Abstract: A disposable drum is disclosed, which has a drum body with a generally tapered shape that enables another disposable drum to be substantially inserted into a cavity of the drum body. The drum body has a net weight of less than or equal to about 9 pounds and an internal volume of at least about 40 gallons.

Abstract: A method includes wirelessly receiving a message at a receiving node. The method also includes extracting a partial counter value from the message, where the partial counter value represents a subset of bits from a complete counter value of a transmitting node. The method further includes decrypting and authenticating the message based on the partial counter value. Decrypting and authenticating the message could include examining a bitmap to identify a bit value associated with the partial counter value, decrypting and authenticating the message if the identified bit value has a first value, and discarding the message if the identified bit value has a second value. Decrypting and authenticating the message could also include identifying at least one complete counter value at the receiving node based on the partial counter value and attempting to decrypt and authenticate the message using the at least one complete counter value.

Abstract: The present system having a secure wireless infrastructure with a key server acting as a key distribution center. The key server may be the core of the network, securely admitting new nodes or devices, deploying and updating keys and authorizing secure communications sessions. The system may also share secure keying information with a new device not already a member of a secure wireless network. The keying information may be used for authentication or encryption or both, and may be provided to the new device in a manner or mode which is not susceptible to exposure outside of the secure network. The keying information shared with the new device may be regarded as a birth key. Then the new device may send a birth key encrypted request to join the secure network via an exposed communication mode. The key server may respond with a birth key encrypted key encryption key.

Abstract: A method includes wirelessly receiving a message at a receiving node. The method also includes extracting a partial counter value from the message, where the partial counter value represents a subset of bits from a complete counter value of a transmitting node. The method further includes decrypting and authenticating the message based on the partial counter value. Decrypting and authenticating the message could include examining a bitmap to identify a bit value associated with the partial counter value, decrypting and authenticating the message if the identified bit value has a first value, and discarding the message if the identified bit value has a second value. Decrypting and authenticating the message could also include identifying at least one complete counter value at the receiving node based on the partial counter value and attempting to decrypt and authenticate the message using the at least one complete counter value.

Abstract: The present system having a secure wireless infrastructure with a key server acting as a key distribution center. The key server may be the core of the network, securely admitting new nodes or devices, deploying and updating keys and authorizing secure communications sessions. The system may also share secure keying information with a new device not already a member of a secure wireless network. The keying information may be used for authentication or encryption or both, and may be provided to the new device in a manner or mode which is not susceptible to exposure outside of the secure network. The keying information shared with the new device may be regarded as a birth key. Then the new device may send a birth key encrypted request to join the secure network via an exposed communication mode. The key server may respond with a birth key encrypted key encryption key.

Abstract: Interlaced video upconverted to progressive video has improved diagonal enhancement. A plurality of averages and differences are determined from different pixels near a given output pixel, including: a vertical average, first and second left diagonal averages, first and second right diagonal averages, a vertical difference, first and second left diagonal differences, and first and second right diagonal differences. A selection is made among the averages based on an absolute value of a minimal difference among the differences. The selection is constrained to select the vertical average if the differences among the averages are ambiguous, that is, when a value for the given output pixel is not within a range of values defined by pixels vertically adjacent to the given output pixel or when a minimal difference among the respective differences is not unique.

Abstract: A method of interpolating a given output pixel value when upconverting interlaced video to progressive video includes the step of determining averages for vertically adjacent pixels, left diagonally adjacent pixels, and right diagonally adjacent pixels respectively for the given output pixel and the step of determining differences between the vertically adjacent pixels, the left diagonally adjacent pixels, and the right diagonally adjacent pixels respectively. The method further selects as an interpolated value for the given output pixel among the averages based on a minimal difference of an absolute value among the differences respectively and further constrains the interpolated value to the value of the average of the vertically adjacent pixels if a value of the given output pixel is not between a range of values defined by adjacent pixels above and below the given output pixel or if the selected minimal difference is not unique.

Abstract: Flexible molding for use in eliminating a gap between a windshield and an opening, or a pane and an opening, is accomplished by a unique hinge groove between an exterior surface member of the molding and a seat member. By pinching the two members together, the channel that receives and attaches to the windshield is widened, making it much easier to attach the molding to a windshield. Also, inside the channel are one or more barbs that ensure good retention of the molding to the windshield or pane. The barbs also provide better gripping for any adhesive used in the channel when securing the molding to a windshield. Also provided are primer ridges for improved adhesion of the molding to the car body or other structure.

Abstract: A system and method for locating the subscriber of a telephony product in which a best guess location is assigned to each subscriber of the telephony product. Under certain predetermined conditions, the telephony product directs incoming phone calls to a subscriber by first attempting to locate the subscriber at the best guess location. If the best guess location does not successfully answer or is not attempted first, an alternate search method is used.

Abstract: Flexible molding for use in eliminating a gap between a windshield and an opening, or a pane and an opening, is accomplished by a unique hinge groove between an exterior surface member of the molding and a seat member. By pinching the two members together, the channel that receives and attaches to the windshield is widened, making it much easier to attach the molding to a windshield. Also, inside the channel are one or more barbs that ensure good retention of the molding to the windshield or pane. The barbs also provide better gripping for any adhesive used in the channel when securing the molding to a windshield. Also provided are primer ridges for improved adhesion of the molding to the car body or other structure.

