Abstract: A network device comprises: a storage device storing an application program for a secure communications service; and at least one processor. The processor is configured to enable the network device to (a) send a request to look up a network address of a second network device based on an identifier associated with the second network device; (b) receive an indication that the second network device is available for the secure communications service, the indication including the requested network address of the second network device and provisioning information for a virtual private network communication link; (c) connect to the second network device, using the received network address of the second network device and the provisioning information for the virtual private network communication link; and (d) communicate with the second network device using the secure communications service via the virtual private network communication link.

Abstract: A method and system are used to transparently create an encrypted communications channel between a client device and a target device. Audio video communications between the client device and the target device are allowed over the encrypted communications channel once the encrypted communications channel is created. The method comprises: (1) receiving from the client device a request for a network address associated with the target device; (2) determining whether the request is requesting access to a device that accepts an encrypted channel connection with the client device; and (3) depending on the determination made in step (2) providing provisioning information required to initiate the creation of the encrypted communications channel between the client device and the target device such that the encrypted communications channel supports secure audio/video communications transmitted between the two devices.

Abstract: A network device comprises a storage device storing an application program for a secure communications service; and at least one processor configured to execute the application program enabling the network device to: (a) send a request to look up a network address of a second network device based on an identifier; (b) receive an indication that the second network device is available for the secure communications service, the indication including the requested network address of the second network device and provisioning information for a secure communication link; (c) connect to the second network device over the secure communication link, using the received network address of the second network device and the provisioning information for the secure communication link; and (d) communicate at least one of video data and audio data with the second network device using the secure communications service via the secure communication link.

Abstract: A plurality of computer nodes communicate using seemingly random Internet Protocol source and destination addresses. Data packets matching criteria defined by a moving window of valid addresses are accepted for further processing, while those that do not meet the criteria are quickly rejected. Improvements to the basic design include (1) a load balancer that distributes packets across different transmission paths according to transmission path quality; (2) a DNS proxy server that transparently creates a virtual private network in response to a domain name inquiry; (3) a large-to-small link bandwidth management feature that prevents denial-of-service attacks at system chokepoints; (4) a traffic limiter that regulates incoming packets by limiting the rate at which a transmitter can be synchronized with a receiver; and (5) a signaling synchronizer that allows a large number of nodes to communicate with a central node by partitioning the communication function between two separate entities.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for selectively enclosing a space within a cargo box. The cover has an elongate channel laterally extending between a proximate end located proximate a side edge of the cover and a distal end at which the channel terminates. The cover includes a clamp mechanism slidably engaged with the channel, and the clamp mechanism includes a handle, a block member slidably received in the channel, an elongate rod member coupled to the handle, and a latch or hook member connected to the rod member. The latch member is moveable between a clamped position for operatively engaging a portion of the cargo box and a released position for spacing the latch member from and placing the latch member out of operative engagement with the cargo box. The handle and rod member are positioned in the channel in the clamp mechanism stowed position.

Abstract: A system for connecting a first network device and a second network device includes one or more servers. The servers are configured to: (a) receive, from the first network device, a request to look up a network address of the second network device based on an identifier associated with the second network device; (b) determine, in response to the request, whether the second network device is available for a secure communications service; and (c) initiate a virtual private network communication link between the first network device and the second network device based on a determination that the second network device is available for the secure communications service, wherein the secure communications service uses the virtual private network communication link.

Abstract: A system and method connect a first network device and a second network device by initiating a secure communication link. The system includes one or more servers configured to: receive, from the first network device, a request to look up a network address of the second network device based on an identifier associated with the second network device; determine, in response to the request, whether the second network device is available for a secure communications service; and initiate a secure communication link between the first network device and the second network device based on a determination that the second network device is available for the secure communications service; wherein the secure communications service uses the secure communication link to communicate at least one of video data and audio data between the first network device and the second network device.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are presented that relate to automatically avoiding address conflicts when establishing a secure communications link over a public network between a local computer, associated with a local network, and a remote computer, located outside the local network. In order to avoid address conflict, addresses reserved for use by the local network and addresses reserved for use by the remote network are determined. At least one local address is selected from among available local addresses such that the selected local address is an address that does not conflict with the reserved addresses of the local network and the reserved addresses of the remote network. The selected local address is used in connection with establishment of the secure communications link between the local computer and the remote computer.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly for covering a space defined by at least one wall. The protective cover assembly includes a plurality of rails coupled to one another to form a frame for securing a material over the space. At least one support bow spans the space to support the material. Clamp mechanisms are coupled to the ends of the support bow for securing the protective cover over the space. The clamp mechanisms include a latch member for engaging the wall and a handle for biasing the latch member against the wall. The clamp further includes a shaft for interconnecting the support bow to the frame. A collar is disposed over the shaft for guiding the handle and the latch member between an operational position and a stowed position along the shaft.

Abstract: A network device comprises a storage device storing an application program for a secure communications service and at least one processor. The processor is configured to execute the application program enabling the network device to (a) send a request to look up a network address of a second network device based on an identifier associated with the second network device; (b) receive an indication that the second network device is available for the secure communications service, the indication including the requested network address of the second network device and provisioning information for a virtual private network communication link; (c) connect to the second network device, using the received network address of the second network device and the provisioning information for the virtual private network communication link; and (d) communicate with the second network device using the secure communications service via the virtual private network communication link.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for particle detection and analysis using two-dimensional optical imaging to access enhanced detection sensitivity and expanded sensing functionality relative to conventional point and array detection-based optical particle counters. Methods and systems of the present invention provide a two-dimensional optical imaging-based particle sensing platform wherein system components and specifications are selected to generate reproducible and readily identifiable signals, including particle detection signatures, from optical scattering or emission from particles provided to the system. Systems and methods of the present invention are capable of accurately and sensitively detecting, identifying, and characterizing (e.g., determining the size of) particles in liquid phase or gas phase samples.

