Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for preventing and/or tracking unauthorized copying or distribution of downloaded software. In general, the software is tagged with user identifying and/or platform-identifying information, preferably in coded form, both to allow a validation check to determine whether a particular platform is authorized and to trace a pirated copy to its original authorized user. The platform-identifying information is preferably placed in numerous locations, some of which may be used for the validation check, others of which may not be. In addition, other information usable to identify an original user or purchaser may be embedded within the material of interest. Several alternative methods of tagging the software may be used depending upon whether the particular portion being tagged comprises executable or non-executable content.

Abstract: A method of controlling deflection of a dynamic surface having a predetermined shape includes sensing a change in the predetermined shape of the dynamic surface, providing at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface for applying a counter force thereto, and activating the at least one piezoelectric actuator for applying the counter force to the dynamic surface for returning the dynamic surface to the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A system for controlling deflection of a dynamic surface includes at least one sensor in communication with the dynamic surface for detecting the presence of a deflecting force on the dynamic surface and generating a feedback signal proportional to the deflecting force. The system includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor for receiving the feedback signal and generating an output signal in response to the feedback signal. At least one piezoelectric actuator is in communication with the dynamic surface and in communication with the controller for receiving the output signal and applying a counter deflecting force on the dynamic surface for removing the deflection from the dynamic surface. In other preferred embodiments, the piezoelectric actuators maintain the dynamic surface in a preferred shape, such as a curved surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling deflection of a dynamic surface having a predetermined shape includes sensing a change in the predetermined shape of the dynamic surface, providing at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface for applying a counter force thereto, and activating the at least one piezoelectric actuator for applying the counter force to the dynamic surface for returning the dynamic surface to the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A press roll system employed in connection with a web finishing assembly is provided. The press roll system includes a press roll, which cooperates with a head roll to provide a uniform nip area and pressing load; a support substrate, arranged between the ground and the press roll; at least one backup roller mounted to a first surface of the support substrate along a continuous axis for substantially the length of the press roll, and arranged to provide a uniform load to the press roll and uniform area between the press roll and head roll during operation to impart a uniform caliper to the web; and a retractable force actuator, mounted on a second surface of the support substrate, opposite the surface to which the backup rollers are mounted, to provide an even distribution of loads toward the press roll. A channel is attached to one end of the support substrate for receiving and channeling working fluid away from the rest of the press roll system.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning, stretching or pulling a traveling web of material (e.g., single or multiple layers) lateral to the longitudinal or machine direction of the traveling web is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one but usually a pair of clamping devices to be disposed opposite each other on lateral edges of the traveling web upstream of a processing area where the clamping devices include stationary members, where at least one stationary member includes first and second ends and a material-engagement surface, wherein, when in operational position, the first and second ends define a direction of the material-engagement surface that is transverse to the machine direction of the traveling web. A method of stretching or pulling a single layer or multiple layer web of material laterally to the machine direction of the traveling web to remove wrinkles also is disclosed.

Abstract: A finishing assembly which includes an outside treatment roll for treating both sides of an endless web without having to remove, turn inside out and reload the endless web onto the finishing assembly. The outside treatment roll is movable and adapted to contact the endless web within an opening defined between a pair of cantilever beams such that the "minimum loop length" of the endless web is preserved. The finishing assembly includes a movable non-contacting treatment assembly which is adapted to be arranged between the cantilever beams such that the non-contacting treatment assembly may be used with or without the outside treatment roll to facilitate different finishing processes. In addition, the finishing assembly may include a pivotable cantilever beam in place of one of the cantilever beams. The pivotable cantilever beam may be rotated out of the finishing assembly, further minimizing the "minimum loop length" of the endless web.

Abstract: A finishing assembly which includes an outside treatment roll for treating both sides of an endless web without having to remove, turn inside out and reload the endless web onto the finishing assembly. The outside treatment roll is movable and adapted to contact the endless web within an opening defined between a pair of cantilever beams such that the "minimum loop length" of the endless web is preserved. The finishing assembly includes a movable non-contacting treatment assembly which is adapted to be arranged between the cantilever beams such that the non-contacting treatment assembly may be used with or without the outside treatment roll to facilitate different finishing processes.

Abstract: Subsoil treatment apparatus (1) comprises an impact striking head (2) associated with one end (3) of an impact transmission block (4) which has an internal chamber (5) connectable to a source of compressed air, and a hollow, tubular, ground-piercing spike (6) projecting from an opposite end (7) of the block (4) and to which impacts are transmitted from the block (4), the end (8) of the spike (6) associated with the block (4) being in air flow communication with the chamber (5), and the opposite end (9) of the spike (6) being provided with at least one air discharge aperture (10). The invention also includes a truck (28) carrying multiple apparatus (1).

Abstract: A component mounting assembly comprises a mounting bracket including a bracket member adapted to be fixed to a foundation member, and a bracket flange and a first bracket shoulder connected to the bracket member. The first bracket shoulder has a first shoulder flange which has a first shoulder slot with a first slot opening formed in its end nearest the bracket flange. The component mounting assembly further comprises a component support including a support member adapted to support a component, and a support flange and a first support post connected to the support member. The first support post is located with respect to the support flange so that when the support flange engages the bracket flange, the first support post can be inserted into the first shoulder slot. A fastener enables attachment of the support flange to the bracket flange when they are in engagement enabling the component support to be fixed to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus and method for preparing meats to suit individual tastes of different consumers. The meat is subjected to electric current heating to cook the meat and to radiant broiling to char its surface. The cooking current passing through the meat is regulated in response to a comparison of an input corresponding to the desired degree of cooking and an indication of the interior temperature of the meat as it is being cooked. The apparatus and method are particularly suited to handle effectively a variety of individual orders at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A candle assembly (10) of a type including an elongated candle (14) mounted on a base (12) also includes a window-sill stabilizer (16) having a thin flat portion for insertion into a space (38) at the interface of the rear edge (40) of a windowsill and the front lower face (42) of a sash-type window (44). In one embodiment, the windowsill stabilizer (46) is integral with the base (48) of the candle assembly and in another embodiment the stabilizer (16) is a separate part from the candle and the base. In the separate embodiment, the stabilizer includes an opening (32) therein through which the candle passes.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus and method for preparing meats to suit individual tastes of different consumers. The meat is subjected to electric current heating to cook the meat and to radiant broiling to char its surface. The cooking current passing through the meat is regulated in response to a comparison of an input corresponding to the desired degree of cooking and an indication of the interior temperature of the meat as it is being cooked. The apparatus and method are particularly suited to handle effectively a variety of individual orders at substantially the same time.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus for preparing meats to suit individual tastes of different consumers. The meat is subjected to electric current heating to cook the meat and to radiant broiling to char its surface. The cooking current passing through the meat is regulated in response to a comparison of an input corresponding to the desired degree of cooking and an indication of the interior temperature of the meat as it is being cooked. The apparatus are particularly suited to handle effectively a variety of individual orders at substantially the same time.