument and the control computer. Each panel module has a unique address on the data bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting simulator instruments to a simulator host computer includes a plurality of panel modules, a data bus having a connection to each panel module, and a control computer connected to the data bus and to the host computer. Each panel module further comprises at least one simulated instrument and a local computer. The local computer runs a computer program is adapted to the instrument or instruments controlled by that panel module, so that the local computer communicates with the data bus for bi-directional communication between the instrument and the control computer. Each panel module has a unique address on the data bus.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of measuring material thickness with magnetics. The thickness monitoring system includes a thickness monitor, a probe, and a target. In a preferred embodiment, the probe is positioned on one side of an article for which the thickness is to be determined. The target is positioned on the opposite side of the article from the probe. The probe includes an excitation coil, a field compensation coil, and a magnetic sensor. The method includes energizing the excitation coil to excite a response from the target, compensating for the effect of the excitation coil on the magnetic sensor, measuring the response of the target with the magnetic sensor, and determining the thickness of the article from the measured response. The preferred mode of energizing the excitation coil is with an AC waveform; however DC, multi-frequency AC, or a combination of AC and DC waveforms may be used.

Abstract: A base portion is provided for support from the forward end of a vehicle to be towed or the rear end of a vehicle to be used to tow a second vehicle. An elongated hitch bar assembly is provided including first and second ends and mounting structure mounts the second hitch bar end, intermediate its opposite ends, from the base portion for guided front to rear lengthwise extension and retraction relative to the base portion between forward and rearward limit positions and for angular displacement of the rear hitch bar end about an upstanding axis, shiftable forward and rearward with the second hitch bar end, relative to the base portion between opposite limit positions of angular displacement. Bias structure yieldingly biases the second hitch bar end toward a central position between the front and rear limit positions and first latch structure is operative to releasably latch the hitch bar rear end relative to the base portion in a center position of angular displacement.