Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer network, a database, and multiple input-output ports whereby vendors and authorizing-companies share commercial information about the identity of third parties such as authorized buyers, authorized signers, and authorized agents, and various related information including levels and types of signature authority for these third parties. Networked I/O ports provide a means for communicating this information to and from the database by vendors and authorizing-companies.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved platform-mounted apparatus for holding and rapidly releasing a flexible load line having the properties of a wire rope. The invention comprises wedge gripper means for holding the line up to a tensile force substantially equal to the breaking strength of the line, with the gripper means comprising a grip frame for mounting to the platform and a pair of opposed grip wedges, the wedges having opposed internal gripping surfaces for engaging the line and external wedging surfaces that taper toward each other in the direction of the tensile force in a gripped line, each grip wedge having a wide end and a narrow end. Grip connection means connect the wide end of each grip wedge to the grip frame, said grip connection means defining a lower travel limit for each grip wedge in the direction of the tensile force in a gripped line.