Abstract: A network device comprises a storage device storing an application program for a secure communications service, and at least one processor configured to execute the application program for the secure communications service so as to enable the network device to send a request to look up a network address of a second device based on an identifier associated with the second device, receive an indication that the second device is available for the secure communications service, the indication including the requested network address and provisioning information for a secure communication link, connect to the second device over the secure communication link, using the received network address of the second device and the provisioning information for the secure communication link, and communicate at least one of video data and audio data with the second device using the secure communications service via the secure communication link.

Abstract: A method is used to transparently create an encrypted communications channel between a client device and a target device. Each device is configured to allow audio/video communications between the client and target devices over the encrypted communications channel once the encrypted communications channel is created. The method comprises receiving from the client device a request for a network address associated with the target device, determining whether the request is requesting access to a device that accepts an encrypted channel connection with the client device, and in response to determining that the request is requesting access to a device that accepts an encrypted communications channel connection with the client device, providing provisioning information required to initiate the creation of the encrypted communications channel between the client device and the target device such that the encrypted communications channel supports secure audio/video communications transmitted between the two devices.

Abstract: A client device comprises: (a) a memory, (b) an application program, and (c) a signal processing configuration. The memory is configured and arranged to facilitate a connection of the client device with a target device over a secure communication link created based on (i) an address request generated by the client device, and (ii) a determination as a result of the address request that the target device is a device with which a secure communication link can be established when the requested address is identified in an address lookup. The application program is configured and arranged so as to allow participation in audio/video communications with the target device over the secure communication link once the secure communication link is established. The signal processing configuration is arranged to execute the application program.

Abstract: A plurality of computer nodes communicate using seemingly random Internet Protocol source and destination addresses. Data packets matching criteria defined by a moving window of valid addresses are accepted for further processing, while those that do not meet the criteria are quickly rejected. Improvements to the basic design include (1) a load balancer that distributes packets across different transmission paths according to transmission path quality; (2) a DNS proxy server that transparently creates a virtual private network in response to a domain name inquiry; (3) a large-to-small link bandwidth management feature that prevents denial-of-service attacks at system chokepoints; (4) a traffic limiter that regulates incoming packets by limiting the rate at which a transmitter can be synchronized with a receiver; and (5) a signaling synchronizer that allows a large number of nodes to communicate with a central node by partitioning the communication function between two separate entities.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for selectively enclosing a space within a cargo box. The cover includes a substantially rigid panel provided with an elongate channel laterally extending between a proximate end located proximate a side edge of the cover and a distal end at which the channel terminates. The cover includes a clamp mechanism slidably engaged with the channel, and the clamp mechanism includes a handle, a block member slidably received in the channel, an elongate rod member coupled to the handle, and a latch or hook member connected to the rod member. The latch member is moveable between a clamped position for operatively engaging a portion of the cargo box and a released position for spacing the latch member from and placing the latch member out of operative engagement with the cargo box. The handle and rod member are positioned in the channel in the clamp mechanism stowed position. Also a clamp mechanism, and a method of operating a clamp mechanism.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for establishing a secure communication link between a first computer and a second computer over a computer network. Initially, a secure communication mode of communication is enabled at a first computer without a user entering any cryptographic information for establishing the secure communication mode of communication. Then, a secure communication link is established between the first computer and a second computer over a computer network based on the enabled secure communication mode of communication. The secure communication link is a virtual private network communication link over the computer network in which one or more data values that vary according to a pseudo-random sequence are inserted into each data packet.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for establishing a secure communication link between a first computer and a second computer over a computer network. Initially, a secure communication mode of communication is enabled at a first computer without a user entering any cryptographic information for establishing the secure communication mode of communication. Then, a secure communication link is established between the first computer and a second computer over a computer network based on the enabled secure communication mode of communication. The secure communication link is a virtual private network communication link over the computer network in which one or more data values that vary according to a pseudo-random sequence are inserted into each data packet.

Abstract: A system for and method of establishing a secure communication link is disclosed. The method comprises: (1) generating a Domain Name Service (DNS) request; (2) determining that the DNS request corresponds a first computer configured to communicate securely; (3) sending, based on the determination, a request to establish a secure communication link with the first computer configured to communicate securely, the request including an identifier of a client device used to determine whether the client device is authorized to communicate with the first computer; (4) receiving, in response to the request to establish a secure communication link, a resource used to establish the secure communication link; (5) automatically establishing the secure communication link using the received resource; and (6) communicating securely with the first computer over the established secure communication link.

Abstract: A plurality of computer nodes communicate using seemingly random Internet Protocol source and destination addresses. Data packets matching criteria defined by a moving window of valid addresses are accepted for further processing, while those that do not meet the criteria are quickly rejected. Improvements to the basic design include (1) a load balancer that distributes packets across different transmission paths according to transmission path quality; (2) a DNS proxy server that transparently creates a virtual private network in response to a domain name inquiry; (3) a large-to-small link bandwidth management feature that prevents denial-of-service attacks at system chokepoints; (4) a traffic limiter that regulates incoming packets by limiting the rate at which a transmitter can be synchronized with a receiver; and (5) a signaling synchronizer that allows a large number of nodes to communicate with a central node by partitioning the communication function between two separate entities.