Abstract: The application describes compositions that include maltosyl-isomalto-oligosaccharides with a desirable mass average molecular weight distribution. In some cases, the compositions can contain at least 3% mannitol.

Abstract: A system and method to use a recipient account by a user for the purchase of goods from a merchant. During the purchasing transaction, the user submits a recipient account identifier, which can be used to identify a recipient account maintained by a shipper, to the merchant. The merchant further receives a transaction request for the purchasing of goods to be shipped to the user. By using the recipient account identifier, the merchant can request a payment from the shipper. The shipper does not reveal the method of payment by the user to the merchant. Upon receiving a payment from the shipper, the merchant and the user can commit the purchasing transaction. The shipper can later be used to transfer the purchased goods from the merchant to the user, without revealing the user's address.

Abstract: A system and methodology for distributed delivery of online content in response to client selections from an online catalog is described. In one embodiment, for example, a system of the present invention is described for receiving and playing movies, the system comprises: a personal computer with Internet connectivity and having a browser for selecting movies from an online catalog; a set-top box with Internet connectivity, the set-top box having a hard disk for storing encrypted copies of the selected movies that the set-top box receives in response to user selections from the online catalog; and a television device, connected to the set-top box, for playing back decrypted copies of the selected movies that have been purchased for playback.

Abstract: A system and method to use a recipient account by a user for the purchase of goods from a merchant. During the purchasing transaction, the user submits a recipient account identifier, which can be used to identify a recipient account maintained by a shipper, to the merchant. The merchant further receives a transaction request for the purchasing of goods to be shipped to the user. By using the recipient account identifier, the merchant can request a payment from the shipper. The shipper does not reveal the method of payment by the user to the merchant. Upon receiving a payment from the shipper, the merchant and the user can commit the purchasing transaction. The shipper can later be used to transfer the purchased goods from the merchant to the user, without revealing the user's address.

Abstract: A distributed system and methodology for delivery of media content to clients having peer-to-peer connectivity is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method of the present invention is described for distributing media comprises: receiving at a server a request from a first client for a particular media item, the first client having broadband connectivity to other clients; at the server, determining a second client who has an encrypted copy of the desired media item; transferring the encrypted copy of the desired media item from the second client to the first client; after the encrypted copy has been transferred to the first client, indicating at the first client that the desired media item is now available; and in response to receiving payment authorization from the first client, decrypting the desired media item for use at the first client.

Abstract: A system and methodology for distributed delivery of online content in response to client selections from an online catalog is described. In one embodiment, for example, a system of the present invention is described for receiving and playing movies, the system comprises: a personal computer with Internet connectivity and having a browser for selecting movies from an online catalog; a set-top box with Internet connectivity, the set-top box having a hard disk for storing encrypted copies of the selected movies that the set-top box receives in response to user selections from the online catalog; and a television device, connected to the set-top box, for playing back decrypted copies of the selected movies that have been purchased for playback.

Abstract: A distributed system and methodology for delivery of media content is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method of the present invention is described for distributing media comprises: receiving at a server a request from a first client for a particular media item, the first client having broadband connectivity to other clients; at the server, determining a second client who has an encrypted copy of the desired media item; transferring the encrypted copy of the desired media item from the second client to the first client; after the encrypted copy has been transferred to the first client, indicating at the first client that the desired media item is now available; and in response to receiving payment authorization from the first client, decrypting the desired media item for use at the first client.

Abstract: In a hydro-jet housing the form block, possibly with core, is stripped of mold sand by means of a high-pressure water jet. The sand is fed in the form of a muddy pulp to a first hydrocyclone, where the water is largely separated and is supplied for the formation of new muddy pulp. The sand flows into a scrubbing mechanism for knocking off its binding material, which has settled as a coat around the sand grains. After being scrubbed, the sand is fed to a second hydrocyclone for hydro-extracting water and dislodged binding material from the sand. The sand is then dried and cooled and is available for further use. The contaminated water is neutralized with flue gas, after which a flocculation agent is added to it and the water is then purified for reuse in a settling tank and possibly in a filter.