Abstract: An improved gun stock construction that substantially reduces both the recoil and the tendency of the gun to move upward or jerk when it is fired. The stock is formed with two sections having a flexible hinge mechanism. This structure creates a moment arm or couple which opposes the tendency of the gun to move upward when it is fired. This invention relates to improvements in a gun construction and more particularly to the improvement in gunstock that permits better control of the gun by the operator.

Abstract: Adaptive comb filter circuitry is responsive to chrominance vector absolute values to inhibit hanging dots. Chrominance vector absolute values are calculated by delaying bandpass filtered video signal to concurrently provide a plurality of sample absolute values. The plurality of sample absolute values are weighted and summed. The maximum and the minimum of the plurality of sample absolute values are selected and respectively weighted. The weighted maximum and minimum are combined with the sum of weighted samples to provide approximated chrominance vector absolute values. Exemplary circuitry is illustrated which develop real time chrominance vector magnitude values within 1.5-% p-p error. The vector magnitude approximation circuitry may be used for calculating vectors represented by successive samples which do not have an orthogonal relationship.

Abstract: A call screening method allows a subscriber to screen calls made to the subscriber from callers using the PSTN while the subscriber uses another communications medium. An enhanced services platform (ESP) receives a first call from a caller using a particular public telephone number for the particular subscriber. The ESP identifies the particular public telephone number for the particular subscriber. The ESP accesses a database storing a public telephone number and a private packet-based address for subscribers to retrieve a private packet-based address of the particular subscriber on the basis of the particular public telephone number. An introductory message is provided to the caller and prompts the caller to leave a message. The ESP accesses the particular subscriber based on the particular subscriber private packet-based address to establish an audio connection via the communication medium. The subscriber is notified of the first call.

Abstract: An anonymous interactive telephone system for connecting a caller to a subscriber without divulging the identity or telephone number of either unless voluntarily revealed. The subscriber publishes an advertisement together with a telephone number of a system controller station. A subscriber reference number is embedded within the telephone number of the system controller station as a DID number. The subscriber also supplies information to the system controller station related to time periods during which calls may be directly forwarded to the subscriber or intercepted by the system controller. The system controller repeatedly accesses the central switching station or local switching station of the public telephone company to activate and de-activate the call forwarding function of the switching station for controlling call forwarding to the subscriber on the basis of the subscriber's published DID number. A call screening system having answer machine style interfacing is further provided.

Abstract: An anonymous interactive telephone system for connecting a caller to a subscriber without divulging the identity or telephone number of either unless voluntarily revealed. The subscriber publishes an advertisement together with a telephone number of a system controller station. A subscriber reference number is embedded within the telephone number of the system controller station as a DID number. The subscriber also supplies information to the system controller station related to time periods during which calls may be directly forwarded to the subscriber or intercepted by the system controller. The system controller repeatedly accesses the central switching station of local switching station of the public telephone company to activate and de-activate the call forwarding function of the switching station for controlling call forwarding to the subscriber on the basis of the subscriber's published DID number.

Abstract: An anonymous interactive telephone system for connecting a caller to a subscriber without divulging the identity or telephone number of either unless voluntarily revealed. The subscriber publishes an advertisement together with a telephone number of a system controller station. A subscriber reference number is embedded within the telephone number of the system controller station as a DID number. The subscriber also supplies information to the system controller station related to time periods during which calls may be directly forwarded to the subscriber or intercepted by the system controller. The system controller repeatedly accesses the central switching station or local switching station of the public telephone company to activate and de-activate the call forwarding function of the switching station for controlling call forwarding to the subscriber on the basis of the subscriber's published DID number.

Abstract: An anonymous interactive telephone system for connecting a caller to a subscriber without divulging the identity or telephone number of either unless voluntarily revealed. The subscriber publishes an advertisement together with a telephone number of a system controller station. A subscriber reference number is embedded within the telephone number of the system controller station as a DID number. The subscriber also supplies information to the system controller station related to time periods during which calls may be directly forwarded to the subscriber or intercepted by the system controller. The system controller repeatedly accesses the central switching station or local switching station of the public telephone company to activate and de-activate the call forwarding function of the switching station for controlling call forwarding to the subscriber on the basis of the subscriber's published DID number.

Abstract: An anonymous interactive telephone system for connecting a caller to a subscriber without divulging the identity or telephone number of either unless voluntarily revealed. The subscriber publishes an advertisement together with a telephone number of a system controller station. A subscriber reference number is embedded within the telephone number of the system controller station as a DID number. The subscriber also supplies information to the system controller station related to time periods during which calls may be directly forwarded to the subscriber or intercepted by the system controller. The system controller repeatedly accesses the central switching station or local switching station of the public telephone company to activate and de-activate the call forwarding function of the switching station for controlling call forwarding to the subscriber on the basis of the subscriber's published DID number.

Abstract: An anonymous interactive telephone system for connecting a caller to a subscriber without divulging the identity or telephone number of either unless voluntarily revealed. The subscriber publishes an advertisement together with a telephone number of a system controller station. A subscriber reference number is embedded within the telephone number of the system controller station as a DID number. The subscriber also supplies information to the system controller station related to time periods during which calls may be directly forwarded to the subscriber or intercepted by the system controller. The system controller repeatedly accesses the central switching station or local switching station of the public telephone company to activate and de-activate the call forwarding function of the switching station for controlling call forwarding to the subscriber on the basis of the subscriber's published DID number.