Abstract: Copyrighted electronic media are packaged in a secure electronic format, and registered on associated registration server, which serves to provide on-line licensing and copyright management for that media. Users are connected to the server, e.g., through a computer network or the Internet, to enable data transfers and to transact licenses to utilize the media. Packaged electronic media are typically created by an author or derivative user of the work. Once the packaged media is registered on the server, the media is made available for limited use and possible license through an authorization server. This limited use is specified within the minimum permissions data set assigned to each packaged media. Without a license, users are typically permitted to view the packaged media--through a system which unpackages the media--but cannot save or otherwise transfer the media without obtaining auxiliary permissions to do so from the authorization server.

Abstract: Ski pole modifying apparatus including a support portion, a hanger portion, a pivoting portion and a stabilizer portion; the support portion including an elongated main section, the main section being capable of mounting on a ski pole intermediate the ends thereof; the hanger portion extending from the support portion, the hanger portion including an arm member with a free end, the arm member being capable of extending generally perpendicularly from the main section; the pivoting portion including mechanism for changing the position of the hanger portion about a transverse axis through the ski pole from a position in which the free end of the arm member of the hanger portion is remote from the ski pole to a position in which the free end is disposed adjacent to the ski pole; the stabilizer portion retaining the position of the hanger portion with respect to the ski pole; whereby when the modifying apparatus is mounted on a ski pole, the hanger portion can be pivoted to a position so it can lay on a ski lift s

Abstract: Ski pole modifying apparatus includes a seat contacting member and a ski/boot contacting member. The seat contacting member includes a pole encircling portion with an elongated collar section. An arm portion extends from the collar section and includes a transverse section extending the full length of the arm portion disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the collar section. A radial section extends from the periphery of the collar section along substantially the full height thereof and tapers downwardly toward the free end of the transverse section. The ski/boot contacting member includes a platform portion with a central opening surrounded by a cylindrical section and an odd number of substantially equal length peripheral edges with a minimum of five. A generally circular opening extends through the platform portion adjacent a midpoint of each peripheral edge thereof.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for controlling the microstructure of directionally solidified eutectic articles and the article produced thereby. The method is particularly appropriate for the production of articles such as turbine blades which require different mechanical properties in different areas of the article. The microstructure is controlled by varying the directional solidification conditions during the casting process.