Abstract: A graphical representation representing at least a portion of an observable three-dimensional space is presented. A user can select a location on the graphical representation to direct a moveable item to a three-dimensional location within the space corresponding to the location selected by the user. Calibration operations can be performed, and error correction information can be generated to avoid mechanical error. Manipulation devices using non-orthogonal coordinate systems can be supported.

Abstract: A safety-sheathed blood sampling needle for use with a standard vacutainer. The needle is housed in a protective hollow body and held in place with a non-tensioned elastic band. The needle may be extended outside the cover for use without removing the cover assembly from the needle, and may be locked into the use position with one hand. Moving the needle into the use position tensions the elastic band. After the sample is taken, the needle is unlocked and retracted back into the cover by the elastic band. Upon such retraction, the element used to extend the needle is either concealed or disconnected to prevent accidental reuse of the needle.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein relatively simple locking devices for sporting items such snowboards and the like. In one form of the locking device, the same includes a member which can be affixed to a binding of a snowboard, and includes a releasable cable which can be wrapped around a fixed or stationary object so as to secure the sporting item thereto for safe storage. In one embodiment, the cable is normally retained in a flanged section of a pad of the locking system, but can be released therefrom for attachment to the fixed or stationery object. In another embodiment, the cable can be retained around a boot binding assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for securely delivering documents over an electronic network while preserving document formatting. The invention also provides security that restricts access to the system to an authorized user. A document is sent from a sending computer to a dedicated server, using a send client application. The document is specified for delivery within the send client application, or by clicking and dragging the document onto an appropriate window or icon on the sending computer desktop, or is specified from within a document authoring application. A dedicated server stores the document and forwards an electronic notification to a receiving device. The stored document is downloaded from the dedicated server, using a receive client application, in response to the notification. The receive client application permits the recipient to receive, view, print, and/or manipulate the document.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for effecting secure document delivery in any of various document formats. A document is encrypted with the public key of a server associated with the recipient of the document, instead of with the public key of the intended recipient. The receiving server is located within a firewall. The encrypted document is forwarded to the server within the firewall. The server decrypts the document using its corresponding private key, converts the document to a now data representation, and then either forwards the document to the recipient inside the firewall, or re-encrypts the document with the public key of an intended recipient outside of the firewall or with the public key of another server that is associated with the intended recipient of the document.

Abstract: A document delivery architecture dynamically generates a private Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to distribute information. Each private URL (“PURL”) uniquely identifies an intended recipient of a document, the document or set of documents to be delivered, and (optionally) other parameters specific to the delivery process. The intended recipient of a document uses the PURL to retrieve the document. The server, upon retrieval of the document, customizes the behavior of the retrieval based upon attributes included in the PURL, as well as log information associated with the retrieval in a data base. This architecture and usage of PURLs enables secure document delivery and tracking of document receipt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for effecting secure document delivery in any of various document formats. A document is encrypted with the public key of a server associated with the recipient of the document, instead of with the public key of the intended recipient. The receiving server is located within a firewall. The encrypted document is forwarded to the server within the firewall. The server decrypts the document using its corresponding private key, converts the document to a new data representation, and then either forwards the document to the recipient inside the firewall, or re-encrypts the document with the public key of an intended recipient outside of the firewall or with the public key of another server that is associated with the intended recipient of the document.

Abstract: A document delivery server dynamically customizes the format of a document to be delivered, based on the capabilities of the recipient and the type of document to be delivered. The server enables transparent delivery of formatted documents, regardless of the capabilities of the recipient. For example, the recipient platform could be a desktop computer, a network computer, a printer, a fax machine, or a personal digital assistant. The server attempts to maintain the information contained in the document in a high level representation and defers the decision of when to convert to a lower level representation, thereby maximizing the potential set of options and function at each step in the delivery process.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for secure document delivery over a wide area network, such as the Internet. A sender directs a Delivery Server to retrieve an intended recipient's public key. The Delivery Server dynamically queries a certificate authority and retrieves the public key. The public key is transmitted from the Delivery Server to the sender. The sender encrypts the document using a secret key and then encrypts the secret key using the public key. Both encrypted document and encrypted secret key are uploaded to the Delivery Server, and transmitted to the intended recipient. The intended recipient then uses the private key associated with the public key to decrypt the secret key, and uses the secret key to decrypt the document. In an alternative, equally preferred embodiment of the invention, the sender uses the public key to encrypt the document. In yet another embodiment, the server transmits the document to the Delivery Server for encryption.

Abstract: An electronic document delivery system and methods of its use are provided. A document, preferably in a portable format, is forwarded to a remote server (e.g. using HTTP to "push" the document to the server). The server sends a generic notification of the document to an intended recipient, and the recipient can download the document from the server using local protocols. In preferred embodiments, the invention is used for the controlled delivery of portable documents from a sender to a large number of recipients, using a network of servers that route the documents and notifications in a store and forward manner, while providing routing and accounting information back to the sender.

Abstract: An improved vapor degreaser apparatus includes means for selectively disposing a desiccator assembly within a conventional water separator for drying and removing excess water from a solvent.

Abstract: A vapor degreaser continually vaporizes and condenses a solvent bath and comprises two closed water loops associated with a refrigeration system. The water loops provide thermal storage for the degreaser and conduct heat to the solvent bath for heating the solvent and from the solvent vapors for condensing the vapors. The degreaser includes auxiliary heating and cooling coils which may be rendered totally inoperative when their operation is not energy efficient.