Abstract: A transponder for facilitating financial transaction communications is provided. The transponder includes a detector, a processing module, and a magnetic field source. The detector detects a first time varying magnetic field generated by a mobile electronic device. The first time varying magnetic field is encoded with financial account information. The processing module decodes the detected time varying magnetic field to recover the financial account information. The magnetic field source generates a second time varying magnetic field for detection by a magnetic read head of a point-of-sale terminal. The second time varying magnetic field is modulated with the recovered financial account information according to a sequence that corresponds to a standardized format for encoding a magnetic strip of a credit card readable by the magnetic read head of the point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling motors are provided. In this regard, a representative system, among others, includes memory, a motor controller, and a motor. The memory is configured to store sequence information and the motor controller is configured to: receive instructions from a processing device of the system, receive the stored sequence information based on the received instructions, generate at least one drive signal based on the received sequence information, and transmit the at least one drive signal. The motor is configured to be operated based on the transmitted drive signal.

Abstract: A transparent disposable coffee cup used for dispensing coffee by coffeehouses and the like is disclosed. Measurement markings are formed on an interior surface of the cup adjacent the mouth. The measurement markings are identify different fill lines which relate to the amount of milk or cream that the consumer wishes to add to the coffee. Depending on the cup size two or more additional raised markings are provided. These marking are located below the top fill line and may optionally represent the space to add a certain percentage of cream. For 12 ounce cups, the markings may be located at levels equivalent to one ounce of cream and two ounces of cream. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the raised markings can be made on an interior surface of the cup by automated manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A positioning system and method are disclosed. The system includes an external force sensor configured to measure a magnitude of at least one external force acting upon a movable object disposed within a camera and to generate a force signal that is indicative of the magnitude of the at least one external force. The system also includes a positioning motor configured to control a physical location of the movable object in response to a positioning signal. The system further includes a position controller configured to generate the positioning signal at a magnitude that is adjusted in response to the force signal to substantially compensate for the at least one external force in controlling the physical location of the movable object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling motors are provided. In this regard, a representative system, among others, includes memory, a motor controller, and a motor. The memory is configured to store sequence information and the motor controller is configured to: receive instructions from a processing device of the system, receive the stored sequence information based on the received instructions, generate at least one drive signal based on the received sequence information, and transmit the at least one drive signal. The motor is configured to be operated based on the transmitted drive signal.

Abstract: A data management system comprises a processor adapted to receive a transfer of an update. The system also comprises an update manager accessible by the processor and adapted to obtain a listing identifying each of a plurality of data packets corresponding to the update. The update manager is further adapted to access the listing to determine a transfer status of each of the data packets in response to a partial transfer of the update.

Abstract: A computer security system comprises a motherboard comprising a processor and a memory. The system also comprises a drive device having an assigned identifier and coupled to the motherboard. The system further comprises a basic input/output system (BIOS) executable by the processor and adapted to compare the assigned identifier of the drive device with an identifier stored in the memory and boot the motherboard if the assigned identifier corresponds to the stored identifier.

Abstract: A software loading method comprises providing a first software package on one of a plurality of primary partitions in a storage medium. The first software package comprises a first boot loader module, an installer system, and a secure operating system. The installer system is operable to install a second software package, which comprises a second boot loader module, a primary operating system operable to be executed by a processor, and an appliance application. The method also comprises automatically installing the second software package on a second of the plurality of primary partitions.

Abstract: A data management system comprises a processor adapted to receive a transfer of an update. The system also comprises an update manager accessible by the processor and adapted to obtain a listing identifying each of a plurality of data packets corresponding to the update. The update manager is further adapted to access the listing to determine a transfer status of each of the data packets in response to a partial transfer of the update.

Abstract: A method for storing updatable user data using a cluster of application servers includes: storing updateable user data across a plurality of the application servers, wherein each application server manages an associated local storage device on which resides a local file system for storage of the user data and for metadata pertaining thereto; receiving a point-in-time copy (PTC) request from a client; freezing the local file systems of the plurality of clustered application servers; creating a PTC of the metadata of each frozen local file system; and unfreezing the local file systems of the plurality of clustered application servers.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises an appliance security method, the appliance operable to be used by a consumer at a single user entry point and serviced using a unique security mechanism unique to the appliance. The method also comprises associating an appliance with a unique identifier, associating a unique security mechanism with the unique identifier, the unique security mechanism required to service the appliance.

Abstract: A system for controlled access comprises a processor, a memory accessible by the processor, an index application stored in the memory and executable by the processor, and an entry application stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The memory comprises an identifier associated with granting access. The identifier comprises a plurality of fields. The index application is adapted to randomly generate an index field identifying one of the plurality of fields. The entry application is adapted to request from a user at least a portion of the identifier beginning with the index field.

Abstract: An embodiment of a secure boot device selection method retrieves a device identifier from an isolated storage medium, selects one of a plurality of devices to boot in response to the device identifier, and boots one of the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A computer security system comprises a motherboard comprising a processor and a memory. The system also comprises a drive device having an assigned identifier and coupled to the motherboard. The system further comprises a basic input/output system (BIOS) executable by the processor and adapted to compare the assigned identifier of the drive device with an identifier stored in the memory and boot the motherboard if the assigned identifier corresponds to the stored identifier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for protecting content stored on a storage medium device. The system may comprise: a processor for executing code to access a user password and a recorded serial number; a storage medium device, the storage medium device being operable to return its associated serial number, and the storage medium device providing a device interface that requires the password to access data stored on the storage medium device; and code for booting the system, wherein the code for booting comprises: code for requesting the storage medium device to return its associated serial number; code for comparing the serial number returned by the storage medium device against the recorded serial number; and code for providing the user password to the storage medium device when the code for comparing determines that the serial number returned by the storage medium device matches the recorded serial number.

Abstract: Data packets and a method for developing data packets for transmission over a network to selected multiple remote destinations. The data packets include a header section and a data section. The header section includes a special internetworking protocol field indicating that a list of internetworking protocol addresses is embedded in the data packet.

Abstract: A system and a method for transmitting data packets over a network to selected multiple remote destinations. The data packets include a header section and a data section. The header section includes a special internetworking protocol field indicating that a list of internetworking protocol addresses is embedded in the data packet. Network elements utilize a particular addressing protocol to access the list of addresses and transmit a copy of the data packet to each of the selected remote destinations corresponding to each of the addresses in the list.

Abstract: A method for reducing power supply current surges and power supply voltage noise in an electric motor control system. The method limits the rate of change of power to the motor. The rate of change of power is limited by microprocessor firmware. Use of firmware reduces the size and weight requirements of motor control hardware and power supply filtering hardware.

Abstract: A method of calibrating signal processing circuitry in a magnetic data storage device. The method ensures that an adequate signal-to-noise ratio is achieved when reading a head-position calibration signal. First, discrimination thresholds are set to an initial low value. Then, with wide bandwidth and stationary media, amplifier gain is calibrated by adjusting gain to make the amplitude of amplified background noise equal to the initial threshold value. Finally, bandwidth is reduced and the discrimination thresholds are raised to a final value. The final threshold value ensures that a signal must exceed a predetermined signal-to-noise ratio before the signal is accepted as being valid.

Abstract: A method for reducing motor start-up current in an electric motor control system. The method first prevents flow of current through the motor while slowly charging a parallel capacitor. Then, the motor control voltage is reduced and current is switched through the motor. The motor control voltage remains reduced until the motor starts turning. After the motor starts turning, the control voltage is slowly increased as the motor accelerates, limiting the current from the power supply.