Abstract: The invention is a catalyst, the use of the catalyst and a method of using the catalyst in the formation of a compound with an amide bond. The catalyst is an HOBT derivative having the following formula (1): ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is a group bearing a positive charge at pH 5-7; where Y is a bond or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene chain containing 1-10 carbon atoms and 0-2 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of N, S and O; and where X is a linker group selected from --CO-- or --SO.sub.2 --. In the method, an amine, a carboxylic acid, an amide coupling agent and a catalyst of formula (1) are reacted for a time sufficient to produce an amide bond between the amine and the carboxylic acid. Thereafter, the compound containing the amide bond is isolated.

Abstract: A method and system for secure transactions. The method and system comprise a security co-processor and an interface for interfacing the security co-processor to a host computer system. The method and system wherein secure transaction processing is performed locally in the security co-processor and non-secure transaction processing is performed in the host computer system. The method and system further include means for providing trusted input coupled to the security co-processor. In addition, the method and system include a second interface coupled to the security co-processor for receiving sensitive data from a smart card, and a trusted display coupled to the security co-processor for providing true transaction information. One advantage of the method and system in accordance with the present invention is that transactions are protected from unauthorized intrusion and, in addition, participation is proven so that transactions cannot be repudiated.

Abstract: A shift control system for automatically shifting a multi-speed hydromechanical transmission one gear ratio at a time. The shift control system includes a cam element and an electronically controlled shifter assembly. The cam element is shiftable between distinct angular positions corresponding to different and distinct gear ratios for the transmission. The shifter assembly includes an actuator for imparting movement to the control element and a pair of stop assemblies. The stop assemblies limit angular movement of the cam element in incremental steps and, thereby, sequence transmission operation to one gear ratio at a time.